FYE: 4/29/11...Mandals

*Update...I just went to Buy Buy Baby and next to the registers there are iPlay shoes that look identical to the Natives.  They are $14.99 so with one of those $5 off coupons you pay $10!!


I know I have talked about boy's clothes before and its not that I am forgetting about our little girls but lets get real...girls fashion versus boys fashion is really not a fair match-up.  Need proof?  Just walk into any children's clothing store and compare the size of the girls department to the boys.  95% of the reason that I would want a daughter is just so I can have fun buying the clothes.  Not to mention options!!  With boys you get to decide between shorts or pants, long-sleeve or short-sleeve and thats about it.


Shoes for little boys are no easier.  I have always chosen to go with converse style sneakers, Pumas, or whatever is the least heinous at Target.  Crocs are my go-to in the summer.  I am not a huge fan of the way Crocs look but they are easy for my son to put on himself and they are pretty durable.  Flip flops are great too but it takes a certain age and coordination to master those.  (Side note: boys, unlike girls, are not born with the ability to walk in any shoes).  


So I am talking about shoes because even though I found some new brands this fall that I actually like (Morgan and Milo!!) it is now getting hot and I need summer options.  And what is throwing a major wrench in my shopping is the fact that my youngest can't fit into Crocs yet.  On top of that he has unnaturally hot feet all the time and I feel bad peeling his shoes off his little clammy feet each day.  He needs ventilation!  So I have had to enter the scary territory of MANDALS!!  Is there really a cute option?  I decided to do a little searching around and I actually came up with some options that I can handle. (Bad silk pants and gold chain not included).


Natives ($16-29)

The New Croc...I love these new shoes.  Not necessarily a sandle but available in a rainbow of colors and 5 different styles.  They carry them in Nordstrom at Southpark and online here.  They are made form the same material as Crocs and seem just as durable and ventilated.  


Stride Rite: Aiden ($36)

OK, I am going to admit something that may cause you to call DSS.  I have never taken my kids to have their foot measured at Stride Rite.  I really had never set foot in there before this week.  I know, I know...bad mother.  I actually ended up purchasing these shoes (online) and I am really happy with them.  They are sporty and most importantly allow for plenty of air flow so I don't have to uncork my son's feet at the end of a hot day.  Bonus points:  I ordered from Zappos and they upgraded my (already free) shipping so I received them the next day. 

Nursery Tour: Ellis Victoria

I am oh so excited for today's post!  These nursery tours are my favorite thing and this one today is gorgeous!!  Jo is mom to Ellis Victoria and obviously a fabulous decorator at heart.  She created a really glamorous space for her daughter but still managed to make it personal and inviting.  I love all of the stories behind the pieces in the room and am really inspired now to finish some of the DIY projects I have half-done around my house!  Thanks for sharing Jo and Ellis Victoria!  Enjoy....


1.  What was the look you were going for?
Something that was not pink...


2.  What was your inspiration behind the room?
The gorgeous fabrics that I selected for the crib bedding served as a launching point for the overall design.


3.  Describe the room in 3 words. 
Over the top!


4.  What is your favorite part of the room? 
I love that when we are in the nursery with our daughter, everything is perfect in the world!

5.  Hit any road blocks when trying to decorate the room? 
Our nursery is filled with do it your self projects.  As my belly grew and my vision began to take shape, my loving family stepped in to help with each and every one of my projects. It was most definitely a labor of love for my entire family.


6.  Total price of the room


a. less than $500
b. more than $500 but less than $1000
c.  more than $1000 but less than $5000
d.  more than I want to disclose
A.......Well, at least that is what my husband thinks!

 7.  Any do-it-yourself projects in the room. 
As I previously mentioned, our nursery is filled with DIY projects. 

*The changing table was once my grandmothers dresser. We panted stripes in metallic silver and plum,     replaced the knobs and attached a changing tray and pad to the top.

*The wooden shelves are made from barn wood that held my pony as a child in North Western Pennsylvania.

*The four frames on the wall are from Metrolina Expo. We painted the mis-matched antique frames gray, covered foam board with dark purple velvet fabric and mounted smaller silver frames inside each of the frames. Each         

of the smaller frames holds a page from a vintage Barbie calendar.

* The highest shelf on the wall holds three glass containers. Each one is filled with some of my favorite childhood toys that were spray painted with metallic silver paint to coordinate with the overall scheme. The vases hold 

wooden blocks, jacks and puzzle pieces. 

* The chair was picked up from at a local antique store. Upon purchase, we spray painted the chair metallic silver. The back cushion was then  reupholstered with a coordinating silk fabric. To add an unexpected punch, the       

seat of the chair is covered in a dark purple fur - like fabric.

* The nursery also includes a coordinating dog bed for our golden retriever, Luci.

8.  How do you envision transitioning from this room to her big girl room or will you just start all over?
After my daughter tires of her room, I plan to move in!

Ellis Victoria, the lucky resident

Momsie Night Out: Monarch

Don't forget that tonight is Momsie's Night Out at Monarch!  For tonight only you can save an additional 30%!  Jeffre Scott will be also be there doing his lip-overs and letting us preview some of his new products.  And don't forget to walk next door and check out Revolve, the men's upscale consignment store.  Tonight will be a great opportunity to shop for Mother's or Father's Day so don't miss it!  There will be light snacks and champagne. 

FREE Things to Do: 4/26- 5/2

My list of free things to do is back although I am still in the process of creating a new, easier to view format.  I just had to share some upcoming things with you!


This spring weather makes me crave fresh fruits and veggies and being outside.  There are some local farmer's markets that combine all of these things.  I will be visiting all of these over the next couple of months to further our efforts to eat healthier.  Plus some of them offer great activities to do with your kids.  To keep up with news on all of these farms as well as others, visit this great website called Local Harvest.


South Charlotte/Ballantyne/Waxhaw:

Poplar Ridge Farm offers fresh, organic produce, flowers, eggs, meats, and goats milk cheese.  They have a market stand but also offer home delivery!!  Check their website for more info.

Poplar Ridge's website
Their listing on Local Harvest

New Town Farms offers certified organic vegetables, eggs, and poultry.  They sell to many local restaurants!

New Town Farms

Hall Family Farm has been family owned and operated for 70 years.  I have personally visited this farm to pick strawberries and it was great!  Berry picking is going on now so check their site for hours and pricing. 

Hall Family Farm website
Their listing on Local Harvest

Meeting Street Market is located in Ballantyne and opens May 3rd!  It is an open market with over 40 sellers and soon they will add live music!

Meeting Street Market website
Their listing on Local Harvest

Matthews:

A well-known shopping spot by local chefs, this market has a wide range of fruits and veggies as well as grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, eggs, and much more!  They are hosting two great upcoming events: April 30th, bring a friend and you are entered for a $50 gift basket from the market.  May 7th is plant and garden day.  There will be experts on hand to teach both adults and kids some helpful information!

Matthews Community Farmers Market website
Their listing on Local Harvest

Southend/Uptown:

A.K.A Atherton Market at Atherton Mill.  This hip market is located in historic Southend and has produce and all kinds of other locally grow goodies.

Tailgate Farmers Market website
Their listing on Local Harvest

Located in the heart of downtown, this is the place to grab locally grown foods if you are walking through our city.

Center City Green Market
Their listing on Local Harvest

Make sure to check the websites for more information on hours, tours, events, and food offerings!

Updates from the Garden...

Awhile back I mentioned to you all that I was planting a garden and I wanted to give you an update.  I am sure you have all been on pins and needles waiting for this!  It is my hope that one day I will be a master gardener and in turn will save myself some money on produce.  


We started by planting:
lettuce: all shriveled up and died within a couple of weeks
cilantro: doing well
strawberries: starting to see our first red strawberries but are having issues with either squirrels or rabbits eating them.  Help anyone?
onions: doing well


Last week we planted:
cucumbers
tomatoes
red, green, and yellow peppers
squash and zucchini
Zinnias (a good cutting flower)


I have really done minimal work other than watering and pulling the dirt back from the onions (apparently they need room to grow).  Our main issue has been the critters that are eating the strawberries but I put some marigolds in today because I hear that they are good for warding off pests.  My kids have really enjoyed the garden and cannot wait to eat something from it!  I tell ya, if I can keep a garden alive anyone can so get planting!

Mission: Feed my family for $40/week (week 3)

April threw me for a loop when it came to this "mission."  Two of the four weeks in this month I had a large group of people staying at my house.  The first group was my family and the second was my in-laws. As much as I want to save money I had to be realistic those weeks and not expect to shop for only 40 bucks.  I definitely went over although I did try to still shop wisely.


Now it is back to just us and I am trying to get back on track.  Last week I went to Aldi for the first time.  I know I am probably the only person who hadn't been yet!  I had been warned about bringing my quarter for a shopping cart as well as my own bags so those were not surprises to me.  I was surprised however by how small the actual store is.  I guess I was expecting a full-size grocery store (similar to Bloom).  I did find some snack-type things for my kids that were cheap (knock-off goldfish, yogurt-covered raisins, and peanut butter crackers).  I also found OJ but later saw that there is an even cheaper brand at Wal-Mart.  I didn't even venture into the meat or dairy section bc I am just weird about where I buy those things.  I mainly went to check out the produce bc I hear that is where you can find great deals.  Honestly, I don't know if I just hit it on a bad day but it was slim pickins.  I got bags of baby carrots, cucumbers, and a pineapple all cheaper than other places but other than that there wasn't a whole lot that looked good.


My verdict is that Aldi had some good deals but overall I think I spent what I saved on gas to get there.  If it were right around the corner from me I may shop there more often but to drive almost 25 minutes for a hit-or-miss kind of thing I think I'll pass.


Now, for this week's shopping trip:  I shopped at Harris Teeter this week and spent $38.29.  Here is what I got:
can of mixed nuts, M&Ms, craisins - for a DIY trail mix
spaghetti sauce
peanut butter
2 cans kidney beans
olive oil
thin cut steaks
goat cheese
celery
frozen ravioli
yogurt (3 six packs **saved $1.00 on each with coupons I picked up at our pediatricians office)
heavy cream
milk
turkey dogs


Here is what I am making for dinner this week:
grilled chicken with *black bean, corn, and feta salad
Spinach, tomato tortellini (one of our vegetarian meals this week)
crock pot steak sandwiches (a very simple made up recipe) 
toasted goat cheese salad (another easy one I made up)
Olive Garden pasta de fagioli (substitue V8 for spaghetti sauce)


I want to remind you all that the biggest way I am saving is by being more aware of what I already have in my pantry.  There are so many times that I go to the store because "we have nothing to eat" when really our pantry is full.  Now I start my grocery list by seeing what we have and figuring out what we can make from it.  *Perfect example of this is the grilled chicken we will be having this week.  I hosted a wedding shower this weekend and made this dip (yummy!).  I am using the left over as a topping for our chicken.  There are tons of websites on which you can plug in your ingredients and it spits out recipes.  The other key thing for me so far is only shopping once a week.  This is forcing us to eat what we have before buying more.  We have stopped having 5 boxes of open cereal, chips, and crackers.  And I do a much better job at not over-spending when I am just buying for 7 days.  What are some things you are doing to save money?  Anyone excelling at the $40 mission?

Spring Break 2011

Well this glorious Spring Break week is upon us!  I am kind of scared.  No I actually am going to just take it easy and pray that the weather is decent so the boys can spend lots of time outside.  With one really energetic 4 year old and a teething 16 month old we are going to need lots of wide open space!


I am going to take a break from blogging this week to hang out with my kids and get ready for a weekend of family and festivities...I have all of my husbands family coming to visit!  Before I go I wanted to tell you about some important things coming up:


*Don't forget to mark your calendars for the monarch event April 27th!  The owners just told me that they are going to offer 30% off that night!!  For my original post click here.  


*Check back in next week for the continuation of Feed My Family for $40/week.  (I tried out Aldi finally!)


*I also wanted to announce a really big event we have planned.  To help raise funds for the room make-over we are doing at Sarah's House we are hosting a Cornhole Tournament!!  It is going to be at The Village Tavern (you know their awesome patio!!) on April 30th at 3:00pm.  It is $20 to enter the tournament and there will be a cash prize for 1st place.  Please arrive by 2:30 to enter and hear the rules.  Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar.  Even if you don't play, please join us for a great day to help raise some funds for some very deserving young mothers!  And if you can't make it at all but would still like to contribute please contact me at, [email protected].


(If you would like to know more about the make-over click, here.)


Hope you all have a great week!  See you Monday!

Guest Blogger: I'm Done Mom'd Out

I wish I could say I know this guest blogger but I only do through her writing.  Does it count that we exchanged an email once?!  I laughed so hard reading her book, "Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay" that I emailed her to say so and to my disbelief she actually responded.  So we are pretty much friends, right?  Anyways I love this woman because she is hilarious, as sarcastic as they come, and completely nails it when it comes to motherhood.  She is a recovering alcoholic, hence the drinking reference at this end of this post, and manages to even keep that subject honest and open.  I could cut and paste from her blog all day long but I am pretty sure that would not be considered blogging on my part so I will just share some of my favorites from time to time.  This one just seemed fitting with Spring Break looming for most of us.  Yes, I said looming...lets not pretend its a week we all look forward to!

Via Stephanie Taylor-Wilder

Okay here comes the typical rant minus any actual ranting because I’m not angry, I’m just tired -so very tired. My little ones were on a break from school -because apparently the curriculum at preschool which consists of story time, outside play, the letter Q and tracing the outline of their hand gets tough to maintain. The first week of the break (because they need two weeks -imagine if they focused on the letter Q and the letter S -they’d need a month off) there was an optional camp. Camp is where you pay a week’s tuition over and above the tuition you already pay to keep your kids out of your house for half the break. I probably don’t have to tell you that I took them up on their generous offer. But then last week no such camp was available so it was just me and the twins and my older daughter had half days all week.
Here’s a challenge: get two three-year-old’s up and dressed and strapped into a minivan to take a six-year-old to school by 8:15 every day for a week. Good luck. If you can do it five straight days without being tardy even one, you are a better parent than I. While I’m on the subject of tardy, it’s incredibly anxiety provoking to know that when you bring your child to school late, you are forced to go to the office and get a “late pass.” It feels no different than junior high school! I swear to God I wouldn’t be surprised if I suddenly developed a raging case of pizza face, sweat circles under my arms and a crush on a popular dad from the damn stress of it all. When I was in high school I was late almost every day. Mostly when I was late it was on purpose because I was hanging out with my friends at McDonald’s trying to avoid homeroom and first period and also because I was defiant, disliked authority (still do) and basically didn’t give a shit. But now I’m a mom and I do care! My heart starts beating like a hummingbird as soon as I start the car and see the clock says 8:05 and I realize with a sick feeling that getting to school on time is a long shot that will require a potent combination of no traffic and not hitting red lights.
Back to my original post subject (which I’ll be the first to admit is boring). I often feel like I’m a hot mess who is not holding it together in any area of my life. I physically look a mess in the a.m., my house is a wreck, my children rarely wear socks, I cook dinner only a couple nights a week and baths are the exception and not the rule (that includes me). I don’t know how other people do it. I really don’t. Maybe if I read more parenting magazines or watched more mommy makeover tv or, I don’t know, read websites devoted to telling me how to make healthy meals on the go or manage my time more efficiently or whatever. Unfortunately, I just can’t get myself interested in self improvement.
I struggled through that week almost losing my mind many times but yesterday they were back in school. And yesterday started my older daughter’s two week spring break. And…I no longer drink. 

Momsie: STYLE: Bus Driver MOVE THAT BUS...

I am BEYOND excited to tell you about my latest project.  This one combines all the things I love: friends, interior design, do-gooding, and fun!  I have always dreamed of doing an an extreme make-over and the lovely ladies at Florence Crittenton Services are giving me the opportunity.  The women and children that live at FCS depend greatly on donations and meeting their basic needs is always of utmost importance but this time I just want to give them some fresh, new decor.  Every time I have visited the residents of Sarah's House I have noticed how drab their living room is.  The furniture is a hodge-podge of donated items and the carpet and walls are very industrial looking.  I can't help but feel that the room is depressing.  I know that these girls are just thankful to have a roof over their heads but I feel their roof could use a little face-lift.


A group of awesome girls are helping me pull this project off and we all are pouring our hearts into it.   We will be collecting wish-lists from the moms living there and we are going to do our best to exceed their expectations.  Obviously a big piece of this project will be to raise some funds.  We are in the midst of planning a really fun fundraiser so expect more on that later.  We also are going to be hitting up any and all contacts we have that may be of service to us.  And for anyone reading that wants to get involved here is a tentative list of things we will need:

• couch
• loveseat or 2 matching chairs
• 5x7 rug
• coffee table or storage ottoman
• window treatments
• media storage/entertainment center
• picture frames
• storage baskets
• lamps
• 4 matching kitchen chairs
• small children's table

We really want to give this room a home-y feel and decorate it how you would your own home, i.e. matching!  We have some items picked out so if you would like to donate funds towards one of those things please contact me at [email protected].


Also, if you have a service, product, donation of any kind that you feel may benefit this project please get in touch.  That includes man-hours you are willing to offer!  If you need some motivation here is a picture of the room before...

beat up couches, granny chair 

sad little kitchen 

entertainment center with missing doors 

picture wall is a little lacking

basic and boring 

can you say TEAL

Sad, to say the least.  Just think how happy a new bath mat from Target makes you!  Can you imagine their faces when they see a new and improved living room/kitchen?!  These young mothers are making every effort to improve their lives so that their babies may know a life of stability, love, and good health....things that most of them were not fortunate enough to have.  It is our hope that this room make over will remind them that people are proud of them and will help create a space that really feels like their home!

Momsie Night Out: Monarch

*UPDATE: 30% off during the event!!
Ladies it is time for another night out!  This time I have partnered up with Monarch for a great night away from the kids.  Monarch is a great consignment store on East Blvd. that carries only top designers.  They have jeans, dresses, shoes, and jewelry and everything is high-end at a fraction of the cost.  The store is designed with women in mind with comfy chairs, girly decor, and two owners that will quickly become your new best friends.  Stephanie and Cindy are opening their doors on April 27th from 6-8pm and they have invited another great addition to the night.  Jeffre Scott of Jeffre Scott Apothecary will be in the store doing mini "lip-overs".  That includes a great cleanse and the opportunity to try out some of spring's hottest shades.  Next door at Revovle (men's high-end consignment), Jeffre will be doing a cologne bar at which you can smell some of his new men's fragrances.  Definitely a great time to find some things for Father's Day!  


Get your babysitter lined up, grab your girlfriends, and head to Monarch for great shopping, champagne, snacks, and pampering!  For more information, including directions head over to Monarch's website.


Also for more information on Revolve click here.

Little Miracle at Latta Park

One thing that kids have brought to my life is the awareness of the little things in life.  Part of the fun of having kids (some days the only fun) is seeing the world through their eyes and being reminded of all the things that get lost in the shuffle as you become an adult.  Just having a child is such a miracle and although thousands of kids are born every day being able to get pregnant, carry to term, and produce a healthy baby are all miraculous events.  I think we all realize that once we see that perfect little bundle in the delivery room but some parents appreciate the hugeness of that moment more than others because their road to get there was not easy.  


Luckily for me I have never had real issues while pregnant.  Although I struggled with getting pregnant for a time, I was fortunate enough to never have to deal with problems during my pregnancies.  My sister on the other hand had one of the most scary pregnancies I can imagine.  I lived the moments with her and yet still will never really know the stress, fear, uncertainty, and helplessness she felt.  I shed tears over the fragile baby boy inside her so I can only imagine the sleepless nights she faced.  In a nutshell, every appointment she had from about 14 weeks on was a nightmare filled with scary terms, uncertain predictions, and lots of unknowns.  Through a series of events she delivered via emergency c-section 7 weeks early.  She spent the morning at Target and during a routine, well as routine as it got for her, appointment she was told that the baby's heart rate was dropping and that he had to be delivered immediately.  Add to this scary situation the fact that my sister and brother-in-law were living across the country from all friends and family.  I was actually talking to my sister on the phone when the nurses rushed in and said the baby had to come right then!  When the line went dead I was a nervous wreck.  A couple hours later I was talking to my groggy sister getting the details of the little man that just graced the world.  All 3.5 pounds of him.  


What began as a precarious pregnancy turned into a touch-n-go NICU stay.  Everyday included new doctors, nurses, and scary big words.  Every night included my sister and brother-in-law going home without a baby.  Finally one day last June they nervously loaded up their baby and headed home to his little nursery.  Slowly, cautiously they began to accept the fact that he was really home, really healthy, and really theirs.  Everyday they fell more and more into the same routine of all new parents but always in the back of their minds their was a lot of gratitude.  Each milestone is a reminder that he was never supposed to make it and yet here he is.  This little man is a reminder to my whole family that life is so fragile and a new baby is something to marvel at.  Also a reminder that sometimes your worries will not come true and even doctors can't predict the future.  


This past Saturday we had an early first birthday for Nash.  My sister wanted to be able to celebrate while she was in town and we all wanted to be able to sing the birthday song to him and watch him smash cake.  I think everyone got a little choked up watching him watch us sing.  He looked around like, "for me??"  And we all looked at him thinking "So glad this is for you!"  Some babies work a little harder to get here but all of them are small miracles and thats not something that should ever be too far from our minds.

Happy Birthday Nash!  And many more...

Mommy and her little miracle!

Posh With a Purpose Event Reminder!

Bella Tunno Event: Posh with a Purpose

Let’s get FANCY for Philanthropy!

When else can you shop selfishly to give selflessly?

Join Bella Tunno for a night of fun, all for philanthropy. 100% of EVERY dollar spent will go directly to the Charlotte Rescue Mission Dove’s Nest Program (www.charlotterescuemission.org/category/programs/dovesnest/ ), a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for women. This revolutionary program keeps families together by providing on site housing for children of the clients as well as the women.

Bella Tunno has pre-funded all items, so 100% of your purchase will go directly to the Dove’s Nest. It’s like writing a $100 charitable check, but you walk out with a beach bag and bobbles that could turn celebrity heads, while the ENTIRE $100 is donated to the Dove’s Nest.

We’ve got all the neccessories you need for spring and summer – beach totes, boutique jewelry, clutches, sun hats, cover-ups and custom lines. It’s fashion for compassion.

Posh products available from the following best of class brands:

                               

                   

    

WHEN: April 13 from 6:00-9:00 PM

WHERE: The Mint Museum 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207

TICKETS: $10 in advance or $15 the door. [ORDER TICKETS HERE]

IMPORTANT TICKET NOTE: Electronic ticket confirmation should be printed for entry into event on April 13, 2011. Tickets are electronic , no physical ticket will be mailed / produced. One raffle entry will automatically be generated for EACH ticket purchased. Attendance at event is not required to win raffle items.

Raffle Ticket includes appetizers and entry into both the EVENT and raffle for great prizes, such as spa services, shopping gift cards, date night packages and more! Ticket holder does NOT need to be present to win.

Raffle Items include:

• $250 Visa Gift Card donated by HR Construction Residential Division
• Girls Night Out - hair and make-up for 4 girls at Escape Hair and Skin Studio
• Case of wine
• Simplicity, the premier professional organizing company in Charlotte is donating 4 hours with two professional organizers (Valued at $440.00)
• Stella and Dot Medina Bib Necklace $89.00 retail value www.stelladot.com/carlygardner
• Silpada Jewelry
• Mani/Pedi gift certificate from Modern Salon & Spa
• Gift Basket from Paul Beaune New York Salon
• Gift Basket from Dean & Deluca - Philips Place
• $100 gift certificate to Maggiano's Little Italy in Southpark Mall
• $100 gift card from The Portrait Gallery in Matthews, NC
• Consultation and $150 treatment (such as a facial or chemical peel) with Carla Smith of Graper Cosmetic Surgery
•  One hour of design time from Christine Brunnemer with SpaceLift Decorating
• Gift Basket full of notebooks, stationery and office supplies from Carolina Pad
• Gift Basket from Johnson & Wales University

Cash Bar Live Music Great Raffle Prizes Questions? Call 704.972.8866 or email [email protected]

Bella Tunno is committed to donating a portion of EVERY sale to the Matt Tunno MAKE A DIFFERENCE FUND. The main focus of Bella Tunno's charitable efforts is drug and alcohol-related education, prevention and rehabilitation programs. 100% of purchased items from this event will support The Charlotte Rescue Misison Dove's Nest New Facility dedicated to helping women eliminate drugs and alcohol from their lifestyle and teaching their children what it is like to live with a mother that is clean and sober.