Parenting Police

For the record, it isn't okay to give unsolicited advice to a stranger about parenting.  It's just pushy, embarrassing and/or rude.

My best example is from a few months ago, but I find that "parenting police" are apparently everywhere, and instead of badges, they carry along big opinions.  I was in a store with AML jr and a random woman said "he's adorable!"  I smiled and replied by saying, "thanks, but he is actually a she."  Note, AML jr was dressed in a hot pink dress at the time.  Okay so she doesn't have much hair and some boys do wear pink, but hot pink?  Really?  Well, to each their own, but I digress.  Instead of her saying, "oh sorry" or "oh" she replied in a very defensive way "if you want her to look like a girl you really must put bows or headbands in her hair."  Oh, must I?


I know some people think they have all the answers based on their own experiences, and well, others are just chatty and opinionated.  However, unless you're trying to save a stranger time, money, or save a life, or they ask for your advice, it's best to butt out.  I may sound sassy, but I really do mean well.  I might think my baby's bottles, toys, crib, formula, etc. are best, but I wouldn't share this with someone unless they asked for my thoughts.  They are best for her, but may not be best for others, after all babies are not one in the same.

As new parents, we're finding our own way, doing our best for our children and right and wrong isn't so black and white in many cases.  I firmly believe that if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.  However, jokes and offering assistance are acceptable to me, especially in tense situations (is that chocolate or poop on your hand--here's a wipe either way)!

Deals of the day to take you from morning to afternoon to evening

Breakfast or lunch: At participating McDonald's restaurants, buy one McCafé Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, Real Fruit Smoothie, or Frappé and get a second for free.  Deal ends July 31. Click here.

Snack: Buy one scoop get one scoop free.  Coupon expires July 4.  Click here.

Dinner: Buy one Uno pizza get one free at your local grocery store.  Deal ends July 31.

And for those looking for something to do with their kids in the Tampa Bay area, check out Target Tuesday at the Glazer Childen's Museum.  The first Tuesday of every month (until March 2012) the museum admission is only $2 (under 1 year old is free) from 2pm-7pm.  The lines get long, so get there early, and definitely by 6pm. 

Sick Shtick

AML jr has a cold.  Therefore, I have a cold.  It's no fun.  We have been wiped out all weekend, and I don't mean tissues, I mean exhaustion.  Who expects colds in the summer?  Um, no one.  Did you know that according to the Mayo Clinic, babies have up to seven colds in their first year?  Some think this cold may be a sign of teething to come (AML jr, not me, of course)--eeeesh. 

I always wondered how I would handle being sick and taking care of AML jr, and well, we're managing just fine.  But how did my mother manage to care for three children while being sick?  Come to think of it, I don't remember her ever being sick--something tells me she just didn't have sick shtick--she never complained about illnesses, she just went about her day.  Good parenting, good example for me, good to go.

Now to conquer the laundry, work, feeding, changing, errands....and so on.

Love, Mama Stuffy (I mean Lusty)

Baby fat isn't phat?

Have you seen the Saturday Night Live skit about Baby Spanx?  Now, that's a silly joke.  However, chubby babies apparently aren't a joke (they are ridiculously adorable though, right?).  According to an article in the Washington Post today, The National Academy of Sciences concluded this week that chubbier babies and toddlers are at risk of becoming obese adults. Apparently now is the time for me cut back on the Puffs I allow my child to snack on?

According to the report, about 10 percent of U.S. children between infancy and age 2 are overweight.  More than 20 percent of children ages 2-5 are too heavy.  Research indicates that many parents do not realize children who are overweight are at risk of obesity, which increases the risk for other health issues, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  And it's not just about the foods we feed our children that affects weight.  We also need to watch sleeping patterns, as reduced sleep can affect eating patterns (babies up to age 2 should get nine to 12 hours of sleep every 24 hours, and those ages 2 to 5 should get 11 to 13 hours).  Physically activity is also important (kids should get at least 15 minutes of physically active play every hour and nfants should be allowed to move freely, with appropriate supervision).  

On the flip side,  Patrick Basham, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute said we need to calm down, rather than panic about the weight of children.  He said that the majority of "fat" kids don't become "fat" adults and vice-versa.  “The focus from a very young age on the need for a child to ‘not be fat’ serves only to increase the already-vast number of young people suffering from eating disorders,” he wrote in an e-mail.

In short, don't judge a baby by its bulky arms and thighs.  Your baby's baby fat may be just fine.  As the report recommends, doctors should measure infants’ weight and length and calculate toddlers’ body mass index (BMI) at well-child visits, which will help them identify children at risk for obesity, and recommend steps they can take.  So, let them eat cake (or Puffs)...at least every once in a while.

Fashion Cut-offs, and I don't mean shorts...

Okay, I know I am a bit late on blogging about this May article in the Daily Mail, but I definitely have something to say about the results of this "cut-off age for wearing various types of clothing" report.  The article discusses the report's findings (commissioned by Diet Chef, 2000 women from ages 18-65 polled).

One finding was that most women wouldn't be comfortable wearing a two-piece on vacation once they approach 50 and frown upon others who do.  I mean, really?  Has anyone seen some of the hot 50+ year old women out there today?  50 is like the new 35!  Actually, Helen Mirren (65) and Valerie Bertinelli (51) look better than a lot of 35 year old women I know!  And no miniskirts past age 35?  Um, call me a rebel, but I will definitely be breaking that rule if my body will allow it in three years!  On the flip side, a nutritionist for Diet Chef did say, "'We are all different shapes and sizes - the secret to looking good is healthy eating and dressing appropriately for your style and shape. Age isn't necessarily a factor."  I couldn't agree more.  Some women look better and feel better with age.  Furthermore, it goes without saying that many of our bodies change after having children, and shall we say get a little more voluptuous in certain areas which changes our styles.  And don't we all have days when when we like our legs, for instance, and break out the mini, and other days when a halter maxi dress to show off our shoulders is more flattering?  I definitely do, and it has nothing to do with my age.

Here are the full results...the age women believe you should stop wearing....

• Bikini, 47
• Miniskirt, 35
• Boob Tube, 33
• Stilettos, 51
• Belly button piercing, 35
• Knee high boots, 47
• Trainers, 44
• Leather trousers, 34
• Leggings, 45
• Ugg boots, 45
• Swimsuit, 61
• Tight vest, 44
• See-through chiffon blouse, 40
• Long hair, 53
• Ponytail, 51

There is no better time than now to use these cliches...age ain't nothing but a number and if you've got it, flaunt it.  I am a big fan of wearing what makes you happy and confident in yourself (as long as it doesn't deliberately offend others), so don't let anyone tell you that you can't work Uggs boots at age 45...puh-lease!

Deal of the Day at Jimmy John's

Tomorrow is customer appreciation day at Jimmy John's.  For $1.00 you get an 8" sub from 11am - 3pm.  Available at all Tampa/St.Pete locations.

Seeing is believing

Today's entry is about something simple--believing in yourself.  It is dedicated to my good friend Ms. Savvy S.  She has gone through her share of ups and downs over the past few years, but her triumphs are praise-worthy and she is a force to be reckoned with as she embarks on a new adventure in her career.

As the picture above states, you are your best investment.  In case you didn't already know this, I have learned that if you believe in yourself, others will too (Ms. Savvy S is a perfect example of this philosophy at work).  Whether it's about being a great parent, a great partner, a great friend, a great employee, a great boss, or a great person, the first step is having self-confidence.  A recent article in the The Huffington Post provides 4 steps to help build your self-confidence so you can live your dreams.  My advice is to look at yourself in the mirror everyday and be proud of what you see (saying some daily affirmations can't hurt, right?).  I may be biased, but inside and out, you got it goin' on, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Invest the time and energy in taking care of yourself, set personal and/or professional goals and make it happen (and be patient, it may not happen overnight--if only I took this advice!).  I am starting work on a new business myself, details to follow and fingers and toes crossed...(silently repeating Stuart Smalley's words to myself, I'm good enough, smart enough and doggone it people like me).

St. Augustine, FL--what's so special? A LOT!

This weekend we went away to St. Augustine, FL, a mere 195 miles northeast of Tampa.  I won't bore you with all the historical details (just enough), but for those who don't know, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the continental US.  The Smithsonian is affiliated with many of the sites in St. Augustine.  That's right, Florida does indeed have history and culture--who knew?


We stayed over Saturday night at the Hilton Bayfront.  The hotel wasn't exceptional in terms of room space or aesthetics, but the location was top notch as it was right in the center of the city.  Location was key, as we finally got our stroller last week (City Elite--LOVE IT!  Thanks Grandma Ca and Grandpa S) and we were excited to take it for a spin.  It's also a very easily walkable city, so we were excited not to have to drive around everywhere.  Given that the city is on the water, the breeze made the heat tolerable. 

Here was our itinerary....

• I could write a paragraph about lunch, but I'll spare you.  We ate at O'Steen's.  That place is not to be missed!  We had the best fried shrimp we've ever had and the service and staff were wonderful, no question it was worth the wait.  The waits can be an hour or longer, but we put our name down and went down the road to see...

• The Lighthouse & Museum.  St. Augustine is the site of the oldest aid to navigation in North America. The original watchtower became Florida's first lighthouse in 1824.  However, by 1870, the tower was threatened by shoreline erosion and construction began on the current lighthouse. The new tower was completed in 1874. The old tower succumbed to the sea during a storm in 1880.  Papa Lusty climbed to the top of the tower (way to work off the fried shrimp to come!) while AML jr and I watched from below and took pictures.   

 

• After lunch, we headed to the stunning Flagler College, a four year college located in the former Ponce de León Hotel.  

 

• Next we walked across the street to the Lightner Museum and St. Augustine City Hall.  This was definitely the best looking city hall I've ever seen, and the building was equipped with a wedding event planning business and chapel--one stop marriage shop is an understatement!
• Next we walked around and checked out the various restaurants, shops, etc.  We enjoyed an afternoon popsicle snack from the Hyppo.  

 

• Then we drove to the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, and it was pretty cool drinking from the fountain with AML jr in tow, plus we heard a real cannon go off and learned about the routes of Spanish exploration in the New World.  

 

• The last stop of the day was the Castillo de San Marcos, which was built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World.
• We ended the day with a casual dinner at Scarlett O'Hara's.  It was basic bar food, but good.  We wanted to go to A1A Ale Works (a family friend recommended it), but we couldn't get in around 7ish.  

It was a busy day, but a fun and memorable one for sure.  I highly recommend St. Augustine for a day or weekend trip.  If you're looking for something fancier for hotel, try the Casa Monica Hotel, but be prepared to pay up.   For an upscale dinner, the restaurant in that hotel called 95 Cordova gets good reviews, as does Old City House Inn & Restaurant down the street.

Happy Father's Day! Freebies inside...

This post is dedicated to the two most important dads in my world.  Papa E is my dad, or more recently also known as, Grandpa E.  Papa Lusty is AML jr's dad, also known as my baby daddy.

Grandpa E has been the most supportive, unconditionally loving, nurturing, and inspiring father.  I could never have asked for a better father to raise me, alongside my mom.  Papa Lusty has proven in less than eight months that he has all the right qualities of a father--all of the above, and he even changes diapers (when he absolutely has to, ie when I'm driving the car)!  I am one lucky mama and AML jr is a lucky child.  She presented her daddy with a custom-made book (yes, she wrote it of course) and a certificate for beer making supplies from a local store (yes, I picked out the latter gift).  We enjoyed the weekend in St. Augustine, pictures and full story to come tomorrow.

Today is dedicated to all the excellent fathers out there who raised equally fabulous children (you know who you are).

Oh, and it's not too late for some freebie gifts for your father, click here to get some from TCBY to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament (I agree, amazing) to 24-Hour Fitness and lots more.  Thanks for the ideas Good Housekeeping.

Father's Day Freebies

I thought it might be helpful to share some Father's Day freebies I have across.  From food to phones to photos to "Go the F**k to Sleep."  Hope you can take advantage of some of them.  Thanks to dealnews for some of these ideas.

1) Free Father's Day Breakfast at IKEA

Visit a local IKEA store before 11 am Sun. June 19 and get Dad a free breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon and a hot cup of coffee. Check out the IKEA website for complete details.  The upside is the free meal, the downside is that you may leave with a bunch of household items that require dad to put them together (the gift that keeps on gving?).

2) Free Quesadillas at Denny's

Follow this link to the Denny's Facebook page, then send Dad the Father's Day e-card.  You and Dad both score coupons for a free quesadilla, and possibly indigestion as well.

3) Free TCBY 

Stop by your local store for details; you can locate a TCBY here.  It's fake healthy, but all real delicious.

4) One Year of Free Data from T-Mobile

Stop by a T-Mobile this Saturday, June 18, and you can get Dad free data for a year when you sign up for a qualifying unlimited talk, text and data plan. That amounts to $120 in savings, and you can get details at the T-Mobile website.

5) Free Collage Posters at Walgreens

Buy one collage poster at 11 x 14 and Walgreens will give you one for free in honor of Dad, a $12 value. Visit  the Walgreens website; remember to enter the promo code 1FORDAD when you check out.  

6) "Go The F**k To Sleep" audiobook downloads for free.  

Audible offers downloads of Adam Mansbach's Go The F**k To Sleep Audiobook, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson.  Please note that this bedtime story is obviously not intended for children.

7) Men's Wearhouse  Buy One Get One Free  

8) Quality time together is always free (cheesy, maybe, but true)

If you know of any free or really, really low-priced deals, please let us know!

10 Best Children’s Museums to Visit This Summer

Today's post is about staying cool.  Avoiding the heat and visiting the coolest museums with your kids.  I'm not a fan of replacing a good roller-coaster or cotton candy because let's face it, those are fun for parents too.  However, museums are a nice break from the hot temperatures, and typically cheaper, more educational and less crowded than theme parks.  I am a fan of options.

This list includes museums all over the country.  In Tampa, check out Glazer Children's Museum.  And as an added bonus, some of these museums are on the "Museums on Us" offer provided by Bank of America.  Click here to see that list again, and remember that offer is available the first weekend of every month.  Oftentimes the museums also offer discounted rates for specific days/times of the week, so check the museum's website or call for more information.

Father's Day gifts, for the slackers/busy people

I am really excited about Father's Day this year!  I love giving gifts, in fact I am much better at giving than receiving (don't go there!).  I like getting creative and surprising Papa Lusty.  However, this year we're definitely on a budget.  I don't want to get him just any gifts since this is Papa Lusty's first Father's Day.  I've given my own dad gifts ranging from golf balls and clubs to restaurant gift cards to books to cds to handmade cards and gifts.  My dad could probably care less what I give him, he's pretty much the most easygoing person ever.  Papa Lusty is much like my father, he would just like to be together on Sunday. 

Since Papa Lusty reads this blog, I can't give away what I got for him this year, but I'll let you know if he likes his gifts.  One thing I can tell you is that one gift is that we're going away Saturday-Sunday.  We're headed to St. Augustine on a little road trip--what better to do than drink from the Fountain of Youth with our own youngster in tow?

If you're still looking for a plethora of ideas for Father's Day, check out Amazon's Father's Day page.  It offers great gift ideas at various price points.  If money is not an issue, buy him a Kindle, Nook or iPad and put some kids books on it so he can read to the kid(s), take a helicopter tour of your city followed by a nice lunch/dinner, or buy him the Big Green Egg grill and have a bbq that day.  Bloomingdale's is also having a big private sale.  ABC News also offers some unique gift ideas as well, from ear buds to pork barrel bbq sauce.  If you're budget-minded and don't necessarily want to get a tangible gift, you could also consider taking a day trip to a nearby place.  No hotel stay required.  Or if you want to go away for the weekend, check Travelzoo and other travel sites for deals.  Consider planning a picnic on the beach, in a park, wherever really.  Make a nice dinner at home and just relax together as a family.

Really, the gift choices are endless, and you know the men in your life best.  What's most important is to show your gratitude, and for your children to do the same, for all that these extraordinary men do everyday to help take care of you and your family..  And remember that spending time together is priceless.

Job title: Proposal Planner (no, I'm not kidding)

Papa Lusty and I were watching Nightline, as we do almost every night, and all of a sudden a story pops up about a Proposal Planner.  When I learned about this real-life title and business, part me of was like "can she be serious?" And part of me was like "I am seriously jealous I didn't create this business."

Did I mention "Proposal Planner" has been trademarked by its creator?  Sara Pease, based in NY, describes herself as the foremost expert on marriage proposals and the pioneer of Marriage Proposal Planning.  I'd like say to "only in New York," but she is hired by mostly men all over the world.  From NY to Paris and beyond, people use her services, which cost a minimum of $2K, to plan the perfect proposal.

No judgement (okay, maybe a little judgment), but just think of all the things these people could have better spent the $2K plus on?  Here's my proposal, don't over-think it, remember that he/she loves you for you,and not for the proposal--more so for the ring :-) .

Need her assistance, or just curious to know how this whole thing works?  Click here to see the Nightline segment.

I admit it, I'm a wannabe Gleek

I love Glee.  Just when things were starting to look glum with the Glee season over, The Glee Project appears!  Last night was the season premiere.  It was glee-rious (glorious, sorry).  They showed the auditions for the show and the top 12 performed Katy Perry's Firework.  The producers, choreographers and some of the cast from Glee are also involved in this show, so it's the real deal.  Some of the contestants will ultimately join the Glee cast, as sadly, some of the current Gleeks will have to graduate from McKinley High one of these days.


The show is on Oxygen every Sunday at 9/8c.  If you like singing, dancing, reality tv and competition, this is the show for you.

How did I miss the auditions?  In the shower, I sound pretty good, does that count?  Um, not so much.

Raising awareness of slavery, one dress at a time

Did you hear about Amy Seiffert in Toledo, OH who wore the same dress everyday for six months?  Now wait before you say, ooooh gross.  She wore the same dress for six months for a much larger purpose than simply saving time figuring out what to wear each day or saving money.

So, here's the purpose of this particular fashion statement.  Seiffert learned that her hometown of Toledo ranked 4th in the U.S. in the number of arrests, investigations and rescues of underage victims of sex trafficking.  So Seiffert decided to do something about it.  The money she would have otherwise spent on clothing over the six months was donated to The Daughter Project, a local organization building a shelter for girls rescued from sex trafficking.

Modern-day slavery indeed exists and comes in many shapes and sizes.  Not all forms of abuse are considered slavery, but CNN's definition of slavery is as follows,“Slavery occurs when one person completely controls another person, using violence or the threat of violence to maintain that control, exploits them economically, pays them nothing and they cannot walk away.”  Human trafficking, as defined in the U.N. Trafficking Protocol is "the recruitment, transport, transfer, harboring or receipt of a person by such means as threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, or fraud or deception for the purpose of exploitation."  According to the International Labor Organization's estimates, there are at least 10 million slaves in the world right now, but other researchers believe there may be as many as 30 million slaves worldwide.  50% of these slaves are children, and 70% are females.

Something tells me you might be considering one less dress purchase, or maybe Target has a cute knock-off of that dress you've been eying...but you don't have to wear the same dress everyday to make a difference.  Click here to read more about CNN's Freedom Project, Seiffert's story, the many others who are working hard to end modern-day slavery and how you can help.

Weinergate

I couldn't not mention Weinergate.  Weinergate, had to say it again.  Can you believe they are using that term to describe the current scandal around Anthony Weiner and his, well, weiner?  He is just the latest politician to foolishly believe that he can engage in sexually inappropriate behavior with women/men other than his wife and not get caught.  Well, shocker, he did get caught.  This time the drama doesn't involve a little blue dress or prostitutes, instead it involves strangers on social media sites.  How 2011 of him! 

This saga has been making headlines for more than a week, and I keep wondering, what's next in this story?  I hope not much since yesterday on Gawker they went so far as to create a whole page dedicated to male celebrities (and their willies).  I am stunned at how dumb these people can be, that they believe they can trust both the technologies they are using to keep their secrets safe, and also the women they are communicating with in the process.

I'd like to say I feel bad for Weiner, but I don't.  He did, afterall, cheat.  I do, however, feel bad for his family.  They are the innocent bi-standards, particularly his reportedly pregnant wife Huma Abedin.  As an aide to Hillary, herself having stood by her husband during Bill's "indiscretions" years ago, what advice do we think she might give Abedin?  Forgive, don't forget?  Don't get mad, get even?  Kill him with kindness?  Grin and bear it?  I'm not sure any of those would work for me, but that's just me.

I do hope they can work it out, but if she needs a good divorce lawyer, I just happen to know an excellent one...click here...

Newsflash...Mo Money Mo Children's Costs

If you're a parent or plan to be a parent, now might be a good time to start your new hobby of coupon clipping, or at least check out this blog for deals.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a report yesterday that a middle-income family may spend $226,920 to raise a child born in 2010 to the age of 18.  And yes, you read that right, age 18, so this doesn't include college.  Well isn't that speeecial!

The study states that child care, education, transportation and health services were among the biggest increases from 2009.  Certainly annual income affects expenses, so households that make less spend less.  Additionally, where you live affects the child-rearing costs as well, so parents in the urban Northeast will spend more than parents in the urban Southeast (not surprising to the tri-state area parents, right?)  Also, expenses increase with the child's age.  Wait, does that mean AML jr's dresses won't cost $10 when she's 16?  I'll miss you Carter's...tear, tear. 


Click here to calculate costs based on your unique circumstances.  Now before you start sweating, remember that you don't need to change your entire lifestyle in order to raise a child.  On the other hand, it might be wise to buy one less pair of shoes a month and instead put that money into the child's savings account.  We created a savings account for AML jr just a few months after she was born and started putting money into her account asap (gifts for the most part).  The account gets a little interest, and we have vowed not to touch her money, only to add to it.  This is NOT our rainy day account, we have our own separate savings account.

So let the spending begin!  And more importantly, the loving, caring, protecting, educating, and all the amazing things we do/will do for our children.

It's baaaaaack: Fandango's 2 tixs for $9 movie deal is back

Does anyone remember when a movie ticket was $3.75 and a popcorn at the theater was $1?  I do...tear, tear.  Well, those days are clearly gone, so grab this deal while you can if you anticipate seeing a movie between now and September, when the deal expires.

This deal was available a few months ago and livingsocial sold over a million, and now it's back!  For $9 you get two movie tickets through Fandango*, which is a 70% discount.  Click here to learn more and purchase the deal.

Also, if you're like me and feeling indecisive about purchasing this deal because you're not even sure if any movies are worth seeing, click here to see a list of movies coming out soon.  I just sold myself on purchasing this deal because I noticed Bad Teacher with Timberlake, Diaz and Segel comes out this month (I'm a sucker for a good comedy and an excuse to eat Milk Duds).  Oh, and don't forget, as Mrs. S (mother of two boys) reminded me, the diaper bag may not be so bad--it is a great place to store your pre-purchased and much cheaper movie necessities--candy, soda/water, even popcorn.

*Not to rain on your parade, but make sure to read the fine print.  Highlights include: Limit 1 purchase per customer only, Not valid on IMAX or 3D showings
, Limited to tickets with maximum face value (including Fandango’s convenience fee of up to $2 per ticket) of $15, Both tickets must be purchased for the same movie and show time in a single transaction, Promotional value of Promo Codes expire September 9, 2011, If a movie ticket (with Fandango’s convenience fee included) is more than the $15 maximum Promo Code value, the user must pay the difference with a valid credit or debit card.

There's no place like home...

Today's post includes some great deals on products to enjoy for a day or night at home with your significant other, friends or yourself.  I'm dedicating this post to Mrs. E whose beautiful daughter MLE was born last week, so she'll be spending lots of qt at home (for now).

Movie night: At any Blockbuster Express kiosk, get a 1-night DVD rental for free via coupon code "25ASJA9".  This is one of the best deals we've seen for this service, which is similar to Redbox. This coupon is only valid on $1 titles. Some newer releases cost $2.99 for the first night and are excluded from this offer. Click here to find a Blockbuster Express kiosk location near you. Coupon ends June 13.

Some light reading: HearstMags 1-year magazine subscriptions for just $5.  This includes mags like Redbook, Food Network, Cosmo and O, just to name a few.  Click here to see the full mag list and subscribe.

Shop from home: $10 for $20 worth of "As Seen On TV" official items.  You know you want that Shake Weight!  Click here to lean more. Deal expires tomorrow.

In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer...

I'm not talking about marriage.  If you're anything like me, picking a stroller feels like a lifetime commitment!  When we lived in NY it was all about lightweight, all terrain for managing the messy streets and taking public transportation.  AML jr was so little, it was so cold and we never went very far when we were in NY, so up until now the Baby Bjorn and Snap n Go have done the job just fine.  Now we're in FL, and as AML jr is seven months old, we're thinking about space (for her and also for storage) the rain, and the bells and whistles so to speak.  I almost fell over, literally, when I saw the prices for strollers.  And even after you've purchased your "dream stroller," you will probably still need over $100 of accessories (no, I can't live without the cup holder and the baby tray, go ahead and call me high maintenance).  Also, almost none of the major department baby stores will accept coupons on strollers (TIP: check amazon.com and google.com/shopping for better deals once you've chosen a stroller). 


So, after half a dozen visits to Buy Buy Baby (fyi, that place never gets old), countless hours on the internet (here is a useful Best of 2011 Strollers list) and recommendations from friends, we're all researched out. The lucky winner for our everyday stroller will likely be the City Mini.  I am having a commitment issues, clearly.  Open to suggestions, so please leave comments.

Are you looking for a stroller too?  Keep in mind, the stroller purchase really isn't a lifetime commitment.  Most people I know seem to have three to four strollers--the Snap n Go to start, the everyday, the jogger, and finally, the all-time favorite because it's so lightweight and easy, the umbrella.  Do check out Baby Gizmo to see product reviews, some include helpful hands-on video reviews.

You have to learn to crawl before you walk (backwards?)

This is the case for AML jr.  She has been crawling for several weeks...backwards.  She twists and turns and moves...backwards.  It's adorable, and when I tell her to come to mommy she simply smiles and continues to move backwards.  She's pretty fast too.  And she's become quite the explorer, with her favorite destination being underneath the couch.

Turns out this crawling style (uh huh, my daughter's stylin') is common because babies develop strength and coordination in their arms before their legs.  Often babies begin crawling by rocking back and forth, pushing backwards, and going in circles. Some babies even go from sitting up to walking without ever crawling.

Sooo if your child is in the mobile stage (in any shape or form), look for cords, outlets, sharp edges on furniture and anything else that could potentially harm your baby on the move (it may sound silly, but try crawling yourself to see what the baby sees/doesn't see when crawling).  Here's a good baby-proofing checklist.  And looking for stylish baby-proofing products?  Try Rhoost.

The Dilemma

Last night we had a movie night in.  We used Redbox to rent movies as we usually do, but there were very few movies of interest.  So, we ended up with The Dilemma starring an awesome cast, including Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder and Jennifer Connolly.  A half hour into the movie, I now realize why I probably never heard of this movie when it was in the theaters, um, because it was terrible!  The premise of the movie is based around Winona cheating on her husband James (likely couple, right?), and Vaughn (himself struggling to propose to Connolly--is he crazy?  She's gorgeous, smart and funny, esp in this movie!) witnessing the cheating but is unable to tell James.  In the background is this random story about Vaughn and James building a muscle electric car.

The truth does hurt...if you're looking for a sleeper, this movie is it, but only because it puts you to sleep, it is certainly not a hit.  If you find yourself having a dilemma about which movie to rent, don't go for The Dilemma. 

On the bright side, it only cost $1.  I still love you Redbox.  Is it better to get Netflix (comments welcome)?  That might be our dilemma...

Looking for something indoors to do? Visit a museum for free this weekend

If you're a Bank of America or Merrill Lunch cardholder, you can get into over 150 museums for free this weekend (June 4 & 5).  For more info and to locate a museum near you, click here.  This free offer is actually valid the first weekend of every month at participating museums.  

The MET in NY, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, The National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC and The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete are all included, among a ton of others across the US.  This is a great way to escape the hot temperatures outside and explore your cultured side.


I know, I know, it's not even a Wednesday and here I go sharing another free offer.  I can't help myself--I am addicted to finding, enjoying and sharing good deals!

Friday means date night

It goes without saying, whether you're pregnant or a parent or simply in a relationship, you need date nights.  A night out with your special someone when you just focus on each other. It doesn't have to be lavish and you don't need to worry about spending a fortune on a sitter.  Looking for date night ideas?  Click here for some of Redbook's suggestions.

It's funny, there used to be a time not long ago when Friday was a night in for Mama and Papa Lusty.  After a long, hard week of work, we'd order in a pizza, grab a six pack of beer or a bottle of wine, throw in a movie and be asleep by midnight.  Oh the joys of a low key night in.  These days, we're still working hard, and getting up earlier, plus we have the baby and dog to care for, but Fridays have become our official date night out.  We hire a sitter who essentially gets to hang out while the baby is sleeping, and we enjoy a few hours of "adult time."  Adult time for us involves no babies, no dogs, no diapers, no bottles, no diaper bag (winning!).  This is our time to catch up with each other about people (and people watch), politics, our dreams (yes, we have them--more kids, a business I'm working on, a big house with an even bigger yard for swings and bbqs...more in a future post), and let's face it, some of the talk is even devoted to the baby and dog.  Okay, so we're still likely asleep by midnight, but we get out and enjoy some real adult time.

Life gets so busy, especially once kids come along, and it's important to have private time with your significant other to remind each other about...well, their significance in your life.  Papa Lusty is the most significant person I have ever met, the love of my life, and I'm not just saying this because it's Friday night and Mama Lusty needs a cocktail! 

And lest I forget, did you get your free Krispy Kreme donut today?  If not, go get it! You and your honey can enjoy it Lady in the Tramp style

Primpin' Ain't Easy

Wearing a tunic and the BeBand

During my pregnancy, my husband was in school and my salary didn't exactly allow for the finer things. When I got pregnant I was so disappointed at the clothing offerings for pregnant women.  Most looked cheesy, and the clothing that was attractive cost hundreds of dollars for a nice dress or pair of jeans.  And who really wants to wear moo moos anyway?  Does that make you feel pretty?  Um, no, just chubby.  And what's with the tightness under the boobage and big everywhere else?  That can't be flattering for most of us! 

My cash flow and the fashion options were limited, and I gained plenty of weight.  Here are the staple pieces in my maternity wardrobe:

1. Black, stretchy cotton leggings--works for pretty much any type of weather, and the waist can sit above or below the belly. Lauren Conrad's line at Kohl's is my personal fav, and yes black does make your legs looks skinnier

2. BeBand (in different colors)--bought it at Target, and it allowed me to wear my own jeans and work pants

3. Tunics--made to be worn loose, comfortable and trendy. I even found a cute one at Sports Authority, surprisingly

4. Over-sized cardigans and jackets--they're in style and will allow for belly growth

And remember to accessorize with any of the above to make it a real outfit--chandelier earrings, sandals or boots depending on the weather (or heels, sexy mama), a brooch, a fun bag, etc.  Also, the right make-up and a mani-pedi can make all the difference in your ensemble.

Don't stress about material things.  Most importantly, being pretty in pregnant is also about feeling pretty on the inside (yes, your growing child is beautiful from conception, obviously).  I mean feeling good about yourself.  No matter what you wear, you will be able to carry it off and look and feel pretty if you are confident and happy--and you should be--in addition to your clutch, you're carrying a miracle!

It's Wednesday--time for a free offer! (National Doughnut Day)

 

On this Friday, June 3, Krispy Kreme will give back to its guests by offering one FREE Krispy Kreme Doughnut on National Doughnut Day.  National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to raise funds to help people in need.  In honor of the holiday, Krispy Kreme is once again giving each guest who visits a Krispy Kreme shop on June 3 one FREE doughnut of any variety. No purchase is necessary to redeem the offer.

This offer is good for one doughnut of any variety per customer at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme retail shops. Visit the store locator page at www.krispykreme.com to find a participating Krispy Kreme location near you.

This reminds me of the Sex and the City episode when Miranda's weight loss support meetings were located right near the Krispy Kreme located in Chelsea, adding insult to injury.  Yes, a doughnut is a whopping 200 calories or more, but it's a special occasion--a holiday, a Friday, and it's free!  Treat yourself (and your kids), it can be your diet's cheat day.  Enjoy!