Showing newest 25 of 35 posts from February 2011. Show older posts
Showing newest 25 of 35 posts from February 2011. Show older posts

Monday, February 28, 2011

Build a Garden pt.1

One of my favorite things about the spring and summer is eating fresh vegetables.  And, surprisingly my children actually like vegetables and fruit.  I spend at least $20 per week on produce and definitely more when the warm months roll around.  I have always loved the idea of having a garden but have always been too scared to try.  I decided to get over my fear this year and start planting.  First, I put out a request (via Facebook) for tips and some nice friends of mine came through.  I ended up having a lot of people tell me that they would also like to start a garden so I thought I should just put everything here so I can share what I learn and more importantly what I do wrong.  I can't wait to see what my garden produces and please keep sending me any helpful tips!  Here is what we have done so far:


1.  Tilled up the dirt in a 12 x 5 ft. rectangle
*I kept an eye on my yard for a day or two to see where the sun hit a majority of the day.  I chose a spot with at least 6+ hours of full sun


2.  Sprayed Round-Up to kill any weeds and grass in the area
*I was told to wait a week before planting so the Round-Up didn't kill our plants but we didn't bc we are too impatient.  This could be major mistake #1


3.  My husband built a cedar boarder to contain the garden
*With a friend's help it was built in an hour.  The guys at Lowes can help you get all the supplies you need.


4.  Began with a layer of mulch.  Mixed in 4 bags cow manure compost, 4 bags mushroom compost, 10 bags topsoil, and 1 bag peat moss.


5.  We went ahead and planted some things that can withstand the colder weather right now: iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, cilantro, strawberries, and onions.  There were a lot of other herbs and leafy vegetables that are ok to plant right now as well.


6.  I am watering twice a day (actually my son is doing this part and loves it!)







Next up...


1.  Plant tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, and jalapenos.  I will also plant some marigolds because I heard they keep away insects and pests.  I am also going to plant zinnias because they are good cutting flowers.  Now I will have my own fruits, veggies, and flowers!


We won't begin the next phase for a couple of weeks to let the temperature warm up a little more.  


My sweet little gardeners...



Winner of the Southern Spring Home and Garden giveaway...

Congratulations Beverly Starkey, winner of 2 tickets!  Enjoy the show!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Giveaway at Multiple Blessings...



I just entered a giveaway over at Designing for the Soul for some of Caroline's great new artwork.  If you would like to enter too click here (you have until Sunday at 9pm)!

Comic Relief from Dooce...

If you are a blog-stalker like me you may have seen this one before but for those of you who are new to the whole blogging world you must go check this one out!  Dooce is the mother of all blogs.  It started way back in 2001 before most of us even knew what the word blog meant.  If you had asked me then I would of guessed it was a plumbing term or disease.  Heather is the writer behind Dooce, a mother of two, and absolutely hilarious!  The cool thing is she started her blog back when she was a single girl and so it has captured all the moments between then and now including a stint in a mental ward for post partum.  Start at this link to get the full (and hysterical!) backstory and then check out the rest of her site.  Maybe we should start a Momsie book club and read one of her books as our first selection...  

FYE: 2/25/11



This is clearly not a fashion blog but it is a mom blog and most moms I know like to shop.  So in honor of that I must always present important, breaking news to you...Nordstrom Rack is coming to Charlotte!!  It will be located at Carolina Pavillion on South Blvd. and is set to open March 31st!  Now when you go to stock up on diapers at Buy Buy Baby you can walk down the sidewalk for more shopping!  


Here is just a taste of what you can find at the Rack...



William Rast jeans
originally $176
Rack price $79.97

Citizens of Humanity jeans
originally $163
Rack price $64.97
little boys shirt
United Colors of Benetton
original price $39
Rack price $12.97
little girls shirt
United Colors of Benetton
original price $34
Rack price $11.97


little girls dress
Mini Boden terry dress
originally $44
Rack price $21.90

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Big Yawn...(and a giveaway!!)

Things are feeling sleepy around here.  Maybe its the crash from my vacation high or just this gloomy weather.  Either way things need some livening up so I am going to whip out two more tickets for the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show.  These are the last two FREE tickets I have to offer so you better grab em.  In honor of this laziness going around all you have to do to claim these is post a comment on our Facebook page.  Post whatever you'd like just keep it clean (or don't...that would definitely liven things up!)


I will announce the winner Monday morning at 8:00am!



Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Yoga for Good

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

FREE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK 2/22-2/28

First let me say that I cannot believe that in a week we will be into March!!  I cannot wait for Spring!  Instead of my usual list of things to do I am just going to show you this...



Really, need I say more?!  Get outside and enjoy this weather!  Not sure of a park near you, check out this site.  Live it up before the thunderstorms head in Friday.



FREE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK 2/22-2/28

Ok and here are a few things to do too....


Wing Haven (Myers Park)
Blackberry's Garden
Feb 22nd, 10:00-11:00am
ages 3-5
Blackberry, the resident bunny, is ready for some fresh spring greens!  Kids will learn about bunnies and help re-furbish the bunny garden!


Schiele Museum (Gastonia)
Moneky Mania
Feb 27th, 1:00-5:00
Come bid farewell to their 4 capuchin monkeys.  A fun-filled day with games, crafts, and hands-on activities!


Matthews Playhouse (Matthews)
The Jungle Book
$9-$10


Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 19, 2011 @ 2:00 pm
Sunday, February 20, 2011 @ 2:00 pm
Friday, February 25, 2011 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 26, 2011 @ 2:00 pm
Sunday, February 27, 2011 @ 2:00 pm






Friday, February 18, 2011

Winner of the Verabelle giveaway...

Congratulations Lorie Arthur, winner of the set of Hairdo Dads from Verabelle!  You also scored a 4-pack of tickets to the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show!  Send me an email with your address so I can send the tickets to you and Amanda will contact you regarding your Hairdo Dads!

Also a big thank you to all of the lovely ladies who came out to Momsie's first event!  I could not ask for better friends, old and new!  Encore Bistro also scored some major points with me for their great service and awesome wait staff.  Last night was all the things I love: talking, cocktails, and good food.  The cherry on top was the shopping I got to do!  For those of you who missed it, don't be jealous when you see a posse of women walking down the street with their monogrammed large utility totes from Thirty One Gifts!  I think every one of us ordered that same bag because it is just great for so many purposes.  I really can't thank you all enough and I can't wait for the next night out.  I am already working on it!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Grown Up Play Date



Starting March 2nd through March 6th, The Southern Home and Garden Show will be at The Park Expo and Convention Center (Formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart).  The show will feature all kinds of vendors and numerous exhibits.  In one day you can sample local North Carolina wines, get room planning tips from IKEA pros, learn how to create your own rock water feature for your patio, and shop for home decor.  There will be so many pros offering tips and advice that I can't even begin to list them all here.  You can check the schedule to make sure to catch some demos or just go and wander through the event on your own.  Either way you are sure to be inspired to finally tackle those projects you have been putting off or to just get some helpful tips.


Admission : 
At the Door:


Adults $10.00 Under 15 free with a paying adult
Special Days: The Spring for Kids First Night Gala benefiting the Council for Children’s Rights will take place from 7pm to 10pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Tickets are $50 and include access to Freedom Hall, food, beverage, and entertainment.
Purchase Tickets Here
*Check out the link for a free subscription to Better Homes and Gardens with online purchase of ticket!


Seniors Day (55+) Wednesday $7.00 ( No Coupons)
Advance Tickets: $7.50 Harris Teeter (With Your VIC Card) Advance tickets will be available at regional Harris Teeter stores two weeks prior to the show.

Hours : 
Wednesday , Thursday & Sunday: 10am-6pm Friday & Saturday: 10am-9pm
Wheelchairs available on a first come first serve basis. Cost is $1 and must leave a valid driver's license or ID.
Parking: All Day Parking $6.00


For More Information : 
Contact: Mardee WoodwardEmail[email protected]
704-376-4085



*Check out this post for a chance to win a 4 pack of tickets!
One more day until our first Momsie event!  Hope to see lots of you there.  Just wanted to let those of you attending know that there will be a giveaway at the restaurant.  Make sure to enter the drawing when you arrive!  I could tell you what the prize is but that would not be any fun....

Verabelle (*GIVEAWAY*)

The weather this week is giving me major spring fever!  I have always been a warm weather person and when the spring and summer roll around I am just happier.  I am always more excited about shopping during this season because flip flops, tank tops, and dresses make me HAPPY!  The giveaway this week is one of those things that just screams spring.  I can picture them in my hair with a long flowy dress or to be more realistic, I can picture them holding back my bangs with a ponytail because then at least I would look like I showered!!  These Hairdo Dads would also be adorable in a little girl's bob!


Amanda from Verabelle is offering up some of her shop's goodies just for you all!!  She makes all kinds of cute, retro-inspired accessories that you will love.  One of my favorite things she creates are these adorable hair clips.  They would be a great accessory for an adult or a little girl.  She has chosen a set of her Hairdo Dads that go perfectly with this spring weather and are just the thing to help you get excited about the warmer weather headed our way.




All you have to do to call these your very own is...

1.  Go to Verabelle's Facebook page and "like" it, then leave a comment under this post letting me know you did so

or

2.  Become a follower of Verabelle on Twitter and leave a comment letting her know that you found her link on www.momsiecharlotte.com

As a bonus to this giveaway today, the winner will also win a 4 pack of tickets to the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show!!  I will being doing a post dedicated solely to this Show later today if you don't know anything about it but trust me you are going to want to go!!  So not only will you get to go wearing your cute hair clip, you will get to rack up ideas for your home.  You and your home are going to be stylin' and profilin'!

The big winner will be announced Friday, Feb 18th at 8:00am.

UPDATE: For this week only enter coupon code: MOMSIE when checking out of Verabelle's shop and save 20%



Tuesday, February 15, 2011

FREE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK 2/15-2/21

Mint Museum (Uptown)
Sunday Fun Days
Feb 20th, 1:00-4:00pm
Families are invited to come participate in kid-friendly activities.  It may be a scavenger hunt, a performance, or an art project.  This month the theme is "Art, supersized!"


Shamrock 4 Miler (sign-ups)
Race day- March 19th
Get the whole family out and moving to start spring off on a healthy note.  There is a Leprechaun Jog geared specifically for kids starting at 9:00am.  And the cost is only $5.  Registration is open now and runs through race day.  Visit here to sign up.


Imaginon
Family Tales
Feb 16, 17, 18, 19, 22 
10:30 am (EXCEPT the 19th, it will be at 11:00am)
All ages welcome to enjoy books, music, and movement!


Studio i: Family Time
Feb 19th, 10:30am
Feb 20th, 2:00pm
Families can come and explore the technology in Studio i which includes music production and animation.  


Discovery Place Presents: Sub-Zero Science
Feb 19th, 2:00
A special science program presented by Discovery Place all about cold chemistry!  


Quiet study time and Self-directed activities
Feb 20th, 1:00pm
Complete a scavenger hunt, visit the Story Lab, or find a comfy spot to study. Quiet study hours and self-directed activities make ImaginOn the perfect spot for homework or a fun family outing.


Dish It Out (East Blvd. and Stonecrest)
Funday Monday
Feb 21st, all day
All kids get half-priced studio fees

Latta Plantation
Nature Nook
Feb 19th, 1:00pm
$2
Listen to the story, make a craft, and learn about a different nature topic each month in this hour-long series. For ages 3-6 years old. February: "Box Turtle at Long Pond" Please call Latta Plantation Nature Center to register: 704-875-1391


Monday, February 14, 2011

This Thursday!

Welcome back from the weekend!  I survived mine and am back to reality today.  I spent a weekend in a beach house with about 16 girls and celebrated with my friend and soon-to-be-bride.  As we get older trips like this become nicer than the ones 10 years ago.  Everyone has a job, some have husbands, some even have families at this point so accommodations are better and our plans are more organized.  Its nice to know that everyone will clean up after themselves and pitch in to cook some meals.  But one thing remains the same when I take a girls trip...there is always a lot of talking and laughing.  I know most men would be blown away if they could sit in on one of these weekends at the amount of talking that goes on.  Somehow women always end up sitting around in one room, talking for hours on end.  It was perfect and just the kind of female bonding that I needed.  The perfect little escape from thinking about taking care of other people and a break in the routine.  Females need that break and moms do especially!  


I hope that a lot of you will give yourself a mini-break this Thursday night with us at Encore Bistro!  If you are debating about coming because you don't know anyone please join us!  My husband has learned over the years that if we go out I will most likely spend most of the night flitting around from person to person and somehow always end up talking to complete strangers.  So rest assured that I will be talking to you even if you know no one else!  If you are feeling any kind of mom guilt remember that you are a better mom when you can get away from time to time to recharge and what better way to do that than to relax with other females!  And if you are feeling some wife guilt you are in luck.  Today just happens to be Valentine's Day so you have the perfect opportunity to woo your husband...tell him how great he is, fix him his favorite dinner or order in, and offer to give him a back rub.  Make sure to whisper in his ear as you do: "Dooooon't wooooork laaaaaate Thursday...because I am going ouuuuutttt."  Hope to see you there!  


ps.  Don't forget to RSVP on Facebook!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Paper Skyscraper Love...


 Pick out a heartfelt Valentine Card, maybe one handmade by local Charlotte artist
 Select a sweet. Chocolates, Conversation Hearts, Red-Hots, or Hot Honeys Peanuts.
 And find the perfect gift. From Jewelry, Books, Kama-sutra body products.

Winner of the Discovery Place giveaway...

Congratulations, Ryan Redford, winner of the Discovery Place 4-pack!  Your passes are on their way to your house!  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do (I mean our kids obviously)!  


Thanks to everyone who entered.  I have a lot of giveaways coming over the next 2 weeks so check back!

(Winner was chosen using random.org)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

A Day in the Life...

Just more insight I want to share with the childless about what motherhood entails.  If you are thinking about having children or if you are a husband who doesn't understand why the life of a mother is so taxing please keep reading...
Today I had a few errands to run and this is how it went:

  • Throw on some work out clothes, no time for a shower because most of the morning was spent trying to accomplish some things around the house while being interrupted every other 5 minutes by the kids.
  • Dressed the kids. 
  • Packed the diaper bag with snacks, drinks, diapers, and a couple of toys.  Threw in my wallet and cell phone.  Long gone are the days of a cute purse.
  • Wrestled my son into his carseat, repeatedly asked my other son to get in his seat and buckle up.
  • Got in the drivers seat only to realize I left my phone inside. Go back in only to realize I already put it in my diaper bag.
  • Get back in the car and already have to fish out the drink for one child since he is screaming and we haven't left the driveway.
  • Got to the mall, unloaded the kids, a massive double stroller, the diaper bag.  Jackets on.  Hats on.  Passy and blanket with us.  Car locked.  Check.
  • Get into the mall only to realize that we forgot my son's cup.  It is leaking somewhere in the backseat where he threw it.  Decide to forego the cup and start brainstorming about how he will drink with his lunch.
  • Hunt for an elevator. Work my way to the store I need to go to.  Repeatedly ask my older son to stop reaching out and grabbing clothes as we pass them.  Pick up a bottle of perfume he knocked off a table.  No damage thank God!
  • Quickly explain what we need monogrammed to the guy at the kiosk all while both sons try to wiggle out of their buckles.
  • Head to the food court and catch a glimpse of myself in a window as we pass.  Pray I don't see anyone I know.
  • Order chicken nuggets for all as my son uses his foot to kick off of the counter sending them and the stroller sailing back into people passing by.  Offer apologies to them, threats to him.
  • Thank the man who carried our tray.  Unbuckle everyone, stick down placemats, put straws in drinks, squirt ketchup, open yellow "dip dip", cut up food.  Sit down and take a deep breath.
  • All the sudden realize someone is talking to me as the man next to me looks at me with pity and says, "you have a busy couple of years ahead of you."
  • Wolf down my food (hope no one is looking) since I will only have about 3 minutes before something is spilled or someone is complaining.   Repeatedly ask my younger son to stop throwing his food on the floor.  Feel utter joy when I realize my son can drink from a straw!!  Give up on making him eat his lunch and give him the oreos I brought instead.  Bribe my other son to eat or he won't get ice cream.
  • Clean up our table.  Leave the mess on the floor and hope the custodian doesn't see me walking away.
  • Wipe hands, faces, clothes and hair.
  • Head back out of the mall.  Detour through the dress section just to peek.  Decide quickly that I am an idiot and these two desperately need naps.
  • Make my way through people who don't understand that STROLLERS HAVE THE RIGHT-AWAY!!
  • Push the handicap buttons so I can maneuver through doors.  
  • Unload both boys, the diaper bag and my bag into the car.  Wrestle my youngest into his seat again.
  • Crank up the car and immediately have to turn around to fish out the passy for my already-crying youngest.
  • Get out of the parking lot to a still screaming child and try to reach back to find his blanket.  Realize its not there.  He dropped it somewhere in the last store.
  • Cuss under my breath and head back to the parking lot.  Have to run back in and search the floor for the blanket.  Find it under a rack of clothes.
  • Get back in the car, hand the blanket to my son.  He stops crying.
  • Talk junk to the slow driver in front of me.  Tell him (not to his face) that he "is old and shouldn't have a license"  My older son dies laughing.  Make a mental note to be aware of what I say in the car from now on.
  • Get home, change a diaper, remind one to pee pee on the potty.  Get both in their beds.  Fall on the couch.  Relax for about 5 minutes and then realize I need to return phone calls, start dinner, and check my email.



Its only 3:30 in the afternoon.  And today is not out of the ordinary.  Just another day in the life of a mother!  Yes children are gifts and motherhood is precious but this is what it is like day-to-day and hour-by-hour.  It is not a job for the weak!

Cleaning Lady 101

As you know from my bragging my husband gifted me with a cleaning lady.  This was a sure sign of his love for me or his desire to not stick to the floor when he walks through our kitchen.  Either way, it was a great gift and a huge stress inducer for me.  I never thought I would be this person but I am anal when it comes to someone else cleaning my house.  Clearly I am not doing much cleaning lately so it would seem that I wouldn't have high expectations but I do.  I have tried cleaning services before and every time it is the same scenario...I am all excited with visions of sparkling floors and gleaming sinks in my head only to end up begrudgingly handing over money before re-cleaning my house.  Its not that I expect ridiculous things I just want a professional cleaner to leave my house looking like a professional cleaned it, i.e. looking better than my 10 minute cleaning sprees.  I had one lady who was a cleaning goddess but one small snag- she couldn't ever get here on time or on the right day.  With small children and naps to work around she was not a good fit.  I would go out with my newborn and plan each feeding and nap strategically around the time we had scheduled only to come home and find that she had arrived 3 hours late.  Thankfully my baby could not understand the words I said under my breath at that stage and we were quickly on to cleaning lady #2.  She was as old as my grandma, weighed 80 pounds, and wreaked of smoke.  No. Go.  I looked into a cleaning service but the prices convinced me I would come out better hiring a babysitter for a couple of hours and doing it myself.  


So, when my husband proposed this we both knew it would be on a trial run basis.  This time I would not agree to pay someone for a service unless it was done to my liking and it didn't cause me an ulcer.  If you know me, you know that I hate confrontation and the thought of micro-managing a person who is doing me this big favor makes my skin crawl.  I also always have this nagging feeling of guilt, like they are looking at me like a spoiled little princess so I go over-board trying to be nice and polite.  So to make this work out for everyone I devised a plan.  I let today be a trial day.  She informed me that it would be a very thorough cleaning and would take up to 5 hours.  I know that that kind of workload means she might not get every detail today and thats fine but I want her to get those little details from here on out.  I thanked her and told her what a big help she was and then I sent an email to summarize today.   I tired to tell myself that she would appreciate knowing my expectations up front and would rather know what I am looking for instead of just hiring someone else.  Inside I think she read the email and thought, "spoiled. rotten. housewife."  But I sent it and I feel relieved.  Now its on paper that I want the wall next to the high chair wiped down each time (thank you, Sullivan for that caked on oatmeal!).  Its also recorded that I forever want my floors cleaned with something orangey smelling and I like the appliances wiped down.  I felt way too demanding, overly-professional, and just plain annoying but at the end of the day its our hard-earned money I am handing over and if I like things a certain way I shouldn't feel bad asking.  (I have almost convinced myself of that with this post).  So good luck to anyone looking for some help around the house.  My advice is be upfront and honest.  They will feel relieved knowing they did the job to your liking and you will be happy to hand over that cash.  



REMINDER: Florence Crittendon Wine Tasting and Art Auction


I would not normally promote an event on the same night as my own but if you can't come to our Momsie event this one would be for a great cause!

Reserve now: few seats remain!
A Toast to Crittenton!

Join the Florence Crittenton Services Auxiliary
as they raise a glass at their annual
Wine Tasting and Art Auction.

Thursday, February 17
6 to 9 p.m.


Bonterra Dining and Wine Room
1829 Cleveland Avenue
Charlotte, North Carolina

Thirty Dollars per Guest

Proceeds benefit the FCS Auxiliary's Kimberly Ann Sipes Scholarship Fund, which helps clients achieve their educational and career goals. To purchase tickets online, visit our donation page or contact Michelle Calvert.


Responses:
Please RSVP by Thursday, February 10 to
Michelle Calvert or by calling 704-372-4663.

Like Few Seats Remain: Florence Crittenton Services Wine Tasting & Art Auction on Facebook
To learn more about Florence Crittenton Services, please email Michelle Calvert or call 704-372-4663.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Not running on all cylinders....

Thats how I am feeling this week.  I just realized that I didn't even include the date to the Momsie event that I posted this week (here)!  For the record it is Feb 17th and I hope lots of you can come!  


My head literally feels like it is in the clouds thanks to my little boogers.  For some reason I forget that I am susceptible to their germs and keep kissing them smack on the lips when they are sick.  How is it even possible to want to kiss someone when they have a constant flow of snot pouring out of their nose??!  More proof of that motherly love.  So all this kissing snotty upper lips and being coughed and sneezed on has taken its toll and now I just feel icky.  I don't know if I am nauseous, stuffed up, exhausted, or all of the above.  All I know is that it needs to clear up before my trip away this weekend.  Yes, on top of the sickness in our house, I have been busy planning a bachelorette party.  At 31 it takes a little more thought than it did at 25.  For one I am not about to be caught dead buying penis straws with my two sons in tow and the bride certainly does not want the typical party that includes her wearing a tiara and sash.  I have also been planning all the decoration aspects of her rehearsal dinner so my dining room table has become a major disaster area.  (Resolution #3...FAIL.)  I am loving getting to do all of this creative stuff and I am honored to do it for one of my closest friends but my old butt is feeling it.  I feel like at the end of each day I just crossed a finish line.  I am worn down and feel like if one more thing happens I will just come completely unglued.  My husband must have sensed this because he surprised me with one of the sweetest most sentimental gifts I could think of right now....a cleaning lady!!  I had no shame in letting her come in to find our house exactly as it is right now (a MESS) and I offered to pay her extra if she would fold all of my laundry and do some ironing I have been putting off for months.  Yep, no shame!  And trust me that is nothing compared to what I would like to ask her to do...take my temperature, make me a sick bed on the couch, whip up some chicken noodle soup, go to the grocery store for me, go drop off my son's preschool tuition, take both boys to the doctor, work out for me and have sex with my husband for me.  See, I took it easy on her!!  


So my apologies for any other errors this week.  I have started the Emergen-C cocktail and I will try to get as much rest as possible over the next couple of days.  Thanks for understanding and not judging...seriously I would not really ask her to work out for me!!  

Discovery Place (*GIVEAWAY*)

***********************************
If you read yesterday's post about things to do you saw the little hint I dropped about a giveaway.  I am beyond excited to have a family 4 pack to give away to one lucky reader!  Since kids under 2 are free this 4 pack may even provide multiple trips to the museum.  I can't say enough good stuff about Discovery Place so I will just let you go and figure it all out for yourself!  Here is what you need to do if you want this awesome prize:


1. Leave a comment on Facebook under the link for this post (It will be titled, Discovery Place Giveaway)
OR
2.  Leave a comment here under this post.  


(I know some of you are having trouble leaving a comment so here is some help.  Just type in the "post a comment" box and choose your profile.  If you do not have an email account with any of the choices listed it is easy to set one up.  It will take about 5 minutes to create a Google email account.  This can now be your account to give out for all store coupons and junk mail AND you will be able to leave comments here and on other blogs to win awesome giveaways!!) 


Winner will be announced this Friday, Feb 11th at 8:00am.  Goodluck!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Forever 21 vs. JCrew

I am not a fan of spending a lot of money on one piece of clothing.  I prefer to spend a lot and get a lot.  I actually pride myself on finding cheap clothes and I have gotten really good at finding the inexpensive stuff that will hold up.  Case in point, I have a black pea coat from Forever 21 that has held up through the past 3 winters.  I get more compliments on that coat and I paid a whopping 40 bucks for it.  Actually most things that I get complimented on were less than $50.  So imagine my joy when I flipped through the J.Crew catalogue today and spotted this adorable striped blazer.  I just found it's twin at Forever 21 the other day and I paid a lot less than what they are asking.  So I got a super cute blazer, my sons got shoes with the money I saved and my husband breathes a sigh of relief!  Our budget resolution lives on...
Untitled
Untitled by MOMSIE featuring a blazer jacket

Little Boy Shoes

So today something miraculous happened...I was able to find some cute stuff for my sons!!  I rarely shop for them because really, how long does it take to check out the three racks in the boys department??  I wanted to find them both some new shoes and I found some really cute ones online.  I think its only right that I share my finds with other boy moms.  Here is a little peek at some of the cute styles out there.  And don't forget these deals if you go shopping on any of the following sites:


Gap: online coupon code for 20% off GAPGET20
Piperlime: sign up for email promotions & get 15% off 
Zappos: always free shipping
Untitled
shoes
$30 - zara.com


soft sports shoe
$30 - zara.com


striped basketball shoe
$30 - zara.com


FREE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK 2/8-2/15

I know I have mentioned Discovery Place here many times but I am going to plug them once more because I think the place is that good.  I am not getting paid to say any of this either.  I asked my in-laws for a family membership instead of the usual gifts for Christmas and I am so glad I did.  We have just about gotten our money's worth out of these passes and we are only 2 months into the year.  For a lot of people driving downtown seems like a hassle but it is honestly not hard at all to get in and out of the museum.  The parking garage is right next door and it is clearly marked.  There is also a walkway directly from the garage to the museum.  I can't tell you one street name downtown and I am highly afraid of one-way streets and my driving abilities and I have made it there and back several times unharmed!  


I took the boys last Friday and we checked out lots of stuff.  We walked through the new RACE exhibit which was interesting for me but a little over their heads.  Still it gave me a chance to mention how we all have different skin colors but are all special.  You know...one of those talks you have where you feel like you are really a mom.  We also hung out in the Kids Science area which is my new best friend.  My 1 year old and 4 year old were completely entertained for a good hour and a half.  I got to sit and just stare at the wall...which might explain the weird looks from other moms but hey thats relaxing to me.  The toys were totally age appropriate and they are confined so you can truly sit back and relax.  Unless of course you are a little better than me and you actually play with your kids.  Hey, whatever floats your boat but definitely go check it out!  If you are still not convinced you may want to stay tuned later this week for a little incentive....just sayin!




Mint Museum (Randolph)
Art Studio Saturdays
Feb 12th, 10:00am-3:00 (drop in anytime)
Free with admission
Come drop-in to participate in family-friendly art projects.  All the supplies are provided but its your job to bring the creativity!  This week's project is paper dragons.


Wing Haven (Myers Park)
A Valentine's Gift from the Garden
Feb 10th, 3:45-4:45
Ages 5-7
Cost $10, registration required (see website for more details)
Come make a special gift for Valentine's Day!


Schiele Museum (Gastonia)
Pirates Madness & Mayhem
Feb 12th, 10:00am-4:00pm
Come enjoy the last day of the pirate exhibit.  There will be pirates in costume, indoor games, and a weapons demonstration.  Little boys will think they have died and gone to pirate heaven!

Harris YMCA (Southpark)




4th & 5th grade fun night
Feb 12th, 7:00-9:30pm
Cost $5 members, $7 guests *Check website for details on drop off, pick up, and dress code.
A safe and fun place for 4th and 5th graders to hang out, play games, listen to music, and get away from mom and dad for a little while! 







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