WIN 2 Presale tickets to Fairytale Threads Childrens' Resale Spring Event

Moms! It's that time a year again to get your kids' clothing, gear and toys for very affordable prices at the Fairytale Threads Consignment Event. The Spring Event will be on March 5th-6th at The Old Settlers Assoc. in Round Rock. We're giving away 2 tickets for the presale event which will be held on Thu. March 4th from 7-9pm. To enter contest, please visit our Facebook Fan page with more details!

Mommy2B will be sponsooring the New and expectant moms event on Fri. 3/5. Come say hi and check out adorable baby gifts, shower favors and sign up for cool raffle prizes!

Hope to see you there!!

WIN 2 Presale tickets to Fairytale Threads Childrens' Resale Event

Fairytale Threads is a twice a year consignment event designed to turn clutter into cash and give you the opportunity to shop new and gently worn items for great prices. Their event is coming up on Friday, September 18th from 10a-8p and Saturday, Sept. 19th from 9a-4pm. at the Old Settlers Association - 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.

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

For more inf about the event, visit their website at http://www.fairytalethreads.com

Good luck to all and let's save!

Children's Resale Event coming up in September

The current state of the economy has many local families looking for new and creative ways to stretch their budgets while still meeting the needs of their quickly growing children. Fairytale Threads understands that parenting growing children is expensive. The price of diapers and formula alone can be shocking. Then add cribs, bouncers, videos, toys and clothes to the mix. Parents also quickly realize many items are outgrown in a matter of weeks. As they grow, their clothes might last one season, and their taste in toys can change overnight.

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

Old Settlers Association at 3300

Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.

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.

If you are looking for ways to help with this event or want more details, you can visit Fairytale Threads website at: http://www.fairytalethreads.com/ or call Fairytale Threads at

512-850-3280.

Spread the word and hope to see you there!

Baby and Tot Storytimes

Storytimes are a great way to connect with your child for free! Classes are typically 20-30min and are often offered in public libraries. It's not jut about reading books. It's more about songs and movement! Depending on the age, the instructor may read a very simple book or just show books that you may introduce your child. Your very little ones will enjoy listening to songs, which are often combined with gestures, and watching other babies while they sit on your lap or crawl around the room exploring. As they get older, they will start becoming more engaged and actually participating in the songs and even the stories read. Towards the end of the session, there's usually playtime! A pile of toys in the middle of the room brings the crawlers and walkers together to socialize. It also allows the parents time to meet each other.

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

Workout Activities for Mama and Baby: Swimming Lessons

Taking care of a baby is a workout in itself! But once your little one starts crawling and walking, there’s a new world of exploration right before their eyes, and guess who’s going to be breaking a sweat chasing him around?!

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

2. Emler Swim School

3. YMCA of Austin

4. Tom’s Dive and Swim

5. City of Austin Park and Recreation Dept.

A week of fun activities for mommy & baby in Austin

If you are a stay-at-home mommy in Austin, like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for things to do with your baby during the week. I’ve compiled some neat mommy & baby bonding activities to do with your baby on any given week:

Monday
Enjoy songs, finger plays, and read books aloud with your baby during the Mother Goose Story Time at the Wells Branch Public Library. This event is held every Monday and Friday at 10am and is great for infants 0-18 months.

Tuesday
StrollerFit is a great opportunity to interact with your baby while getting a good 50-minute stroller workout. Mommies use resistance training with the strollers, while their babies are entertained with songs, nursery rhymes, and other fun activities. Classes run from 8:30-9:20am. Check out their website for location.

Wednesday
Help your baby develop his/her senses with tummy time, songs and other visual activities with Gymboree’s Play and Learn classes for infants 0-6 months. Take advantage of their free preview classes! There are 4 locations in Austin.

Thursday
Come to the Cedar Park Library for their lapsit storytime at 9:45am and meet other moms while you bond with your baby. Their storytimes are also held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Friday
The Pflugerville Community Library offers lapsit storytime events for infants on Fridays at 10:30am. Come and meet other mommies, sing, and listen to fun children’s books. Also check out their bilingual storytime, Mondays at 10:30am. I started speaking to my son in Spanish since he was born and I loved this class. It’s never too early to expose your baby to a foreign language. You’d be amazed how quickly they begin understanding!

Saturday
Baby Boot Camp is another great way to have your baby help you burn that dreaded pregnancy weight! Classes are stroller-based and last 55 min. They are held at Zilker Park or at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Request your first class for free to see if it’s for you!

Sunday

The Botanical Garden at Zilker Park is hosting the Dinoland exhibit until November 30th. It’s a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about dinosaurs. The exhibit is open from 10am-5pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children (1-3)

Austin’s beautiful all-year round weather gives mommies plenty of fun outdoor activities to do with their babies! Enjoy this time while you can before they start school!

Halloween events in Austin

There are some great halloween events coming up to take the kiddos. These are a few I found in Austin, Round Rock and Pflugerville :

Event: Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
When: Sunday, 10/26, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Where: Moonlight Tower at Zilker Park
Cost: Free! But you are welcome to bring 2 non-perishable food items for the Capital Area food bank.

Event: Pumpkin Carving on the dock
When: 10/25, from 11am – 3 pm.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum

Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/27, from 6:30pm – 8 pm.
Where: Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center

Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/30, from 6:00pm – 8 pm.
Where: AB Cantu/Pan Am Recreation Center

Event: Fall Fun Festival
When: 10/31, from 9-11:30am
Where: Old Settlers Park in Round Rock

Event: Fall Pumpkin Fest
When: 10/27, from 10am-6pm
Where: Sky Ridge Plaza in Round Rock

Event: Halloween Celebration
When: 10/26, 5pm-7pm
Where: Pflugerville Community Library

If there's an event you'd like to share, we'd love to know!

Have a Happy and safe Halloween!!

Eliana