Tag Archives: holidays

Jan201223

Jeremy

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Holiday Giving Wrap-Up

THANK YOU! Our 2011 Holiday Giving Campaign was a great success thanks to you, our generous readers! We decided to run two campaigns this past year, one through JOIN to help a local homeless family move into stable housing, and one through Mercy Corps to help alleviate the devastating, ongoing suffering in the Horn of Africa. Readers donated a total of $1,875 to our JOIN “Home for the Holidays” effort, which, when added to our match of $1,250, gave us a grand total of $3,125. Our goal was $2,500, the amount needed to move one family into housing, so thank you thank you thank you for helping us exceed that! You also donated $2,010 to the Mercy Corps effort, which we began running in August 2011. We added $2,500 to the pot for a total of $4,510, making ours the fifth-highest earning Mercy Corps Horn of Africa pledge effort. See the results at mercycorps.org . Thank you, and a very happy new year to you all!

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Holiday Giving Wrap-Up

Dec201126

PDXrover

0

Resolutions for a Charmed Life

As the new year approaches, many of us have resolutions on the brain. What changes do we want to make in the coming year? How many of our resolutions will we actually be able to keep? My family just completed our annual list making – a Solstice tradition in our house – where we write down what we enjoyed most in the year that’s ending and what we hope to do/accomplish in the year ahead. It’s fun to look back on the current year and remember how much happened, and it’s nice to look ahead with optimism. And while New Year’s Resolutions lists often contain grand goals, it’s helpful to remember that the smallest gestures, when added up, often make the most difference. With that in mind, I’d like to share one of my favorite blog posts from the previous year: “ The Charmed Life Challenge ” from Pink of Perfection. In this mid-summer post, Pink creator Sarah McColl shares a list of small but significant gestures to make life sweeter, more beautiful and more fulfilling. I printed the list (actually a slightly edited version of the list; I don’t wear perfume or lipstick, for starters) and plan to use it to spruce up my own life in the new year. After all, happy mothers make happy families, right? If you have time, read through the list, and “ The Life Seduction Challenge ” on which it’s based. What items spark your fancy? What items would you add to your own list? What big or small changes have you included on your own New Year’s Resolutions list? Here’s to living the charmed life in 2012!

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Resolutions for a Charmed Life

Dec201107

PDXrover

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Donate & Receive a $20 John’s Incredible Pizza Gift Card!

Our holiday giving campaign is in full swing, with two wonderful ways to contribute, and to sweeten the deal we’re giving away five $20 gift cards to John’s Incredible Pizza to the first five readers who donate $25 or more to one (or both!) of them. Here’s the 411 on the giving campaigns: JOIN’s “Home for the Holidays” Program: Since 2008, Metro Parent and our readers have been partnering with JOIN , a local nonprofit that helps homeless people move into permanent housing, to help families down on their luck transition into stable environments – and keep them there. The cost to get a homeless family into permanent housing through JOIN is $2,500. During November and December, Metro Parent will match our readers’ donations up to a combined reader contribution of $1,250, bringing the total to $2,500. To contribute to our “Home for the Holidays” effort, visit JOIN’s website and click on the Metro Parent logo on the home page, then choose “Metro Parent Magazine Home for the Holidays” from the donation category drop-down menu. Mercy Corps/Metro Parent Match Campaign: The famine in the Horn of Africa has taken the lives of thousands -– but the suffering is far from over. The United Nations predicts that 750,000 people could starve to death over the next few months in Somalia alone. Metro Parent has been matching our readers’ donations to Mercy Corps since September. At press time, we had matched $1,410 in reader donations and our readers had donated $1,910 (for a total of $3,320). We will continue to match donations up to a total Metro Parent match of $2,500 (for a total reader/Metro Parent donation of $5,000). To donate to Mercy Corps, visit our donation page . Here’s the 411 on how to enter: (1) Donate a minimum of $25 to one of the campaigns above. (2) Send an email to marie@metro-parent.com letting us know you donated. Be sure to include your address so we can mail you your gift card! The first five readers to donate and email Marie (our editor-in-chief) will receive a $20 gift card to John’s Incredible Pizza. You’ll be making the world a better place and having a fabulous time with your family! What could be better?

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Donate & Receive a $20 John’s Incredible Pizza Gift Card!

Nov201128

Samantha

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Portland Composts!

I’m so glad the City of Portland rolled out their Portland Composts curbside composting program citywide beginning Oct. 31. I’ve felt guilty about throwing away food scraps for years, but with one small compost bin in the backyard I’ve never been able to get into a composting groove. Now the city is helping me out, and I’m loving it! Of course, it does take some getting used to. How’s it going for you? One thing I’ve realized is how lazy I had become, even with basic recycling. There were times (more frequent than I care to admit!) when I would toss used toilet paper rolls, empty shampoo bottles and other recyclables into the trash. No more. We can’t spare the space! And I love being able to recycle (i.e., compost) pizza delivery boxes! One of the biggest challenges for me, so far, is cleaning out the fridge. I have to remember to do it the day I put the trash out because, without the security of wrapping spoiled food in a plastic bag (Yes, I do waste food! I’m trying to stop doing it!), I don’t want it sitting out of the fridge for too long. But on the up side, it has been making me clean out the fridge more regularly! We weren’t home for Thanksgiving, but I imagine it wasn’t much of a problem since most of the trash generated would be food waste, which is still picked up weekly. It’s the winter holidays with their mountains of gift wrap that likely will cause most people concern. All the more reason to go greener this year, minimizing disposable wrapping and recycling everything we can. If you live in Portland, how are you liking (or not liking) the new program? What tips can you offer to those who might still be struggling with too much trash?

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Portland Composts!

Feb201102

Samantha

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February = Holiday Fun!

Thought the holidays were over? Think again! This month brings us two spectacular reasons to celebrate: the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit and Valentine’s Day . How to celebrate? Check out this roundup of holiday fun to entertain and educate your family: THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT: Lan Su New Year. Celebrate the new year at the Lan Su Chinese Garden with two weeks of dancing, story telling, crafts, demonstrations and more. Feb. 3 through 17; see website for complete schedule. Check out the lion dances at 3 or 4 pm on Feb. 3, or at 1, 2 or 3 pm on Feb. 5, 6, 12 or 13. Most activities are free with garden admission of $8.50 adults; $6.50 students; free 5 and under. 239 NW Everett St. 503-228-8131. lansugarden.org . Library Lunar New Year Party, Option 1. Celebrate with dance, music, games, food and crafts. Feb. 8, 5 to 7 pm. FREE. Midland Library, 805 SE 122d Ave. 503-988-5392. events.multcolib.org . Library Lunar New Year Party, Option 2. Lion dancers, crafts, treats and more. Feb. 8, 6 to 7:30 pm. FREE. Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave. 503-988-5399. events.multcolib.org . Lakeshore Learning Crafts: Make a Chinese New Year Drum. Drop-in any time between 11 am and 3 pm on Feb. 5. Ages 3 and older. FREE. Lakeshore Learning Store, 16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego. 503-620-9888. lakeshorelearning.com . Chinese New Year Celebration at A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village. Take a day trip to Salem for crafts, foods and activities from China. Feb. 5, 1 to 4 pm. FREE w/admission $6 ages 3-59, free ages 0-2. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . VALENTINE’S DAY: Ladybug Theater: Baby Bear’s Valentine . Take the little ones out for live theater at 10:30 am on Feb. 2, 3, 9 and 10. Ages 2 1/2 and older with good theater manners. $3.50; babes in arms free. Reservations please. Smile Station. 8210 SE 13th. 503-232-2346. ladybugtheater.org . Lakeshore Learning Crafts: Make a Valentine’s Day Bouquet. Drop-in any time between 11 am and 3 pm on Feb. 12. Ages 3 and older. FREE. Lakeshore Learning Store, 16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego. 503-620-9888. lakeshorelearning.com . Valentine Tea. Dress up, make treats and have tea. Ages 2 to 6, with caregiver. Feb. 5, 10:30 to 11:15 am. $12/pair. Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave. 503-823-2840. southwestcommunitycenter.wordpress.com . Crafts at Lake Oswego Library. Create a Valentine heart animal. Ages 3 to 5. Feb. 8 and 9, 11 am. FREE, registration required. 706 4th St. 503-697-6580. ci.oswego.or.us . Valentine Fun. Create heart cards and crafts. Feb. 10, 3 to 4:45 pm at Belmont Library, 1038 SE 39th Ave.; 503-988-5382. Feb. 11, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Troutdale Library, 2451 SW Cherry Park Rd. 503-988-5355. Feb. 12, 2 to 4 pm at Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave. 503-988-5123. events.multcolib.org . Heart Creations. Make valentines for the ones you love. Ages 5 to 10. Feb. 12, 2:30 to 3:30 pm. FREE. Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 Brookwood Pkwy. 503-615-6500. evanced.info . Valentine’s Day Tea Party. Enjoy a morning of play, felting, a puppet show, refreshments and more. Ages 2 to 6 with a parent. Feb. 12, 10 to 11:30 am. FREE. Portland Waldorf School, 2300 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie. 503-654-2200 xt 207. portlandwaldorfschool.org . FREE Family Day. Explore the Washington County Museum for free with Valentine crafts, activities and more. Feb. 12, 10 am to 2 pm.17677 NW Springville Rd. (PCC Rock Creek Campus). 503-645-5353. washingtoncountymuseum.org . Easy Homemade Valentines. Teen help kids make Valentines. Feb. 13, 2:30 to 4 pm. FREE. Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd. 503-988-5389. events.multcolib.org . Valentine’s Day Animal Enrichment. Watch the animals get holiday treats. Feb. 14, 11 am: lorikeets; 12:30 pm: lions; 2 pm: sea otters. Bring your camera. Free with zoo admission. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org . Lovey Babies. Make a valentine and dance your heart out. Ages 6 and under, with caregiver. Feb. 14, 10:30 to 11:30 am. FREE. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org . Mommy & Me Valentine Tea. Enjoy a tea party and a craft activity. Feb. 14, 11 am to 1 pm. $5 per family, discount for members, pre-registration please. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . Happy February!

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February = Holiday Fun!

Dec201022

Jeremy

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The Holiday Card Dilemma

The holiday cards have been slow to arrive this year, leaving me to wonder if everyone is as late as I am getting them out, or if some people are foregoing the tradition this year, whether to save money, time or paper — or simply to reduce their holiday stress. (Either way, I’m all for it!) My dilemma each year is what, if anything, to write on each card. We don’t produce a family newsletter (not enough interesting news to share!), and while we do include a photo on the card, it feels wrong just to stick one in each envelope without adding any personal touches. The problem is, when I think of writing a personal note on each card, I get overwhelmed and start procrastinating. This year we solved the problem by splitting the list — my husband wrote a brief one- or two-line note to each of his friends and relatives and I wrote a little ditty to each of mine. I printed mailing labels (with festive snowmen and snowflakes to make it seem slightly less automated) and my son helped me seal and stamp the envelopes. All in all it took a few hours over a few days and was really nothing to fret over. (I realized this only after a few weeks of fretting, of course!) How do you handle holiday cards in your house? Do you enjoy sending and receiving them? Do you think they’re a meaningful way to stay connected to friends and family, even if it’s only once a year? Do you include a pre-written letter with news of the year, write a brief note on each, have everyone in the family sign their names, or just put them in the envelopes and call it a day? Please share your thoughts and experiences. I’m hoping to have a clearer plan for next year so I can bypass the weeks of fretting and get right down to it — or give it up altogether. I still haven’t decided. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

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The Holiday Card Dilemma

Dec201021

Samantha

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Oregon AG: Avoid holiday scams

Oregon's Attorney general wants to help you avoid scams during the holidays.

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Oregon AG: Avoid holiday scams

Dec201020

PDXrover

0

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Tradition?

A few years back, we published an article exploring local families’ favorite winter holiday traditions. What we found was a wealth of diverse customs that make the holidays special for families year after year. Not surprisingly, many of those traditions revolved around food. One father, a native of France and the owner of a local French bakery, bakes an iconic Buche de Noel with his sons each year, while his wife, a Portland native, prepares traditional American sweets including cookies, peanut brittle, chocolates and, of course, a gingerbread house. Another local dad, originally from the Philippines, prepares the morcon – a traditional Spanish dish of flank steak rolled around a mixture of sausages, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, olives, cheese, and bacon, then swathed in tomato sauce — that he remembers from his childhood. A southeast Portland mom follows her mother-in-law’s recipe to prepare mountains of Swedish meatballs and lefsa , which she described as “like a Swedish potato tortilla.” The work is made easier and more festive each year as her daughters join in to help. Crafty traditions also are popular with local families, from making menorahs and dreidls for Hanukah to creating and decorating lanterns for Christmas or the Indian holiday of Diwali. Charitable giving and community service also are important traditions for many area families. (See “Raising Kids to ‘Be the Change’” in our December issue for more on that!). We also were intrigued to learn that many area families celebrate some lesser known — or at least lesser observed — winter holidays. One family celebrates the Winter Solstice as their ancestors would have, by turning off all things electric (except the fridge). Each year on that long, dark night, there are no lights, no television, no dishwasher, and meals are cooked outside on a camping stove. Another family described their month-long observance of Advent, which centers around a wreath holding four candles, each signifying one weekly theme: hope, peace, love and joy. And one family observes Yule, an ancient celebration of light’s victory over darkness that begins on the Winter Solstice and lasts for twelve days. On the final night, called “Twelfth Night,” oaths are sworn, similar to modern New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps most inspiring is an Indian-American family who — inspired by their daughter’s fascination with other cultures — explore a different holiday each year, researching the customs and rituals of a “new” holiday and celebrating it together. In addition to Christmas and their own traditional Hindu holidays, they’ve celebrated Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and the Swedish holiday of Santa Lucia’s Day, among others. What are your family’s favorite seasonal traditions? What’s the history behind those traditions? Have your kids inspired you to start some new family traditions of your own?

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What’s Your Favorite Holiday Tradition?

Dec201008

PDXrover

0

More BIG Savings in Our December Issue!

Once again, you’ll find a wealth of fabulous coupons and deals in our December issue , including several great bargains on toys and gifts for the holidays! It’s a perfect opportunity to save money and support some wonderful local businesses! (To find out how shopping locally benefits the entire community, read this month’s online article, The Joys of Buying Local .) Here’s what you’ll find, and where you’ll find it: OMSI Science Store: Take 20 percent off your total purchase in the store or online. (Page 19) Lakeshore Learning: Get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more; $10 off your purchase of $50 or more; or $15 off your purchase of $75 or more. (Pg. 21) Thinker Toys: Save 20 percent on one regularly priced item. (Pg. 21) Learning Palace: Get 15 percent off all regularly priced items. (Pg. 23) The Old Spaghetti Factory: Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. (Pg. 35) Tidee Didee: Receive 1 week free with 4 prepaid weeks of diaper service. (Pg. 5) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Get a free initial exam for kids under 2 years old. (Pg. 13) Clowns Unlimited: Take $25 off any order. (Pg. 51) North Clackamas Aquatic Park: Get a free Big Surf Swim Session with a paid session. (Pg.13) ECOMAIDS: Save 10 percent on gift cards of $100 or more. (Pg. 19) You can also save $20 ON ALL GIFT MEMBERSHIPS TO OMSI and ENTER TO WIN A 1-YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO CLUB SPORT when you click on the rotating banner ad at the top of our home page!

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More BIG Savings in Our December Issue!

Nov201022

Samantha

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A Home for the Holidays

Three years ago, Metro Parent started a holiday tradition of partnering with our generous readers to raise enough money to get one local homeless family off the streets and into stable housing through JOIN , a local nonprofit that works to put the homeless into permanent housing. (In 2008 we raised enough money to get TWO families into stable housing!) JOIN’s “Home for the Holidays” program provides move-in and rental assistance and stabilization services. The cost to help one family get into a home through this program is $2,500. Metro Parent will match every contribution made by our readers up to $1,250, resulting in a total of $2,500, enough to provide stable housing for one homeless family. Will you help us? Especially this week, as we prepare to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, we can’t help but think about all the families in our community who don’t have homes of their own in which to celebrate. Maybe we can’t help them all, but we can certainly help one family move into a safe and stable home this season, and that’s a good start! To join us in this effort, visit joinpdx.com and click on “Metro Parent Home for the Holidays” on their home page. Every little bit will help. Together we can make a difference!

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A Home for the Holidays

Nov201010

PDXrover

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Free Parenting Workshops at IKEA

If the holidays are stressful and overwhelming for you, just imagine how a child — especially one with sensory integration challenges — must feel. There’s the excitement of opening presents, the hubbub of visiting relatives, chaotic schedules and deviations from the familiar routine. It’s no wonder so many children become overstimulated and act out. But help is on the way, and it’s coming from an unexpected source. IKEA is hosting a free Sensory Integration workshop for parents on Nov. 17 from 10 am to noon, in conjunction with the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Early Childhood Program. During the workshop, an occupational therapist will share tips, tools and activities to help children process the often overwhelming sensory stimulation that comes with the hectic holiday season so everyone can enjoy the celebratory time together. This workshop is just one in a series presented by the Portland IKEA store — along with their MESD partners — to support local families. The series grew out of the IKEA staff’s desire to offer training related to autism, Asperger’s and general early childhood development for employees working in their free childcare area, Småland. After their first staff workshop, says Marketing and PR Specialist April Minister, “We said, ‘Hey, this is all great information. It’s wonderful that our co-workers have this training but wouldn’t parents really want this as well?’” They held their first free workshop for parents in May, focusing on Positive Parenting, and have since expanded the program to offer an ongoing series of workshops for local parents. It all fits IKEA’s mission to be “The Life Improvement Store,” says Minister, adding, “What’s more fundamental to improving life at home than improving the relationship between parents and children? That’s really how the positive parenting series of classes came about.” Upcoming IKEA Positive Parenting Workshops: Nov. 17, 10 am to Noon: Sensory Integration. Jan. 12, 10 am to Noon: New Year’s Resolution – Being a Better Parent in 2011. Mar. 14, 10 am to Noon: An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Apr. 9, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm: Free Developmental Screenings. MESD developmental specialists will offer free assessments; no appointment necessary. May 2, 10 am to Noon: Back to School – Get Ready, Get Set, Get Organized. Learn some tools you can implement over the summer to make sure your kids are ready in the fall! Jun. 11, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm: Free Developmental Screenings. MESD developmental specialists will offer free assessments; no appointment necessary. Jul. 11: It Takes Two – Strategies for Communicating with Your Child. All workshops are held at the IKEA store, 10280 NE Cascades Parkway, and are free. Space is limited, so sign up early by visiting Småland, the in-store free childcare play area, or by sending an email to lifeimprovement.portland.us@ikea.com . Free childcare is available at Småland with pre-registration for children who are between 37 and 54 inches tall and are potty trained. More cool kid-friendly happenings at IKEA: Every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm kids can enjoy special activities in Småland . Free Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops will be offered from 4 to 5 pm on Nov. 16 and 18 and Dec. 14 and 15. (Space is limited. First come, first served. Limit one gingerbread house per family.) Can’t make it? Pick up an Anna’s Gingerbread House Kit at IKEA’s Swedish Food Market to create at home ($4.99). For more information, visit ikea.com/us/en/store/portland/activities .

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Free Parenting Workshops at IKEA

Nov201001

Jeremy

0

Another issue of Portland Woman is out this week!

We’re so excited to announce the second issue of our sister magazine, Portland Woman , out this week. In it, you’ll find “ She Inspires 365 ” exploring a year of inspirational – and breathtaking – photos by Andrea Leoncavallo. You’ll also find “ A Very Merry, Very Portland Gift Guide ,” featuring the coolest gifts from our favorite local shops, and a Q&A with the Rev. Marilyn Sewell entitled “ Are You a Spiritual Person? ” In “ Home-Grown Humanitarians ,” you’ll learn about some amazing local women-founded nonprofits. The magazine’s regular columns are packed with great stuff as well. Get a Life (Coach) offers advice on distressing your holidays. Great Reads features reviews of some of our favorite new books. FAQs presents expert answers to your burning questions about Hot Flashes. And our Community Calendar is packed with local events of interest to Portland-area women. Pick up a copy wherever you find Metro Parent .

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Another issue of Portland Woman is out this week!

Oct201025

PDXrover

0

What Do You Do With ALL THAT CANDY?

Halloween is coming right up and I’m getting ready for the daily post-Halloween battle. It goes something like this: Son: “Can I have a piece of candy?” Me: “Not until after dinner, and then only one.” Son: “Please?” Pause five minutes. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat ad nauseum. I’ve asked other parents how they handle the Halloween dilemma. One mom told me she lets her kids eat as much candy as they want for 20 minutes after they return home from trick or treating. (She sets the timer, then ready, set, go!) Once that 20 minutes is over everything that’s left goes into the trash. I actually like that idea but I know it would never fly in our house. Another mom lets her kids pick out a few special treats, then pays them to give up the rest . Considering how much my son loves candy, I’m not sure I have enough money for that one. Some parents eat their kids candy after they go to bed (I’m not saying I never do that!) and others take excess candy to the office where it’s invariably gobbled up along with everyone else’s leftover Halloween hauls (I do send some to the office with my husband, but not enough to make a dent my son would notice). A few more years and it won’t even matter in my family –- the boy will be too old for trick or treating. Maybe I should just give up and let him enjoy his sugar gorging while he’s young. Who knows. Yet still I continue searching for a feasible solution to our post-Halloween battle. How do you handle the Halloween excess, and the lingering post-Halloween candy collection left behind? Really … I want to know!

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What Do You Do With ALL THAT CANDY?

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