urbanMamas

The local grassroots group Parents for Paid Leave is biggering itself this summer. Truth is, numbers speak volumes to legislators, so they've set up an e-mail list that can count supporters. And while you may get an update or two, there's no worry about filling up your inbox. No time for that, mamas. They're too busy strategizing and meeting with potential partners and state legislators. Go,...

We all know, mamas: raising a family takes a village. The support around us can really help us get through the tough moments: when we are sick, working late, or just plain ol' tired. Many of have moved here from afar with very little support in place. All of us are parents, and we had to start somewhere when we - as new parents - started making other friends who were also new parents. After...

A shout out to the mamas whose kiddos are vacationing without them this weekend (okay, yes, I'm green with envy). But for the rest of us, here's a smattering of extracurricular activities for the weekend. In case you're looking to get out of town, there is some festival fun to be had. Check out the Robinhood Festival in Sherwood, da Vinci Days in Corvallis, the Portland Highland Games, and the...

It's been too long since we've talked activism, hasn't it? If you, too, are ready to talk about workplace (in)flexibility, the lack of pad family leave, or the plethora of toxic products on the shelves, join us to rant and figure out how to change it all. 'Cause over at Activstas, we actually think we can. We might be crazy, but at least we're optimists. Hope to see you - and the kids -...

When I was in middle school I gave my Mom a 'coupon caddy' for her birthday. Just what every mother wants (second best to the microwave bacon cooker my dad got her - eek). Details: it was a beige felted coupon holder with dark brown animal pictures on it. Oooohhh, so womanly. But she used it. And I used it. Wondering what on earth I'm talking about? A coupon organizer for the mom purse,...

Kate, an urbanMama of three boys (almost-6, almost-4, and a three-month old), has had a busy year, relocating to Portland, starting at new schools, and potty-training. She emailed with a unique and an almost-enviable situation. I'm in need of some Portland-mama wisdom. My two oldest boys left for NY for 2 weeks to visit their grandparents. After sobbing all the way home from the airport, my...

This year marks the 25th Anniversary for National Night Out, an evening designed to build community and: Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back....