"Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels"

A girlfriend of mine had this posted as here Facebook status.  This is a direct quote from Kate Moss.  My honest first reaction was, wow that actually makes sense.  Nothing feels as good as stepping into a pair of your skinny jeans and closing the zipper, while absorbing the wonderful feeling of them fitting well with utter and the utmost comfort. 

This made me start to think more about what skinny is?  So I went to the dictionary and the definition shocked me;

          Very lean or thin; emaciated.

All I could envision was my daughter at 13, skin and bones! How awful!  But so much of our society is geared towards being skinny.  For example, there are skinny jeans, the skinny girls margarita, the skinny bitch, the skinny girl's diet, and even many websites dedicated to being skinny.

But wait!  Is this really what is important, fitting into those size 2 jeans.  Pretty much starving yourself to do so.  Is this the healthy body image we want to give our daughter's?  As I stared into my computer I started asking myself all these questions.  Our society seems to go to extremes.  Either you are obese or you are skinny.  There is no in between.  The reason being,  is that the media does not sell papers about the "in between".  Young girls and teens buy magazines because they want to look like the models inside.  They memorize the pages so they can recreate the same look.  As a society is there a way to get our girls away from that?

This image of being perfectly skinny will always surround us and our children.   As parents I think it is important to teach them how to be healthy, with proper nutrition and exercise.  Also we need to give our children confidence in who they are and who they will become.  Just take a look around today and notice how obsessed our society is with being "skinny".

Work that Butt!

This past weekend was very exciting for me.  It was the first time I became a published writer!  I have started doing some freelance writing for fitness and health websites.  My goal being Women's Health or Shape Magazine's.  After owning my own personal training studio in Miami I realized how much I enjoy helping woman, moms, moms-to-be, and, I have to include men, attain their fitness goals.  It is such a great feeling being part and helping someone accomplish their goals. Whether it be fitting into those skinny jeans, running  a mile , or being healthier from the inside to the outside, I enjoy being there each step of the way.  So I decided this weekend that I would gear some of my blogs towards health and fitness.
 
Yesterday at polo, I was chatting with some friends and the hot topic was our butts!  They wanted to know a routine they could do at home while their children were sleeping that would help tighten and shrink the behind.  So here is my favorite routine for at home!

Image by MyGymworkout.co.uk via Flickr
• For this routine all you need is a stability ball and a mat. 

• Warm up
• Lie on your back with your legs straight and your calf muscle on top of the stability ball. As shown to the right
• Lift your hips up towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes as you raise the hips. Lower them back to starting position and repeat 25 times. 

• Second. 
• Lift your hips up to the ceiling as before
• Now keeping your hips up roll the ball in towards your body by bending the knees. Then roll the ball back out. It is important to keep your hips up through the whole movement and your arms by your sides. You will feel this in the back of your leg, calf, and abs. Repeat 15 times.
• Next, place your feet on the ball with your knees bent.  Squeeze your hips up to the ceiling and then drop back down. It is important to not let your hips touch the floor in between reps.  Repeat 15 times. 
• Turn over and do the plank for 30 secs.
• When finished with the plank repeat the whole set 2 more times. 

• Third.  
• Lie on your side on the mat. With your top foot flexed, do 25 leg raises. Make sure you lead with your heel and not your toe. You want your flexed foot to be completely parallel with the floor. You will feel this much more. 
• After you complete the side leg lifts. Keep your leg raised and circle it clockwise in small circles 20 times and then go counter clockwise 20 times. The movement will be small and make sure to keep the foot flexed. 
• Lastly on this side, lift both legs off the mat. 
• Move the top leg back and forth, (towards opposite walls) Keeping the foot flexed. Count back and forth as one time and complete 15 of them.
• Switch to the other side and complete the same routine. Do this twice on both sides. 

To finish:

• We are going to complete a stability ball wall squat. Place the ball against a bare wall. Stand with the stability ball in the lull (top of the hips) of your back.  Squat down, making sure to keep your hips back towards the wall as you squat down.  
• Go down until your thighs are parallel to the floor and then press up through the heels, so that you really activate the butt muscles. Repeat 15 times. 
• Now we are going to do a one legged squat with the stability ball behind our back. Move the leg you are standing on a little towards the center. Lift the opposite leg and perform the squat. Only go down as far as it feels comfortable. Repeat 12 times and then switch to the opposite leg. 
• Do this whole series three times. 

When you are finished with this routine make sure to stretch.  Please feel free to comment with any questions or concerns.  I recommend doing this series 2 to 3 times a week.  Remember cardio is very important as well for toning and weight loss.   Have fun tightening those buns!

Nantucket: Time for a End of the Summer Getaway!

Cover of Nantucket: Island Living

Maybe I say this every summer, but where did the summer go?  I cannot believe that it is August already and the kids will be back in school before you know it.  If any of you are feeling the way I am, then one more summer getaway is a must!!  So why not go away for Labor Day Weekend.  I promise it is not too late.  The kids will be back in school shortly after as well.  For some reason I woke up today in the mood to take a trip to Nantucket.  The best part about this island is that they do not have a bridge or a tunnel.  It is either by ferry or by plane.  But the trip to get there is worth every minute.

When I was growing up my mother and I use to spend a month in Nantucket every summer.  Sometimes we would rent a house but other times we would stay at a hotel.  I have such fond memories of walking into town to get ice cream or playing in the ocean for hours.  Nantucket always had a special smell I will never forget.  The fresh air, mixed with the salty water, and sweetness from flowers.  Maybe now that I have a daughter of my own I want to give her the experience that I had.

The hotels I recommend for your trip are The Veranda House and The White Elephant.  Both are by the harbor and walking distance to main street.  The great thing about this island is that it is not over populated and you can walk or bike to so many activities and sites.  I recommend going to Young's Bicycle Shop and renting bicycles for your stay.  It is a great way to get to the beaches and tour the island.  Nantucket is full of wonderful boutiques, antique shops, fantastic restaurants, and lovely art galleries.  Also, during the summer there are outdoor concerts and fairs for the kids.

So if you are itching like I am to get away then I suggest finishing your summer off with a bang!! Visit Nantucket and I promise you will never look back.

The Best PreNatal Vitamins!

Image by Ellery Chen via Flickr

It seems to be the season for having a baby!  All of my girlfriends are pregnant and I am so incredibly happy for them!  At playgroup the other day we discussed prenatal vitamins and what brand everyone was taking.
When I was pregnant I purchased a prenatal that was suppose to be reputable from Whole Foods.  After taking the dosage I would become so nauseous and tired.  So I decided to do some research and see what else was out there.  A colleague, at the time, recommend LifePak PreNatal.  Her daughter was taking them at the same time and their doctor had also recommended them highly.  That night I went home and did some research on them and was very impressed with what I found. Who would ever think that I would be impressed by vitamins?  Not really something I paid much attention too.  However, the nerd in me came out. All the human genetic classes and biology courses were actually paying off.
The science behind these vitamins allows the the whole dosage to actually be absorbed into your system.  Did you know that a very large percent of the vitamins you take do not get absorbed.  LifePak PreNatal uses a patented nanotechnology that allows the vitamins to find the right bondage site, which allows the nutrients to be fully absorbed.  It really is fascinating stuff!  So right then I ordered a box.  As soon as I started taking them the nausea went away and I felt much stronger and energetic.  My hair did not get brittle and my skin was amazingly clear.  The best part is that the baby benefits as well. Also, these vitamins come individually wrapped in the proper dosage so you can just grab one and go.
My three girlfriends just started them and love them as well.  So if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant I highly recommend the LifePak PreNatals!

Easy and Delicious Homemade Protein Bars!

After my mothers visit last week I was in need of some detox!  I always like to stay very aware of how my pants fit.  Personally, that seems to be a good gage for me and staying at a healthy weight. When they start to feel a little snug, I know it is time to clean up the diet.  In a couple days I am back feeling sexy and good in my pants! 
The main way that I clean up my diet is by only eating the foods I make. So about a year and a half ago I started making homemade protein bars. I would alter recipes I found in cookbooks or magazines to tastes that I enjoyed.  Sunday, I made a batch of protein bars from a new recipe I had been playing with. I think I finally got it! These protein bars are delightful and I even got my husbands approval! He is the one in the back round, sitting on the couch, while watching golf, and laughing as he hears a pot drop or me screaming. Needless to say I am not very poetic in the kitchen, but I get the job done.
So here is the recipe and I hope you all enjoy it. They are very easy to make and make sure to read all the way to end for some alternatives to make them custom to your taste!

Enjoy!

Protein-Packed Bars

• 3/4 cup soy flour
• 1/4 whole-grain flour
• 1 cup wheat bran(you can use oat bran if that is all you have)
• 1 cup vanilla protein powder (try to find egg white protein powder)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup ground  flaxseed  (optional)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (I use Better'n Peanut Butter, low fat & cals)
• 1/4 cup Sucanat (optional)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tbls vanilla
• 1/2 cup vanilla 0% fat greek yogurt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a small baking dish with parchment paper
2. In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients together
3. In a small bowl mix the peanut butter, egg whites, applesauce, vanilla, and yogurt together
4. Add the wet ingredents to the large bowl. Mix well. If mixture is to dry add another egg white well beaten.
5. Spread mixture in baking panuntil even. Bake until golden brown

Alternatives:
If you would like a little variety, feel free to add a handful of dark chocolate chips or dried fruit in the mixture. Make sure you wait until the end to add them in. Do not mix them in, instead gently fold them into the batter.

A New Spin on Hostess Gift Ideas!

Image by ZenOptic via Flickr

Tonight I am attending a cocktail party with my husband.  Usually, I bring a nice bottle of wine or sometimes an orchid, but I am in the mood to do something a little different. When I host, I never complain when a guest brings wine, but sometimes it is nice to receive something a little out of the ordinary and thoughtful.  This made me start to think of what other types of gifts are out there.

I started looking around in local shops and online to get some ideas.  Pottery Barn had some great bottle stoppers. The one that says "stop" is great. If you keep scrolling down they have martini shakers with glasses. This made me think, why not purchase a bottle of liquor, as well as the shaker, and then hand write a drink recipe for the host to try.  I think handwriting the recipe, on a nice piece of stationary, gives the gift a more personal feel. Or you could monogram the shaker and the glasses with their initials.
Thinking of monogramming, I found this wonderful website that has a plethora of monogrammed gifts! If the host is an organized person, you could monogram a bulletin board, or if they host often, they have serving trays and much more. Really is a cute site.
Now, for the hostess's that are Eco Friendly you could give personalized reusable shopping bags.  Flip and Tumble have some wonderful stuff! They even have produce bags! How fun.  I just ordered the bags with the birdie for myself!  Lastly, if the host/hostess is into stationary, a personalized stamp would be a fantastic idea!

These are a couple of non traditional ideas.  Just remember to not stress about it. Soaps, candles, and dishtowels are always wonderful as well.  Also, cookbooks or a Table-Top books are great ideas.  Keep in mind, you do not need to wrap it. A simple bow will do fine. 
Hope this helps and have fun at all your parties!

Some Unknown Facts about Coconut Water

For those of you who do not know me, I love being healthy. Okay, in total honesty, I am a huge health nut! To me, being "healthy" is finding a balance between staying fit, having a balanced diet, and finding things or hobbies that are enjoyable and make you happy. For me, I enjoy high intensity workouts and supplement them with sports, like tennis and golf. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong. You have to find what works for you. Or what makes you want to go back for more!  I also love researching new trends, surveying the shelves at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, and testing recipes for new ways to create a great tasting but nutritious masterpiece of a meal.
Over the past year I have added coconut water into my daily routine. I have seen a huge difference in my complexsion, energy, and getting rid of that craving for sweets. I really think that the stuff is amazing. A lot of people complain about the taste, but I actually look forward to it now. If I have an urge to open the fridge and snack, I just take a sip of the coconut water, shut the door, and then I can walk away without needing anything. It really is amazing stuff.

My usual brand of choice is Zico.  It would come in a non-plastic container and the only ingredient listed was "pure brazilian coconuts". So simple and yet so many health benefits.  I would pick it up at my local grocery store, which was very convientent.
About a month ago,  I was grocery shopping like usual, and I went down the health food isle to grab my Zico coconut water, and to my surprise it had been replaced! The brand name was the same, but now it was in a plastic container, and the ingredients said "coconut water and plant extract". The calorie content was higher as well as the sugar. I stood in the isle for a moment in bewilderment. What was this plant extract? What were they adding to my coconut water? Why is the container plastic? I needed answers before I was about to put this new beverage in my body.
As soon as I got home from the store, I ran to my computer and looked up contact information for Zico.  After searching for thirty-five minutes, I found an email for customer assistance.  So that night,  I wrote an email asking to please let me know if the plastic was safe, where this new product was coming from, and what was in this, so-called, plant extract.
I checked my email for a response daily and after one week there was still nothing. I was starting to go through withdrawal from my coconut water. So I decided to take a drive to Whole Foods and see what other brands it offered and if maybe it had my original Zico that I loved.
It was not their! It had been replaced with the new version, by Zico, as well. Whole Foods did have a variety of different brands of coconut water. However, I learned my lesson, that you must be careful and read all the ingredients. So many of these brands are trying to pose as "pure coconut water". Instead, they are mixed with other fruits, high in sugar and carbohydrates, and pretty much a non nutritious fruit drink. Naked, seemed to be the only brand I could find that was 100% Brazilian Coconut water. So, I bought enough to get me through the week. I was not going to go through another coconut water  drought!
When I got home from the store, I checked my email again, but this time I had a response. Everything around me disappeared as I became completely engaged in Zico's reply. They assured me that the plastic was BPA free and they used high quality plastics to make the bottle. However, the most interesting part was about the plant extract.  They could not tell me what was in the extract because that would be giving away their secret. What they could tell me was that the coconuts where now coming from Asia, as well as the extract. They could not disclose what countries in Asia.

I am sorry  but this is a huge red flag. Could this extract be coming from the same country that had all the problems with infant formula?  Personally, I do not trust China and many of the other countries,in Asia,  that use cheap labor and poor ingredients. I was totally appalled and wanted to share this with others. Taking pride in what you put into your body is very important.  Many of these companies deceive consumers that are busy with life and have trust that the companies are following through with their claims.

Needless to say, I have switched to Naked Coconut Water!

Here are the reasons why I drink it:

Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help

1. Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature.
2. Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage.
3. Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
4. Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising.
5. Raise your metabolism.
6. Promote weight loss.
7. Boost your immune system.
8. Detoxify and fight viruses.
9. Cleanse your digestive tract.
10. Control diabetes.
11. Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS.
12. Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer.
13. Treat kidney and urethral stones.
14. Boost poor circulation.

Delicious Peanut Butter Pretzels!

So, on Sunday, my husband and I decided to take a drive to Blue Mountain Brewery for some lunch and an ice cold beer. After our very delicious meal we decided on the way home to stop at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery to get some stuff for dinner and check out there fabulous wines. Well, as I was searching around all their shelves, that are filled with  interesting and delightful foods, I came upon peanut butter pretzels. Now, I must tell you I have a love/hate relationship with peanut butter. I absolutely love it but my hips and thighs hate it! There is something about the nutty, smooth, and creamy taste that always hits the spot.  Peanut butter to me is like ice cream to most people. On a cold night, I can whip out a spoon and some peanut butter goodness, lounge on the couch, and watch a romantic but funny chick flick.

Oh my, I am getting off topic! See what it does to me.  So, I found these pretzels. They were not the traditional pretzels filled with peanut butter. But, these bite size pretzels were dipped in peanut butter and then laid flat to dry. The bag had about 15 of these eye catching treats inside it and I could not wait until I got home to try one.  As soon as we got in the car I opened them up and YUM! Perfect balance of salty and sweet. I have to say I am happy that Greenwood Grocery is all the way in Crozet, otherwise my hips and thighs would be very upset!

Lastly, if you have not been, a trip to Greenwood Gourmet Grocery is a must! They have a large selection of wine and beer. Also, fantastic sandwiches, homemade salads, desserts, and local vegetables. Plus, a great assortment of chips and treats. And if that was not enough, they have a garden store as well with some really great finds!


I always stop there before Polo at King Family Vineyards! Just and idea

Is it okay not to always look for the bargain?

Image by scalleja via Flickr

Since moving here from Miami, Fl, I have really tried to learn about bargain shopping. I have made my first trips to Marshall's, where I felt I was lost in sea of overwhelming stuff. I was never quite sure where to turn or if the discount was real. I mean, I would pick up and item that had a good retail name but because the price was so cheap, I became weary and thought there must be something wrong with it. So I put it back on the shelf. At checkout my cart had a pillow and a work out shirt.
 I have also become much better at using coupons for the grocery store and try to wait for clothes to go on sale before I buy them. That wait can feel like eternity and I will admit I end up caving. Usually, I walk by the store the following day and there is the shirt, 50% off!
 However, I walked into my closet yesterday to grab some shoes for dinner and I stopped to think about what I had and I what I wanted to wear.  I have some jeans that I probably bought for $300, a couple of pairs of Manolo Blahnik shoes, and other nice quality items. Now, I am not trying to brag at all, I also have clothes from discount stores. But my point is, that my Manolo Blahnik's and I have spent 5 wonderful years together. My jeans probably 3 years.  Those jeans have helped cover up my wobbly bits and if could talk would have some fantastic stories to tell!
 However, something I have bought at target lasted only one wear and has not much to say. My question is, "Is it okay to indulge once and a while on a couple items?"  I think so. Quality lasts and I have not needed to buy more shoes, so am I actually saving money. Have my splurges here and there actually saved me money? 
I think if you have high quality staples in your closet you will always be able to put an outfit together. You can mix and match and feel great! The lines on high quality jeans somehow make my hips small. And items that will just be in for one season, I do not think you should spend a lot of money on. That to me is a waste.  Bargain shopping has taught me a lot of things and helped me to double think my purchases, but splurging on some high quality items can also be a bargain in the long run.

My love affair with my Roasting Pan

I must get better at taking pictures. Last night I hosted a dinner party for about 12 people. One of my good friends and neighbor is moving away, so I wanted to do something special for her before she left. I love to host and get so excited when I can pull my All-Clad roasting pan out!
When we lived in Miami, I became so spoiled. We lived on Miracle Mile above La Cuisine and I used every excuse possible to go down there and buy something. During the holidays I always hosted dinner parties, plus our staff party. My husband would come home and see a large box in the hall closet and just shake his head. He knew he could not stop me! The store is like a little piece of heaven. All the appliances are so new and shiny and the cookware surrounds you in a way that makes you feel peaceful and in a mood to create a masterpiece for dinner.  When I went down there one afternoon needing inspiration for the meal I need to create, I saw this pan and feel in love! If you do not have a roasting pan you need to run to the store immediately! Okay, maybe not immediately but this pan will make your dinner parties a success! I have cooked turkeys, chickens, leg of lamb, ratatouille, and more. Everything comes out moist and delicious.
So last night I pulled out the pan. I had to chickens that fit perfectly, side by side. I used lemon, olive oil, and some spices. It went in the oven at 350 and about 2 hours later we had moist, mouth watering chicken, that made my apartment smell lovely! The best part is the clean up is easy. My pan is back on its special shelf until next time!

Finished my website

I am proud to say I have finally finished my website. After lots of frustration and hard work I published my website Concierge 4 Moms. I will be making more adjustments but it is a start! Please email me with any questions and have a great night!

Is Craigslist safe?

Image via Wikipedia

I grew up in the time where craigslist was a home to predetors and money scams.  For rentals or buying things I always am sceptical.  I also had the opinion that the jobs posted were all scams.  When I moved here from Miami everyone reassured me that craigslist was the place to go for a rental, baby gear, and more. So, slowly I have started to warm up to the idea of checking for things on craigslist until now.  I have been using craigslist this week to check for apartments in DC and sure enough I found one that looked ans sounded perfect. It had pictures, an address, and an actual email to respond to. So I sent an email I was interested and if I could come check it out.  Wouldn't you know it, I get an email telling me he is a priest(like that makes him more believable) and he went on a tour in Africa, but the apartment is beautiful and his wife who is vacationing in the cayman islands will take care of all payments, etc. Oh, I do not need to see it, the pictures show it all.  I can move in right away, as well, I just need to send the money asap.

So I sit back at my computer and think to myself, "is this guy serious????"  I know it is only one time but the time and effort it takes to search through all those listings and finally think you might have something, is tiring!  I might have sheltered growing up and like things a certain way but this just feels dirty.  It just reassured me that it is better to get an agent.  To me it is to easy for people to scam you.  I would rather be safe and go to stores to buy things, use real estate agent to find proprieties, and use professionals for other services.

Too early to start preschool??

Image via Wikipedia

Sorry I have been M.I.A the last couple days but I am focusing completely on getting my website finished and launched! What a task. This is the second business I will be starting and I have designed and developed my own websites before, but for some reason this one has been more tough then normal. But it will get done and I am looking forward to publishing it!
Anyway, I am writing today about an interesting topic I have now discussed with some moms.  My daughter Stella is 20 months old and I was all excited about pre-school. So, I did lots of research, spoke with lots of moms, and made my decision I would like to send her to the International School of Charlottesville.  My husband is fluent in Spanish, so I thought what a great opportunity for her. She would go a couple days a week, from 830am to 1230pm. So I was all set, sent my deposit in and then I started thinking........ Is she to young? Am I getting caught up in the idea and not thinking about Stella?? Will it be to much? She is not two until November and the program likes to have two and a half year old. So now I am torn on what to do.
At the pool this morning I decided I would strike up some conversations to see other moms opinions.  I have to say they were all so nice and very willing to discuss what they had done with their children. The general census, drum roll please.......was to hold them back.  I was honestly shocked!  Some had regretted putting them in early, others never thought about it and waited until they were three or four years of age.  So, now I have a decision to make.  The one thing I have learned from all this is every child is different and I think I am going to follow my gut, whatever that might be.

A must have for a woman's closet!

So, I am so excited about my strapless bra that I have to share the news! I am always on the hunt for a bra that is comfortable, but sexy and can keep up with all my jumping around during the day. But, can also fit under my cocktail dress and not have to be constantly adjusting!Well, I have found the perfect strapless and I want to share it with every woman who feels the same way!  It is so comfortable, hides well under clothes, and I swear does not move an inch! I can run after my 20 month old daughter during the day and not feel like I can not reach to high or run a couple steps and have to be worried. So are you dieing to know what it is???? OnGossamer strapless! It is only $44 and the best strapless I have ever had.  It fits so well under clothes no one will notice and if you have a shirt with funny straps(which seems to be the fashion) you do not have to worry about people seeing bra straps. It is great! A must have!

Concierge for Moms!: Yummy and healthy peanut butter blondies!

Concierge for Moms!: Yummy and healthy peanut butter blondies!: "Image by ciao-chow via FlickrMy daughter and I had a blast making these last night and they taste delicious! I would have taken pictures but..."

Yummy and healthy peanut butter blondies!

Image by ciao-chow via Flickr

My daughter and I had a blast making these last night and they taste delicious! I would have taken pictures but the two of us were a mess. My daughter is only 20 months old so following directions does not always go according to plan!

So here are the ingredients:
1/2 cup sweet-potato baby food(stage 1 or 2)
1/2 cup carrot baby food (stage 1 or 2)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tsps vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1scoop vanilla egg white protein powder (find at whole foods)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup oat bran
1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 cup peanut butter chips or chocolate (optional)

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter

Melt the butter and sugar over medium/low heat together and then set aside to cool

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and spray a 9 by 13 inch pan with cooking spray

Whisk together the first 7 ingredients. Add the butter mixture and whisk. Then add the oat bran and flour, and mix until just combined. Fold in chips if using and then pour into the baking pan.

Bake for 30 mins or until tooth pick comes out clean.


And that is it. It is great for kids because they can keep pouring and whisking, without having to worry about multiple bowls! I hope you all enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream on these hot summer days!

Great gift idea!

I stumbled across these cookies this morning while reading some of my favorite blogs and wanted to share this with you. One Creative Cookie is a great gift idea for birthdays, Christmas, teacher appreciation, hostess gifts, and more! Each order is custom made and I think the photo gallery speaks for itself. So check out the website and make tell them concierge mom sent you!

Weekend Ahead!

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Finally Friday!!! Yay! Since it is so hot I have been looking for some fun things to do this weekend that are cool. If you are up for a little drive south, Short Pump is having an event, Christmas in July! They are having games, prizes, and music which would be fun for the whole family. They also have the train that goes around, that my daughter loves. And, of course, the great shopping. If you would like to stay more local, I recommend Blenheim Vineyard, for the family. They have a great indoor play area for the kids and the view is amazing. And you can stay inside!
Also, something that is right here and in AC is Kegler's Lanes Bowling. I am awful but it is always fun to go for some laughs. They will put bumpers in the lanes for the children, which makes it a fun experience for them.
The downtown sidewalk sale is still going on. My daughter and I went yesterday around 4 pm and it was very hot. So I would leave that to early after market or early evening. You could check that out and then do not forget Restaurant Week is still going on until Sunday!

If you need more ideas, please let me know! I am going to Blenheim this afternoon so I will give you an update on the new deck!

Bargain Days Sidewalk Sale

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Did you know that there is a huge sidewalk sale going on downtown?? Well there is, and a large number of the stores are participating. Some participants include Alakazam, Bittersweet, Blue Ridge Eco Shop, Derriere de Soie, The Hip Joint, Mazi's, Petit Bebe, and much much more. Here is the link to check out more details, Bargain Days Sidewalk Sale.
I am going to go check it out this afternoon and I will report back on how it is. Have a great afternoon!

Fabulous time at Restaurant Week Charlottesville!

If you did not know, this week is Restaurant Week in Charlottesville. They have the same thing in many cities, we use to love going in Miami. It is a great way to try some new restaurants. I do not recommend going to restaurants you normally go to, try something new! My husband and I decided to try Ten.  I have always wanted to try Ten but my husband is allergic to shellfish so we usually choose somewhere else.  He was a great sport and was excited to check it out.
 I started off with the Ten martini and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys martinis. It has sake, ciroc vodka, aloe juice, and japenese momokachan. Such a good mix and not sweet. My husband had a Sapporo beer.
Now the great thing about restaurant week is that it offers a 3 course dinner for $26. $1 is donated to PB&J fund. Another thing that attracted me to Ten's menu was that there was no dessert, so you really get a good sample of their cuisine. I started with the Cha Soba and my husband had the Ten salad. For a second course I tried the Tiger roll. The restaurant was so accommodating to my husbands allergies and made him a special sampling of vegetable rolls that were off menu. They were fantastic! As the third course came we both were so full. My husband had ordered the lamb chops, which he ate for lunch today and said they were very tender.  I chose the Tuna steak which was cooked perfectly and was nice and light. It was a great night and I highly recommend it.
 All the menus and restaurants are located at cvilleyum.com.  Remember, if you need any help choosing or making reservations please let me know. I also can organize a babysitter, as well!

This heat has me thinking about ski vacations!

Image by maticulous via Flickr

So as I was driving home from the pool today I started to think about what type of vacation we would do this winter.  My husbands family is from Miami, Fl so we tend to visit there often in the winter but after this summers heat I am thinking we should think snow and go west! I know some of you might think this is crazy and awful early but now is the perfect time to start researching where and when you would like to go. There are so many places to choose from it can be overwhelming but I am here to help.
First, you need to decide how long of a vacation you would like to take. If you only have four days, I recommend going somewhere closer so you are not spending the majority of the trip at the airport. Next, what are you children's ages and ski levels? If they are young, you need a ski school that can accommodate that plus a hotel that  has other activities for the smaller ones, like a pool and indoor recreation center. Many of the ski resorts have drop off options on the way to the slopes so it is convenient for the parents. A ski vacation an be fun for the whole family no matter what the ages are.  Lots of resorts are offering great packages and discounts now if you know when you would like to travel. Remember I am here to research and plan, so if your thinking about the cold on this hot summer day then send me a message and I would be glad to help!

What is a Concierge for Moms?

I have been getting this question a lot recently and I want to better explain myself. Being a mother I understand that time management can quickly go haywire. Moms have lots of things to do and get done and sometimes do not have time to worry about them, let alone time to actually do them. So I started this business to help all those mothers that need a third arm or 10 more hours in the day.
So, what sorts of tasks can I help with? I am here to plan, research, and make all of your arrangements you need. That can be picking up the children from school and dropping them off, picking up groceries, planning "date night", research vacation ideas, planning dinner parties, birthday parties, anytype of party you would like.  Also, if you have a new bundle of joy on the way I can help with the organization and putting the babies room together.
Think of me as your personal concierge that will get your obligations done and with a touch of class!

Why is buying a simple birthday gift such a task?

Yesterday, was my girlfriend's sons First birthday. She came to me for help organizing and planning the party. Putting the party together seemed like an easier task then going to the store and trying to find a present. I decided to go to my favorite toy store in Charlottesville, Shenanigans.  Now my daughter is 20 months old,  a lot of her toys she played with at as a year old are still around the house,  I knew exactly what I wanted to buy him. Stella had a school bus that was a shape sorter. It was about a 10 inches high and a foot long, give or take. The bus had eyes in the front that moved when you pushed it. It also came with two little drivers that make noise if you shake them as well as 4 shapes that sort on the top with a large door in the back.

So I asked the woman working at the shop if they still had it, thinking I was well prepared with a gift and this was going to be a short trip. Boy was I wrong. I never knew so many different brands and shape sorters existed! The particular brand I was looking for had sold out of. Now what was I going to get? I start looking around and completely mesmerized at all the new stuff that had come out in such a short period of time. I first thought Thomas would be a good gift, but that could get real expensive, very fast. Why a little wooden train costs so much is beyond me! The tracks themselves can cost over $50. That brings up another important question, what price range should the gift be in? Having planned and had my daughters birthday party, it seemed that a safe price range is $20 to $30. You can definitely find a great toy for less or more. I always say quality before quantity, so even if you only get one thing or it is small, just make sure it is made well. So after about 20 minutes of picking up one thing and putting down another,  I settled on a 3 piece set of these large toy cars and truck that seemed to be perfect for a 1 year old boy. 

To Bake or Not to Bake?

I am organizing a party tonight. Many moms ask me what is more cost efficient, for me to bake the cake or to order a cake? My answer is always, keep it simple. Do not add stress to an event. In charlottesville I have 2 favorite places where I like to order my clients cakes from. Both places do custom made orders and taste great! In the end after buying all the materials, sweating over how it is going to taste and look, I think buying one is the way to go!!

Conierge for Moms !

I am here to help moms who need to get things done but just do not have the time. Organizing and planning have always been my passion. Now, I want to take my passion and help other moms. After having my daughter I realized how hard it was to plan parties, organize appointments, research vacations, and take care of the basic day to day things. So for all those moms that need and extra hand I am here to help!