mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Always Know Where “Kids Can Eat Free” with Free New App

By Leave a Comment

I try to always give readers a heads up on where they can score free food — especially when you are paying for kids to eat, too. Worst off, when you are trying to eat healthy it can go to the wayside if you have to take out the whole family. (I mean how can you compete with a Little Ceasar’s Pizza at $5 for a large pepperoni!) That’s why one of the most heavily downloaded lists is that of all the “kids eat free” restaurants in DFW. But keeping up that list and printing it out to put on the refrigerator may be a thing of the past with a new free website and app.


Jennifer Bilbro, a busy mom tired of overpaying for kids’ meals, founded Out to Eat With Kids, an online database featuring local restaurants with economical and healthy kids’ meals. At OuttoEatWithKids.com, parents can search by zip code and day of the week to find a selection of FREE or reduced-price kids’ meals at local restaurants. Parents can also access this incredible resource for meals on-the-go by using its free mobile app. (This is what I use.)
Out to Eat With Kids features more than 15,000 restaurants nationwide and is constantly being updated with new deals. Plus, Out to Eat With Kids is working with the National Restaurant Association to promote healthy children’s menu options that meet nutritional standards through its Kids LiveWell program and features a special logo next to qualifying restaurants.

I found around 15 Kids Eat Free specials in DFW on the app, so it’s off to a great start. And hopefully so are we to saving a little money!  

Fashion’s Night Out – Because it’s fun to celebrate shopping!

By Leave a Comment

[This blog is devoted to all things mama — which means most the time it’s stuff about the kids, what to make for dinner and things that are designed to make our lives easier. This month I’m taking the focus off the family and putting it back on #1 (that’s you, ladies!) With all the stresses of being a mama, we have a tendency to forget about us…from our looks, our bodies and our minds. So September is all about taking care of yourself and remembering that there are other parts of being a mom…being yourself. (And if you don’t remember what that means, then you really need to get ready this month!) So get out a glass of water or wine and enjoy!]

I’m still recovering, but I have to admit it was all worth it in the name of shopping! 


September 6, 2012 I celebrated my first Fashion’s Night Out. I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure what I was doing and for what reason it seemed that Galleria Dallas, along with most every shopping center in DFW, was rolling out the red carpet with hosted parties, Djs, special offers, gifts and best of all, free nibbles and bubbly for one night called Fashion’s Night Out. Based on an event started by Vogue in New York a few years back, this nationwide campaign has become like Christmas for those of us that love fashion, style and every thing in between. Since I was told I had missed a good time last year, I decided I would make this year work. I’m glad I did. 

A glass of wine, nibbles, make up and a ‘do and I was ready to make my way to the festivities.
I’m certainly not a celebrity, but everyone at Galleria Dallas acted like they were for the night along with the local celebs that also made an appearance like Fox 4s Good Day Dallas Anchor Lauren Przybyl, Galleria Dallas Fashion Stylist (and mama to 3 girls) Holly Quartaro and Texas Living’s Hilary Kennedy (along with a whole lotta bloggers and other media folks.) 

I started off with hair and make up from Toni & Guy at their VIP lounge designed to get us all in prime form to look our best and make us feel like a million bucks before going elbow to elbow with models for the evening. After a glass of pinot and a few tasty bites of OMG hummus from Townhouse Kitchen + Bar, sweets from Godiva and a big swag bag to keep my hair in place for later, I put on my best I’m-probably-going-to-break-my-ankles heels and strutted all of my stuff down to start the party hopping.

Galleria Dallas’ Fashion Stylist Holly Quartaro making the rounds at  FNO at Galleria Dallas.

And hop we did…I didn’t even make it to all the events that night which included runway shows down the “longest runway in America,” but the ones I did attend – they were great! And the freebies alone were worth going…especially when I donated a purse to Dooney & Bourke and they gave me a $50 sun glass case for free. Then off to Kenneth Cole, which upon checking in our Foursquare, handed me a great reusable shopping bag. After hearing about the party happening over at one of my favorite store’s Brahmin, I scored the awesome “official FNO tote” to store all my samples and swags I’d picked up along the way. I did miss out on the personalized monogrammed stationary from Papyrus as well as the hand massages at L’occitane, but my poor little feet couldn’t have run any faster to get there before they ran out. 

One of several parties at Galleria Dallas’ FNO event. 
The evening felt more like a party than a shopping trip and to be honest, it’s exactly what I needed. It was a reason to get out and enjoy things I enjoy like shoes and handbags (in that order), but that’s not all. It gave me a purpose to remember that it’s okay to enjoy doing something for no reason at all except to enjoy it. Of course, I couldn’t just let it be the evening alone to remember. Maybe it was the champagne, but somehow a beautiful Brahmin bag to make it home with me. While it wasn’t free, I did get a AMAZING discount and by just picking it up, I kinda still feel like a million dollars even with my apron and flip flops on. 

A bag at Brahmin I may have purchased during my fun night out at Fashion’s Night Out. Isn’t it cute!?!
So for those of you still wondering, “Why Fashion’s Night Out?” 

My answer to you is: “Why not?” 

***Disclaimer: I work on the behalf of the Galleria Dallas to promote events and activities at the center. However, I attended this event and enjoyed the heck out of myself – even if I was “at work.” It was one of those days that “going to the office” wasn’t so bad. Everything said here was done on my own and for my own enjoyment. 

Win a little bit of (healthy) heaven with Arctic Zero!

By Leave a Comment

 

This month is all about trying to be healthy and take care of #1. I can tell you that I can enjoy my healthy quest a little bit easier with ARCTIC ZERO! The World’s First Super Dessert and only 150 Calories Per Pint! Arctic Zero is All Natural, Fat Free, Gluten Free, Lactose Intolerant Friendly and a whole lot more good stuff. And with flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Cookies and Cream, I don’t feel like I’m missing out and neither will my kids! And now you can get your hands on this good stuff too!

Arctic Zero is giving away 8 pints of ice creams with different flavors, 2 boxes of bars, 1 box of mixed vanilla/chocolate and 1 box of mixed strawberry/orange cream to one lucky winner (for US only.)

This giveaway will start September 7 until September 30. To enter the giveaway you just fill up the rafflecopter below. The mechanics of the giveaway is very simple just follow the FB pages, twitter, tweet, and leave a comment. Good luck everyone! a Rafflecopter giveaway. 

If in case the rafflecopter did not work here is the link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/sharecode/YTIwN2ZlOGYwZWI2ODE4YmNiYTcwMjlmYzM5MjU5OjEw


Move Over Cupcakes – Mini Pies Are the New Slice of Birthday Heaven

By Leave a Comment

Like many parents, my kiddos birthday parties are a big deal. I enjoy the planning and putting it together and they enjoy the party, so it’s a win-win, except for the paying part. However, for my daughter’s first birthday, I really wanted to make it all about family, especially since ours doesn’t live so close. With an August birthday close to Labor Day, we chose the lake as a perfect setting to just take it easy with a retro cherry-themed birthday party, complete with mini-pies, homemade ice cream and a huge helping of family fun…all made possible with a little help from a couple of local friends.


Cherry Birthday Invitation from Art by Ellie
I’ve known this talented graphic artist for years and she’s great at making any event (especially weddings) go the extra mile with the right invitation. I was traveling while these invites were designed, I told her a few things about what I was looking for and she was able to create a masterpiece ideal for a little one-year old party.
                                                                                                                        
Like a Slice of Humble Pie with Mini Pies by Keller’s Sugar and Frosting
I really love cupcakes. I mean really. When I was pregnant with my first, I actually drove 40 miles to get a strawberry cupcake that I had seen in a magazine. So when this southern-style bakery opened up in Keller over a year ago, the only thing bad (or good) I can say is at least it takes me 20 minutes to get there to indulge in their scrumptious cupcake flavors like cookies and cream, samoa and turtle caramel pie. Then when they broke out the mini pies (about the same as size as and pie pops), I knew exactly when I would be ordering up a batch. In efforts to delight everyone’s taste buds, I had them give me a handful of everything. Oh, my, we love pie! (Can’t wait to bite into these!)

Sugar and Frosting
126 Taylor Street, Keller, TX 76248
Nothing Goes Better with Pies than Ice Cream
Since the party “theme” was supposed to be centered on old-fashioned family fun, it seemed only fitting that we would complement the pies with homemade ice cream. I’ve never made ice cream myself, so I scoured the Internet looking for a classic vanilla ice cream. Of course, one of my favorites TV foodies, Alton Brown had a recipe for Serious Vanilla Ice Cream that didn’t seem too complicated and was rated five stars. A little off the charts…the peach preserves seems a little something delicious! One of the things I really wanted for my ice cream is that it had a solid texture and wasn’t watery like soft serve, so I am planning to freeze it for a few hours before serving with the old-school Original Zeroll® Ice Cream Scoop to make the perfect-sized scoops!

Gift the Girl with Fun for a One-Year Old
Once I selected the cutest dress ever for my princess, it was time to choose a couple of gifts for her to open. While a tea set and a Barbie doll are a little too soon to buy, I was looking for something that could get the little girl to get walking and having some fun.
Sesame Street ABC Playland Inflatable Ball Pit
Learn your ABCs and 123s with the Sesame Street ABC Playland Inflatable Ball Pit.  With interactive side panels, peek-through windows and 20 soft flex balls, she should have a blast learning and playing in this mini ball pit (especially, when mama buys some balls.)
Currently available at Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart, $34.99.

Fisher Price- Little People Lil’ Fixer Ride-On
Little handy kiddos are ready to fix anything with this adorable ride-on!  The Fisher Price- Little People Lil’ Fixer Ride-On includes a removable hand held tool box, pretend hammer, wrench, screwdrivers and saw. Push the buttons on the dashboard to hear a fun tune and sound effects! 
Currently available at Babies ‘R’ Us, $34.99
Now that everything is ready to go, all we have to do is wait for this weekend. I’ll share photos of all the fun!

Disclaimer: I received  products including the toys and the ice cream scoop, for consideration of a review. However, the comments contained here are all my own. 

Five Baby Safety Products You (and Baby) Shouldn’t Live Without (updated 1.13.13)

By 5 Comments

After you’ve left the hospital and get to take your new darling home, there’s a wholenew world of acclimation for both you and baby to get into a routine. I basically compare it to when the honeymoon phase is over when you get married,but it’s now time for you and baby to figure out: “How are we gonna do this?”

Whenmy first child was born I sometimes had to wait all day before my husband got home just so I could take a shower. Then I was given a Bumbo and the whole world became a new place including one where I no longer smelled of baby poo and milk. Although Bumbos recently were recalled, at the time,it was the one item in the world I couldn’t live without. Thankfully, several companies have continued to improve technology by developing new products to solve some of the biggest new baby (and even beyond) issues in efforts to help families live more normal and safer lives.
“My Baby Won’t Sleep Flat” 
If you think you are the first parent to attempt to stack up pillows, blankets, or even stuffed animals just the right way to try to getyour baby to sleep like they do in their car seat, then here’s your wake-up call – join the long lines of parents who’ve done the same thing and not succeeded. Thankfully, one mom developed a safer option and called it the Nap Nanny® Chill. 

Nap Nanny® Chill
This soft, portable recliner was designed to increase comfortand improve infant sleep. The Nap Nanny® mimics the contours of a car seat and the comfort of a baby blanket and features maximum stability, allowing your baby to rest peacefully. The cover has a waterproof liner protecting the foam for greater longevity, while the safety harness keeps baby secure. Weighing onlythree pounds, the Nap Nanny® travels and stores easily, so you can take this to grandma’s house without bringing a trailer to fit all the baby stuff. I’m surethat this one is soon to replace many bassinets and pack and plays for newborns.
NapNanny.com or Amazon.com,$129

NOTE: NapNanny has been closed due to a recall, but many parents and retailers stand by this is an amazing product. For more info, follow their Facebook. 
“I Spent all this Money on a Crib Set and I Can’t Even Use It”
I will never admit how much I spent on my crib bedding foreither of my kids, but I will divulge that I spent less time deciding whatcollege to go and what car to buy than the countless number of hours online finding the perfect crib set. The irony was, while it was cute, once I took all the parts out that aren’t safe for a baby (the big blanket, the bumper and even pillows), I was left with a sheet and a bed skirt. Then I had to go and buy additional swaddle thingies so my baby could be warm, but not suffocate themselves. So basically,what was the point, right?
Halo SafeSleep Crib Set

While a little late for me, you finally have the perfect safe solution for baby bedding. The all-in-one Halo SafeSleep Crib Set is contains everything your baby needs to sleep safe and sound from the start: a coordinating HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two soft 100% cotton jersey fitted crib sheets and matching decorative skirt. And for theType A moms like me, it all matches, so you still can have a cute set while keeping your baby safe, so now you can sleep at night rather than think about what matches what and if your baby is breathing. Best of all, at around $100 and available in several colors and designs, it’s also a new pick for my Roundup of Perfect Baby Shower Gifts!
“I’m Scared I’ll Forget My Baby in the Car”
No one ever thinks they’re going to be “that” parent who forgets their child in a hot car, but sadly it happens every year, especially when the weather is at its hottest. Sleep deprived new parents are especially susceptible as the routine of taking care of baby is so new. The childminder® SMART Clip SYSTEMis an alarm that goes off 8 seconds after the parent or caregiver has moved more than 15 feet from the child in his/hersafety seat.  The ChildMinder system installation takes less than three minutes. Simply replace the baby’s safety seat chest clip with the ChildMinder system’s smartclip and place the key ring alarm unit on your automotive key ring…itrings when you walk too far from the car seat with your baby locked inside.(Wish you had thought of that, right?)

childminder® SMART Clip SYSTEM
“It’s Too Much Work to Transfer my Car Seat”
Since I’m normally am the official chauffeur of the Reo children, I don’t have to trade out the chairs very often. However, when Ido, it takes everything I have to transfer them to the next vehicle and worst off, return it back to my car. Not only is it inconvenient, but fiddling with buckles and the finding the Latch hooks to connect everything still has me sweating and tired. Thankfully Baby Trend has figured out safety and efficiency can actually work together.

trendZ Fastback 3-in-1 Car Seat
The trendZ Fastback 3-in-1 CarSeat changes smoothly as your child grows from 22 lbs. up to 120 lbs. In less than a minute, the carseat can be installed using the latch anchors points in the car.  It is a forward-facing car seat with a built-in harness up to 70 lbs., a high-back booster seat up to 100 lbs. and a backless booster seat up to 120 lbs. The FastBack features a structural steel frame withwhat they call a “innovative Rigid Energy Management System (REMS), the easiest,most secure and reliable attachment method available. “Designed to exceed all governmental safety standards and reduce the movement of the car seat in acrash.”  

While I don’t know what the REMSis, I can testify I feel like my kid is secure and it took literally 2 minutesto install with a little bit of strength to click-it-in to place.  And even better it has a built in cup holder and even a spot for toys or gaming device (for when she is a little older.) I do think we have found our solution to the one car seat that does it all and goes with us as she grows up!
BabiesRUs.com, $199.95
“My Kiddo Doesn’t Need a Booster, but Do You have a Phonebook?”
While your baby won’t need help sitting at the kitchen table right off the bat, there will be a time that your bundle of joy will not need to be in the high chair, but still need a little help to reach the top. Thank goodness for you, you don’t have to tote around one of those giant phone books anymore, now there’s LUV CHICKEN!  

Luv ChickenBooster Cushion


Described on their website, “Your Little Chicken will love the boost they get at the dinner table with the Luv ChickenBooster Cushion,” it’s your solution for the movie theater, restaurants, and the ball game! What I loved about the Luv Chicken was that it was washable, had a handle and you don’t have to worry about the cushion slipping off the chair since it’s got a non-slip bottom. I got one that was green too, so then both boys and girls can use it. This is just one of those things that is good to keep around even after your kids don’t need a little boost.


Looking for more baby love?
It’s always baby around here, but this month, it’s really about them with the best products and things you need to get ready for baby.

Disclaimer: I received these items for purposes of this review, but the comments here are all my own.


Combat Germs with a Homemade Hand Sanitizer

By 4 Comments

September marks the start of the season every parent comes to dread: cold and flu season. As children take their play indoors, germs circulate more quickly, leading to six months of increased infections that can, at any point, turn a day of school or work into cancelled meetings and time spent coughing on the couch.

A great homemade hand sanitizer and these cute bottles inspired from  http://santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com  make great playdate, school gifts and shower ideas.

As with all illnesses, prevention is better than the cure. While many parents turn to hand sanitizer to kill germs, these store-bought concoctions can contain alcohol and harsh chemicals. Dr. Lawrence Rosen, a nationally recognized expert in Pediatric Integrative Medicine, shares this recipe for a gentler – and equally effective – homemade hand sanitizer:

Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients:
•       3 oz. filtered water
•       1 tsp. aloe vera gel
•       10 drops cinnamon essential oil
•       10 drops clove essential oil
•       10 drops rosemary essential oil
•       10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
•       20 drops lemon oil

Instructions: Mix ingredients in a 4-ounce spray dispenser, and shake gently. Spray on children’s hands, and teach them to massage the spray into their hands for 30 seconds. The result is a natural, chemical free, hand sanitizer to keep germs at bay.



Dr. Rosen, along with holistic-minded parent Jeff Cohen, recently published a book of natural remedies for nearly 100 common childhood ailments – everything from acne to urinary tract infections. The book, Treatment Alternatives for Children: Reduce Serious Side Effects with Natural Equivalents to Conventional Remedies for Common Childhood Ailments, is a resource for parents who want to find alternatives to prescription antibiotics and other conventional treatments that sometimes have harsh side effects. Like Dr. Rosen’s approach to preventing, and treating, the flu, each ailment is addressed from the perspective of the child’s overall well being.

Trendy Baby Fashion Tips (Without Going Broke)

By 4 Comments

A recent article said that raising a child costs an average family $235,000 from birth to 17. While that probably seems hard to imagine as a new or parent-to-be,  ask any parent with at least a six-month old and they know that babies and all their “stuff” add up.  And by “stuff” I’m not even talking about the perfect stroller (which I’ve yet to find and have five), but your baby’s style – like clothes, shoes and even their diapers.


I got a glimpse of my grim (and poor) future when I waspregnant with my daughter and purchased a white Burberry onesie. Not onlyshould a baby not wear while, but there is no use for Burberry on a one-yearold. I don’t even have any Burberry!
So in efforts to help you rather than pretend it’s not important, here are a couple of tips from this mom on head-to-toe baby style(not to be exemplified on mom’s own capacity to be stylish.) Besides, when your kiddo is 17 they won’t hate you for putting them in that ugly Elephant out fitif you put them in some of these designer shoes! 

One-stop shopping that cute for all ages
I’m so excited to share some new happenings from one of our favorite stores, The Children’s Place! While I have been a fan of The Children’s Place for the kids when they hit those toddler years, when they were infants it seemed like their baby section was limited. However, the store is now understanding that moms don’t have time to go to several stores to score all our kiddos’ clothes,so they’ve revved up their under 12 months old department and appropriately named it BABY PLACE! Now not only can you grab all your uniforms and staple items, but can also get clothing for the baby too! And best of all, they say during the holidays, you’ll be able to find coordinating outfits for all ages…(yes, I said that and you probably will too!)
Also,for those of you that already have kids, right now there are so good deals going on instore and online as well as cash back when you spend $40!

           Consignment shopping
If you like dressing your kids as much as I do, you’ll go broke – no matter how much money you have! Thankfully, nowadays being thrifty is nifty, so sales like Just Between Friends and Rhea Lana have become celebrated bi-annual events for moms. Whether you are selling or buying,these events make having young children affordable and you benefit from those moms who buy all the nice clothes for their kids and take care of them! When kids only wear things 2-3 times when they are under 1, it doesn’t make sense to invest in really expensive clothing,but your kids can if you are willing to look and go early at these not-to-miss sales.  So just go to these websites, save the dates and make sure you get there before the crowds do!
           Stepin Style with her first pair of designer shoes!
If you follow me, you know I prefer to be barefoot, but still love the art of a beautiful shoe. And given the opportunity to have a pair of my own Stuart Weitzmans, I would probably put them in a shrine to look at every day rather than wear them. Soget almost the fun out of a having a pair and for a whole lot cheaper, get your baby fashionista her own pair of My First Weitzman.  Available from newborn to 12 months in a broad range of colors and styles, any stylish mom and her baby will thrilled to have a pair! This perfect gift item comes beautifully packaged in a pink signature box.

You can be stylish all the way to their undies
Having your baby all dolled up doesn’t end with the dress and the shoes. With designer disposable diapers and adorable cloth diapers, your baby can look good with hardly anything but their bottoms! Now while I am not a cloth diaper mama, I have tons of friends who are and claim it really is easy as well as much more inexpensive and not to mention more environmentally friendly. So when I was received a few samples of adorable cloth nappies from Ones & Twos that grew with you from ages 0-2, my curiosity made me want to try cloth diapers (only as a test.) Once I read the instructions a few times and popped online to the cloth diapering pros at Pooters, I felt I could do it…and since we weren’t going anywhere for the evening, why not?
In the words of Paul Harvey, “and the rest of story…”:
Actually there really wasn’t one. I didn’t love the part about washing them after the mess, so I know I would outsource that part to the professionals. But all together, I can proclaim it can be done…(at least once that is!)

Just face it kids cost money. A lot. But by being smart and being willing to pair a little hand-me-down Ralph with a brand new pair of Stuart Weitzmans, your baby will still be the belle of the ball!
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Baby Roundup: The Perfect Baby Shower Gifts

By 2 Comments

Did you know that more babies are born in August than any other month? In celebration of this and the fact that my daughter will turn one this month as well, we’ll be concentrating on all things baby this month. From newborns, toys, equipment must-haves and even trends in baby birthdays, we’ll be focusing on them this month!



One of the best (and worst) parts of expecting a baby is the waiting part. Depending on your personality (and if it’s your first baby or not), you’re busy asking questions, being puzzled and basically overwhelmed with all things baby. That’s why baby showers were created; not just to gift the new parents, but to give everyone something to look forward to while your bun in the oven is baking.

So this week I’ve rounded up some of the coolest things for shower gifts and newbie parents.

1.) TeetheMe.com Subscription:
It’s the gift that keeps on giving; a monthly subscription to the hottest baby gifts on the market! Do you have one of those moms that always has the newest must-haves of everything? Then she’ll definitely want to make sure she’s got the coolest products for her kiddo as well! Based on how much you want to spend, a subscription to TeetheMe.com gets a monthly box of 4 to 5 hand-picked products for your child (aged newborn to 3 years old) delivered straight to their door in our signature TeetheMe Box.  My box included a pair of baby sunglasses, City Grips stroller handle covers (a must for any mom with a stroller that saves her hand while looking cute), a Mickie Mouse lovie and a Little Pim Foreign language DVD. It was perfect for my one-year old!
(www.teetheme.com) Starting at $24.00


2.) Daddy Diaper Changing Toolkit:
Featured on The Today’s Show, this is the one toolkit that daddy-to-be won’t be asking for…his very own Daddy Diaper Changing Toolkit. A fun gift to get dad in the spirit, this toolkit comes with all the tools from turkey baster to goggles, to make this chore a little easier (or at least a little bit more fun to watch!) There’s lots of other things on this site as well, so check it out for all things dad!
3.) Covillow:
Studies show one of the best things a mom can do to protect her new baby is to breastfeed (and the hospital will certainly reminder mom as well.) While many moms want to breastfeed, but it’s the idea that you’ll be out of the home feeding your child while exposed that makes the choice difficult. That’s why you’ve seen all those lovely designer covers out on the market, but that don’t seem to do everything a breastfeeding mom might need.  Covillow makes it easier for a breastfeeding mom to still have a life.  This nursing cover is like none, other- it covers your back and both sides completely and has a pillow so that both mom and baby are comfortable.  Plus it rolls up to easily fit into a diaper bag.
(www.covillow.com)  $59.95



4.) Personalized Diapers by Diapers Couture
I’d rather not even share this little gem as it is my go-to gift for all parents-to-be, but it is one of my favorites! There’s nothing better than personalized diapers all perfectly packaged to look like a cupcake! I always get raves for this gift and best of all it’s a practical gift that will be used – and the parents will think of you every time they change their baby’s diaper (I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad…). With a few weeks’ notice, you can customize the diapers with the baby’s name, initials, nursery design, the parents’ favorite things or leave it up to them. In DFW you can pick them up or out-of-the-area you can have them delivered. It takes about 10 minutes to put this gift together, and voilà!, the perfect, personalized baby gift.


Hope this list is helpful! They’ll remember you for these gifts!

Disclaimer: I received products from Teethme.com, Daddy Diaper Changing Kit and Covillow for purposes of this review, however, the comments here are all my own. 

Jackson’s Top 5 List: What to Get a 4-Year Old for His Birthday

By 1 Comment

Recently my oldest, Jackson, celebrated his 4th birthday just the way he wanted: Angry-Birds style! It was a lot of fun to plan together and I’m sure that everyone had a good time! Jackson was blessed to have many of his best friends at the party and many great gifts from some very thoughtful people. Some of them found some gifts I’d never even heard of, while others had contacted me in advance asking what the birthday boy might want for his birthday. Funny enough we were so immersed in the birthday party, I had to do a little research to find out what things my little man might want for his birthday…


Here’s just a little of what we came across and what my son said were his favorites:



A boy with an Angry Birds Party was bound to get a few Angry Birds presents. And while he loved each of them, he’s in love with his new “softy,” his Angry Birds fleece blanket and an Angry Birds pillow. While these are not a matching set, they make the perfect complement for an Angry Birds fans. The blanket is large enough to wrap around my son and includes a little Angry Birds cap to keep him warm and cute. The pillow is like a bean-bag pillow and much more substantial than the other pillow pet type animals. He loves napping with them in front of the tv and as soft as they are, I don’t blame him.
Currently both items are available on Amazon.com for around $13 each.



Just as cool as it was when I was growing up, The Original Big Wheel™ is back!  Celebrating more than 40 years of being the “King of the Sidewalk,” and one of the best-selling ride-on toys of all time, The Big Wheels are almost as American as apple pie as baseball (and made here I learned too). The Original Big Wheel™ Race has a large 16” front wheel, a three-position “Grow with Me Seat” and sturdy plastic construction. Kinda like a rite of passage, The Big Wheels was a new addition to my kids’ growing fleet of cars, rolly toys and bikes.
Currently available at Toys R Us and Walmart for around $60.


My kid LOVES Thomas the Tank…Actually last year’s party was Thomas and I think he asked for Angry Birds just so mom didn’t have to repeat the same party. So when we came across the kid-sized Thomas the Tank Patio Set it was a done deal.  Featuring washable plastic tabletop with cool in-laid graphics that won’t scratch or peel, he looks just like a little grownup when he asks to eat al fresco. The patio set comes with a table, umbrella and two folding patio chairs, unfortunately the table is already fading a bit, but it’s perfect for the Thomas fan while spending time outdoors. I’m sure he’s asked to eat outdoors at least once a day since he got it.
Found these at Toys R Us and Walmart.com at around $35.


One of those things I didn’t expect my big boy to do was to point out something for his sister as a gift. Of course, it was still Thomas the Tank Engine, but being that it was for ages under 3, he understood he couldn’t ride in it, but only his sister could. I guess in his head at least it was Thomas the Train! Made by Kids Only, the Thomas the Tank Toddler Swing features cool details and art inspired by Thomas the Tank! This sturdy plastic toddler swings feature high-back supports for comfort and safety, adjustable safety seatbelts and colorful sculpted details that resemble the #1 useful engine. Best of all, there’s no assembly, so pull it out of the box with all the hanging hardware and heavy duty ropes all ready to get your swing moving in no time.
Currently available at Toys R Us for around $30.
One of the perks of my job is that I get a chance to see what’s going to be coming out soon for kids. So when Vtech wanted to get our thoughts on the new Switch & Go Dinos, my son was stoked as soon as we opened the box!

Switch & Go Dinos features an entire line of seven durable, unique and collectable dinosaur toys, including four starter toys: Sliver the T-Rex, T-Don the Pteranodon, Tonn the Stegosaurus and Horns the Triceratops. Of course, what is more perfect for a boy than dinosaurs…except when it’s a dinosaur that turns into a car. Yep, how cool is that – a 2-in-1 toy! And because it’s from Vtech, they made it ubber cool with an LCD screen for customizable eye expressions and dramatic dinosaur and vehicle sound effects including dino facts! While it took a few times to show my 4-year-old how to make the dino go to car and car back to dino, as well as how to make all the sounds, but once he got it he was off for lots of fun playing with his new toy. This toy is such an obvious great option for anyone who isn’t sure if a kid is into dinosaurs or cars…my own wish is that it was motorized and could move on its own. Then it would be pretty close to perfect as THE gift for young boys this year!
Currently only available on Amazon.com and www.VTechKids.com for around $16. All seven Switch & Go Dinos are scheduled to be in most toy stores beginning Fall 2012.

Did you notice a big theme here? Even without trying, all the items here were red or blue! It’s like I tried to make them match, but it was my kiddo’s keen sense of style that actually made it work!:) I’m thinking next year I might start a Pinterest board just for present ideas for the kids so then I can just say, go look at my Pinterest for ideas for birthdays and Christmas. Now that’s a plan!

Disclaimer: I was provided all the products except for the Angry Birds pillow and blanket for purposes of this review. However, all views expressed are all my own.

Get Out with Girlfriends: Fort Worth’s Brownstone

By Leave a Comment


style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">With two kids, a full-time job and a husband in college, free time with my girlfriends is not something I enjoy very often. That’s why it’s important occasionally to make lunch dates (and even little movie dates) with my girlfriends during “working hours.” While normally not near long enough, an hour here and there is good enough to remember that there’s something else besides diapers, dinner and kiddo dilemmas. So the other day when I have a chance to eat at one of my bucket-list restaurants for lunch, the Brownstone in Fort Worth, I was ecstatic.
Nested in Fort Worth’s upscale West 7thdistrict, the Brownstone is an open-space concept designed for everyone including the white-collar worker to a gals’ night out. My friend and I fell somewhere in between with only an hour for lunch, we quickly tried perused the menu. That was the hard choice to make since it was full of many great appetizers, salads and desserts. And with diver scallops, creamy mac n cheese and crawfish, the choice for lunch was going to be a hard one…except when we came across the Executive Menu option. Designed with the lunch hour in mind, it promises a delicious lunch featuring comfort classics like meatloaf and shrimp n grits in addition to the soup, salad and sandwich combos you expect. And best of all, they’ll get your meal and your included drink to you in 30 minutes or less for only $10.
While the Pimento Grilled Cheese, Tomato Bisque and Greens combo made my taste buds happy, it was The Stone Select that made intrigued me, so my girlfriend order the grilled cheese and I ordered the “little bit of everything.” While we waited for our meal, I broke down ordered the Brownstone white sangria, ensemble white wine. Full of summer berries, a light fruity flavor, and just a little tad of bubbly, I could see why this house favorite could be one of mine as well.

Only a few sips down, our meal arrived right on time. Indecisive as I am with food, The Stone Select was an ideal option. The perfectly portioned dish featured Brownstone’s Buffalo Blue Cheese Hummus, Asian Chicken Salad with almond, bacon, spinach, and artichoke dip, salad, crudités and other dippables. I  was was happy to dive in and share all my tasty choices with my girlfriend who also was returning the favor with her grilled cheese/soup combo. Although I don’t know the calorie count, it was a good, shareable meal. The Asian salad spotlighted a tangy and sweet dressing, almonds and bite-size pieces of chicken. The dips were great to share with my friend and the veggies on my plate made me feel better when I indulged with my sangria. My experience ended on a high note when the check came…less than $20 for a meal, apps and a drink and in less than an hour.

In addition to its Executive Lunch, I’d recommend Thursdays for Girls Night at the Brownstone. With $1 bubbly and free appetizers for tables of four or more, it’s sure to become the go-to destination for girls 21-41, looking for a great place to catch up with the girls. And July 18 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. , the Brownstone becomes the headquarters for our Mom2Mom readers for our Moms Meet & Tweet. Part of a night of West 7th’s Ladies Night Out, not only will you drink bubbly at $1 a pop, get a personal chef demo of crab cakes from the Brownstone’s Christian Lehrmann and tons and tons of prizes, discounts, giveaways and more.
So bring your girlfriends and start your night off with us on July 18 at the Brownstone for a night of fun!
Brownstone
840 Currie Street
Fort Worth, TX
817-332-1555

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Follow Along!