Monday, September 7, 2009
Winners of the Fairytale Threads Presale Tickets
#9 Liza A Martin and #16 Marie. Send me an email at mommy2baustin (at) yahoo.com to claim your tickets!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
WIN 2 Presale tickets to Fairytale Threads Childrens' Resale Event
Fairytale Threads is hosting an exclusive Presale event, by invitation only, for their volunteers, consignors and guests on Thursday, Sept. 17th from 7p-9p. During this presale, you'll be able to get an exclusive first peek at the hottest, most sought after items for great low prices before the public sale!
We are giving away 2 PRESALE TICKETS! A random comment will be chosen on Monday, September 7th at midnight. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling us how you and your family are saving money these days. Want to increase your chances of winning? To earn an extra entry, leave us a comment if you do the following:
- Become a fan on Facebook or are already a fan
- Follow us on Twitter @mommy2baustin
- If you have a twitter account, RT our tweet on this giveaway
- Follow our blog
Good luck to all and let's save!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Children's Resale Event coming up in September
The Fairytale Threads owners know this first hand and are giving other parents a way to save and make some money by finding things they need at great prices as well as a venue to sell their own outgrown items. With six children between them, Alecia Goode and Christa Matamoros know the value of a good deal and common sense of stretching every dollar. They also know that outgrown items still have lots of life left in them.
Local families won’t have to go far to find good quality, gently used clothes, toys and gear for their children at a fraction of the price of retail. Over 100 families brought thousands of items to the Fairytale Threads Spring 2009 Event. Thousands of shoppers attened to find what they needed.
Fairytale Threads will host their Fall 2009 Children’s Consignment Event on Friday and Saturday September 18th and 19th, 2009 at the
Public shopping begins on Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and continues through Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Some items will be half price on Saturday. Those who sign up to consign or volunteer have the opportunity to shop before the public!
Fairytale Threads does not accept certain items for resale including car seats or booster seats, children’s jewelry, used feeding or toilet training items, clothing with draw strings around the head or neck, or recalled items. Fairytale Threads also inspects each item to reach a level of confidence that the items offered for resale are indeed safe as well as affordable.
In an effort to pay it forward, consignors, volunteers and shoppers are asked to bring a canned food or pantry item for the Round Rock Area Serving Center’s food bank. Consignors also have the option to donate unsold items to the Round Rock Serving Center’s thrift store, helping local families in need.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday Freebies
Here are some more freebies, coupons and other offers I found! Every little bit helps for our mama wallets! Enjoy, print and SAVE!!! ☺☺☺
- WALMART Free Samples – Enjoy a few freebies while supplies last
- TARGET.COM Discount coupons – Get $5, $10 off your online purchase on various departments
- TARGET Groceries Printable Coupons – Offer expires on 8/22/09
- CVS Pharmacy Printable Coupons – Coupons can be redeemed in-store only. Enter your zipcode for more available offers
- Johnson&Johnson’s Printable coupons – Save up to $8 on baby products
- Nestle Family Special offers and coupons
- BABYTOBEE.COM Special offers and coupons
- YoBaby Yogurt $1.00 OFF coupon – coupons are redeemable 10 days after download
- FREE Graco Baby Essentials Bundle
- Get 7 FREE Gifts from Baby Einstein
- Get $5.00 OFF your Babies-R-Us Registry – With a purchase of $25 or more
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Latest Scoop on Free Diapers and coupons!
I've compiled a list of some useful sites that offer free samples, and valuable coupns on different brand name diapers. If you happen to spot one, please share it with us!
- HUGGIES Special offer mailing list – Have Huggies coupons delivered to your home when you sign up for their mailing list
- DIAPERS.COM $5 OFF Diapers Discounts – Get $5 off diapers or formula/ 10% off other items for 1st time customers (free shipping)
- FREE SAMPLE New Huggies Pure & Natural diapers – Will mail you a coupon along with sample
- FREE Potty Training Kit from Pampers – samples, coupons, and a guide to potty training
- Huggies Little Swimmers $1.50 OFF coupon - Get $1.50 off! Limit one coupon per household per month.
- LUVS Diapers $1 OFF coupon – Get $1 off mailed to your home
- Seventh Generation $2 OFF Diapers – Must sign-in to redeem coupons and can be printed twice within 30 days. Other coupons from Seventh Generation are available too.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Must Have Items for your Baby Registry
Here are some MUST HAVE items offered at Baby Coco:
Diaper Bags: At Baby Coco, they don’t believe in carrying some big, plain tote for a diaper bag. This is your new purse! There’s no reason to stop carrying chic bags when you become a mama.
Get your husband his own bag too. Husbands forget to re-stock your bag when they are done carrying it. Not good when you are out and about and out of wipes. Also, it gives a man some dignity. :)
Slings: Highly recommended to all mamas registering. They are a life-saver! Baby Coco carries Serena and Lily Market Slings, The Peanut Shell pouch slings and Zolowear rings slings.
Cheyenne Beard, the store's manager, or one of her friendly staff members will be happy to help mamas find the right sling for their lifestyle. They will make sure you get the right fit and will even help you how to use them!
Feed Me Journal: This is one of Baby Coco's personal favorites to give. At the hospital or in your lactation class, they usually only give you one photocopied sheet to help keep track of feedings. Unfortunately, I didn't know this hidden gem existed and ended up making countless copies and before I knew it, I had sheets of nursing, sleeping and pooping schedules laying all over our breakfast table!!
This little book is small and fits easily into your purse or diaper bag. It also works for breast-feeding or bottle-feeding mamas and includes space for adding solid foods.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Yummy beverages for Mamas this summer!
Baby and Tot Storytimes
Below you'll find storytimes around Austin and surrounding areas, ranging from newborn up to 5 yrs. Please call before attending any of the storytimes listed below as events times and dates may change.
Round Rock Public Library
216 E. Main, Round Rock, TX /512.218.7000
Babytime Storytime /infant – 12 mos /THU at 9:30a
Babytime Storytime /12 mos – 18 mos /FRI at 9:30a
Storytime for toddlers /18mos – 3yrs /WED at 9:30a and THU at 10:30a
Preschool Storytime /3yrs and up /MON at 7:00p, WED at 10:30a, THU at 10:30a
Bilingual Storytime /3yrs – 6 yrs/ TUE at 10:30a
Pflugerville Public Library
102 Tenth Street Pflugerville, TX 78660 /512.251.9185
Bilingual Storytime /All Ages /MON at 10:30a
Toddler Storytime /18mos – 3yrs /TUE at 10:30a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5yrs /THU at 10:30a
Lapsit Storytime /Infants – 12 mos /FRI at 10:30a
Cedar Park Public Library
550 Discovery Blvd. Cedar Park, TX /512.401.5663
Lapsit Storytime /Infants – 12 mos/ MON, TUE, & THU at 9:45a and MON at 2p
Toddler Storytime /12 mos – 36 mos/ MON, THU at 10:30 a
Family Storytime /All Ages/ SAT at 10 a
Bookpeople
603 N. Lamar Austin, TX /512.472.4288
Storytime /All Ages /TUE, WED at 10:30a and SAT at 11:30 a
Family Connections
825 E 53 ½ St, Bldg E-101 /512.478.5725 ext. 210
Storytime /All Ages/ SAT at 10:00a
Austin Children’s Museum
210 Colorado St /512.472.2499
Austin Kids Storytime /All Ages/ WED: 2p, 4p, & 6p, THU: 2p & 4p, FRI: 11a, 2p, & 4p, SAT at 11:00a
Barnes & Noble Bookstores
Arboretum /10000 Research Blvd #158, Austin, TX 78759 /512.418.8985
Storytime with Ms. Naomi /All Ages /WED at 11:00a
The Homestead Lakeline Crossing 14010 US Hwy. 183, Austin, TX 78717 /512.249.5644
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5yrs /WED at 9:30a, 11:00a
Hill Country Galleria /12701 Hill Country Blvd Ste O-140, Bee Cave, TX 78738 /512.263.7402
Storytime with Ms. Dana /All Ages /MON at 10:30a
Storytime with Ms. Kim /All Ages /TUE at 10:30a
Pajamarama /All Ages /WED at 7:00p
Storytime with Mr. Nick /All Ages /FRI at 10:30a
Sunset Valley Sunset Valley Village /5601 Brodie Lane Suite 300, Austin, TX 78745 512.892.3493
Storytime All Ages SAT at 11:00a
Westlake /701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.#P860, Austin, TX 78746 /512.328.3155
Storytime /All Ages/ WED at 10:00a
Storytime /All Ages /SAT at 11:00a
Austin Public Library Branches
Cepeda Branch /651 N Pleasant Valley Rd /512.974.7372
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Faulk Central Library / 800 Guadalupe St / 512.974.7410
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /THU at 11:00a
Hampton Branch at Oak Hill /5125 Convict Hill Rd. /512. 974.9900
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /WED at 11:00a
Howson Branch /2500 Exposition Rd. /512.472.3584
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a
Manchaca Road Branch / 5500 Manchaca Rd / 974.8700
Evening Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /THU at 7p
Millwood Branch Library /12500 Amherst Dr. /512. 974.9880
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Spanish Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /WED at 11:00a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a
Old Quarry Branch 7/051 Village Center Dr. /512.345.4435
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Pleasant Hill Branch /211 E William Cannon Dr/ 512.974.3940
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a
Ruiz Branch / 1600 Grove Blvd / 974.7500
Spanish Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /THU at 10:15a
SE Austin Community Branch / 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd / 462.1452
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /FRI at 10:15a
Spicewood Springs Branch /8637 Spicewood Springs Rd. /512.974.3800
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Windsor Park Branch /5833 Westminster Dr /512.928.0333
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Pajama Storytime/ Infant – 5 yrs /WED at 7:00p
Yarborough Branch /2200 Hancock Dr/ 512.454.7208
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs/ TUE at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a
Books & Babies /12 mos – 18 mos /WED at 10:15a
Monday, July 27, 2009
Fit Mommy2B Tip #8: Get a Prenatal Massage!
Prenatal Massage presents a number of benefits for the future mommas:
- Reduces stress
- Relieves back discomfort due to changes in body and posture
- Lower prematurity rates
- Reduce labor pain and labor time
- Lower the risk for depression
- Reduce pelvic discomfort
- Lower the need for medication
- Reduce the swelling of ankles and feet
- Improves sleep
If you'd like to know more about the great benefits of prenatal massage, you can view the entire article submitted by Star Doula Summer Greenlees on our Mommy2B website.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Music and Play for Mama and Baby
At Heartsong Music, you and your child can experience Music Together®, an the award-winning early childhood music program. These classes are geared for children 0-5 yrs and their parents. Their classes are based on the idea that making music with children, in a community of families, enriches their lives as it promotes musical growth and aptitute. And, above all, it is FUN!
Classes include songs, chants, dancing and instrument play. Even though the class follows a structured sequence of activities, they are presented as informal, where kids and parents are free to explore through movement and music.
Heartsong Music was founded in 2004 by Carey Youngblood, a certified Montessori teacher who has been involved in teaching children for over 25 years. According to Carey, this program has become a "true community of diverse families and enthusiastic, loving, and talented teachers bonding through musical experiences." (Photo on the left is courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography)
I was able to experience a class with my 22 month old son and he LOVED IT! At the beginning of each session, families receive a Music Together illustrated songbook and two CDs (one for home and one for the car). Classes are mixed-aged and typically run for 45 minutes. You will find children and their families singing, dancing, and playing instruments together.
At the end of the class children and parents gather in a circle and enjoy the “Goodbye song.” This last section of the class is very neat as the teacher passes by each kid (mentioning the kid’s name in the song) and lets them strum the guitar. I'm not a musical person myself, so I don't think I've touched a guitar more than a handful of times! Knowing that my son is getting this experience from early on will be very valuable for his development and love for music! (Photo on the left is courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography)
Heartsong music is located on 2700 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 320. They are currently offering FREE sample classes! at 10:15 and 11:15am and 3:15 and 4:15pm September 8th, 9th and 12th. Call 371-9506 or visit their website.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Workout Activities for Mama and Baby: Swimming Lessons
To further enhance their motor skills, there are some activities that I have found quite engaging for my little one while getting a fun little workout for me too! Given that it's SO hot here in Austin, the first workout I'll focus on will be on swimming!
Swimming Lessons
You can get your baby involved in swimming as early as 6 months! Your babies will learn to get comfortable in the water and gain confidence, while you learn basic safety skills and holding techniques. Water exercise has been noted to improve your baby’s endurance, coordination, and lung capacity.
Classes are typically in small group settings, so you’ll get the maximum attention from the instructor. They also offer private lessons if you prefer one-on-one training.
To learn more about class schedules and locations, here are some local places that specialize in infant/toddler swimming lessons:
1. Aqua Tots
Friday, July 17, 2009
Austin's Local Picks: Best Frozen Treat Places
Vote Here!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Fit Mommy2B Tip #7 - Folic Acid Intake
Here's a list of some food that contain Folic Acid:
- Orange Juice
- Whole wheat bread
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Spinach
- Fortified cereal
- Asparagus
- Meat
- Beans
- Papaya
- Avocado
- Dry roasted peanuts
If you would like a complete list of foods that contain Folic Acid per serving, check out: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Stork Giveaway Winner
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Fit Mommy2B Tip #6: Replacement meal bars during pregnancy
They taste really good and come in four flavors: Nuts and Berries, Mellow Oats, Burstin' Chocolate with Orange, and Chocolate Toffee.
Keep one handy in your purse and enjoy after a nice walk, workout, or as a snack. Remember that you should not be on any diet while you're pregnant, so still keep getting your calories from healthy foods.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Fairytale Threads Giveaway Winners
Stork Rental: Ginnie Mayle
Mini-Bootie cupcakes (set of 4): Sabrina Shaw
New Baby Scrapbook: Angie Nett
Congratutalions!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
2009 Trends in Pregnancy and Parenting
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stork Giveaway
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Fit Mommy2B Tip#5: Pregnancy Without Pounds
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Boosting your baby's brain development
Be attentive to your baby. If your baby shows interest in something, make sure you follow your attention to his interest and talk to him about it expressing joy. Let your baby know that his interests are important to you. Responding to his cries by nurturing him will make him feel emotionally secure. Use diaper time to attract your baby’s attention or even give him massages to calm him and bond with him. Being attentive to your baby helps develop trust. Your baby will be more willing to explore and learn if he feels secure with you. Those signals of emotional security are sent directly to the brain, contributing those neural connections to be wired.
Read to your baby. Pick books with colorful illustrations and point at the pictures and make sounds of the animals as you read along. By reading to your baby, you will be enhancing his “receptive language,” the ability to understand spoken words.
Choose appropriate developmental toys. As your baby explores with the world around him, pick toys that will help him enhance cause-effect, math, or other problem solving skills.
Sing songs to your baby. Help your baby incorporate sounds with body movements, specially hands and fingers during the early stages to enhance fine motor skills development. Songs will also help your baby develop rhythm and language acquisition.
Make mealtime enjoyable. As your baby learns to feed soft foods, say out loud the names of the food he’s eating (or playing with). Express joy as he attempts this task, regardless how messy it may get. This will help create positive emotional brain patterns.