My Mom's Advice + Giveaway from Aquaphor

My mom (Babs) with the boys.

My mom isn't the kind of mom to tell you what you should or should not do as a mom.  She doesn't really even offer advice until you explicitly ask her for it.  I love that about her because there are so many people who shove their advice down your throat whether you want it or not.  


My mom's best advice was the kind that she never said, it's the things she did while raising me that I use in my daily parenting skills.

I never really understood all that my mother did or why she acted the way that she did while I was growing up.  I never really understood it all until now that I'm a mom.  For instance, when I was a kid, she would only let me sleep at a friend's house if she knew the parents.  I thought that was so dumb!  I knew the kid and the mom, wasn't that enough?  Now that I'm a mom, I'm so on that page!  My kids can't sleep at anyone's house unless we are friends with the family.  And to be honest, the only houses outside of family they are allowed to sleep at are our "Cuban cousins" house.  You know, the friends that are so close they are practically family.  

What piece of advice has your mom given you that you will never forget?  

Aquaphor Healing Ointment soothes, protects, and helps heal...just like your mom!  Dermatologists recommend Aquaphor for a wide range of needs, from chapped lips to cracked hands.  It's the skin therapy that works wonders...so you can work wonders of your own.  Those same qualities come in their baby products as well to safely care for your baby's skin.

 

Want to win an Aquaphor care package?  Enter here:



a Rafflecopter giveaway  


Don't forget to head on over to Aquaphor's Facebook page and share how your mom has helped work wonders in your life!





 
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!




*Disclaimer:  Although I was compensated for this post, all opinions about my mom and Aquaphor are my own.

 
Alexis

Mother's Day Cookie Giveaway

Mother's Day is on it's way!  A day to recognize all of the wonderful things your mom has done for you (you know, like give birth to you).  Do you know what you are getting your mom?

Flowers are a staple gift.  They are "naturally" beautiful and they brighten your mother's day.  Have you ever thought of a bouquet of cookies?  They are perfect for the whole family to enjoy! (Or in my case, something I will hoard and not let anyone partake in!!)

Gourmet Cookie Bouquets have the perfect way to honor Mom on Mother's Day.  What better way to brighten her day than with fresh baked cookies?  Two lucky winners are going to win their choice of a Mother's Day Cookie Gift from over 40 different designs on this page.  (I love when you can personalize your prize!)

The Condensed Version of the Giveaway Rules (click here for all of them)

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway. The mandatory entry is commenting on this post, but once that entry is completed, various other entry options will become available. Any option is acceptable, but the number of entries per person are limited to the number indicated in the contest form. Entries will be reviewed and duplicate or incomplete entries will be removed.

NOTE - You must complete the specified entry task in order to be eligible to win the contest. If you hit the green entry button without completing the task, your entry will be thrown out (disqualified from winning the prize).

Giveaway sweepstakes is open to all residents of the 48 Contiguous States and only to those 18 or older!

Winners will be chosen randomly. Two winners will receive their choice of Mother's Day Cookie Gift valued at up to $80.  The designs can be seen on the Mother's Day Cookies page.

Winners will be notified via e-mail so make sure you provide the correct address. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another replacement winner will be chosen.

Giveaway ends at midnight EST on May 5, 2013. The sweepstakes winners will be announced by May 12, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SO CUTE!

For the fashion savvy mama!

Which ones would you choose?  Don't forget to visit Gourmet Cookie Bouquets to pick out your very own cookie bouquets!

Alexis

Cheap & Easy Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day is around the corner.  A day for all you exhausted moms out there to be recognized and honored for all that you do!

In the past, my husband and kids have given me great gifts.  Perfume, flowers, DIAMOND EARRINGS....  Let's just say I've been spoiled.  This year, we are on a major budget so I won't be expecting any big ticket items.  That's why I've put together this list of cheap and easy Mother's Day gifts that would mean so much to me.


*Mommy Journal:
No, I'm not hoping to become the next "Bridget Jones."  I saw this somewhere before (don't remember where).  It's an unlined journal where your kids can write you a note or draw a picture each year.  What a great keepsake to look at each year on Mother's Day or any holiday really.

*Coupon book:
This is an ol' faithful.  I would love a coupon book with chores that the kids (and husband) promise to do.  I would just hope that they put enough coupons in it so that I can cash in the whole year through!
 


*Breakfast in bed:
My husband makes yummy breakfasts.  I would love a tray all decked out with a rose, hot coffee, and all the regular breakfast trimmings like you see in the movies.
 


*Alone time:
This one goes hand in hand with breakfast in bed.  I want them to drop off the breakfast & then leave me to my own devices.  Is that mean?  I love them.  I really, really do.  If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be a mom, so I really should want to spend it with them.  But come on.....I need a day off!


What are some ways that you want to feel appreciated this Mother's Day?

Alexis

A Better Tasting Prenatal + Giveaway!

UGH!  I remember being pregnant and just absolutely dreading my prenatals.  YUCK!  I have some issues with smells, so just opening the bottle was dreadful.  And if you even have the normal gag reflex like other pregnant ladies, then regular prenatals are not for you.

Do you hate taking your GIGANTIC, hard to swallow prenatal vitamins?  Well, here's the solution....BabyMamma Prenatal Vitamins.  They have this awesome, sweet coating that actually masks the odor and taste of those other prenatals.
 

VitaMamma, a company created by mothers and developed by medical experts, have products that inspire health and vitality for the baby-making, baby-growing or baby-raising and support the needs of the modern Mamma.  

BabyMamma Prenatals are loaded with folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C & E, Copper & Vitamin D...everything you need to help you & your growing baby.  They also have added B6 to control the nausea...score!  Did I mention these vitamins are made from 100% all natural ingredients?  Yup.

Well, here's your chance to win a 2 month supply of BabyMamma Prenatal Vitamins and a great reusable cloth bag.


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

So come on, get yourself some BabyMamma Prenatal Vitamins.  What do you have to lose besides those other gigantic, gross other vitamins!

Disclaimer: Although I was provided a sample, all opinions and thoughts are my own. VitaMamma supplied items for giveaway.

 
Alexis

Big City Moms The Biggest Baby Shower EVER!

Are you a mom (or dad)-to-be?  Then Big City Moms The Biggest Baby Shower EVER is the place for you!!  

Big City Moms, the largest social group for moms, and Fit Pregnancy the largest publication for pregnant women are expecting again! The Biggest Baby Shower Ever is returning to Miami on Tuesday, January 29^th, 2013 from 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island in Miami, Florida. 

Expecting moms (and dads) will have the opportunity to shop the latest must-have essentials for their newborn from more than 60 leading baby brands including innovative strollers from Britax, Bumbleride, and Orbit, essentials from Daddy Scrubs and Skip Hop and services provided by Miami Children's Hospital, Tutti Bambini Maternity Concierge, J&R Jr. Additionally, Lexus of Kendall, Lexus of West Kendall, Kendall Toyota and West Kendall Toyota will be onsite with the latest and safest car models perfect for a growing family. 

More than 500 families gearing up for their little ones arrival will be in attendance to learn about their life with baby via educational seminars, test out strollers on an stroller test track, savor sweet treats, sip mocktails, indulge in spa activities as well as mingle with top industry experts including, Dr. Jana Myers, a renowned South Florida pediatrician and Faith Ploude, Miami's top lactation consultant.  

Intrigued yet?  Want to know more?  Check it out at Big City Moms.  

WHEN: 

Tuesday, January 29^th

6:00pm – 9:30pm

* Doors open at 5:30pm for Super Pass ticket holders

WHERE:

Jungle Island - Treetop Ballroom  

1111 Parrot Jungle Trail 

Miami, FL 33132

TICKETS:

Visit BigCityMoms.com

Alexis

"Not So Mommy" Trends for Summer

Yeah, I'm a mom.  But that doesn't mean I have to LOOK like my mom.  

But since I AM a mom, I choose comfort instead of high fashion.  I need room to move when I'm chasing the boys from one place to another.  Not to mention I live in steamy South Florida, so I need thin fabrics that breathe.  

Here are some trends that work well with any mom's summer plans from staying home to traveling around.  All with the kids in mind!!

JCrew Camp Popover shirt $69.50

My go-to outfit for summer is a t-shirt and shorts or jeans.  I really love the look of a white t.  This top from JCrew is a nice alternative to the almighty t-shirt.  It also makes the look a little more "finished." 

A-line Maxi Skirt from Gap $49.95

I said that I love comfort and t-shirts, what better way to combine the two than with this maxi skirt from Gap.  You can pair these type of skirts with a simple tank or one with more pizazz.  Add flip flops or wedges to change the mood.

Utility jacket from Gap $79.95

Change your every day outfit by adding a jacket with color.  I LOVE this utility jacket from Gap.

Nautical Hobo Bag from Forever 21 $22.80

The nautical look is all buzz this summer! Try adding this piece to your wardrobe even if you can't make it to a boat.  It's also nice and roomy in order to carry your kids' needs as well.  

When looking for trendy accents, I like to shop at Forever 21.  The prices are just right that even my husband won't get mad.

Colorblocked Bangle Set from Forever 21 $7.80

Sam Edelman Gigi sandal $65

And no look would be complete without the right SHOES!  I love getting neutral shoes that I can justify by wearing them with many outfits.  These Sam Edelmans are just that...comfy and go well with everything! 



What are your favorite summer pieces?  How do you change your favorites so that you don't look so "mommy-ish?"



Alexis

The Power of Friends

Never underestimate the power of friendship.  


Just when things are at their worst or best, a true friend is always there.  


Eh, forget all the cliches...


I had some much needed friend time this weekend.  I always feel more relaxed when I get girl time.  Just a simple dinner and movie.  Or even a cup of coffee or walk around the park.  

I have family who I consider my friends, I have my work friends, and I have my friends who I don't have to talk to everyday, but know that they are still there for me.  I have friends who I talk about TV shows with, friends who I can laugh with, and friends who I can tell anything to.  

I often feel guilty getting my time in.  Guilty that I won't get everything done, guilty that my husband is only in town for a week, just....guilty.  My husband doesn't think twice to get his friend time in, so why should I?

Moms need friend time just as much as dads....scratch that....they need it MORE!  We need to be with our friends and NOT talk about our kids or chores!  We need to giggle and discuss.  We need to be women!

Get out there and get your friend time in!! 

Alexis

Why Is This Mommy Stuff So Hard?

I am a teacher of 6 year olds.  I deal with their varied behavior issues on a daily basis.  Parents come to me searching for advice on how to deal with their kids at home.  

I am a Mom of a 6 year old and I have NO IDEA how to deal with his behavior!!

Why is it so easy with someone else's child?  

Maybe I'm a sham.  Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.  How can I even think to give advice to parents when I can't even deal with my own kid?

My 6 year old is currently in a phase (or at least I HOPE it's just a phase).  He is moody, bossy, snippy, combative, a know-it-all, grumpy, whiny, and any other dwarf that you can think of!   

I've tried everything in my arsenal when dealing with his behavior:  taking away his DS, taking away his Wii, not allowing him to go to parties with his friends, and even an occasional pop on the behind.  He laughs at me when I try and reason with him, and he's overly dramatic if I yell.  I'm at my wit's end!

My husband is currently gone for 2 months and when I try and talk with him about it, he asks if I want him to talk with my out of control kiddo.  He's my last resort.  If I give in and let the big guy do the yelling, it's almost as if I'm not the one in charge....and we all know THAT'S not true!

We are now on to the way that I advise parents to deal.  The sticker chart.  This form of behavior management worked when I wanted to reason with him to sleep alone.  So we're trying it now.  

What else can I do to draw the demon out of my sweet little boy?
An exorcism?  

PLEASE HELP!
 
Alexis

Moms Love Dunkin' Donuts!

Did you know Dunkin' Donuts has other things besides donuts??


I knew that, but was a bit timid to try new things (this is something my husband makes fun of about me...).  I'm sorry, I like to stick with what I know!  Chocolate glazed and cinnamon donuts are my all time favorite.  I prove this by getting one of each when I visit any Dunkin' Donuts...     


But recently, I was invited to try out some other lesser known products that are available at Dunkin' Donuts.  Mini samples of all kinds of deliciousness were passed around for us to try.  (I think every restaurant should do this, by the way...)


A Back to School event for blogging moms was hosted by Tilson PR firm at a Dunkin' Donuts in Miami, FL. The event was focused around the ever popular slogan, "Everyone runs on Dunkin'." Well, they proved that even busy moms can "Run on Dunkin'" too!


I am now a new lover of other things on Dunkin' Donuts' menu, including new flavors of donuts.  I really enjoyed the Strawberry Frosted donut...who knew?  And the Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Twist?  Even my little adventurous eater liked this one.




Have you ever had the Tuna Croissant or the Pepperoni Stuffed Breadstick?  I recommend them both.  Want something fabulous?  Try the Turkey, Cheddar and Bacon Flat Bread....to die for!  And don’t get me started on the Southern Style Chicken Flatbread...I’ll definitely be going back for more.




And what about the beverages?  My kids’ favorites were, of course, the Blue Raspberry Coolatta and Cherry Coolatta.  As a lover of all things sweet, I really enjoyed the Sweet Iced Tea.  And I now have a new coffee obsession...the Iced Caramel Mocha Latte.





Of course the girls at Tilson PR and Dunkin’ Donuts provided us with goody bags filled with all kinds of goodies including these 

ADORABLE USB flash drives in the shapes of favorite Dunkin’ Donuts products!

Did I mention I won a re-usable travel cup in the raffle???  SCORE!

Thanks, Dunkin' Donuts and Tilson PR for a wonderful day!


Disclosure:  Although the samples were provided, all opinions are my own.


Alexis