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THE CRIER: November 2024—Gratitude & Volunteering

From the Community
Traveling with Toddlers


SMMC mom and travel agent, Susanna Ask, shares her expert tips for traveling with kids, offering a mix of practical advice, candid insights, and a few light-hearted confessions to make your holiday travels smoother and more enjoyable.





Blissful Health & Harmony
Gratitude and Protecting Your Well-Being During the Holidays


Explore strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining your well-being as a mom, as well as the health benefits of practicing gratitude this holiday season. 
 
 


Design Diaries
The Perfect Thanksgiving Day Table: A Labor of Love


Design tips for decorating your Thanksgiving table and incorporating personal touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
 
 


Give Me Five!
Family Friendly Volunteer Opportunities


Learn about family-friendly volunteer opportunities in Marin that you can enjoy with young children.
 
 


Advertorial
Power of an Early Start


Marin Montessori highlights the lifelong benefits of starting a Montessori education early, emphasizing that it fosters creativity, focus, empathy, and cognitive development in children. Their approach prepares young learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world by nurturing independence, curiosity, and resilience through a child-centered environment.
 


THE CRIER: OCTOBER 2024—UNLEASHING CREATIVITY THIS HALLOWEEN



The Nurtured Mommy
Store Bought Costumes


Denise examines some traditions old and new that have inspired her to take on the Halloween spirit (even though she finds the holiday a bit scary). So go ahead and give yourself permission to tackle this holiday as best as you can.





Blissful Health & Harmony
The Haunting of Chronic Illness: How Ignoring it Can Lead to Frightening Consequences


Are you ignoring your body's whispers? This Halloween, uncover the real monsters lurking in the shadows: chronic illness. Don’t let your health journey turn into a horror story – banish the ghosts and transform your health!
 
 



Movement & Motherhood
Imagining a New Motherhood


Motherhood is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and transformation, but it's often lacking the support that mothers truly need. Kristin envisions a motherhood where women receive sustained care through all stages—from preconception to the early years—allowing them to focus on their babies, embrace self-care, and share responsibilities with their community, leading to a more fulfilling and supported experience.
 
 



Design Diaries
Creating a Costume Corner for Kids in Your Home: Where Imagination Takes Center Stage


Creating a dedicated costume corner in your home is a wonderful way to inspire imaginative play in children. By selecting a small, accessible space and designing it with vibrant colors, mirrors, and cozy seating, you can foster creativity while keeping the area organized with hooks, bins, and labeled storage. Incorporating personal touches, such as DIY costume materials and rotating seasonal outfits, will keep the space exciting and reflective of your child’s personality.
 
 



At Home with ADHD
Trick or Treat Your Brain Everyday


Find practical tips for ADHD moms to boost brain health and stay organized by transforming the refrigerator into a source of motivation. By stocking it with norepinephrine-friendly foods and organizing it in an ADHD-friendly way, healthy eating can be fun, energizing, and manageable with the right approach. With step-by-step guidance, moms can "landscape" their fridge to support mental clarity and focus year-round.
 



Goal Digger
Fall Back to Self: Rejuvenation, Reflection, and Revival


As the season changes and the world slows down, it’s time to "fall back" into yourself—recharge, reflect, and find new inspiration. Take this time to reflect on your journey, set new intentions, and prepare for the future with clarity and vision.





Style Savvy
How to Create an Elevated Outfit in 5 Minutes or Less


Struggling with style after becoming a mom? Try the “Color Sandwich” hack: match your top or outer layer to your shoes, and add a contrasting color in between for an effortlessly polished look! 
 
 



Give Me 5
Five Favorite Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall


Fall has officially arrived, and with Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season by visiting a pumpkin patch.
 
 



Homegrown Education
Not Your Average Jack O’Lantern


You’ve got your pumpkins. Now what to do with them? Explore some fun alternative activities to do with your pumpkins this season!
 
 



Advertorial
8 Steps to Deciding What School is Best for Your Young Child


Choosing a school for your child may be one of the most important decisions you will make for their future.  The following guide is designed to help you make this decision.
 

THE CRIER: SEPTEMBER 2024—FINDING BALANCE



Homegrown Education
A Reminder to Play


Rachel wrote this as a reminder to herself, and maybe permission for you, that often what our children need from us is less… less activities, less toys, less distraction, less interference, and more play.
 



The Nurtured Mommy
Misplaced Guilt


Denise Bailey guides us in a deep reflection of how misguided guilt affects our souls. Take a moment to reflect on what feels right and what no longer serves you.



Blissful Health & Harmony
Functional Wellness for Working Moms: Balancing Health with Life’s Demands


Balancing the demands of work and family often leaves little room for busy moms to prioritize their own health, leading to stress, chronic illness, and hormonal imbalances. This article explores how functional wellness can help working mothers manage these issues and prevent burnout by incorporating practical strategies like mindful stress management, nutrient-dense eating, and adequate sleep. By making small, manageable changes, moms can improve their well-being, benefiting both themselves and their families.



Give Me 5!
Must-Read Books to Spark New Conversations About Motherhood


Motherhood is often portrayed one-dimensionally as a joyful condition brimming with love, pride, and enthusiastic selflessness while these recent titles grapple with the hardships and realities of the darker sides of mothering. This list isn't meant to be grim, but to highlight voices willing to examine motherhood with candor and openness and create new conversations about this transformational experience. Here are some great choices to enjoy this fall.



Goal Digger
Unleashing Your Inner Warren Buffett: Life Goals Guide to the 25/5 Rule


Have you ever felt like you’re juggling 25 balls in the air and managing to drop every single one? Welcome to the club! But don't worry, we’ve got a secret weapon straight from the oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett. Introducing the 25/5 rule: the magic formula to help you focus, prioritize, and stop resembling a frazzled circus performer so you can reach those key goals!

Read the Article >>



Design Diaries
Balancing Work and Family: Transitioning Your Home from Office Time to Family Time for Work From Home Parents


The rise of remote work has transformed how we balance our professional and personal lives. For work-from-home parents, this shift presents unique challenges and opportunities. The key to thriving in this environment is designing spaces that can effortlessly transition from office mode to family time. Here are some practical ideas to help you create a home that supports your dual roles as a professional and a parent.




From the Community
Stay at Home and Working Moms Member Spotlights 


Being a working mom or a stay-at-home mom comes with its own unique challenges, and the decision to choose what’s best for your family is never easy. In this discussion, three members of the SMMC Working Moms and Stay-at-Home Moms groups open up about their journeys, the choices they made, and offer valuable advice for others facing the same tough decisions.



Advertorial
Latitude’s Food Allergy Treatment is Changing Lives for Families in Marin 


Latitude Food Allergy Care in San Rafael provides life-changing treatments for families dealing with food allergies, offering advanced diagnostic testing and personalized Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) under expert supervision. Founded by allergy mom Kimberley Yates, Latitude is praised for its empathetic care and high success rate, giving patients the freedom to live without constant fear of allergens.

THE CRIER: AUGUST 2024—BACK TO SCHOOL



Nurtured Mommy
Life School


Denise Bailey gives us permission to embrace the journey of motherhood through all of its many phases as she explains how mom school has become life school.
 



Design Diaries
Back-to-School Organization: Interior Design Ideas for a Stress-Free Start


Learn how to set up efficient entryway spots, homework areas, and organized kitchens and closets to make the transition stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family. This article is packed with helpful tips, and implementing even one will make a huge difference in your upcoming school year!
 



Blissful Health & Harmony
Transform Your Health: Leveraging Back-to-School


As the kids head back to school, it's the perfect time to focus on your well-being and make positive changes for you and your family. From hydration and nutrient-dense foods to personalized wellness plans, now is the time to prioritize your health.
 



Homegrown Education
The Transition Back to School


Starting school can be a huge transition for both parent and child. Practicing routines and incorporating stories can help prepare for the first day of school.
 



Where the Heart Resides
Back to School: Meltdowns, Transitions, and Quick Tips for finding Balance


Learn how to set up efficient entryway spots, homework areas, and organized kitchens and closets to make the transition stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family. This article is packed with helpful tips, and implementing even one will make a huge difference in your upcoming school year!
 



Advertorial
Milky Oat’s Emphasis on Fresh Local Food in the Postpartum Period 


Milky Oat emphasizes the importance of fresh, locally sourced food for postpartum mothers, highlighting that fresh ingredients retain more vitamins and minerals compared to frozen options. Their meals, curated by postpartum doulas and private chefs, feature nutrient-rich foods like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and leafy greens to support healing, breastfeeding, and overall well-being, while their commitment to sustainability ensures minimal environmental impact through the use of reusable glass jars and eco-friendly practices.
 

 
 

THE CRIER: JULY 2024—SUMMER FUN



Blissful Health & Harmony
Beach Days and Baby Dreams: Functional Medicine Tips for Hormonal Balance This Summer


Discover how the joys of summer can support your hormonal balance and fertility journey with functional medicine tips. Embrace the sunshine, nourish your body with seasonal foods, stay hydrated, engage in outdoor activities, prioritize sleep, and connect with nature for optimal health and wellness this season.
 



Where the Heart Resides
Pixar's Inside Out 2 delivers! Add this one to your family's summer bucket list


Last year, Barbie sparked conversations about gender roles and self-image, while this year, Inside Out 2 provided an opportunity to discuss mental health and well-being. The film introduces new emotions like Anxiety and Embarrassment as Riley hits puberty, offering a lexicon for children to articulate their inner experiences and teaching a crucial lesson in emotional resilience. This is sure to be a must-see movie this summer!
 



Design Diaries
Summertime Backyard Bliss: Outdoor Design Tips for the Whole Family


Dive into summer fun by creating enjoyable outdoor spaces for the whole family. With these design suggestions, you'll be on track to achieving a backyard paradise, and your outdoor space will be set for countless enjoyable summer days to come!
 



Nurtured Mommy
Summertime Shuffle


Denise invites us to take a look at how our children’s summers differ from our own childhood. She invites us to examine if we have consciously chosen the summertime shuffle (or if we are just merely keeping up).
 



Movement & Motherhood
Summer of Joy


The summer brings images of children playing in sprinklers, jumping into pools, and enjoying popsicles under glowing sunsets, encapsulating a sense of lightheartedness, play, fun, and relaxation. As parents, we can learn from this carefree spirit, taking time to stress less and savor simple, joyful moments. By intentionally reconnecting with our inner child and finding time for personal joys, even amidst busy schedules, we can experience a more fulfilled and relaxed summer.
 



Homegrown Education
Summer Slide


The summer slide refers to the academic regression students can experience when they're not practicing their skills over the summer, with research indicating a 20-30% loss in academic gains. To combat this, focus on maintaining existing skills through fun activities like educational games, reading together, and keeping a summer journal, ensuring summer remains a time for exploration and connection without the stress of formal learning.
 



Advertorial
Selfishly Healthy: Personalized Coaching for Busy Moms Facing Hormone Changes and Stress


Are the demands of motherhood sidelining your health goals? Rediscover your path to wellness with personalized coaching that addresses hormone changes, stress management, and sustainable lifestyle habits, helping you regain control and feel your best.
 


WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBER WRITERS!
  
Please reach out to The Crier's editor at  
editor@southernmarinmoms.com 
if you are interested in contributing.

THE CRIER: JUNE 2024—FANTASTIC FATHERS




Movement & Motherhood
When Technology is Too Much, Get Outside



Daditorial
Raising Savvy Kids in an AI World


With AI-generated content rocketing around the web, one dad ruminates on how he can teach his kids to approach the internet with a healthy skepticism, so they don’t get snookered online.
 



Dad’s Corner
The Summer List Revisited


Marin's summer weather is unpredictable with fluctuating temperatures, yet regardless of the conditions, kids expect a variety of well-coordinated activities, prompting families to create a "Summer List" to ensure a fun and fulfilling break, with suggestions ranging from local hikes and baseball games to beach trips and outdoor Shakespeare performances. Take a few minutes to jot down what you and your family want to get out of summer 2024.
 



Blissful Health & Harmony
Embracing New Roles—The Psychological and Health Impacts of Fatherhood


Societal changes are allowing young boys to explore a wide range of interests, which can lead to more well-rounded men and fathers, and the importance of fathers in family dynamics, highlighting their role in supporting maternal health and the overall well-being of the family.
 



Community Heroes
Announcing the Community Living Fund for North Bay Families



Homegrown Education
Daddy, Let’s Play!


Rough-and-tumble play with their dad each evening not only brings my boys immense joy and connection after a day apart, but it also significantly enhances their physical coordination, body awareness, and social skills, and contributes to better sleep and academic performance.

Read the Article >>




Where the Heart Resides
Memory Battles and Father’s Love


Despite his remarkable intellect and achievements, my father's Alzheimer's diagnosis last September was a harsh reality we struggled to accept, and as Father's Day nears, I reflect on his profound influence on my love for science and our shared memories, cherishing the intellect and love that continue to shine through despite the challenges of his condition.

Read the Article >>




Design Diaries
The Modern Renovation-Harnessing Technology in the Home for Tech-Savvy Dads


Tech-savvy dads are at the forefront of incorporating technology into modern residential interior design, bringing cutting-edge gadgets and innovations into their homes.

Read the Article >>




Give Me Five
Fun Father’s Day Ideas


Father's Day offers a plethora of fun activities to celebrate dads and create lasting memories. Check out five of our local favorites!

Read the Article >>




Advertorial
Osher Marin JCC Preschools and Early Childhood Education Center - San Rafael & Mill Valley

ADVERTISE WITH SMMC
Southern Marin Mothers' Club is an active and engaged community of more than 1200 members throughout Marin. Our network is chock full of brand-loyal moms who make purchasing decisions for their families daily and who love to support local businesses. We invite you to explore the advertising opportunities HERE.


THE CRIER: MAY 2024—CELEBRATING MOTHERS


THE CRIER: APRIL 2024—SPRING REFRESH