Mamatoga Fall Holiday Magazine is HERE!

Mamatoga-Fall-Winter-2015-CoverThe Fall Holiday Issue of Mamatoga Magazine is here!

I would like to first just thank Jake Van Ness of Graphic Precision my amazing graphic designer who puts up with having to work from my dining room table with various children and dogs constantly interrupting. Jake, you are a saint. And Jack loves you because there's a Paw Patrol character ALSO named Jake (did he mention that to you?). Also a huge shout out to Tracey Buyce, photographer extraordinaire, who somehow always seems to be on the same page (or one page ahead) of me every time. We just click, and her results always knock me out. Thank you Tracey for also putting up with the madness that is Mamatoga (there were SEVEN children at the cover shoot in total, and Tracey could have handled seven more). I appreciate you guys so much.

I also would like to thank all my advertisers, every single ad means that they support this little website and they want to see it keep going, so when you see their ads click on 'em and know that business supports local mom run businesses like mine. Without advertisers I wouldn't be able to produce a thing, and their support is invaluable.

Okay I will stop boring you with my little speech, but every time I release a magazine (along with the Mini City Guide this is my TENTH issue that I have produced independently!) I just get so emotional (okay maybe that's the pregnancy talking) about how much I love this community and how grateful I am to be a part of it. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy this one. xoxo Jenny

click here to see the issue now xoxo

Mama Bear Mug Giveaway

sweetpineappleLater this week I've got some big news about a new shop I'll be opening featuring family printables, some fun designs and projects I've been working on, but for today I want to give you a peek into what I've been doing with this giveaway!

I love coffee. I mean, I LOVE IT. It helps me smooth out those crazy mornings where I am in octopus arms mode: clothing one child, making breakfast, searching for wayward homework, packing lunches and just getting things done in all of my Mama Bear glory.

Some mornings, let's just say it might be a good idea, a self preserving idea even, to avoid asking me direct questions until I've had at least one cup of coffee. That's why I came up with this sweet little mug, a nice gentle reminder to maybe just not mess with me right now, k?

It's also a reminder of how powerful we are, us Mama Bears. We all know Mama Bear mode. And YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH IT. Because while us mamas can be gentle and loving we can also fiercely protect and defend if need be. We are strong and powerful and we won't put up with anything that might harm our little cubs. It's an awesome feeling, and one that can and should be harnessed when you are having a tough day. You are Mama Bear, you can do this!

I am giving away one of these original Mamatoga designed mugs in a cute little plaid for the holiday season before they are available for purchase! All you need to do to enter is comment below (that Sweet Pineapple Designs on the photo above? Stay tuned to learn more). Good luck all you Mama Bears! One winner will be chosen at 5pm on Friday! xoxo

Help a Reader Out

areaderasksOver on facebook a dad reader asks: "When my 4.5 year old daughter has to use the bathroom and there is no family bathroom available and no misses to help, what do I do? Looking for community advice since my first thought was to use the women's bathroom especially since men's bathrooms are always disgusting." (editorial note: I can only imagine the disgusting aspect, ick). So chime in, what do you think the protocol should be? Dads, suggestions? Click here to pop over to facebook and comment there or feel free to comment on this post as well. Thanks guys! xoxo

{6th Annual} Mamatoga Family Choice Awards 2016: BEST KIDS STORE

BESTKIDS STOREWhat's your go-to local shop when you are looking for a child's birthday present or doing a little shopping for your own children?

Show that place some love and vote for them for the BEST Kids Store for 2016 in the Mamatoga Family Choice Awards!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW

Want to see who won last year? Click here to find out, and remember: If you don’t see your favorite event listed in the poll, enter it into the “other” category and your vote will be counted! Click here to vote on all of the categories so far, new ones added daily! xoxo

{6th Annual} Mamatoga Family Choice Awards 2016: BEST BURGER

best BurgerWhen you're in the mood for a burger, nothing else can satisfy that craving, and here in Saratoga we have a bunch of solid options when it comes to finding the perfect burger. Click through to vote for your all time local favorite, and thank you to everyone for voting to show some love for our great local businesses!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW

Want to see who won last year? Click here to find out, and remember: If you don’t see your favorite event listed in the poll, enter it into the “other” category and your vote will be counted! Click here to vote on all of the categories so far, new ones added daily! xoxo