I don’t know if it seems like there were more holiday events this year or everyone just stepped up their game, but here’s our four must-dos for the holidays this weekend. Yep, our game plan is to try to conquer holiday all in one weekend!

Making the Perfect Christmas Bow with tips from the pros at The Container Store

Are you one of those people who loves to play Farmville on their Facebook? Do you have Angry Birds on your Ipad? Is your idea of exercise pulling out the Wii Fit? Well, folks, that’s not me. Actually, while I am a competitive person and LOVE my techno toys, games (and especially a gaming system), don’t interest me. My husband enjoys them and has many on his phone and computer and my son has a Leapster he received as a gift, but admittedly we don’t have a Wii, a PS, a DS or any other one of those things. However, just like everything with being a parent, sometimes you find yourself reconsidering your thinking. This was especially the case for me after attending a special event at the W Hotel in Dallas called the Games for Girls Summit, which has me wondering now: Can games be a good thing?  

Hosted by an esteemed panel of women including Nicole Armstrong of Activision, Suzanne Kantra of Techilicious, and local hostess with the mostess, Holly Homer of She is Dallas/June Cleaver Nirvana, the Games for Girls Summit was held at the W Hotel in Dallas on November 15. The two-hour event included moms and their kiddos listening to information about games while experiencing the newest kid-centric games on the market. I really enjoyed being able to see the games in action by kids of all ages and since we are a group of moms talking about mom stuff – it was nice to have my kids experience it with me.

Although the environment was amazing, it was the facts from a few recent studies by BYU, NCBI and NPD I heard that really made me think.

Check these out:

·         42% of kids less than 8 years old have a TV in their room.

My kiddo has always had a TV in his room.

·         Today, 91 percent of kids (approximately 64 million) ages 2-17 are gaming in the U.S.

My kiddo has a Leapster and has eight game apps on my Iphone.

·         11% of 0-8 years olds have used a smartphone.

He can operate my phone better than I do.

·         People who play video games are more creative. Gamers process info faster and by playing a game together, create a social bond sooner with others.

Well, I have to wonder about this one since “creative” is a relative term, but it can’t hurt to add a little creativity to his learning, not to mention the ability to process info quickly. And while social interaction skills are so important at this age, I had always thought that games would make it that much harder, but it seems the opposite is true.

·         Gamers spend 80% of their time failing.

This was the one that really seemed to make me reconsider that by playing games like a Wii can really make my kid build perseverance: the age-old lesson, “When you fail, try, try again.”

Those stats game me really reeling. Then they brought out the goodies – all the newest and coolest games imaginable including Moshi Monsters: Moshling Zoo, Lalaloopsy, Zoobles, ZhuZhu Babies, Squinkies 2: Adventure Mall Surprize and one of the coolest games I have ever seen - Wappy Dog. The Wappy Dog interacts with the Nintendo DS and vice versa. I have to admit this toy was so cute and I’m really thinking about getting one for my three-year old.

All in all, I thought the summit was eye-opening and a real life-changing experience, honestly.  So the next day when I went to Best Buy, I sauntered over to the game section to look at what was out there. I will admit it was a little overwhelming, but at least I made my first step into gaming…and in perfect timing for the holidays (at least for my kids!)

Got any suggestions for a non-gaming mom? What’s your favorite system for the kiddos?

Come visit me at: http://www.autumnreo.com for more!

Now that I have two children, Holiday preparation consists of a lot more than just putting up my decorations. It's actually more fun now as I figure out the attire for our family photo for the family Christmas photo. From the sweaters to socks, in a way I never thought I would be, I enjoy trying to put together that one moment when it is ok to make everyone look like "Leave it to Beaver."

The Game Plan: Experience the arts with Shrek: The Musical at Bass Hall

A major part of my parenting strategy is to introduce my kids to the things I like so we can share them together. Of course, this is sometimes a challenge when it’s a fine dining establishment or in this case, an upscale musical performance at Bass Hall in Fort Worth. However, since the show was Shrek: The Musical, I expected that my 3-year-old could enjoy one of his favorite movies as a live feature and my 2-month old (with a full tummy) could snooze while we watched. So we prepared ourselves for the evening’s adventure by following play protocol in nice attire and arrived in enough time to get a good lay of the land (the location of our seats to the bathroom) just before the curtain pull for opening night.

Highlights:  The show begins by introducing the characters and the plotline in a basic way a child could understand and follow. Shrek and Fiona started things off quickly so his interest was piqued early on in the show. The very short Lord Farquaad was a complete riot as he did his entire performance and dance on his knees and kept the crowd clapping as he showed his moves. For us the full-scale dragon, made possible by several puppeteers was the ultimate crowd-pleaser as her eyes glowed and she danced. The puppeteers excellent handiwork, along with all the backdrops, lighting and fog used to create her lair really brought the dragon to life. And of course, just like in the movie, Donkey, Shrek’s trusty and hilarious companion, was a mainstay of the musical and kept the adults entertained with quick quips throughout.

Prepare the team: This is a live performance and was a bit loud sometimes which made things a little uncomfortable for my 3-year old, so perhaps picking aisle seats at the back of hall would make it easier for quick exits like bathroom breaks. Also, because it starts at 7:30 PM and goes until past nine, bathroom breaks are unenviable, but screens outside of the hall allow you to stay tuned to the musical if you need to break before intermission. As always in a public setting, a visit to the bathroom, whether your child warrants it or not at the time is a necessity. And because the musical is much longer than a Dora the Explorer episode, make sure to adjust dinner and sleep time accordingly. (Getting out the Goldfish and bringing their pillow is not permissible, although I saw a few small blankets and that seemed to make the late night easier for the littlest patrons.)

Overall Game: Use the evening as a learning tool and quietly ensure the child understands what is happening throughout the play. Quietly whispering to him about each scene and giving cues when things were funny, he seemed to enjoy it more as we shared it together. However, make sure to explain performance etiquette and that being loud and getting up and down is frowned upon since it interrupts the show and the people around you.  You will also need to bring a little extra money to buy the Shrek ears all the kids were wearing so you can take home a little token of your evening of arts and enrichment. Besides they were really cute and so was Shrek: The Musical that you can check out only at Bass Hall until this Sunday, Nov. 13. The hall is also decorated for the holidays so it's a great place to get a few good photos next to the tree and purchase a few decorations to take home. What a great way to start the holidays and prepare your kids for the upcoming holiday shows like The Nutcracker and the Gaylord Texan’s ICE - Shrek the Halls, which starts Nov. 11 through Jan. 1.

HERE'S A GREAT REMINDER ON HOW TO HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

Tips Courtesy of Smart911

Trick-or-treating with your youngsters
1)      If you’re headed out with a large group make sure there is a buddy system place. A big crowd is fun, but it’s easy for a child to get left behind or mixed in with other groups.
2)      Select a meeting place your child knows, such as your home or a neighbor’s home. Tell your child if you get separated to head right to that meeting place. 
3)      Scout out neighborhoods in your town in advance and find out which ones are well lit and have sidewalks.
4)      Call your local police station in advance to let them know which neighborhoods will be most heavily trafficked with trick-or-treaters; this will get some extra attention on speeding drivers and help increase safety.
5)      Take a digital photo or your kids before you trick-or-treat. While it’s great for the scrapbook, it’s also important to have a recent and detailed description in the event of an emergency. A photo could be critical to helping any emergency efforts. And if you’ve set up a Smart911 Safety Profile, upload a recent photo of your child there as well. 
 
Trick-or-treating safety tips for your teen
1)      If your child doesn’t have their own cell phone, lend them your phone or your spouse’s phone for the night or pick-up a pre-paid cell. Make sure all the important numbers your child would need are easily found (9-1-1, parents and perhaps a neighbor).
2)      If your kids are heading out with friends, make sure you know who they are trick or treating with. Exchange phone numbers with your child’s friends and their parents. In the event of an emergency they will be the first people you probably call. 
3)      If your kids aren’t trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, scope out the neighborhood where they’re headed. Make sure the area looks safe and discuss what streets they plan to target.
4)      Create a timeline, discuss what time your kid plans to head out, where they plan to go and what time they will return home. 
5)      Make sure you know what your child will be dressed as. If they are dressing at friend’s house or pulling together a last minute costume, it’s important to be able to provide a detail description in the event of an emergency.
6)      Set ground rules- number one, make sure your child never enters a person’s house. If they can’t bring the candy out to the door step, walk away.

Don't forget your free food: While you're out - remember, when your kids wear a costume, they eat for free tonight at Dickey's!

About Smart 911

Smart911 is a free service that was recently made available to citizens and families in Cedar Hill, DoSoto and Duncanville. Smart911 is saving lives by providing critical information to 9-1-1 call takers the second a call is made via Safety Profiles that citizens can easily create (even through Facebook) for their entire households. Profiles can include information like any health conditions, allergies, up-to-date photos of family members (which is vital in the case of an Amber Alert), descriptive address, pets, etc., which pop up immediately so the call taker has this life-saving information before the caller even says a word.

Especially on Halloween, having an updated Smart911 Safety Profile for your entire family will ensure that in the event of an emergency, critical data is at the ready for first responders.

This week all things are pointed at Halloween and ours points to Thomas the Tank Engine!

I just figured out 10 days in that it’s already October. I’ve been a little busy so the fall décor in the house consists of two pumpkins (there’s nothing done to them), changing out the summer Scentsy smells for cinnamon and pumpkin and a poorly baked pumpkin bread recipe I got from Pinterest (I’m sure it’s actually good, but maybe had something to do with it.) Strangely enough, as I put up my one other decoration for Halloween, I’ve decided to skip my normal favorite time of house decorating, so I can enjoy it and mentally decorating for Christmas.

Maybe this is because I decided since I was in the closet getting out the Halloween stuff that I went ahead and opened up the Christmas boxes. Maybe it’s because I’m excited to put my kiddos in matching attire for the family photo (yep, the stores have already enticed me to take up on those early sales and get their outfits!) Maybe it’s because if I started this month, I’d actually get it all up by December. Either way, I’ve done a warp through the holidays over this weekend – including my birthday plans and a few others that come somewhere in between the two. For this purpose, I feel like I need to share a few things that have become my top three best new friends/tools for this holiday season.

1.      Loved the Amazon Wish List Toolbar.

Hopefully you already know about this one, but it is one of my favorites (literally, you can find it on my Internet browser in my “favorites” folder.) Anyhow, this is the only way I think everyone should do their shopping.  Basically once you download the “Universal Button” you can save anything you find online to your personal wish list. That list is shareable to others so they can see what you want and where to get it and vice-versa (my husband and I share ours and I also make one for the kids for the grandparents.) It’s a great way to share with your spouse your wants without taking the spoil out of buying it for yourself, putting it under the tree and then putting his name on it. It’s a must.

2.      Hooked on the beloved Pinterest.

Once you’ve been on it for five seconds, you will undertand why I think I love this site/app better than Facebook. All I can tell you is if you haven’t been on it, I don’t know if you should – first, because it’s a huge drain on time because it somehow feesl like you are doing something useful when you aren’t and two – because sometimes the site is so overloaded that you can’t get on (“No pins available” is the phrase you will see in high traffic times.) Now from my description you are really confused I’m sure, but in a nutshell, this site is the momma of all good ideas. Back in the day you may have kept a folder or your email a photo or link when you found something you like (a recipe, an outfit or a DIY idea), but never to go back again. With Pinterest, you get the best ideas in one organized place and with the flick of your finger, you can save them and share them. And then the fun begins. Trust me, you will love it, just make sure to keep a timer around to remind you that you can't spend the whole day pinning – we’ll at least you shouldn’t. Come follow me at arredmon!

3.      Spent way too much money at T-Hee Greetings. 

        I’m an online shopper. I rarely get out to shop not because I don’t like to, but it’s quicker and easier to do when you have little ones. However, it’s good to check out things in person and when you don’t know what to get someone, then it’s really hard to Google “What to get my my son’s pre-school teacher for the holidays.” So the other day I was invited by a friend to check out the store for a quick moment out of the house, I took her up on it. When I got to the store (there’s actually two in Dallas), I went crazy. The store had so many cute things), there was tons of beautiful stationery (including Vera Wang!) and best of all, most anything could be monogrammed! So of course, I got tons of ideas for gifts from everyone from my girlfriend, my co-workers and I even bought something for my husband. I also got my eyes on these adorable personalized loafers for my daughter which I’m sure will be “her” present for Christmas! Like I said, it’s nice to press “enter” to have things shipped to the house, but wait they do that too. Check out a few of my favorites! In the words of Rachel Zoe: AHHH-MAZING.

·       Personalized IPhone Cover

·       Personalized Pendant

·       Personalized Burpee (see photo)! ·       Personalized Loafers (see photo)!

Running a family of four can be just like a game with mom playing umpire, pitcher, catcher and sometimes the bench!

As my little girl celebrates her 1 month birthday, the newness is starting to wear off of being a mom now of 2. We're supposed to be working our way into a "normal" schedule, although somehow she has me feeling like a new mom all over again like I was with my son. It's a repeat of three years ago: again I feel like there's never going to be a way to clean the house, get dinner prepared, get everyone to their appointments and oh yeah, get any amount of work completed! And since I really hadn't got a social life back from my first child, I guess that's the only thing that is going to stay the same. However, somehow, I was able to edge a little time to get something written - but what? To be honest, I've thought about tons of things I wanted to share...but they've never gotten to the computer. And when I am in front of the screen, my brain is mush and is full of only the basics right now: every two hours there's a little person who needs to eat and will expect to have her diaper changed as soon as she wakes up from her multiple naps a day.

As a woman about to give birth (literally, I’m sitting in the hospital bed now), I’m reminded of all the things that people have said to me over the last few days…Things I must tell you shouldn’t really be said to anyone, but someone either people don’t know what to say to pregnant women or don’t know that just because your brain thinks it – doesn’t mean you should let the words come out your mouth.

So in honor of those pregnant women like me and as a helpful reminder for those of you whom you might encounter, here are 10 Things You Shouldn’t Say to a Pregnant Woman (especially when she is about to give birth).  (*Thanks to those friends who have helped put this list together!)

1.       You look like you are about to pop.

2.       You’re still pregnant?

3.       Are you ready to have this baby?

4.       Have you gotten everything done?

5.       Are you having twins?

6.       You ready for all this brings?

7.       Are your feet normally that BIG?

8.       How are you feeling?

9.       It’s not gonna hurt/it’s not gonna be that bad…

10.   "Oh quit yer complaining. What's the big deal? Women have been doing it for thousands of years. Now get finished mowing the yard and bring me a beer!"

I had meant to give explanations to these, but then two things happened: one, I don’t think these need much rationale – just don’t say them. Two, the nurses told me it was time to get off my computer and push.

* Autumn Reo is taking off-season a little longer this year, but tune in for a few weeks once she gets her new team member ready for playing.

Needless to say, there is a HUGE difference in how a mom handles it as a new recruit (from advice and books) and now as a veteran mother. So I'm presenting a new list called “The Ultimate List of Things to at Nine Months Pregnant.”

Recent New Kids on the Block concert brings out the kid in me - especially right before I give birth to mine.

Recently I had the sincere pleasure to put my cake decorating skills to work in the name of charity. Kroger launched its annual “Bringing Hope to the Table” campaign and to start things off they invited some names you might know to have us put a little fun on this great effort for the fifth annual “Bringing Hope to the Table” Cake-Off.

Fast, Frugal & Fun: Quick day trips for the familiy that won't break the bank

A few months ago, we find out we were having a baby. I was very excited and began to consider all the names and nursery designs that I'd like to do.

The best part of the show was definitely the over-the-top number of "Be Our Guest."

Be green and get some black (coffee that is) on April 22 from Starbucks.

After years of attending, promoting and planning thousands of events(mostly in DFW), Mama realized she hadn't experienced everything Dallas. So using recommendations, several lists, and whatever else as a starting point, Mama has stepped up to the challenge to see what makes Dallas - well, simply stated, Dallas. So saddle up and read how "Mama Does Dallas."

Free food

My little boy is the biggest fan of Thomas the Train (technically it's Thomas the Tank Engine I've learned, but I digress), so when one of mama's projects was to promote the upcoming Dallas Kids Expo on Saturday with Thomas - I suddenly became the coolest mom ever (well for at least a week.)

free food

In addition to all the other roles that a mom “gets” to serve as (chef, teacher, housekeeper, chauffeur…) – while home decorator and gardener often gets to be one of them. However, research often only happens when thumbing through magazines at the doctor’s office or catching a few minutes of the DIY Channel while folding laundry. Fortunately, creating your dream home and garden gets one step closer with a specialty event brings “Mommy, Me and H&G” for one afternoon!

Moms and the kiddos are invited to spend a few hours as special guests of the 32nd Annual Spring Dallas Home & Garden Show, Friday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dallas Market Hall. What a perfect mommy date to catch up with friends or a field trip with the playgroup while knocking off some of your spring to-do’s including saving money, relaxing, entertaining the kids, gardening tips and a swag bag!

The Mommy & Me event includes the following:

• FREE admission ($10 value) and free parking
• a swag bag, with one (maybe two) lucky mom(s)  discovering a $50 Tom Thumb gift card in the bag
• relax in the Mommy  lounge
• enjoy Radio Disney ‘s “Mommy and Stroller Rockin’ Road Show”
• qualify for hourly door prizes including a hand-made quilt and limited edition signed art-piece with a NEW patented wireless sound system or a unique wine rack.  
• learn at DYI how-to seminars by Master Faux Finisher Michael Graves and Home Depot Experts
• discover professional interior decorating hints from Barbara Gilbert, CPD, Barbara Gilbert Interiors
• meet NARI’s Smart Solutions for Your Home experts
• stroll the many gardens and buy plants to take home
• shop exhibitors, many with special show prices
• gain tips for getting “Groceries Dirt Cheap” from Ruth Garrett groceriesdirtcheap.com
• receive a two-for-one ticket to return with a family member during the remainder of the show.   

So what's your excuse for spending time with your friends and kiddos, while getting ideas for your home and garden and doing it for free?

free food

Free food for you

Free food for you.

free food

Free food just for you!

After all the delicious sweets and family favorites of the holidays, January brings the reality that you need to take a look at the scales and your weekly menus to make healthier choices for you and your family.  However it’s not always fun to have to make the menu, cut the coupons, cook the meal, and then wait for the feedback from your children who ask if they really have to eat “that?” That’s why planning, preparing and eating as a family may be the real answer to making healthy changes that will actually stick.  Easier said than done, right?

Last week I had the chance with one of my clients to attend a special recipe showcase presented by Fuel Up to Play 60.  The program which is presented by the NFL, Dairy Council and DairyMax to challenge kids to get motivated about eating nutritional food an exercising 60 minutes a day with games and activities to receive prizes to win a trip to Super Bowl XLV.  I can only wish that this program was in my school when I was growing up (which wasn’t that long agoJ).  NFL players like Bradie James and Daryl Johnson visit the school and talk about how their food and exercise changes are what make it possible and fun activities are integrated into their curriculum that make it cool to eat and be healthy. This is a far cry from the pizza pockets, Skittles and cokes that we chugged down in middle school.

The FUTP60 showcase was one of the prizes from the most recent challenges to create a recipe that was healthy to make and that kids would enjoy eating.  A local group of kids from Grapevine Middle School were selected as one of the winners for their kid-approved, kid-friendly recipe for “Gobble it Up” Lasagna and now were cooking and serving their recipe along with some other winning recipes with celebrity Chef Jon Ashton at their school for some special guests. The kids did a great job and the food was actually really tasty as well as had a precious presentation.  The lasagna, of course, was the spotlight and rightfully so since who can go wrong with lasagna, yet a yummy pumpkin granola parfait almost reminded me of the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie – without the crust or the calories.  During the presentation, the kids, along with Chef Ashton, gave us some helpful tips for cooking healthy and kid-friendly.  However, the only thing the presentation didn’t include were tips to get the kids excited about clipping coupons or washing dishes.  Perhaps we need to work on that and it include a special curriculum for dads too!

So why not challenge your family to make and eat dinner tonight!  Try favorites like pizza with low-fat cheeses and veggies or a “Gobble it Up” Lasagna!  It may be a real touchdown!

To get the recipes from the Fuel Up to Play 60 Recipe Challenge: http://www.dairymax.org/recipes.aspx.

To get your kids or school involved with the Fuel Up to Play 60 Program: http://www.fueluptoplay60.com

Free Food around the metroplex

Every Christmas, my bulletin board gets full of beautiful Christmas cards I am sent of family, friends and business contacts. As a real stationery junkie, I love receiving them – and some of them that aren’t specifically holiday end up in photo frames for year-long viewing. However, a few years ago, time was not on my side and I resorted to using an electronic card only .

Arlington is not only the center of sports, but this weekend there's lots of things to do in the Big A for the HOLIDAYS!  Mayor Cluck's Holiday Party - Saturday at 2:30 p.m. - FREE Mayor Cluck's Holiday Party With Children will start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the George W. Hawkes Central Library.

It's my favorite time of year thanks to Whataburger. I know I have gotten lots of emails from friends making sure I had this one on my list for this special bonus (from the burnt orange eatery that started last year) so I wanted to make sure this was definitely on your radar.

To keep you exhilarated, motivated and caffeinated – Racetrac is giving you a reason to call it Black Friday – with black coffee! From RaceTrac’s website: http://www.racetrac.com : Dallas bargain-hunters who venture out on the biggest shopping day of the year can expect to find the best deal of the day—free coffee—at their local RaceTrac convenience stores.

If you haven't already received this information on your Facebook page, then consider me your new friend. Just in time to ask your friend to coffee before the holiday chaos, invite them Nov. 18-20 to your nearby Starbucks to get a free holiday coffee drinks when you buy one. There's only two specific rules - first is that it is only available 2-5 p.m.

Free tacos at Jack in the Box Taking a cue from Alice in Wonderland to celebrate a non-important day, Jack in the Box is bringing on the festivities when they give away 2 free tacos for any guest on Tuesday, Nov. 16 after 2 p.m. until midnight. So catch up with a friend and take her for lunch that day on the cheap!

Looks like Burger King is trying to keep us all going on Fridays with Seattle's Best Coffee. During breakfast hours you can get your cup at local participating Burger King locations.

First off, let me clarify three things – yes, it really was my birthday (Oct 29 to be exact.) Two, this has nothing to do with me blogging for Mom2Mom. Three, I love free things.   With all that being said, a few weeks ago, I had my first of many mailings to come from one of the many restaurant/store lists that I have joined over the years.

Just in time for Halloween (and my birthday), IHOP is giving away a free SCARY FACE PANCAKE (Oreos, whip cream, strawberries and candy corn) for kids 12 and under when you dine in at any participating IHOP. So load up the kiddos and considering breakfast for dinner on Friday night with this freebie!

By now I am sure part of your first email check of the day includes seeing “what’s offered in the Groupon?”I know I have had my house cleaned, my carpets shampooed, my back rubbed, my hair cut and highlighted and my nails painted all with a “groupon.” But what many people don’t know that you have more than one choice nowadays here in DFW.

What's better than Starbucks? Free Starbucks! From the Starbucks Facebook page: Come visit us at your local Starbucks, Wednesday through Saturday, to pick up any free tall drink with purchase of new Starbucks VIA® Flavored Coffee. This new instantly delicious flavored coffee comes in Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel and Cinnamon Spice.

I love me some Taco Cabana (at least for drive-thru tacos) and breakfast there is yummy. They have a new offering with Kiolbassa (that's sausage, people) and egg taco and they are giving them free on National Taco Day (I do wish it was their chicken taco, instead, but hey, it's free!) FREE FOOD, Taco Cabana - Oct. 4 (7 AM - 9 AM) Participating Taco Cabana locations and only one person.

It may not be food, but this is certainly an event that you need to mark on the calendar for this weekend. (It may be a little crowded, so make sure to take that into consideration.) Free: Day in the District - 8 destinations. 1 day. Free.

It has been awhile since a freebie has been bestowed upon us, but looks like Panda Express is giving us a taste of their newest menu item, Kobari Beef on Sept. 29.    (From restaurantnews.com) –

My husband and I recently discussed moving to another home - except the normal discussions like where we want to live, being close to work and family, etc. weren't the only things we had to take into consideration.

Review: Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! August 27, 2010 Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie What it’s about: Just like tuning into your favorite Nick Jr. favorites, Dora the Explorer , Wonder Pets!, The Backyardigans and Ni Hao, Kai-lan, the live show is organized into episodes with the beloved characters and their adventures of storytime favorites like Alice in Wonderland, Hansel and...

I think I share everyone's sentiment that this week has been a stressful one (to say the least). Between the heat and the honey-do list, the fantasy of sitting next to the pool with a large margarita has been the only thing that has kept me going (that and a large Starbucks iced VIA).

Normally I don’t care for what’s on TV or I am completely too busy to pay attention to it, but I have noticed this week, TV has been on the brain! TiVo is my second best-friend to my IPhone, but this week I have scheduled to tune in like normal people rather than to wait for a moment to get it all in one time.

One would think you really don't need to embellish on the concept of saving money, but I know some people are not fans of those frequency/reward shopping cards that are hanging from their keychains. So I decided to do a little re-schooling about those little cards and perhaps find a better name for them in the process.

I don't know many people that don't like pancakes...so this freebie is a no brainer - especially since you get a meal for free, not once, not twice, but three times for becoming a member of the Pancake Revolution. All you have to do to join the IHOP Pancake Revolution is to go the the IHOP site or sign up via the IHOP Facebook .

I have been on the hunt this summer for these cute little "denim jean" diapers made by Huggies for my 2 year old. We should be entering the next phase soon with potty training, but until then I am sparingly using the little denim jeans diapers for special occasions...just like my special hand towels... What am I saying?

Let me preface this discussion with the following:   I am not a cake decorator – not at all. I am obsessed with “Ace of Cakes” and love to see all the intricate details and creativity they put it into it. So when I was asked to be the Mom2Mom Representative present at the launch of Kroger’s fourth annual “Bringing Hope to the Table”

After a viewing of “Sex in the City 2,” a friend and I were talking about the “good ole days” and how we used to spot Chanel, Gucci and Prada from a mile away. Well for some reason between the couture and the couch, we had lost our finesse.  

There might not be a Hallmark card for it yet, but make sure you mark your calendar (or your handheld device) to celebrate "National Donut/Doughnut Day" on Friday, June 4. Yep, it may not be the healthiest, but it sure is tasty when you bite into that sweet deliciousness!

I am so excited that summer is right around the corner. There's so much to do (and not to do) so I have time to get out and experience all the fun things that DFW has to offer. One of those is the new SummerFest Wonderland at the Gaylord Texan. Now if you haven't ever been - I truly suggest you make a weekend out of it.

It's my favorite time of the year (well, except my namesake season of course), but it's Festival Time in North Texas! And my favorite one of all - Taste Addison. If you have never been to Taste Addison - it is a three-day weekend of food, fun and festivities for everyone.

(Isn't that the most attention getting book title ever?) In celebration of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share one of the best books I have read in a long time, If You Have to Cry Go Outside – and Other Things Your Mother Never Told You . The author of this book is my new hero/mentor Kelly Cutrone. If you don’t know the name, then I can describe her as a fresh of breath of air –

I am normally try to be on top of news - especially that which affects my kid and my pocketbook. I had received an email from my friend about the product recall of several infant meds , but didn't instantly go through my medicine cabinet. (My bad). I had meant to later in the week, but of course, time got in front of me.

Most of you know I do my best to scour DFW for free food and I found it AND a whole lot more at Pine Cove camp in Tyler this weekend. I know you might think this might be a little too far for you to go, but when you see all the free fun they are offering for families (just for the fun of it) you might want to rethink a short trip to T.

I get the privilege to work with some pretty amazing events that happen in Dallas/Fort Worth. This weekend, the Dallas Kids Expo is here and I am pretty excited not just to promote it, but to attend it too! As a mom, I am always researching as much as possible about things in DFW that my family can do, information that I need to learn about being a better parent and to also fit in...

Jack is being generous this week, so take 'em up on this offer before it's gone. Jack-in-the-Box: Buy one, get one free Grilled Sandwich is available until May 2, so you will want to make sure and print this one out (you can print duplicates) and plan your Friday night out with this coupon before it is gone.

I think I have written this blog out in my head a hundred times times in my life when I would host an event or activity and find that no one had ever RSVP’d and then several attended or worst case, everyone said they were coming and then no one showed up. However, it got me thinking about how basic manners have gotten thrown to the wayside over the years.

Jack in the Box is debuting a new version of the french fry. I don't know what's diffferent, but they want you to try them out for free. April 16th only you can get a small fry at your participating Jack in the Box. For more info visit: http://www.jackinthebox.com/

On this special time of year known as Tax Day, restaurants are making it a little less "TAXING" as you write out our check to Uncle Sam with some special offers - free ones! Starbucks - Free Coffee Come to Starbucks on April 15. Bring in a reusable mug and Starbucks will thank you with a free coffee. (The earth will thank you too.) Mr.

Corner Bakery is getting in on the free food with a cleaver campaign to get you in the store AND engage a friend with their new Connect at the Corner Over a FREE Cup of Coffee promotion, March 29 - April 26. Basically using their fun little FACEBOOK app, you invite a FB buddy to join you for a free coffee break.

I am so thankful that I have so many amazing friends – especially at my age. I talked to at least one of them daily to help me vent, help me understand something better and now, to compare our kid scenario of the day. Many of them have been with me for many years – well before jobs, bills and mortgages were part of my vocabulary.

Well if there is one thing I love almost as much as free food it is free spa services. That's why I was so excited to see an ad in D Magazine inviting me and my girlfriends to come to a DFW Chevy Dealer, test drive a new Malibu and get a free massage. Could it be that easy? I don't know, but I got until April 18 to check it out.

Everybody likes cookies (we have to hide them in our house), so this is a good offer if you happen to be in the neighborhood of Atlanta Bread Company in Arlington or Wichita Falls (those are the only two Texas locations.) Fan Atlanta Bread Comany and get an offer for a free cookie by following this link: http://apps.facebook.com/couponshq/contests/25501 .

I took off this week to take care of my beautiful son who had a heart procedure at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. He is doing wonderfully and resting at home now, but next week we both will be ready to go with some exciting stories and adventures!

Get a free pastry on the morning of March 23 with the purchase of a handcrafted beverage. Come to participating Starbucks on Free Pastry Day, March 23. Choose a delicious pastry to pair with your beverage and that tasty item is free. To get your free pastry, print out the coupon below and present it to your barista. Or simply show them the coupon on any mobile device.

(oh, you thought we were talking about that, but I got you to click here, huh?) As a mom, you get to talk more about what happens in a diaper than ever imagined before having a child. From the moment your little one is born you are instructed to keep track of every BM, inspect them, and when the time is right, you get to choose the appropriate name for “potty time”

Dunkin Donuts is offering a free medium coffee or iced coffee, every Monday during the month of March. Make sure to start your week off right with a jolt of caffeine from DD. *Price and participation may vary. Plus applicable tax. No substitutes. One per person per visit. Offer valid on 3/8/2010, 3/15/2010, 3/22/2010 and 3/29/2010 only.

I am not a gardener by any means. I mean I could show you my yard, but I am sure you would think I uploaded a picture of a desolate, pathetic dirt field rather than the beautiful Southern Living yard (that I should have, but don't) so I will let your mind wander a bit instead of embarrassing myself.

The showdown is over – so who won the best new laundry detergent? A week ago I challenged HeyLaura to a Laundry Off. Her new Method Pump to my Purex 3-in-1. Two new concepts all developed to help busy moms make laundry easier and quicker. The only stipulations of the challenge were a white shirt, ¼

Many of us have been watching our dollars a little more closely in 2009 and have made efforts to decrease our eating out for healthy, homemade meals. The restaurant industry combated our efforts by bringing down their prices and at times offering FREE FOOD specials to celebrate anything and everything to get us in the door instead of around our dining room table.

My D-I-Y Christmas I don’t know what I was thinking, but this year, I decided to make many of my holiday gifts – with the help of course, from the Internet and good ol’ Martha Stewart. We have a rule in my office that we are only allowed to spend $5 

In my D-I-Y mode this year, I opted to create an electronic Christmas card (although we had to do a short run of traditional Christmas cards as well.) I have had many comments and rave reviews using Smilebox (downloadable for free).

I love Christmas Cards! I love to get them and see how everyone's kids have grown up and because I love stationery, I also love to see all the cool designs. In the past I have been very good at sending cards, signing each one and addressing it personally for that Martha Stewart touch. However, last year I began doing something different.

Movie Review: Disney's The Princess and the Frog Best for ages:             Rated G / best for any age What it is about:        Set during the “Jazz Age” in New Orleans, a hard-working waitress (Tiana)  meets a money-hungry prince cursed into being a frog (Prince Naveen) from a Voodoo doctor (Dr.

For those of you who have followed Jackson's journey and his CHD...here is latest update. What We Are Thankful For This Holiday Season We have been very fortunate to not have to communicate here for several months as our little   man has been growing stronger and more healthy everyday...we haven't had any change of plans for him since our last appointment.