To-Do Thursdays: What to Do This Weekend!

To-Do Thursdays: 

So much to do, so much to do - especially if you live in DFW this weekend!

If you're looking for some time to yourself or time to spend with the fam, you've got a selection starting tomorrow until Sunday! I'm planning to make it to at least 3 of these (plus a little JBF in FW) this weekend, so get out those cameras (and your comfy shoes) and let the spring fun begin! 

Mama Challenge Top Picks!

1. Go Green This Weekend: North Texas Irish Festival, March 1-3, 2013

2. Enjoy Super Soups with Empty Bowls 2013

3. Let Your Beauty Shine at Beauty Live March 2-3

4. Superman, Yoda and Cinderella Breakfast with the Stars, Mar. 2

5. Blooms and Bunnies: Dallas Blooms Offers Perfect Easter Photo Opp, Mar. 2 – Apr. 7

What a way to say hello to Spring! (Photo courtesy of Dallas Blooms website)

5 Quick Tips to Making Family Count TODAY

Want-it Wednesday:

This Want-it Wednesday, all I want is a BREAK from the crazy. And of course when mama’s crazy, so is the rest of the family.

And then I found her and it – at least a way to close down the crazy and to make our family make those valuable moments count. 

Susan Sachs Lipman, founder of slowfamilyonline.com, writer for Christian Science Monitor‘s Modern Parenthood, is also author of Fed up with Frenzy, which teaches parents how to incorporate Slow Parenting into their family's hectic lives and trade in frenzy for quality family time. She shared a few quick tips to help me take a deep breath through special techniques and tips like:

1. Slowing Down the Morning Rush- Instead of battling the busy drop off rush at your child’s school, take time to park the car a few blocks away and walk your child to school. This strengthens family connection and starts the day off in a relaxing and peaceful way.

2. Make Meal Time Meaningful- Dinner is one of the few times families get to spend time together during the day. Make the most out of dinnertime by picking a family question to share, for example, “What’s the funniest thing that happened during your day?” Families can also create fun bonding time by picking recipes, and preparing meals together throughout the week.

3. Say No to More Things- Parents don’t have to serve on every school committee and children should not sign up for a lot of activities. More pleasure comes from devotion to one thing at a time and free play, rather than organized activity.

4. Give Your Electronics The Day Off- Call for a family “day of rest” from technology. This can be incredibly restorative, to give full attention to your loved ones. Even cutting out a 30 minute TV show and substituting it with a family walk or game can add joy to your life.

5. Do a Fun Activity or Craft- Many wonderful activities like making sock puppets, pinecone bird feeders, or singing around a campfire have gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of our overly scheduled lives. These fun activities can bond families and create lifelong memories.

Source: etsy.com via Cherae on Pinterest

While I’m rarely the one to “take time out,” this book has empowered me to be a better role model for my kids to take time to making it count. It’s about honoring life’s simple pleasures in the relatively short time we’re all here together. It’s about connecting to that part of ourselves and our families that somehow got lost in the shuffle of our busy lives.

Slow down the frenzy. Enjoy the family. 

Fed Up Frenzy

Susan Sachs Lipman

Sourcebooks

Buy on Amazon.com

ISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Taming the Ta-Tas: Best Sports Bras Do More Than Support

Me Mondays: 

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

With all my adventures to find new and exciting ways to get exercise like hot yoga, pilatesbarre and spin, I needed to look fab while I looked fit. Thus also began my search for the best sports bra, which actually began as a personal quest to replace an old sports bra I had come to rely on for more than six years. It had "carried" me through a large part of my life - my new boobs after my breast reduction, marriage, several 5Ks, weight loss/weight gain and two kids... And had never let me (or the girls) down. Unfortunately, the wires had shot completely out on both sides and I figured since I couldn't read the tag any longer to find a new one, it was time for a new one that could keep me and my girls under control for another six years. I had no idea it was going to be so hard to find a [GOOD] sports bra. 

Thus the search began.  I just didn't know that it would take me down so many paths to get there! So while I did find some great recommendations for keeping the girls in place while running, I found SO MUCH MORE! 

Recommendations, referrals and internet searches galore. And then I found a great expert! Kim Larson, a Colorado triathlete who wears a 34E bra knew how difficult it was to find a good bra to fit her girls, so she opened her own boutique to help other women find their perfect bra.

“There is no one sports bra that works best for everyone – or even for different people of the same size. BoulderFields was opened to find the perfect bra for every woman regardless of her shape or size.”

Of course, lululemon's ta-ta tamer II would make it on the list for best sports bra. While it has some cute designs, has adjustble straps and works well for some, it wasn't my favorite one I tried.

Based on sales at BoulderFields, the best-selling bras are Shock Absorber bras (various styles, A – HH cups, 30 – 40 bands) and Enell (C – DDD cups, 32 – 52 bands). Shock Absorber does a lot of research behind their products at the University of Portsmouth and they show it with their BOUNCE-O-METER (you have to see this!) While the Enell bras had rave reviews all over websites, it honestly had to be one of the bras I'd run AWAY from if it was my only choice. 

The Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Sports bra claims it reduces bounce up to 78% and has the research to prove it. That and the two buckles in the back tell you this bra means business. (I haven't had a chance to try this one, but I'm going to very soon!)

Lynx Sports Bras were developed for large-breasted women by a female athlete. Within the first year of their introduction, they were top rated by Runner's World magazine. 

The Naked Sports Bra is a racer-back style sports bra that covers the shoulders and upper torso with a tan-minimizing micromesh fabric.(No tan lines, ladies!)

Gracie’s Gear “Short Top" provides the extra support you need and gives you a "hands free experience," so you can stop holding your iPod, cell phone, and car keys and get going. 

Available only on Etsy, TOM Girl Apparel's Wireless Push Up Sports Bra adjusts to your changing size with Velcro brand fastener adjusts eight or more inches to adapt to weight loss and fit hard to find sizes. (While not a great high-impact bra - oh what could happen there - it is a good option for yoga or around the house.)

The IntelliSKIN Empower Sports Bra is the first sports bra developed that supports your front from the back, providing gentle support and aligns your spine and shoulders to help you re-train your posture. 

Check out this real "sports bra!" I don't think this one will do much for your run time, but the Wine Rack allows you to bring your booze with you to sporting events and gives you a little extra sizing as well (at least until you drink it." 

  

My favorite I was able to test drive was the Panache Sport, a British brand specializing in lingerie for larger cup sizes. 

Panache Sport offers an innovative, bra-sized sports bra for B-H cups. Panache spent three years in intensive research and design to develop a sports bra that truly works for larger cup sizes. Whereas many sports bras rely on compression (that is, flattening the bust to the chest wall to minimize movement),Panache's sports bra uses encapsulation - separately encapsulating and supporting each breast. The result? The new Panache sports bra reduces bounce by 83%, in all directions, making it a perfect choice for any type of sport or activity. And because it also has a lovely hook so you can opt to adjust the straps, which is great for yoga. And for those runners, my girls stayed right in place! (Hallelujah!)

I'll be honest, I never thought I would find so many other things a bra could do! I hope a few of these can help you find one to keep your girls in place or "whatever" you might need those babies to do! 

This post also appeared on Star-Telegram's Mom site.

I Want Some More Please: 4 Super Soups to Satisfy and Minimize

Food Fridays:

I have a confession. 

I'm slightly obsessed with soup. I mean really. 

Getting the soup monkey off my back with Corn Chowder at East Hampton Sandwich Co. 

While some women will go in the middle of the night for a preggo food fit, I'll drive hours away to score the perfect bowl of soup. And compound that with my pregnancy there's nothing stopping a good soup stop. At my OB/GYNO, there was this little cafe called Alonti and they served the most amazing "Italian Wedding Soup." While not a traditional recipe, but one with chicken, cream and wonderful goodness. So much so, that when I was pregnant with my second, it continued to be a part of my routine: first go to the appointment and then followup up with a big cup of the soup. 

And then one day, I went and it was gone. Closed down. Finito. (Good for my waistline, bad for my craving.)

So I went to the internet to scour for the recipe, but I quickly discovered this was going to be like trying to find the formula for Coca-Cola. I did get close with the photo below from a blog called "Cookinginflipflops.com," but unfortunately, the website doesn't work anymore. I was able to find a photo and filed it on Pinterest in hopes to at least remember what it tasted like and maybe one day get a recipe. 

Oh woe is me as tears of chicken broth come down my cheek. But then Pinterest came and brought me a kleenex and a recipe for it. While it was a close second, it still doesn't cure the sickness that ailed me (but it'll work in fix.)

While this photo is from cookinginflipflops.com, the site seems to have bit the dust, but has the most hits and photo links back to the soup. Coincidence? I think not. Alonti's not sharing.

While that soup will continue to be on my list of must-find must-haves, there's another "Italian" soup that makes me happy, especially when it's cold and gloomy (like the best day ever for soup): Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscano. With the ideal combination of greens, italian sausage, cream and spiciness, this soup is what makes their soup and salad lunch the best deal ever (for me, not them.) Again, through the magic of Pinterest, I also found a recipe for this stuff. Can't wait to make it soon to see how close it is.

Source: restaurant.food.com via Autumn on Pinterest

Unfortunately, just because soup is liquid doesn't always make it lowfat. (Have you checked out the fat count for the Tomato Basil Soup at La Madeleine?  - don't.) However, there are some soups that can help you do exactly that - lose weight. Which is particularly good when you've been eating either of the soups I've covered, you'll need something to help you knock off that extra few pounds you'll gain after bowl #10. 

And since it IS February, I've actually been divulging more HEALTHY soups.One of those you must look at is the Fat-Flush soup. It's a whole diet plan, but even if you don't care about the fat flush part, it is a great winter soup recipe!

Source: fatflush.com via Desiree on Pinterest

And I don't think talk about lowfat soups without including one of the biggest soup fads, the Cabbage Soup Diet. Again, I'm a little hesistant to eat anything consistently for 1 week, no matter how good it is. But you have to admit, it's a keeper. 

Source: successful-diet-cabbage-soup.com via Debbie on Pinterest

After making up gallons of soup like the Cabbage Soup, you'll be eating on it for days. So I was uber excited to find the ideal accessory for a soup-obsessed fan like myself: The Lunch Pot by Black+Blum. 

It's multifunctional and travel-handy with two bowls that come adjoined with its own little spoon. Also, if you  just want to use one of the bowls, it can fit inside each other. It's looks kinda like something IKEA would make and it sure is conveneient and works really well. And like all their stuff at Black & Blum, everything looks as though it belongs in an art gallery. 

Of course, with all this talk about soup, I'd be remissed to not bring up my favorite spring event, Empty Bowls, a soup fundraiser in Dallas and Fort Worth for the local food banks. It's a must go, so learn why here!

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Monogram Mama: Custom Creations Giveaway - $300 value {Giveaway}

Welcome to the $300 Custom Creations Giveaway Event!

Organized by Mom Powered Media

Every piece of personalized jewelry is handcrafted by Elisha and the team at Metal Pressions. Every letter, number, punctuation mark, and symbol is an individual tool that is placed by hand and impressed into the metal. This metal debossing technique is popularly known as hand stamping and creates a product that is far superior and unique.

The beauty of the Metal Pressions jewelry creation is that you participate in the creative process. Their unsurpassed design flexibility gives you the opportunity to have your design ideas become a reality. You are given the ability to combine text, diamonds, symbols, soldered elements and more to make a one of a kind piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours.

Metal Pressions also developed the world's first and most comprehensive Online Jewelry Design Software that allows you to design and see your jewelry online before you buy. This system allows you to try different layouts and tweak your ideas until you have the perfect item.

Six lucky winners will each receive a $50 Gift Certificate to MetalPressions.com!

Giveaway ends March 13th at 11:59pm, open to US Only, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. MAMACHALLENGE.com is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Yank Those Yoga Pants: Get Fit Looks Fast and Cheap with Ellie {Special Discount}

Want-it Wednesdays:

As a mom, it's almost a requirement that if you don't work in a "traditional" office, your "uniform" is yoga pants. Whether you actually got up to work out, have the best of intentions to go work out or just upgraded from the PJs you changed out of, workout wear is THE look of the SAHM (and apparently the seat of power in Dallas.) For me, at least these last two months of trying yoga, pilates and even pole dancing, I feel like I've been nothing but workout pants - and basically combinations of the same three outfits. 

Not me and not my pants. But it is the uniform! (Photo: The Chive.) 

But never fear, mamachallenge is ready to find the new way to look fabulous while looking fit. That's why I was so excited when I found a new company that makes it easy to look good in your workout wear, cheaply and easily every month. 

A look at February's selection. Each month it changes, so you don't get bored!

Ellie mixes essential fashion-forward looks with high-tech performance activewear for the most stylish fitness experience you’ve ever had!

Basically, you take a quick quiz about your style and needs and then gives you personalized looks just for you. And for $50 bucks a month you can have 2 pieces of workout wear from the top brands sent to your doorstep with free shipping. (Can't beat that, can you?) 

In case you aren't the type to make a commitment, you can still purchase the items you like at price, but being a part of the VIP club really saves you money, especially when workout wear doesn't come cheap!

So, if you're going to wear them every day, why don't you make life easier with a personalized package that is made to make you look great and is sent straight to you monthly at a great price.

If you use this link, you can get 20% off your first purchase when you click here or this banner!

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Ellie. 

Find Fido: New Technology to Find Your Pet 24/7

Try-it Tuesdays: 

This week is set to be all about protecting the ones you love and today we're talking about one of the most beloved members of your family, your pet. 

Meet our (other) baby, Birddie, pictured here in our family photo 2011. 

Our family pet is a black lab named Birddie. She has been with our family almost from the birth of our son in 2008. And like my other children, she also has a mind to go exploring - especially when our gate or front door gets left open, which unfortunately is more often than I wish. She has a tendency to get out so much that even my neighbors know her by name and bring her back to the house without even checking out her collar. And I can't even remember how many times I've ran down the street to try to catch her. I won't admit how many times she's been out, but I decided it couldn't  happen any more.  

Birddie meet Tagg.

This little thing is everything I had been looking for... Tagg—The Pet Tracker is an advanced pet tracking system equipped with GPS and wireless capabilities that enables pets to stay in touch with their owners.  The Tagg tracker is designed for dogs and cats over 10 lbs. and is a small, lightweight and durable device that attaches securely to an existing collar.  

Built to withstand all the running, digging and jumping of a pet’s busy day, the tracker is meant to be worn at all times, even while swimming.  The long-lasting battery can last up to 30 days, but actual battery life will vary based on usage patterns. And best of all you can track your pet from your IPhone! I know where my pet is at all times and what she's doing. And if she gets out of the "home zone" the program alerts you that your pet is out, as well as low battery and other alerts. (The only thing I can even say negative about this product is its battery life,which could stand to last a little longer, so make sure you follow the instructions in hope to maintain its maximum longevity.) 

While the cost is around $100 for the Tagg tracker, it costs around $8 per month to maintain GPS services with Verizon (you don't need another phone plan, it is embeded with the program.) But that's a small cost to pay to have the freedom of mind to know I can always find Birddie! 

Looking for something a little simplier to know where your pet is? 

Another way to keep your dog safe is with a LED collar and leash set from Dog-E-Glow. Dog-E-Glow collars and leashes illuminate their entire length and are seen up to 1,000 feet away for maximum visibility.

• Collar and leash lights are visible when turned on in a steady or flashing mode
• All products contain batteries that last up to 150 hours of use
• ALL of the Dog-E-Glow products are:
• Safe
• Lightweight and highly durable
• Weather resistant
• Made of high quality nylon sewn around (100,000 Hour) LED bulbs
• And did you see you can get your favorite college mascots or other fashionable designs?

Don't you love what technology can do to keep your family safe? 

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

When I moved into my neighborhood several years ago, it looked much like the perfect scene out of a movie – nice houses, beautiful wooded area and a great place to begin my family...

Now as a parent of two children, I’m much more alert to hearing about crime issues, especially when it’s happening close to my zip code and when it’s too close for comfort. Between changes in the area as well as social media allowing me to stay on top of all the crime happening around me, my picture-perfect neighborhood doesn’t seem to be the place it once was... Especially when families I know just like mine were becoming the victims of burglary.

Burglary Facts infographic

So began my research into safety precautions I can do to create a safer home for my family. Did you know that according to the FBI, a home burglary happens every 13 seconds? While thankfully my home hasn’t been broken into, I have had things taken from my car in just a matter of minutes. Crime happens so quickly, we have to do what we can to either prevent it or at least deter it.

While there are countless ways to proactively TRY to create a safer home, here are 5 simple ways to creating a safer home while still living life (since living in a bubble is not possible.)

BE INFORMED!

Stay on top of crime in your area with crime reports with online sites like CRIMEMAPPING, an online system that tells you what type of crime are happening at a certain address in a specific time frame. I’m also signed up to text alerts from my city police department and am informed about programs that my city offers to help prevent crime.  Make sure you’re alert to what is happening around you, so you can make decisions to prevent them from happening to you.

GET A SECURITY ALARM!

This should be a no brainer. While the thought of someone breaking into your home while you’re home should be alarming enough, most robberies actually happen during the day when you aren’t home. And now with today’s technology, not only can you get alarm system for as low as $30, you can also get one with access on your IPhone (so you can make sure you’ve turned it on) and even take a peek at your home while you’re away with cameras. I also learned many insurances companies will provide a discount for having an alarm system, so you may actually save some money by installing one.

Most importantly, make sure you put the sign in the front yard that says you have an alarm system. Time and time again, both criminals and cops say that sign is a huge deterrent for people looking to break into a home.

CREATE A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH!

My neighborhood is not in a HOA, so I don’t have the luxury of having a gated community or a security team to watch my home. But we do have a community watch group that daily patrols the neighborhood for suspicious activity through volunteers. It’s easy to work with the police department to form one and the benefit is you get to take control of your safety.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR.

I hate this one honestly, but it works. While yes a car is stolen in Texas about every 5 minutes, many times it’s not the car they want, but the stuff inside it. I know my car is like my office with laptops, purses, and other valuables, it doesn’t take long for a criminal to see you either walk out of your car without a purse for a quick trip into daycare to break in your window and take it. And at home, it may be easy to leave your stuff in the car for the next day, but it just invites criminals to break into your car and nab the things you need most!

CONSIDER A BODYGUARD?

Seriously, a bodyguard? Yes, what may have seemed only something for the rich and famous, bodyguards are becoming a convenient way to take charge of your safety – especially when you’re hosting a party or event at your home. Unfortunately, some friends of mine were victim to a burglary and the thief left with their gun. Afterwards, the family didn’t feel safe for many weeks and wondering if the thief would return to their home to get more goods. A bodyguard would have been an easy way to keep watch over the home when they were there or not and also watch for any suspicious activity that might help them find clues to getting their stuff returned. While the police department can assist, there’s just no way they can plant their car in front of your house. With a company like guardNOW residential services are possible to feel safe wherever you go, you can have the peace of mind that comes from having someone watching your home when you can’t and feel safe sleeping at night. 

While nothing can guarantee your safety, this is a great place to begin to create a plan that might be able to prevent your family from a crime in the future.

More about guardNOW

guardNOW is an easy to way to get security guards to your front door, nationwide. Whether it be a wedding, party, or an eviction, guardNOW is you one stop shop for security personnel and patrol. You no longer have to worry about how you are going to get hold of someone when you need security because guardNOW will be there. Call 877-guardNOW to book a guard today.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of guardNOW. The opinions and text are all mine.

This blog post also appears on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mom2Mom.

"I Ate All Your Cookies!" and other things you wish you could tell your kids {Book Review}

After all the fun of Valetine's Day crafts, cupcakes and cuddles, there was the aftermath of children very "high" on sugar from cookies and candy running crazy around my house. While I love my children more than life itself, it is days like these that make me want to tell them the things I'm really thinking like:

If honesty is the best policy, then getting a copy of this book from your pediatrician or OB should be a requirement.

"I Ate All Your Cookies"  admits all the secret truths that parents are thinking in their head, but will  (probably) never share with their children. From blowing the cover on who Santa really is to revealing that the dog is not actually living on a farm chasing bunnies, this book shares hundreds of relatable thoughts for any parent who has ever considered letting their kids know they really feel.

I Ate All Your Cookies: (and Other Things You Wish You Could Tell Your Kids)
Quinn Conroy
Sourcebooks
Buy

Looking for other other books to read? Check out some of my recents reads here!

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Going Topless at My Wedding

If you look at past posts, I'm all about talking about my kiddos - but I don't always talk about my husband. I guess I feel that part of my life is personal, so while I blog about some pretty embarrassing things on mamachallenge.com, stories about our relationship has been off-limits...until now. 

I have planned some pretty awesome events at some really cool places like AT&T Pebble Beach, The Academy Awards and the Miss USA Pageant. So when it came to planning my own wedding, I either wanted to go royal wedding or very intimate. Money helped me make the choice, so seven of our family/friends flew to Puerto Vallarta for a vacation/wedding. 

It was the perfect choice for us.  We did everything we ever wanted to do for our family;  from massages on the beach, golf by the ocean (with the alligators), tequila tour and of course, our very no-nonsense wedding ceremony (at least it was supposed to be.) 

Taking place around sunset on the beach, facing the ocean, barefoot in the sand and sunglasses on the face. With our wedding party standing behind us, the preacher started the vows to becoming man and wife. It was the incredible moment where you look at each other and realize the intensity of what you are about to do and how your life will change in just a few minutes. 

About 10 minutes into the ceremony...somewhere between "Will You...Yes," I saw my betrowed (and the rest of our family) all turn their heads to something on the beach behind the preacher. 

O.M.G. 

A woman, who of course wasn't so ugly [read: hot], dared to walk right by my wedding ceremony - TOPLESS! Yes, she did. Even the photographer turned his head AND took a photo, although it somehow didn't end up in the wedding shots! 

(No, I don't have a photo of this so don't ask.)

I was a little upset to say the least at the time since the ceremony itself was only about 20 minutes long and she took up about a minute of it, but now, seven years later, it IS pretty funny. Only that would happen to me!

Humor is what made me fall in love with my husband, so this little moment was only fitting. While there are MANY days I'm not laughing, it's moments like these that remind me that laughing is the best medicine to dealing with the hard challenges we face everyday (especially if it's paired with bubbly!) 

On this Valentine's Day, I hope you have great stories to remember and make your smile. I'd love to hear them if you want to share!