The best Valentine you can give and receive is to be a Valentine for yourself: To treat
yourself with the utmost love and kindness; with the deepest respect and compassion.
-Alexander Avila
Share with each other
SPHC Facebook Group
The SPHC is on Facebook! Search for "Student Parent HELP Center" to join the SPHC group, or
for a larger group of student parents that includes graduate students and others not registered
with the SPHC, search for "University of Minnesota Student Parents". Being a part of the
“Student Parent HELP Center” group is another great way to stay connected with the SPHC and
other student parents as well as to share tips and resources, ask questions of SPHC staff and
other parents, and stay updated on SPHC events!
Student Parent Success Stories and Announcements
We would like to continue featuring personal success stories and announcements in our biweekly newsletter. If you will be graduating this fall, having a baby, buying a home, getting
married, or are experiencing a related event, please let us know. You can send the
announcements or stories to the SPHC e-mail address (sphc@umn.edu). We are proud of all of
your accomplishments and upcoming events, and would love to share them with others.
Student Parent Pictures
Have any great family photos that you want to share with others? If so, please send them to us
so that we can feature them in the newsletter. Please send us any pictures you want included
in a newsletter to sphc@umn.edu as an e-mail attachment.
PASS Group (Parents as Students Support Group)
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
The Student Parent HELP Center PASS Group meets
weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in
Room 24, Appleby Hall.
The group provides the opportunity to connect with other
student parents, discuss the challenges and joys
surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a
FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.
The direction of the group will be determined in large part
by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will
undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for
all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply
come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!).
UPCOMING GROUP TOPICS:
Wednesday, 2/8/2012 from 12-2PM
Please join us for a discussion on financial aid with guest speaker Deb Wilkin. We will have corn
chowder and homemade bread for lunch.
2/15/12: Discussion on healthy relationships.
Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in
order to attend the weekly group meetings. Academics are considered a student
parent’s priority at the U. If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are
unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide
information to you afterwards.
If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Melanie Soland or Cathy
Komjathy at sphc@umn.edu.
Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m. for all
other resource use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 p.m. and we will re-open
the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the
group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.
What Student Parents say about group:
“I feel like I do better because I feel like I am not the only person with these stresses. I
feel it makes my life a little bit better.”
“Group keeps me positive and feel like I’m a part of the U, even though I’m different
because of my parenthood status.”
“A place I can come where other people understand the stress and challenges that come
with being a student parent.”
“I’ve gained confidence as a parent and have friends that are in similar situations.”
“Just a place you can relax—be with other people who can relate to you because they have
to balance school and kids, too.”
“It’s like being able to go home in between classes.”
Oral Health for You and Your Baby
A ONE- TIME informational session discussing topics regarding the oral health for both new parents and
their child. This is the first group as part of SPHC’s new MDH grant!
Topics to be discussed:
 Pregnancy and Oral Health
 Pregnancy and Nutrition
 Finding a Dental Home
 Children/Infants and Oral Health
 Children/Infants and Nutrition
 ECC –Early Childhood Caries
Session Dates:
Thursday March 29 10:30am-12pm
Friday March 30
1:00pm-2:30pm
Location: Student Parent HELP Center/Rm 24 APH
Presentation with U of M School of Dentistry
Dental Hygiene students
Scholarship Info:
A. I. Johnson Scholarships for 2012-2013
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We are seeking students with a strong interest in public service. Recipients of the scholarship are
required to complete a service-oriented internship in either the fall and/or spring semester of the
2012-2013 school year. The application deadline is Friday, March 9 and two letters of
recommendation are requested. Students who are interested in this scholarship should review the
application now and ask their professors/community leaders for recommendation letters soon in
order to meet the deadline. All degree-seeking undergraduates on the U of M Twin Cities
Campus are eligible to apply.
The selected students commit to completing an off-campus public service internship. This
scholarship provides students who possess a demonstrated interest in public affairs a stipend for
their internships. Applicants must show evidence of a strong interest in public affairs, with an
intention to pursue a career or vocational activities in public affairs, including any kind of
community volunteer activity, organizing to affect public policy, service on government advisory
committees, and service in elective offices.
Questions about the scholarship may be directed to Rose Miskowiec, Undergraduate Advisor, in
the Department of Political Science. Call (612) 624-8517 or e-mail r-misk@umn.edu with any
questions you may have.
Application: http://www.polisci.umn.edu/pdf/A.I.JohnsonScholarship2012-2013.pdf
The 10 best sites to look for scholarships
By Her Campus, USA Today
http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/campuslife/the-10-best-sites-to-look-forscholarships
With a new semester upon us and our bank accounts
drained from holiday shopping and much-needed nights
out, scholarships of any amounts can certainly come in
handy.
Here are the 10 best sites for searching for scholarship
cash — along with one scholarship from each to get you
started!
1. Zinch.com
Zinch is a college students one-stop-shop for scholarships that are creative, easy and fun to apply for and
win. To apply for scholarships via Zinch, you’ll have to create a username and profile that will help the
site find scholarships that are specifically relevant to you! One of Zinch’s most popular awards is the
Weekly Three Sentence Essay Scholarship, where applicants must generate a 280-character essay (that’s
only two tweets!) while vying for $1,000 of cold, hard cash.
Visit Zinch.com for more scholarships.
2. Fastweb.com
Fastweb is another terrific, free resource where you’ll find thousands of scholarships at your fingertips.
Not only does Fastweb offer a massive database of monetary awards, but it also features helpful career
planning services and learning tools for its registered users! One of Fastweb’s most recently featured
scholarships is the “Natural Disaster” PSA Video Contest, a $3,000 scholarship offered to creative
undergrads with an eye for cinematography and knowledge of the consequences of natural disasters.
Visit Fastweb.com for more scholarships.
3. ScholarshipPoints.com
You know how you always seem to receive a new, complimentary gift after so many purchases at that
favorite beauty counter of yours? ScholarshipPoints works the same way! Well, kind of. The site’s users
rack up points through a rewards system, making them eligible for different scholarships according to
how many points they have earned. Members can earn points through fun, day-to-day activities like
reading blogs, taking quizzes and playing online games. ScholarshipPoints offers a rolling, monthly
$1,000 for its members and a quarterly $10,000 scholarship . Join today and start earning your points!
Visit ScholarshipPoints.com for more scholarships.
4. Cappex.com
You may remember being advised by your high school guidance counselor to make a Cappex account to
help narrow down your college search, but don’t delete that online profile just yet! The site is still helpful
during our undergrad years, offering ample scholarship opportunities and financial advice. Once we’re
undergrads, Cappex graciously bumps us up to “College Pro” status, where we’ll be eligible to apply for a
$2,500 College Pro exclusive scholarship! Don’t wait, and check out all of the fine print of the Cappex
College Pro scholarship today.
Visit Cappex for more scholarships.
5. Scholarships.com
A no-brainer of a URL, are we right? Scholarships.com is a wonderful resource for college students who
aspire to kill two birds with one stone—the site finds both scholarships and colleges that are perfect for
you! If you’re looking to transfer to a school that is dying to recruit you and offer you scholarships, this is
the site to visit. The site allows you to pinpoint specific scholarships by your major, year in school and
location, increasing your chances for receiving awards and saving you tons of time. For meticulous
proofreaders and aspiring editors, you may want to check out the Proof-Reading.com Scholarship
Program featured on Scholarships.com! Although an essay is required, the $1,500 you could earn is
definitely worth the time spent behind the keyboard.
Visit Scholarships.com for more scholarships.
6. College Board's Scholarship Search
Offering 2,300 sources of financial aid and over $3 billion in scholarship awards, the College Board's
scholarship search resource could put you on the right track to financing your education—and fast! To
start your search, be sure to fill out the detailed questionnaire on the site to narrow down specific awards
that satisfy your financial needs. While you're browsing the College Board's scholarship selection, see if
you're eligible to apply for the Coca-Cola Community Colleges Academic Scholarship! If you're at a
small, local school this $1,000-$2,000 award could be right up your alley.
Visit the College Board for more scholarships.
7. NextStudent.com
Formerly known as Scholarships101.com,
NextStudent is an online leader in helping
undergrads pay for college tuition, books and
more. Like most of the aforementioned sites,
NextStudent requires its students to set up a
user account complete with details like school
year, location and major to pinpoint
scholarships for you! One of the scholarship
matches that NextStudent found for me? The
Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship, a
$5,000 award available to any undergrad who
has performed community service in the last 12
months, namely in the areas of food service.
Visit NextStudent.com for more scholarships.
8. StudentScholarships.org
StudentScholarships.org is much like NextStudent.com, serving as a powerful search engine for finding
relevant scholarships for undergrads. This site is also helpful because it features career profiles for many
fields of study, giving its users a good idea of expected salary and job opportunities after graduation.
Check out the Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship, a $8,000
scholarship (with $2,000 paid annually through a four year college career) if you're a collegiette™
interested in American History and Government!
Visit StudentScholarships.org for more scholarships.
9. ScholarshipExperts.com
This site boasts that it is "fast, easy and free" which is certainly true! ScholarshipExperts.com is yet
another great resource for scouring the Internet for great monetary awards during your undergrad years.
Check out the "Courage To Grow" scholarship on the site, which awards eligible undergrads one $500
scholarship every month.
Visit ScholarshipExperts.com for more scholarships.
10. SuperCollege.com
Last, but not least, we have SuperCollege.com! This site is an online database of scholarships, grants and
fun contests for undergrads to enter and (hopefully) win. On top of offering great scholarships,
SuperCollege also offers no-nonsense guides for collegiettes™ like "How to Write a Winning Scholarship
Essay" and "More Easy Ways to Save Money in College." For creative collegiettes™ who are savvy with
videography and have a way with flashcards, be sure to check out SuperCollege's Flashcard Scholarship
worth $500!
Visit SuperCollege.com for more scholarships.
University of Minnesota Job and Internship Fair!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center
The 2012 Job and Internship Fair is open to all U of M undergraduates, graduate students,
and recent alumni. (This means alumni who graduated between 2009 and 2011.)
COST: The registration fee is $10 if you pay before February 20, 2012. Or pay $25 at the
door on the day of the Job Fair.
HOW TO REGISTER AND PAY:
1. Log in to
GoldPASS. (Carlson students should instead log in to the Edge.)
2. In GoldPASS, go to Career Events section. Select 'Category' and search on Career Fair.
Then click UM Job & Internship Fair and Register for Event.
3. From there, fill out the short registration form. Enter your credit card info and hit
Submit. Done!
A few tips about the Fair:
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Bring your student ID to get in.
Bring copies of your resume.
Dress professionally.
 Free shuttles will travel between the Twin Cities campus and the Convention
Center. (http://www.clacareer.umn.edu/umjobfair/transportation.html for
transportation info)
Parking info and directions can be found on the Convention Center site.
A free coat check will be available.
International Students: Be sure to visit the International Student and Scholar Services
(ISSS) table at the Fair for information about H visas, permanent residence, and
practical training options.
To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact Paul Timmins in CLA Career
Services at least two weeks before the Fair (612-624-7577).
If you have any questions about registration, or about other details of the Job and
Internship Fair, contact your campus Career Services office via our Contact
Info:(http://www.clacareer.umn.edu/umjobfair/contact.html page.
Before the Fair:
1. Update your resume and take copies with you.
Most U of M career offices provide resume critiques and advice about your job search. Some
also offer resume or interviewing workshops you can take before the Fair.
2. Find out which companies will be at the Fair. Do some preliminary research so you
can target a few (3 to 5) companies that truly interest you.
3. Once you've selected the companies you want to target, do more extensive
research on them. Find out the company's size, general history, product(s), target
market(s), and competitors. Good sources of information for that include:
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The company's Web site and annual report (often found online)
Libraries. Use your public library, or business libraries such as the University of
Minnesota Business Reference Library and St. Paul's James J. Hill Reference Library.
Career Centers: Try your campus career services office or your local community's
career center, where available.
4. Prepare a short script (just 2 or 3 lines) to introduce yourself with. Practice it and
a firm handshake. In your script, try to include why you're interested in that company and
the kind of position you're seeking.
5. Be sure you have something professional to wear. Dress as you would for a formal
interview.
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Women: Professional-looking dress, dress suit, or pantsuit; clean and comfortable
shoes
Men: Suit or jacket; shirt and tie; clean and comfortable shoes
6. Give some thought to the questions you'll want to ask the organizations or
recruiters when you meet them at the Fair. See #4 below, "Questions you may wish to ask."
At the Fair:
1. Look professional! Dress as you would for a formal interview.
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Women: Professional looking suit, tailored dress or pantsuit, polished and
comfortable shoes
Men: Suit or jacket, shirt and tie, polished and comfortable shoes
2. First, visit the 3 to 5 organizations that interest you most. You may have to wait in
lines at each of them. If you have enough time after that, explore the other organizations at
the Fair.
3. Have a confident, professional interaction with the organization's
representative.
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Use a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile.
Address the representative as Mr., Ms., or Dr. (check name tag). Introduce yourself
by name, major, and graduation date, and then begin the script you wrote in
advance. (See "Before the Fair").
Present your resume and indicate to the recruiter your purpose for attending the
career fair.
Demonstrate your knowledge of the field/organization.
Relate your skills, interests, and experiences to specific needs of the employer.
Highlight your previous or current work experiences that show your ability to
perform related tasks and indicate your potential to acquire skills.
Refer to leadership roles or volunteer experiences coordinating committee activities,
etc.
Be responsive to questions posed by company representatives
Listen carefully, your conversation may yield vital information or leads that might
affect the interview or lead to potential employment opportunities.
4. Questions you may wish to ask company representatives at the Fair:
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What types of career opportunities does your organization offer?
What majors does your organization typically hire?
What are the job responsibilities for that type of position?
What are the most important qualities or characteristics you look for in hiring for
that position?
What are the most important skills necessary to do the job?
What recommendations would you make for someone who would like to enter that
field?
Are you aware of related occupations that I would be qualified for with the
background/major that I have or am planning to pursue?
How did you get into the organization/career field? What is your background? How
does it relate to the position?
What are typical first-year assignments?
Could I set up a time to visit you at your workplace to talk more about what you do?
Do you know someone in your organization that does…?
Do you have internship or summer job opportunities for someone in my major?
Do you know of other contacts that might be helpful to me?
May I contact you if I need more information?
5. Be sure to follow up with the organization after the Fair.
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Keep notes on your conversations and how you said you would follow up.
If no business card is available, ask if the recruiter can be reached at the telephone
number or address on literature. Information at the Fair may be more current than
materials found in a library or career center.
Send thank-you letters immediately – within two days if possible.
If contacting by letter, refer to the date and location of the Fair, and jog the
recruiter's memory of you. Mention any unique points you discussed so the employer
will remember you.
Any important information should be restated and emphasized.
Reiterate your qualifications and include any information you neglected to mention.
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Proofread your letter and let someone else look it over.
You may want to include a copy of your resume.
Transportation Career Expo
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
4:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. CST
Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union, East Bank Campus
http://www.cts.umn.edu/Events/CareerExpo/index.html
About the Career Expo:
This event provides information to students on transportation-related careers. The general
session, featuring a transportation industry panel, presents transportation career
alternatives and preparation strategies.
Students are encouraged to bring their résumés and receive helpful suggestions from
individuals experienced in reviewing the résumés of job applicants.
The event is also a chance for employers to network with potential employees. A reception
offering networking and employment-seeking opportunities is included.
Who should attend:
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in learning more about transportationrelated careers and how to find a job in their chosen field.
Student registration: http://www.cts.umn.edu/Events/CareerExpo/attendee/
Careers in Law Forum
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Noon to 3 p.m.
Willey Hall Atrium, West Bank campus
http://www.clacareer.umn.edu/events_misc/Law_For
um.html
All U of M students and the public are welcome to
attend this free event. Stop by to learn about law
schools, law-related career options, as well as
volunteer and internship opportunities. You can talk
with representatives from law schools, paralegal
organizations, governmental agencies, non-profit
organizations, and test prep services.
Stop by anytime between 12 and 3 during the event.
You don't need to register in advance to attend.
This event is coordinated by the U of M Pre-Law Advising Office (CLA Career Services) and
the University Student Legal Service.
Questions? Contact Pre-Law Advising (pladv@umn.edu) OR University Student Legal
Service (612-624-1001).
2012 Minnesota Education Job Fair
http://www.mcucsa.org/mnedfair/
Monday, April 23, 2012 | Minneapolis Convention Center
10:00am - 3:00pm
Employer Booths Open
10:00am – 5:00pm
Interviewing Area Open
Meet school district representatives, attend school district
presentations, and interview for jobs. Visit the MN Education Job Fair website for more information
about participating districts and districts that interview on-site.
The fair is open to students and alumni from participating Minnesota colleges and universities with a
major leading to an education license. Teachers must be licensed by January 2013. Education services
candidates (such as school counselors, school social workers, speech therapists, or school administrators)
may also attend.
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) Registration:
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) students and alumni must pre-register with CEHD Career Services
by Thursday, April 19, 2012. There is a $20 fee to attend.
Questions? Contact Sarah Covert at scovert@umn.edu.
Peer Research Consultants (PRCs) are back for spring semester!
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The Peer Research Consultants provide one-on-one assistance to students to help them
develop the research strategies needed to find sources for an excellent research paper.
We have drop-in hours in Wilson, Walter or in MCAE in Appleby Hall or students can
make an appointment. *NEW this semester* is weekend hours at Wilson
Library. Check schedule on the "Course Resources"
tab or http://www.lib.umn.edu/services/prc.
If you would like small brochures, posters or table tents, we will send some to you.
Want an Unbeatable Resume? Read These Tips from a Top Recruiter
By Kerry Hannon, Forbes 8/24/11
What makes an unbeatable résumé?
It has to be simple. No more than two pages. The average résumé gets read in 10 seconds. Be sure
the content is on a level any high school senior could understand. In other words, the person
looking at your résumé should be able to easily understand exactly who you have worked for and
what that company does. Just because you know the company or it’s a big name like IBM, Boeing
Corp, or Ford Motor Co, doesn’t mean everyone is familiar with what your specific division does.
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Avoid the fancy-schmancy layout, font, and other special effects. Stick to traditional font of
Times New Roman, 9 to 12 point size, and black type against a white paper. You might try a
different type size for your name and the companies you have worked for, perhaps your
title. But try to be consistent. Go easy on boldface type, italics, and underlining.
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Prepare it in a simple Word format that can easily be viewed on most computers. Not a table
format or template.
Use a reverse chronological order. List your present, or most recent job, first, and then work
backwards. You state the complete name of the company you work for, or have worked for,
and what they do, how long you were there–month and year. Then list the position you held
and your accomplishments. You don’t have to use full sentences. Begin with verbs.
“Managed company tax reporting, finance, invoicing, purchasing,” for example.
Get rid of objectives and summary and all that silly stuff. It’s all fluff. An employer doesn’t
care about your objective. He cares about his.
Skip personal information such as married with three kids. Sounds stable to you. But to a
hiring authority looking for someone to travel, it may keep you from being interviewed.
Stories sell. Numbers, statistics, percentages get attention if you put in bold type. Increased
profit by this 28%. Came under budget by 30%. If you were born and raised on chicken
farm, note it on your résumé.
Fuzzy key words and phrases should be avoided. These include customer-oriented,
excellent communications skills, and creative. These words lack meaning and do absolutely
nothing to help you get an interview.
Use words that refer to titles- customer service, controller, manager, accountant,
Get the photos off your résumé. You are looking for a job, not a date.
Job Interview Tips
Imperial County Workforce Development Board
An interview gives you the opportunity to showcase your qualifications to an employer, so it
pays to be well prepared. The following information provides some helpful hints.
Preparation:
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Learn about the organization.
Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
Review your qualifications for the job.
Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.
Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want
this job?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
Practice an interview with a friend or relative.
Personal appearance:
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Be well groomed.
Dress appropriately.
Do not chew gum or smoke.
The interview:
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Be early.
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Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him or her with a firm handshake.
Use good manners with everyone you meet.
Relax and answer each question concisely.
Use proper English—avoid slang.
Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
Use body language to show interest—use eye contact and don’t slouch.
Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose
answers can easily be found on the company Web site.
Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
Send a short thank you note following the interview.
Information to bring to an interview:
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Social Security card.
Government-issued identification (driver’s license).
Resume or application. Although not all employers require a resume, you should be able
to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous
employment.
References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using
anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid
using relatives as references.
Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades,
coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.
*Please remember that the SPHC also has a clothing closet available for students to pick up
career and interview clothes! If you are interested in checking out the clothes closet, please
stop by and ask an SPHC staff member.
Lake Hiawatha Heart Warmer
The Lake Hiawatha Heart Warmer is a completely free winter carnival in
South Minneapolis with activities for the entire family including hay rides,
live music, hot off the grill beef franks and veggie dogs, hot cider and fresh
coffee, ice golf, a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, face painting, ice
skating, arts and crafts, Kids Dance DJ, prize drawings for gift cards from
local businesses, and much more!
Where: Lake Hiawatha Park in South Minneapolis
When: Saturday, February 11th from 12pm - 3pm
Physics Force- this week!
The Physics Force, a group who combines comedy and
science to make learning fun, has a series of shows at the
Convention Center in February. This event is free, but you
must pre-register to get tickets. This is a great event to take
your K-12 students do to expose them to the magic of physics
in action. Here is the link to the description of the show (link
to the registration page is on this
website): http://www.physics.umn.edu/outreach/pforce/
*Tickets still available for the following shows:
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Feb 9th, show at 7pm
Feb 10th, show at 10am
Saint Paul City Ballet: Share the Wonder of Dance
Share the wonder of dance with your entire family as Saint Paul City Ballet
presents SPCB Kids, on February 12, 2012 starting at 1 pm at Landmark
Center. This special one and a half hour performance is part of the Sundays
at Landmark series and is designed to introduce young audiences to the magic
and beauty of ballet.
Children will have the opportunity to participate in a ballet warm-up and will
be taught a short piece of choreography. There is no need for any prior dance
background; all are welcome to experience the joy of dancing. Children are
encouraged to wear their favorite dance clothes.
The performance, recommended for families and children ages 4-12, is
narrated by one of SPCB’s Artistic Partners and features child-friendly
highlights from the Company’s repertoire. For more information please visit
www.landmarkcenter.org.
Cost: Free
Monkey Mind Pirates Family Yoga Party from In the Heart of
the Beast Theater!
Friday, 17 February 2012
6:00–6:30 p.m. | 920 East Lake Street
Monkey Mind Pirates Family Yoga Party from In the Heart of the Beast Theater!
Turn your arrghs into Oms with music, monkeys and movement with the cast of
MONKEY MIND PIRATES and yoga fun with Ronna Rochell of the OM Collective Yoga Studio. All
ages and levels welcome— no mats needed!
http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org/EventCalender
Cost: Free
Minnesota Parent's Camp Fair
What are YOUR kids doing this summer? Now is the best time to get a headstart on planning for summer
camps, so let Minnesota Parent lend a hand! Meet camp representatives from day and overnight, music,
science, computer, art, and performance programs--and more! Summer memories starthere at the Como
Park Zoo & Conservatory this February 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit
mnparent.com/campfair.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Visitor's Center
1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul
Cost: FREE!
Intended Age of Audience: All Ages
Contact:
Amanda Riley
612-436-5070
ariley@mnpubs.com
www.mnpubs.com/campfair
Rock the Cradle
The Current presents Rock the Cradle, a free day of fun for kids and their grown-ups, held at two of the
state's premier arts and culture institutions, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Children's Theatre
Company. Our annual kids’ event brings together families and social groups from all over the Twin Cities
to enjoy music, art, books, puppetry, theater
and the community for a fun, entertaining and
engaging day.
When: Sunday Feb 26th from 11am – 5pm
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts &
Children’s Theatre Company
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Cost: Free
http://www.mamalode.com/
Do you ever feel like there is just too much on your plate and what gets pushed aside is you?
Maybe you need a bigger plate.
Mamalode is the place where there is room for all of the parts that
make you whole. Whether you are working to become a mother, or
driving your grandkids’ car pool — you are changed. Motherhood
can be very shattering, both from the pressures on the outside and
the love from the inside. But there are bits that remain yours– pieces
that come from your own childhood, your own adventures and your
own growth. They are still there, mixed in with your family,
relationships, time, money, health, passions, dreams, work, and
creativity. There is room for all that at mamalode. Welcome —
every last bit of you.
Mamalode print and online publications will provide you a
clearinghouse of local resources, support, advertising, inspiration and connection.
http://www.debtproofliving.com/
Debt-Proof Living is ...
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A plan that equips you with the best ways to get out of debt
A way of life that allows you to live below your means
A simple approach on how to save, give, and pay off credit card debt
Debt-Proof Living Online Members …
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Are equipped with tools to gain control of their financial life
Learn money management tips to benefit your financial future
Experience support 24/7 from seasoned DPL members at the DPL Forums
Get out of debt in record time with the RDRP calculator (credit card debt calculator)
Access Boot Camp to kick start their efforts and see results right away
Debt-Proof Living Online tools include …
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Articles, resources and advice to debt-proof your life
Debt-Proof Living monthly newsletter
The Freedom Account Manager
Dozens of interactive calculators
Thousands of time, money-saving and frugal living tips
Cost: $10 for 3 month membership; $18 for 6 month; $29 for 12 month
Kids Eat Free in the Twin Cities!
http://www.twincitiesfun.com/search.php?event_type=Kids+Eat+Free
Check out this website for a list of restaurants in the Twin Cities that offer
certain days when kids can eat free, often with a paid adult meal.
MN Children’s Museum Offers Needs-Based Memberships
Access Passports are available free of charge to families who qualify, based on income. Memberships
expire after one year; members must reapply annually. Download a membership enrollment form online:
http://www.mcm.org/museum-membership/membership-types/needs-based-membership/
Or, call 651–225–6004 or contact Membership online. Visiting the Museum? Just bring a copy of your
proof of income and enroll at the Museum box office.
Qualifying families must provide a photocopy of their most
recent federal or Minnesota tax return or assistance grant for the
last three months as proof of income. (Please do not send
original documents.)
Access Passport Benefits include:
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Unlimited free admission for 12 months for two adults listed on the membership card and all
children under age 18 residing in the household permanently
Subscription to Discoveries bi–monthly newsletter and invitations to special events.
Invitations to exhibit opening parties and special events
Discounts on programs, seasonal events and Museum birthday parties
Use the chart below to see if you are eligible for a free Access Passport membership:
How many people live in your household?
(Count both adults and children)
If your income is less than this,
you get a FREE membership
2 people
$19,123 per year
$1,594 per month
3 people
$24,089 per year
$2,007 per month
4 people
$29,055 per year
$2,421 per month
5 people
$34,021 per year
$2,835 per month
6 people
$38,989 per year
$3,249 per month
7 people
$45,953 per year
$3,663 per month
8 people
$48,919 per year
$4,077 per month
**Applications are also available at the front desk of the SPHC!
How to Be Your Own Valentine
By Alexander Avila, Real Health Blogs 2/8/11
The best Valentine you can give and receive is to be a Valentine for yourself: To
treat yourself with the utmost love and kindness; with the deepest respect and
compassion.
To be your own Valentine means to pamper yourself, treat yourself with
kindness, tenderness, and love. Too many people are critical of themselves; they
speak to themselves in self-attacking ways: "I'm too fat, skinny, old, young,
boring, ugly, stupid, etc." Instead of being self-critical, we need to be self-loving;
we need to think and act as if we deserve the best that life has to offer.
Try something different this year: On Valentine's Day, regardless of what you do
for someone else, make sure you treat yourself to a nice meal, a massage, spend
time with friends, animals, and children, read your favorite book, meditate, and
above, all, be grateful that you are you, and that you have the capacity to
experience love within yourself, regardless of the person or people who are presently in your life.
When you become your own best Valentine--you will feel great and grateful about who you are.
10 (Cheap and Easy) Ways to Pamper Yourself
By Kate, Taking Care of Yourself 1/28/11
1. Call a friend to catch up.
Is there someone you haven’t talked to in awhile? Put the kids down for a nap (or “quiet time”) and give
her a call. Enjoy a nice, long chat that’s mostly about your friendship, not your kids. Feel happy
because you’ve remembered old parts of yourself and gotten a verbal hug
from a friend.
2. Have a cup of tea (or coffee).
Photo by Kay Yuen
You might do this every morning, but do you really enjoy it? Set out to
enjoy it this time. Choose a nice-flavored beverage instead of the plain-old
usual stuff. Take it to a comfortable spot and just sip it and enjoy it. It’s not
about waking up, getting your caffeine fix, or simple hydration. No, it’s
about a quiet moment with a soothing, delicious drink. Variation: wait till
the kids are in bed and make it an “adult” beverage.
3. Take a warm bath alone.
When was the last time you took any form of bath or shower alone? I know if I take a shower when my
kids are awake that at least one of them will undoubtedly join me. This time, it’s just for you. Do it after
the kids are in bed. Make the bath warm, add some bubbles or herbs to make it fancy, light a candle, turn
on some music, bring a book. Or just take a nap. But enjoy your bath and remember: no kids allowed!
4. Have tea and cookies with a friend.
Remember those days of long, uninterrupted face-to-face conversations over tea or coffee? And how
they’re so far gone now? Well, find an afternoon where you can join your friend – at your place or
hers, or at a local coffee house if you prefer – alone to talk and share a snack. Catch up and enjoy the
silence and ability to remember what you’re saying because you’re not worried that Johnny is going to
climb on the nearby table to get that oh-so-interesting house plant.
5. Wear a fancy outfit on a regular day.
A lot of moms get to the point where they just wear sweat pants and t-shirts all the time. Make-up? Who
has time? And fancy clothes seem impractical. Maybe they are, but don’t you feel pretty and happy in
them? So choose a day when you’re not going to be making too much mess (read: the day you start the
garden or finger painting during playgroup are not good days) to dress in a pretty outfit. Do your hair, put
on make-up, wear earrings. Who cares if you and your children are the only ones who see you? You’ll
feel happy and confident just knowing that you look good, and that you have beaten that silly
stereotype about moms who “let themselves go.” At least for today.
6. Buy a treat just for you at the grocery store.
Photo by Martin L
At the store, you probably spend a lot of time buying treats
for your kids – or saying, “No, we are not buying that
package of cookies!” But when the kids aren’t looking,
sneak a special treat into the cart, just for you. It could be ice
cream, or your favorite fancy cheese, or some lox for your
Sunday bagels. It doesn’t matter; choose whatever you like
the best but never buy for yourself. Then enjoy it before the
kids get up or after they go to bed.
7. Watch your favorite show in peace.
I get the remote to myself? Get comfortable, grab your favorite snack, and settle in to watch
whatever you love best, alone. And if it’s a love story, it might just make you sappy and sighing and
excited about how much you love the people in your life. That can only be good, right?
8. Read a good book (or magazine).
Who has time to read? But make the time. Take it in that bath with you, or just read during nap time or
after your kids are in bed for the night. Sit back and get lost in the fantasy world of a novel, or just
someone else’s life (like in a magazine). Make it a fun read, though — parenting tomes don’t count. I read
a chapter a night of my current favorite book and it helps me relax and sleep.
9. Get a massage.
Okay, this one’s not free. And maybe not even that cheap. Either way, it will be soooooo relaxing and
worth it.
10. Bonus!
Buy yourself a pretty smelling candle and light it whenever you’re feeling stressed. The happy smell
and cheerful flicker will lift your mood instantly.
Is pampering yourself doable? Yes — you just have to make time for it. And since most of these
include frugal items which you probably already have at home, you don’t have to plan in advance. How
awesome is that?
Heart-and-Lollipop Flowers
Martha Stewart Kids, Volume 11 2004
With just a little TLC, colorful hearts flourish as the petals of
a new flower variety --one with a lollipop center and stem.
1. Use card stock to make a half-heart template about 3 inches
high and 1 1/4 inches wide. Fold a 12-by-3 1/2-inch piece of
construction paper in half vertically, and trace four half-hearts
along the fold.
2. Cut out hearts; unfold.
3. Stack hearts; punch a hole 1/4 inch up from bottom.
Position petals to form a flower, making sure holes line up. Secure by applying glue around
holes; let dry. Write name on a petal. Insert lollipop.
Hand-Shaped Valentines
Martha Stewart Kids, Winter 2004
These creative valentines are a breeze to make for a few special
friends or an entire classroom of kids.
Send a touching message with valentines traced from little
hands. Just cut from construction paper, and then decorate.
Your child can hand over sweets or a toy ring, or let someone
know they're her hands-down favorite.
Cinnamon Candy Cider
Here's a potion kids are sure to love. Among the ingredients are cinnamon
candies that give it zing. Stir 1 quart apple cider and 1/4 cup hard cinnamon
candies in a medium saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring
constantly, until heated through and candies have melted completely, about
8 minutes. Serve warm.
X's and O's Cupcakes
Martha Stewart Kids, Fall 2003
Happy times with kids call for cheerful cupcakes.
Easier to serve than cake, cupcakes require no
slicing, no plates, and no forks -- and every child
gets her fair share of icing.
The designs on this page start as Chocolate
Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes iced with Swiss
Meringue Buttercream -- perfect for spreading in
thin layers or sculpting into thick mounds (and
licking from the bowl).
The cupcakes can be baked a week ahead and
frozen, but decorate them no more than a day
before serving. Set up an assembly line, and put
kids in charge of affixing candy eyes, gumdrop
cheeks, and other trimmings. Pack the cupcakes in
a shallow plastic container, and stuff crumpled
waxed paper in between. Then dole them out and
watch kids marvel for a second before opening
wide!
**Even young kids can create these adorable designs -- Xs, Os, and hearts of cinnamon candies.
Just don't be surprised if classmates use the hugs and kisses for a game of tic-tac-toe.
Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
Makes 12
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3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing
bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after
each, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches,
alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour.
3. Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out
clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Cool in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients
Makes 24
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3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with paper liners; set aside. In a medium mixing
bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another mixing bowl, cream the butter
and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until
incorporated and scraping down sides of bowl, beat in vanilla.
2. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Scrape the sides and
bottom of bowl to assure the batter is thoroughly mixed. Divide batter evenly among liners,
filling papers about 2/3 full. Bake on the center rack of the oven until tops spring back to touch,
about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream for Cupcakes
Ingredients
Makes about 9 cups, enough for about 28 cupcakes
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2 1/2 cups sugar
10 large egg whites
4 cups (8 sticks or 2 pounds) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
1. Place sugar and egg whites in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of
gently simmering water, and whisk until sugar has dissolved and egg whites are hot to the
touch, about 3 minutes. Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; it should feel
completely smooth.
2. Transfer bowl to mixer stand. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until mixture has
cooled completely and formed stiff and glossy peaks, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat until incorporated after each addition. Don't worry
if the buttercream appears curdled after all the butter has been added; it will become smooth
again with continued beating. Add vanilla, and beat just until combined.
4. Switch to the paddle attachment, and beat on the lowest speed to eliminate any air pockets,
about 5 minutes. If using buttercream within several hours, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and
set aside at room temperature in a cool environment. Or transfer to an airtight container, and
store in the refrigerator, up to 3 days. Before using, bring buttercream to room temperature,
and beat on the lowest speed with the paddle attachment until smooth, about 5 minutes.
All recipes from marthastewart.com
Pizza Sandwiches
Pizza, meet the sandwich: When the best of both come together to form a handheld pocket of
Italian flavors, it's sure to be love at first sight.
Martha Stewart Living, February 2011
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours, 20 minutes
Yield Makes 8
Ingredients
For the dough:
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1 1/2 cups warm water (115 degrees)
4 1/2 teaspoons (two 1/4-ounce envelopes) active
dry yeast
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for bowl
and baking sheet
1 tablespoon sugar
Coarse salt
4 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
For the filling:
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6 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup crumbled soft goat cheese (5 ounces)
32 thin slices soppressata or pepperoni (8 ounces)
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick
8 ounces baby arugula (about 10 cups)
2 cups fresh basil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
Cook's Note
Sun-dried-tomato pesto (1 tablespoon per sandwich) can be substituted for the tomatoes. For a
vegetarian version, use 1/2 cup chopped olives and 12 ounces mushrooms, sautéed, in place of
the soppressata.
Directions
1. Make the dough: Pour warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle with yeast, and let stand
until foamy, about 5 minutes. Whisk oil, sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt into yeast mixture.
Add flour, and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn out dough onto a floured surface, and
knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Transfer to an oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Let
stand, covered, in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, make the filling: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread tomatoes on a rimmed
baking sheet, drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil, and season with salt. Roast, flipping after 30
minutes, until shrunken and slightly dehydrated, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool. Raise
oven temperature to 500 degrees (with convection on if possible).
3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 8 pieces. Form each into a
ball. Let rest, draped with plastic wrap, for 15 minutes.
4. Place 1 dough ball on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and shape into a 7 1/2-inch round.
Arrange a layer of tomatoes on half of the dough, and dot with 2 tablespoons goat cheese.
Top with 4 slices soppressata. Tear off pieces of mozzarella, and place over top. Fold
dough over to enclose filling, but do not seal. Repeat with remaining dough, tomatoes,
goat cheese, soppressata, and mozzarella (arranging 4 sandwiches per baking sheet).
Bake until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool
for at least 15 minutes before serving.
5. Meanwhile, toss arugula and basil with lemon juice and remaining 1/4 cup plus 2
tablespoons oil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Open each sandwich, and fill with arugula-basil mixture. Cut each in half.
Peanut-Butter-and-Jam Heart Cookies
They may look like a labor of love, but these peanut butter
cookies are a snap to make: Push your finger into the dough
twice to make the hearts, and fill with raspberry jam. There
were enough to enjoy at the party and for each guest to
take home as a gift.
Martha Stewart Living, February 2011
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield Makes about 2 dozen
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1/3 cup raspberry jam, stirred to loosen
Directions
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat butter and sugars with a
mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter, then egg. Reduce
speed to low, and beat in flour mixture until dough forms. If dough is sticky, refrigerate
for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each).
Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1 1/2 inches apart. Press into 1 3/4inch rounds. Press hearts into centers using your fingertips. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and reshape hearts using your fingertips or the
handle of a wooden spoon. Fill indentation of each with a generous 1/2 teaspoon jam to
form a heart. Bake until cookies are firm, 6 to 7 minutes more.