Have you ever wondered what life is really like in other parts of the world?  Have you ever wondered how to explain to your kids that they have it pretty good compared to some kids who live in other countries? What if you could see daily life on another continent - and give your kids an experience they won't forget - without getting on an airplane?


At Change the Story: The Compassion Experience, you can do just that. Your destination? Uganda. India. Bolivia. Your tour guide? A child who lives there, waiting to give you an inside look into their world - how they live, the streets they walk, and why their stories will never be the same.


This one-of-a-kind event is made up of 3,100 square feet of exhibit space that will immerse you and your family into the environment of the developing world. You'll step inside homes, walk through markets and see schools. You'll experience first hand the challenges that a life in poverty presents, but will also experience each child's special story of hope.

It's an amazing opportunity to see a different world that is usually only experienced by traveling overseas. It's also a chance to not just tell your kids about poverty, but to let them experience it - all in a safe and controlled environment. Check out this video preview:


The Compassion Experience is coming to the Bay Area this week - it will be at Church on the Hill in San Jose (500 Sands Drive - 95125) March 22-26. The event is complimentary.

Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are recommended to avoid waiting in line. Click here to reserve your spot now or visit Compassion.com/change for more information.

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Compassion International is the world's largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world's poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works through local churches to holistically address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children-enabling them to thrive, not just survive.  Compassion has been awarded eleven consecutive, four-star ratings by Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.

We are all looking for ways to save a little cash these days. But certain aspects of life still need extra attention, our health being one major player. How can we “trim the fat” without compromising our well-being (and let’s be honest, style)?



 The Solution - Solar Shield® Fits Over sunglasses! They’ve been receiving a great deal of attention from consumers who are passionate about well-being and style but don’t want to break the bank.

 The line of fashionable frames fits easily & comfortably over your everyday glasses (quite genius actually). You can literally wear them over your glasses. Not only do the lenses provide up to 48% more coverage than regular sunglasses, but they are affordable as well! It really is the best of both worlds.

 Think about it, you wear your regular glasses throughout the day but will definitely need your sunglasses too.  Snow glare while driving, outside walking in the sun, no matter where you live, protecting your eyes is key. Why juggle two pairs of glasses? Odds are the majority of you reading this will “lose” your shades or your prescription lenses somewhere during your busy schedule (hint: they are probably on the kitchen counter when you need them in the car).

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Don't get caught on the Naughty List because you forgot to order customized Santa Letters for all your favorite kids!

For just $6 for the first letter and 10% off for each thereafter with the discount code SANTA, you can send the magic of Christmas to any child. A unique letter that you personalize will arrive from North Pole Station in Alaska in time for Christmas. Choose from a variety of themes including The Reason for the Season and School Days templates. Each one is special- just like the children.

Act now before Santa gets too busy making toys and packing his sleigh! Ordering is open through Tuesday, November 20.

Proceeds benefit The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, mothers and community leaders.

Santa Claus letters are coming to town!

This year share the magic of the holidays with your favorite children by ordering personalized letters for each one.  Each unique letter will be mailed from North Pole Station in Alaska in time for Christmas.  For just $6 for the first letter and 10% off for each thereafter with the discount code SANTA, choose from one of our eight templates to customize the perfect letter for each child on your Nice List.  Whether it be Baby's First Christmas or encouraging an older kid to Keep Believing, we've got the right message for Santa to send! And if you order more than one, use the discount code

Santa gets very busy this time of year, so place your order by Tuesday, November 20.  All proceeds benefit The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, mothers and community leaders.

Place your order today by clicking on our Santa Letter campaign here and on our forums.

One in seven American adults cannot read this blog according to the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Adult Literacy. The Mommies Network is teaming up with local organizations across the country this month to promote adult literacy. As leaders in our communities, we are dedicated to improving the world around us, one mom at a time.


Reading impacts our daily lives in ways many take for granted: From understanding a utility bill to helping a child with homework, literacy is an essential skill. Without reading, adults have difficulty finding a job or getting promoted, participating in their child's schooling, and keeping up with important local and world issues. Even grocery shopping can be a daunting task.


Imagine your day without the benefit of reading. Find ways you can volunteer your time, your talent, or your resources by visiting Volunteer Guide and join The Mommies Network in promoting adult literacy.

NorCalMommies' fabulous Flower Power fundraiser is drawing to a close, so if you haven't placed your order yet, now is the time! It's never too early to plan to improve your curb appeal or beautify your backyard. From begonias to tiger lilies and everything in between, Flower Power is the place for quality flower bulbs with a 100 percent money guarantee. This fundraiser runs until March 20, 2012, and your bulbs will arrive in April and May, just in time for beautiful summer blooms. Time is running out! Save time, money, and gas by planning your perfect garden from the comfort of your computer. Spring over to http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/240223/2Lz5F625WUbt, and check out the wide array of lovely lilies and pretty peonies, among other bulbs. As a bonus, if you spend $40 or more, Flower Power will send you a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value. So what are you waiting for? Don't delay: Grow with us today! Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter's operating expenses.

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