I once read books. In fact I once did a lot of things - go on art crawls, visit museums, and go see foreign films at the Manor Theater. Now, I'm stuck with Yo Gabba Gabba and playing with play-dough. I've learned some very important things like "Don't bite your friends" and that edible play-dough is not necessarily something that your dog should eat. But, when the melodic bits from your ...
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If the shoe doesn’t fit, put it in your garden?
I read an article in a magazine the other day about new uses for old things. One of the ideas involved turning old crocs into planters. I now have a new rule. I'm not going to wear shoes that can be used as a pot for vegetables or flowers. I know this may be an unpopular statement. I understand that crocs are quite popular.However, I would like to underscore a very important distinction. ...
Hurricane Graham
Pre-Graham, I promised myself that if I ever had a child, I would never leave a restaurant looking like a mini-tornado blew through. Then I actually had a child, and I learned that it's easier said than done. As a parent, I'm now aware that in order to enjoy my dining experience, I'm willing to do just about anything to keep my toddler entertained. This includes and is not limited to: finger ...
The Baby Registry…
One of the most daunting things I ever did was walk into Babies 'R Us for the first time. Talk about intimidation. I was about five months pregnant, and had NO idea that huge big box stores devoted entirely to babies existed. Now, two years into this whole mom-thing Babies 'R Us and other such stores have become a staple in my shopping routine. I wish, however, that as a mom-to-be I had ...
So when are YOU having another?
As it turns out, you can't have a child nearing the ripe old age of two, without everyone expecting you to pop out another baby. I'm not sure who made up this rule, but Lord knows it's there. As we speed towards this monumental mile-marker, it seems that there isn't a conversation that doesn't end up with... "Well, so when are you going to have another?"So, well, - FOR THE RECORD! - I'm not ...
How to be Penny Smart
I clip coupons. I'm not obsessed with it, like some people I know... I'm not sure when Harris Teeter is going to have the next Super Double Coupon Day, or how to use your coupons to get a bazillion free Dawn liquid soaps. I do however, make sure that I find coupons for items I purchase regularly, I organize them in a file system, then pull them out when I'm prepping my grocery list. It doesn't ...
Tourist for a day…
Yesterday we were tourists. My husband had a nice line-up of surprise activities planned for our five-year anniversary in uptown, and little guy was happily at Grandma's . Unfortunately, in true man-fashion, the plans were not as thoroughly researched as one may have hoped, leaving us child-free in the city with an open schedule. What could have turned out to be a day of hapless wandering turned ...
A shout-out to Panera Bread
If you haven't been to Panera Bread in awhile, it's time to go back. I plan to go often, all because of one new and wildly-innovative menu. It's not a particular soup, salad, or sandwich that I'm excited about.... it's calories. Panera Bread now has calorie information posted on the menu boards right where you order. I've heard talk for years about restaurants being required to post ...
Best Products for New Moms!
What's in your mom arsenal? Here are some of our favorite and best products for new moms! Yes, I did buy a $15 re-usable diaper disposal bag. Yep, it was a plastic lined cloth bag designed to toss rogue dirty diapers in and keep stinkiness confined. You then get the pleasure of washing it out between uses. Did I stop to evaluate when I might use this? Not really. Did I ever use it? Once. After a ...
Happy moms spend money…
I appreciate IKEA. I appreciate that they make it easy for moms (and dads) to shop. I appreciate that they have a bevy of affordable products. I appreciate that when I need to re-fuel after walking a mile through the store I can stop for a soft serve ice cream cone for one dollar.Here's what else my mom-self loves about IKEA and wishes all Charlotte-area retail offered:- A separate family ...
How to be a Mommy and a Foodie
When I was in college I was the girl everyone called to find out where the best frat parties were that night. Post-college my phone lit up on the weekends when friends wanted to find the hot spots for food, drink and music. Was I afraid this would change after baby? Yes. Did it? Indeed. Now, I'm the source for the best storytimes and restaurants with the best baby-friendly restrooms. It's ...
Afternoon Delight
Ok, get your mind out of the gutter. This afternoon delight comes in the form of a refreshing non-alcoholic frozen drink. I know you're thinking, "What? A drink recipe from Katie with no alcohol?" I hate to disappoint, but sometimes you just gotta step away the mommy juice. When it's time for me to rehydrate, this is my beverage of choice. The recipe is from Cooking Light.Cucumber, Apple, and ...
More opportunities to save…
I don't know a mom who doesn't work to save money for their families. I also don't know a mom that doesn't enjoy eating out, getting manicures, having her hair done, and travel. This is where Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com come in. Both websites offer awesome Charlotte deals. Subscribe to the mailing list, and you are sent a daily email with an offer for the day. Spend "X" amount of dollars ...
Flex It
If you've known me for awhile, you know that last year when my husband had a bad Big Mac and decided to become a vegetarian, I was not a happy camper. It's not that I don't appreciate vegetables. In fact, in various life phases, I have also dabbled in the world of meat-free eating. My issue was that I appreciate all of the food groups and can't envision a happy world without Mac's Speedshop ...
Kids Eat Free
I'm going to let you in on my favorite new lunch spot. Kids eat free, it's healthy, and there's even a balloon at the end. Yes, it's Harris Teeter.Here's how you do it: Start in produce. You can usually find samples of strawberries, oranges, or some other fruit. Take your time. This is where I usually get in two days worth of produce into my toddler. Move to the cheese counter after you ...
No more creepin’
When I got pregnant, I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life, and I didn't do anything about it after having the baby either. For a year. Then I saw the numbers on the scale climb and decided to make a commitment to exercise. Now, I'm hooked.Like cooking, though, having a good workout is very dependent on having the right gear. Now that it's warm, I plan to live in my Nike track shorts. ...