Burgh Mom

Cookie Swap

2008-11-05T19:03:00.001-08:00

November 22nd

Cookie Swap!

2008-10-30T10:22:00.001-07:00

It's time to organize one last get-together for the year. Some of us were plurking (Are you? If not, you should.) and thought it would be fun to do a cookie swap/Christmas party. Given that everybody has crazy schedules once the holidays roll around, we think November would be best. There will not be a December get-together.

Below is a poll of dates that we could hold the cookie swap. You can pick as many dates as you want.

I'm also looking for suggestions on where to hold the swap. Please make suggestions in comments. We'll finalize the plans via email using the Listserv.

Thanks!

A Quick Update

2008-10-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Some things of note that are going on:

1--Dinner. This coming Friday evening. Robinson Mad Mex. 7:00. Please leave a comment if you plan to attend so I can make reservations. Thank you!

2--PodCamp Pittsburgh. PodCamp is a FREE event similar to BlogHer, but with an supa-cool Pittsburgh twist. It's an annual event, and this year's festivities are October 18th and 19th. You can attend just a few presentations or the whole thing (schedule here). Check out the PodCamp site for more information.

3--There will be a poll to pick a date/location for next month's cookie swap/get together.

4--This site will be launching "for reals" before the end of the year. I'm not putting a date to it because I know that will just end up in it being late, but it will happen.

We Know We're Missing Some Peeps

2008-09-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Kim looked through the Listserv last night and we now know that we're still missing some people. If you are a parent, live in or near Pittsburgh, and have a blog, you are more than welcome to join us for an occasional get together. To get information on the get togethers, we'll need you to join the Listserv since we can't post addresses and such here. The Listserv is used only for communications regarding get togethers, so we promise not to clog your inbox.

Also, if you are not yet on the blogroll, let me know and I'll get you added ASAP. Thanks!

Update

2008-09-10T05:33:00.001-07:00

If you didn't know that the next get-together is confirmed for September 28th at 2:30 pm, it's because you didn't sign up for the Listserv yet, or because the Listserv messages are stuck in your spam folder. Do what you need to do to continue to receive Burgh Mom updates via the Listserv, because this domain is going to be getting re-purposed very soon.

In case you haven't heard what's coming in this space, Burgh Mom is going to be used as was originally intended--as a resource for Pittsburgh Moms and Dads. It will have blog posts from several Pittsburgh Moms (or Dads, if I can find any willing to contribute!) with information such as ideas for things to do with the kids, reviews of local attractions, recipes, smart shopping tips, book reviews, how-to guides, and all kinds of other information that is of use to Pittsburgh Moms and Dads. Burgh Mom will also highlight some of the best blog posts the Burgh Moms have posted on their personal sites.

If you are interested in contributing and we haven't already talked about it, shoot me an email at burghbaby@gmail.com. It pays absolutely nothing, but is a chance to drive traffic to your site (if you want) and to share your knowledge with others in a semi-public forum. You can contribute as often as once per week, or only occassionally.

Thanks!

New Peeps!

2008-09-06T20:35:00.001-07:00

A couple of new Burgh Moms were just added to the blogroll, so go say hi to them!

Unreserved
Every Day Baby Steps

Action Required

2008-09-02T20:23:00.001-07:00

A while ago, Kim and her husband were kind enough to set up a listserv for us to use. Listserv is a fancy way of saying electronic distribution list. It's also a piece of software but the term is often used generically, kind of like Kleenex. For the record, this list is run with Mailman software.

It works like this: You send an email to one address and all the list subscribers get it. Pretty simple.

Here's where you go to join the list (or "subscribe"): http://lists.mulberrymail.com/mailman/listinfo/burghmoms

Once subscribed, you'll get instructions for sending messages to the list and managing your subscription.

This will allow us to send confidential information, such as addresses, without posting them here and will let us have "conversations" much easier than comments. Go sign up!

Friday Night Fun

2008-08-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, there was a whole lot of this last Friday:

And that would be the only decent photo I took. Oops. It turns out that when you have eight kickass bloggers together, the service is relatively acceptable, and the food is good, there is plenty of time to chat. Chatting leads to fun, but not many photos.

Speaking of eight kickass bloggers, here's the rundown of who was there, just in case you happened to be joining us for the first time and are now afraid of our collective inability to shoosh. (Hiya, Vanilla Icing! Hope we didn't scare you too terribly bad!)

Susan
Jen
Allison
Irene
Me
Vanilla Icing
Kim
Red Pen Mama

(Using real names for people who routinely post using real names--anybody wants their name changed, just let me know.)

And that leaves us with September and October to plan. Kim has cordially invited us all to invade her home for September, but wants the group to pick the date. Please vote and let her know whether you prefer Saturday or Sunday:

(Poll closes at 9:00 pm Friday.)

Exact times are yet to be determined, but I think it's safe to bet that early to mid afternoon will be the start time. Your whole family is invited, and it's going to be potluck, so cook up your favorite dish and show off!

October will be bloggers only at Mad Mex in Robinson Township.

Thanks for Helping Me Make a Decision ;-)

2008-08-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's a tie. A TIE, PEOPLE! So, I think that means we need to take Jayesel's suggestion and do BOTH Ichiban and Mad Mex. They happen to be basically next door to each other, so it will be quite easy to dine at Ichiban then wander over to Mad Mex for cocktails.

7:30pm this Friday, August 22 at Ichiban it is. THAT IS A TIME CHANGE (reservations were only available at 6:30 and 7:30). Spread the word and leave a comment if you plan to attend. If you're coming late, I would expect we'll shift over to Mad Mex around 9:00. We should be easy to find as we are the LOUD people. Oh, and the reservation is in my first name. (See! I can be trained!) If you aren't so fortunate as to know my first name, indicate so in the comments and I'll get it to you.

The plaza with both restaurants is on Route 19, North of the 228/79/19 Interchange. It is North of Cranberry Mall and Wal-Mart and just South of Safari Sams. More information is here.

(BTW, RPM, Ichiban is fantastic about cooking the tofu and vegetables FIRST before putting the meat on the grill. I've never had tofu there that even came close to being on the grill with the meat. That sort of thing icks me out, too.)

Woohoo! See y'all Friday!

August Dinner

2008-08-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

What happened to August? Yikes! We are due for another get-together next Friday, August 22nd at 7:00 pm. This one is bloggers only and will be in the Cranberry/Mars area. Vote for a restaurant below and I'll post the final decision no later than Wednesday. Feel free to pass this on to anybody who may not know about it.

Thanks!

What You Missed

2008-07-30T18:28:00.001-07:00

At Saturday's meetup, there were puppies.

And more puppies.

There was a pony.

There was CUTENESS OMG THE CUTENESS!

There was a whole lot of playing.

There was a monster.

There was even a Rummel or two or four.

Way more (some even better) photos are posted over here.

Next up is Cranberry dinner August 22nd at 7:00 pm. We still need to decide on a restaurant, so suggestions are welcome and appreciated!

(Names intentionally withheld. If you don't know who everybody in the pics is, then you just need to get with the program and show up to a get-together or two!)

Hey, About This Saturday

2008-07-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Reminder: There's a get together scheduled for this Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 12:00 at Karen's house. I don't want to post the directions here, so please leave a comment if you are planning to attend so that we can get the details to you via email.

The hostess has asked that I warn you that there is a kiddy pool available in a very convenient location. If you don't mind your tike(s) getting wet, plan accordingly.

I for one plan to bring some mac-n-cheese along for everybody, and there isn't a single thing Ms Rocking Pony can do to stop me. Just sayin'.

Oh, and if anybody is looking to carpool, feel free to discuss in the comments.

See y'all Saturday!

A Break in Our Regularily Scheduled Posting

2008-07-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

An update is coming soon on our upcoming getaway at La Casa De Rocking Pony, but first a quick little unrelated something for y'all.

The infamous Woy (AKA PittGirl's Butler) is expecting a baby ANY.TIME.NOW. There's a pool over at here if you're interested in making some bucks as we greet the new WoyGirl.

Also from Woy comes this message:

Subject: Moms of 12-16 year olds

Hey - do you know any Moms here in Pittsburgh that have kids that are between 12-16 years of age, either generally speaking or in the blogging world? I have a work-related focus group happening Thursday night that has a need for Mom's in that group.

Let me know, and thanks in advance!

If you're interested or know someone that might be, let me know and I'll pass on the word to Woy.

Coming soon: Details about an email listserv that will help immensely for us to all stay in touch, more about the Rocking Pony meet-up, and the REAL honest-to-goodness launch of this domain as a place for Pittsburgh Moms to get information. If you think you may be interested in being a contributing blogger to Burgh Mom, start putting on your thinking caps and coming up with ideas.

This Week and Into the Future

2008-06-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

What: Get-together
Who: Bring 'em all
Where: Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
When: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Meet at 12:00--look for me at one of the tables furthest from the ice cream place
Please leave a comment if you plan to attend.

What: ANOTHER get-together
Who: Bring 'em all
Where: Karen's humble abode
When: Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 12:00
Directions will be sent via email as well as information for car-pooling. Karen has puppies and ponies and all sorts of fun things to do. Her place is a ways East of Pittsburgh.

What: Yet another get-together
Who: Bloggers only
Where: Cranberry Township--exact restaurant TBD (recommendations wanted!)
When: Friday, August 22, 2008 at 7:00 pm

A Quick Question

2008-06-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

We've got some loooooow responses going for the Zoo this Friday. The pavillion idea isn't going to work out, so we are not tied to a weekday. Would it be better if we did Saturday?

Either way, I'm thinking we meet up at about 12:00 in the little food area. That way, you can come as early or as late as you want, but can still get a little ice cream or French fries.

The poll closes at noon on Wednesday. I'll post the answer then, as well as information on our next TWO get-togethers. Cause I'm getting all organi-mi-zized like that.

What? You've Been Waiting for Something?

2008-06-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

So. Get-togethers. First up, the Pittsburgh Zoo. Nothing is set in stone yet, but June 20th is looking like the most likely date. I need a head count, though, to continue with planning. Please leave a comment indicating how many people you would bring if we were to do a day at the Zoo.

You may not resume living your lives.

So We Can Pretend We Read Each Other's Blogs

2008-05-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

I know lots of people have started checking out other people via their blogs, but how about leaving a little summary paragraph about yourself before the big night out on Friday?

Rock Bottom It Is

2008-05-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

The sort-of democracy has spoken, and Rock Bottom it is. May 23rd at 7:00 pm at Rock Bottom at the Waterfront.

Let me know in the comments if you plan to attend so that I can make sure we get a table big enough. See ya'll then!

(RPM--we will manage to catch you, if not on the 23rd, then eventually. That is a threat. And a promise.)

Down to Seven

2008-05-08T18:18:00.001-07:00

Sorry that it has taken me four days too many to get this post up. Life interfering with blogging is just plain wrong and I apologize.

Anyway, it looks like May 23rd is a good date for all but one person. Let's run with it since there probably is no such thing as the "perfect date." We'll plan one or two more get-togethers sometime this summer, so we should be able to catch everyone eventually.

In the meantime, dinner May 23rd. We need to pick a place. I combed through comments, did a little research, and narrowed it down to the following:

Church Brew Works: Not the most accessible as it's not right off a highway, but parking is no problem, the food is really good, and they take reservations for large groups.

Rock Bottom at the Waterfront: Also not exactly on a highway and there is currently construction in the area. However, parking is free and in nice pretty parking lots.

Double Wide Grill on Carson Street in the Southside: It's easy to get there but parking is not so fabulous. It's all on street parking, although it is easier if you go a block or two off Carson. The food is FANTASTIC and the outdoor seating would be a bonus.

Grille 36 on North Shore: Easy to get to, parking is a breeze (there's a fee for the lot or free on street parking available). I've never eaten there, but the drinky drinky is good. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

On the Border in Cranberry: It's less than two minutes from I-79, I-76, and directly on Route 228. Very accessible, even if it is the North end of town. (I can actually get there faster than downtown, even though it's 10 miles further away.) The food is excelente, especially for a chain. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available and Giant Eagle sells gift cards for there. Fuel Perks, baby, Fuel Perks.

Red Star Tavern at Station Square: Parking is going to set you back a minimum of $5, but it's pretty easy to get in and out of the place. The food is your typical fanfare. Nothing spectacular, but nothing all that bad.

Claddagh Irish Pub at South Side Works: On street or garage parking available. The food is very good and if you are into Irish beer, you're all set.

Important note: There is a Pirates game on May 23rd at 7:05 pm. It's too soon to tell if there will also be a Penguins game.

Please throw in any thoughts you have on the above in comments and if you feel strongly one way or another, try to sway the rest of us to see things your way. Then vote in the handy poll below for the one place you would most prefer. Polling will close on Tuesday, May 13. Winner takes all in this case.

Thanks again, y'all, for your help in figuring this all out.

The Panel is Split

2008-04-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like there are three distinct groups in the Burgh Mom universe. There are the moms who want to ditch their kids and spouses for a lovely time out on the town and there are the moms who don't know how to be separated from their kids and spouses for a lovely night out on the town. Then there are three of you that are like "eh, I could take 'em or leave 'em."

So.

That brings me to proposition #1. How about we do both? We could do a dinner out somewhere in the short term and plan a big shindig with all the families later in the summer (I'm thinking picnic at a park or a Zoo day or something). If somebody can't make it to one event, hopefully they'll be able to make it to the other.

Let's start with planning dinner out on the town. How about Friday, May 23? And, where should we go? Be selfish with your restaurant suggestions. Think of somewhere that you like a lot and that's sort of convenient for you. There's quite a few of you that I suspect live in each other's back yards, but you don't know it. Do consider that we are coming from all over the place, so somewhere that is near a highway is preferable to somewhere deep in the 'burbs.

Oh, and please spread the word. I know for a fact that I'm missing some people, but my brain is fried from sleep deprivation and can't figure out who.

Let's Get Together

2008-04-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

I think it's high time the Pittsburgh moms who blog got together. Sure, we could continue to have online conversations that sometimes lead to a one-on-one, but why not just have all of us (or as many of us as possible) get together at once? So, I think our first step is to figure out a good time for such an event. And maybe some of the logistics around it.

Off to the right, you'll see a bunch of polls. I don't make decisions, so I'm going to poll as many people as possible and go from there. It'll be like a democracy or something.

Please sign Mr. Linky below so that we know who all is at least thinking about attending. We'll do a more formal ME! ME! I'LL BE THERE! once we get close to the actual event.

Thanks, y'all!

About This Site

2008-01-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

I registered this domain well over a year ago with the intention of creating an online community for Pittsburgh Moms with content and suggestions provided by Pittsburgh Moms. Various things got in the way of achieving that goal, but I'm thinking about giving it a go as the summer rolls around. We shall see.

In short, this site is a work in progress. If you have ideas, suggestions, or time to devote to helping launch it, give me a holler.

If all else fails, you can always find me over at Burgh Baby blogging all about my stupid little life.