Healthy Family, Healthy Wallet

Everywhere I go I here people say how impractical it is to eat healthy and although I am partial to eating right, in the world of microwave foods, and $1.00 menus I would have to agree...somewhat! I say somewhat because eating healthy is a choice, one you have to make everyday despite the impracticalities! Now most moms will tell you that when it comes to food their household has a budget. Why budget? Because food is expensive, all of it! Experts suggest that food costs have risen more than ...

5 Ways To Transform your Little Black Dress for the Holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year and everyone, everywhere is looking to celebrate! If your anything like me it is very likely that you will attend your fair share of holiday parties during this season. Company parties, charity events, and special times with friends one important thing always comes to mind..WHAT WILL I WEAR? Now I know how this dreaded question can have the tendency to take over our lives, and with most events taking place within weeks, even days of each other shoppin...

From Summer to Fall- 5 Tips on How to Transition your Kids Wardrobe

One day last week, I awoke to unexpected surprise...cold weather. If you are anything like me you absolutely hate to be caught off guard with season changes, especially when you are unprepared. As a mom there is nothing worse than putting your kids in their coat from last year only to realize...it doesn't fit. Scrapping together outfits to ensure kids are warm is really important but with the ever changing weather spending a lot on cold weather wear my prove to be unnecessary. Here are 5 easy...

There's No Place Like Home Wizard of Oz Review

I woke up bright and early this morning and the first thing in my head was, We are off to See the Wizard the Wonderful Wizard of Ozzzzzzz. This is likely due to the fact I had to wondrous opportunity to review last night's performance of this play at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. The Wizard of Oz is classic and last nights performance was phenomenal.  My children and I enjoyed every bit from the wonderful main characters, to the singing, the jitterbug dance, and let us not forget...

How to Keep Your Kids from Getting Sick

I am sitting at home right now with a sick toddler.  The older kids went back to school and the minute they did someone was bound to get sick.  I had high hopes that it wouldn't be the youngest child in the family but unfortunately she was the first victim.  I'm just a little upset with myself because I didn't take my normal precautions.  I am pretty good about ensuring the health of my kids by taking a few simple steps on a regular basis.  The following are a few tri...

Tips on How to Create a Great School Morning Routine

All across the nation children are returning to school. The summer has come to a close, seems like yesterday we were grilling hot dogs for the 4th of July and today its backpacks and lunchboxes. Getting back into a regular routine can prove to be quite difficult particularly, those early hours before school.  Lost keys, missing shoes, or misplaced homework can wreck havoc on the morning routine and cause students to be late.  Here are some tips on an effective morning routine that...

Dining In...Table for 4 1/2 Please.

Here's how to make family dinners feel like a night out on the town.

Tips on Taking Tots to Weddings

Summer is the most wedded time of the year.  More couples tie the knot during the summer months than any of the other months combined.  If you are a friend, relative, or co-worker you are very likely to be invited to a wedding or two.  Even more than the invite is what to do with the little ones who may or may not tag along for the big day! Here are some tips on taking tots to see others tie the knot. 1. Know the occasion - By this I mean formality versus casual events will...

10 Men, A Net, and a Ball..Life lessons through the NBA finals

As a family we have watched the NBA finals on the edge of our seats.  Waiting, hoping, and praying for a win for our beloved Dallas Mavericks.  We are so proud of our team who has pulled through at the last minute for a win over and over again. They as a team have taught us that no matter how far behind you are you can always come back for a victory. Now, I don't profess to be an ESPN sports analyst but I can certainly speak of the magic both teams have and how that magic has impres...

Summer Learning...There's an App for That!

Although most students are eagerly anticipating the close of the school year, summer months can have a detrimental effect on students academic progress.  Its called the "summer slide" where skills gained during the school year melt away with the heat.  "Summer learning loss" oftentimes turn into repetitive teaching practices for educators who are forced to spend a good portion of the beginning of the school year playing catch up rather than moving on to new concepts.  Altho...

What Not to Do For Mothers Day

It's Mother's Day Weekend and so many mothers around the globe will be celebrated for their time, energy, and efforts that they put forth all year long.  Being a mom is one of the hardest job on the planet so we want to be sure to send a sincere thank you for a job well done.  When attempting to thank someone you want to be clear and concise.  You want your appreciation for their work to have a resounding effect that will be memorable.  With that being said let's look at ...

5 Ways to Show Appreciation to your Childs Teacher

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, Monday May 2nd- Friday May 6th.  This week is set aside to honor those men and women who work tirelessly in an effort to prepare the future leaders of our nation.  Most would agree that teachers along with many other service positions receive pay that is far less equitable than that of the job they perform.  One of the many ways we can counter act such inequalities is to provide acknowledgment and gratitude for a job well done. Here are 5 simple...

Fairytales Do Come True- A Royal Wedding

The entire country is waiting for the magical day, the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  There seems to be an undeniable obsession surrounding the nuptials of these two lovers. The media craze has created a completed frenzy, no matter where you go someone somewhere is talking about this wedding.  From the guest list to the gown everyone wants to know what will happen on the royal day that the Prince and newly beloved princess tie the knot. There is much to discu...

Delicate and Delicious Easter Dinners

Hippty Hop Hop Easter on its way.  The official beginning of spring and all things pastel we are just days away from the Easter holiday.  If you are like me you are still in planning mode getting those last minute details together for family and friends who may gather at your home this holiday season. One of my favorite things about the Easter holiday is the coming together for a special dinner. I like to create a brunch of sorts with both dinner and lunch items for my family to en...

Mommy Shutdown - 24 Hours or I am Outta Here!

We have all been bracing ourselves these last couple of days for the stark possibility of a government shutdown.  A move that would ultimately affect millions of Americans across our nation.  The prospect of a shutdown has been avoided as lawmakers scrambled to come to a compromise on last night.  Based on new reports officials were able to refrain from the costly cessation by finalizing the budget. Well ladies and gentleman I thought to myself maybe just maybe I could pu...

Mommy Shutdown-24

Rear Facing Car Seats until age TWO!!!

Once again the car seat laws have changed.  For those of you like myself who still have infants and toddlers in car seats it is imperative to be aware of these new laws.   According to the American Academy of Pediatrics children have a 75% chance of survival if involved in an accident while in a rear facing car seat.  The laws were changed after research studies showed that because infants bodies are disproportionate until age 2 they need to be more supported.   This ne...

Justin Beiber's Never Say Never Movie Review

We all know and love the hearthrob that is Justin Beiber, or JB as the ladies like to call him.  He is the cute long haired dancing youtube sensation turned superstar performer.  Justin recently released his first movie, a documentary of sorts about his life up to this point culminated with the backdrop of his current music career.  I must admit that I am a fan of the Beib’s as is my daughter (and every other girl in the world ages 5 and up) and my son. My interest...

5 Tips for Weathering Layoffs

As we have all read in the news many teachers in the state of Texas will be laid off this school year due to budget shortfalls.  These layoffs come at no better time as many Americans around the state and nation have found themselves in this position.  These are tough times that we are facing and for moms like myself and others layoffs can be detrimental to our family lives. There are however ways to weather this storm with little to no detriment to your family and finances.  H...

DIY Valentine Photo Cards

Valentines Day is just around the corner and much like other holidays there are plenty of ways to burn money.  Chocolates, Stuffed Teddy Bears, and Cards for your friends, families, teachers and the list goes on. One of my favorite gifts to give is Photo cards to my family and friends.  They are an inexpensive, creative, and chic way to show off your super cute kids. Of course there are a number of options when it comes to creating your card. Below are the steps to take if you are ...