Dining Out with Kids - Like a Boss.

I'd be lying if I told you each time we go out to dinner with our kids, ages 18 months and 5 years old, it's all perfect behavior and warm meals for Mom and Dad. However, for the  most part, we've come up with a plan of attack that allows us the flexibility to go out to dinner and enjoy ourselves with two in tow. Here are my quick and fast tips for Dining Out with Kids - Like a Boss.

1. Dine prepared - I have my dining out bag in my car at all times. It includes:

Bambinos Tidy Table Tray & Flexi Diner

• Wipes/Diapers
• Bambinos Tidy Table Tray & Flexi Diner (which I ADORE)
• Tiny play dough, matchbox cars, crayons, a small notebook of paper
• Snacks (This may sound odd, but think of it as an emergency appetizer if the service takes too long)
• Ipad/Iphone for desperate times and happy parents.

2.  Strategize

• Don't hesitate to ask for a slightly larger table, or a table off by itself, or a larger than necessary booth - this will give the kids a place for some potential wiggle room before the meal arrives. 
• Check out the kids menu first, and order their meals when you order your drinks. This way their food comes out first and you can get them started. By the time you've cooled down, and cut up their food your meal will be on its way, so you can eat while it's hot. 
• Eat on out on weekdays or odd hours on the weekends. If you know there will be a 45 minute wait and it's a Friday night - abort mission. 

3.  Dining out doesn't have to mean McDonald's

• Most nicer restaurants ($15-20/plate) have kids menus and cater to families, including changing tables in the restrooms.
• Don't be afraid to go to restaurants that have linens on the tables and  two sets of forks! Servers at these restaurants know how to meet your family's needs and are usually happy to provide a bread basket or quick munchie for kids to eat. 
• If your children don't like what's on the kid's menu ask if you can get a kids sized portion of an adult meal, they're usually happy to accommodate. 

4. If at first you don't succeed - keep on trying!

• It's not by accident our kids are well behaved when we go out to dinner, it's because we've done it often and they've learned 'how to eat out'
• Don't let a negative experience  make you run in fear!
• If all else fails send one parent to the car with the kids and get the meals boxed up. 

What are the tips and tricks YOU use to dine out with your kids - Like a Boss??

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A Unique Way To Tell Your Husband You're Pregnant

Telling your husband that he's going to be a Daddy is so exciting! I wanted my husband to have a unique memory of the moment I told him he was being upgraded to Dada.

My daughter (his step daughter) and I brought him to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. I had printed and stuffed the fortune cookie with a piece of paper saying 'You're going to be a Daddy! Lucky Numbers 7.5.2012' I asked our daughter to pass him the stuffed fortune cookie. He opened it and read it - looked at me and with a surprised smile said "Is this cookie real?!" It was a fun way to share the news. He carries the fortune around with him in his wallet next to a picture of our son. 

How did you tell your husband you were expecting?

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Sexy After Baby

Laundry. Kids. Exhaustion. Lactation.

It's a universal truth - once you become a mommy your body isn't quite the same again. There's a little something extra here, a little something deflated there - but overall still in good working condition.

Once I had my daughter I awarded my body a badge of WOW for it's ability to develop, birth and nourish a child. I felt my body was pretty amazing, but between the wee hour nursing marathons and baby puke covered clothes my sexy was running on empty - and I needed a tune up.

It was time to take a quick break from mommy duties, ditch the burp cloth and step out of my comfort zone. I decided I wanted to take a pole dance class at Pole Dance Charlotte. I love to dance and I'm pretty outgoing, but I was still VERY intimidated to try it. 

The biggest issue to overcome was that I didn't fit my pre-conceived mental image of who takes these classes - I was a real housewife but looked nothing like the Real Housewives. I was worried I'd feel awkward and uncomfortable and that there would be LIVE NUDE WOMEN swinging from poles while I tried to hold on without twisting my ankle. Getting my sexy on was going to take a little leap of faith.

I grabbed my only pair of heels and donned shorts and a tank top. When I arrived at the class I was relieved to see other women who ranged in size, age and fitness level - all fully clothed. The other class members were so welcoming, and I found the atmosphere to be supportive and encouraging.

Kelly, the owner and instructor made the class fun, a good kind of challenging and gave us all encouragement to move our bodies to awaken the slumbering sex goddess within. I smiled, laughed and cheered on my fellow dancers as we learned spins, cheeky moves and how to shake our booty.

My first class had me hooked. I felt sexy, strong and empowered. I've taken pole dance classes for nearly 5 years and continue to enjoy each class and all the amazing ladies I meet. I've also learned fun moves for the bedroom from the 'Sexy Chair Dance' classes I've taken - and it certainly gets the husband's seal of approval.

Kelly at Pole Dance Charlotte offers classes, packages and private parties for birthdays, mom's nights out and bachelorette parties. I've booked several of her private parties for mom's nights outs and the ladies who show up always have a blast. One of my good friends told me that Kelly's class helped to re-ignite the flame she feared she had lost for good after giving birth to her daughter.

With Valentine's Day approaching Pole Dance Charlotte is running a 'Sexy Chair Dance' class Monday 2/10/14 - Wednesday 2/12/14 at 7:15 PM and a 'Sexy Chair Dance with Twerking Workshop' on Thursday 2/13/14 at 7:15. The class is first come first serve and ONLY $5! For more information you can call Kelly at 980-226-1718 or visit PoleDanceCharlotte.com which is located at 1127 S. Mint St. Suite B Charlotte, NC 28203.

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I've Lost My Son - In Weight...

Month three on Weight Watchers posed some challenges. In fact, one week I decided that I needed a break from the non-stop tracking. I didn't go crazy eating though, I just didn't track for that week but went with a mental sense of what I should and shouldn't eat - and isn't that the point of a lifestyle change like this? That week I lost about 1 pound, but I felt any loss was a win.

Weight watchers is work, but I'm finding that the work is worth the rewards. I feel like I want to randomly break out in dance (so if you see some crazy lady dancing in the aisles of Target it's probably me), and get down on the floor with my kids - I feel lighter on my feet (because I am) and I'm really feeling my body and the power in my body. I'm also noticing changes in the mirror and in my clothes.

This month I worked out a lot. I would drop my daughter off at pre-school and hit the YMCA. There was a great booty-shakin hip-hop dance class on Mondays, a knock me down and out intervals class on Tuesday, and a high energy Zumba class on Wednesday that I rotated through. I pretty much rested or took walks the rest of the days. I was feeling the work outs from head to toe. I also worked out at home on my dance pole which has helped me improve my upper body strength. I even 'taught' an intro to pole dance class for some friends in my home - which was a lot of fun, but even more laughs. I was excited I was able to do some core strength moves I hadn't been able to do before. 

I felt really frustrated for portions of this month because the weight was coming off SO SLOWLY - or at least it felt that way for all the extra work I was putting in at the gym. 

Ultimately in my last month I lost an additional eight pounds for a total of 30 lbs in three months. I did it. Not only did I lose the baby #2 weight, but I lost the amount of weight my son  weighs! I let that sink in and have felt very accomplished. However, there is MUCH work to still be done and more weight to be lost. Each day is a process - and some days feel like a battle. I'm glad I have my arsenal of helpful Weight Watchers tools, facebook support groups and my wonderful family to support me in my goals.

Here is my before and after three months picture. Not a huge difference, but I'm noticing a change and that's the most important part for me.

Now I have to pay out of pocket for weight watchers and I'm all signed up and ready to go. I'm paying a total of $65 for the first 3 months of online only access, which in my opinion is a bargain!

I'm planning to continue to blog about my weight loss experience, because it's a great way to keep me accountable. I also want to show that I'm no one special - and that anyone can work toward their weight loss goals with the right helpful tools. 

Weight Watchers Disclosure: People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

MomAboutCharlotte.com Disclosure: I have received a free 3-month pass to experience Weight Watchers online. I am not being paid to use or endorse Weight Watchers and thoughts are my own.

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Raising Thankful Kids - Thanksgiving Edition

This year for Thanksgiving we wanted to make sure our family was giving back to our community. We are so blessed, and there are so many people experiencing truly difficult realities.

We want to instill a sense of appreciation and service to our community in our children. We started talking to our 5 year old about Thanksgiving and all that we have to be thankful for and how we were going to include her in giving back. We discussed how there are many families who don't have important things they need, like food, for the holidays. This is a concept that I'm not sure S completely understands, because she's never experienced any true need.

I loaded the kids up and we went shopping for non-perishable Thanksgiving food items. I let S help think of all the foods eaten at Thanksgiving, and she picked out which we should purchase. She was very proud that we were going to help a family in the community to have a Thanksgiving Dinner. We also purchased a rectangle laundry basket to donate with the goods for delivery to local families.

We're donating our basket to The Sandbox, a wonderful local organization in Charlotte that locks arms with families whose children are battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. They help these families throughout the year by assisting them with the day to day needs that are out of reach because they are caring for a sick child. The Sandbox has many fundraisers and events throughout the year, including the annual 'Evening of Believing' prom that I've lucky to be involved with for the past 3 years.

If you want to get your children on board, helping other children with cancer and their families, check out how The Sandbox is helping with the holidays by clicking here.

All Thanksgiving donations are asked to be dropped off at one of their 3 South Charlotte locations by THIS Friday, November 15th.

No time to shop? You can donate a grocery gift card, or donate $80 to feed a family of 4 and The Sandbox volunteers will do the shopping for you!

http://gotsandbox.org/ThanksGIVING/

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Losing Weight is a Piece.... No... a Small Slice, of Cake

I've just finished my 8th week with Weight Watchers Online!

Week 5
This was my first week with a gain.  It was after a girls weekend away with far too many points spent on alcohol, jell-o shots and flannel pajamas coffee. Yes, we were moms gone wild. I tried dancing as many points away as possible - luckily the gain was only 1 pound, but it was still disheartening to see it on the scale. I did work hard to keep the food under control and made sure I ordered mostly salads at dinner. This week I realized how many calories are in salad dressings and ended up bringing my own low point dressing with me. I'm also learning that with me it's all about location, location, location! So I'm repositioning my fruits and veggies in an easy to see, easy to grab and eat location in my fridge.

Week 6
We experienced a family tragedy this week which I still don't have words to describe my sorrow over. I did my best to keep within points but found my heart broken - which I would typically medicate with food for, but I didn't find myself doing that this time even though I was simply heart broken. This week I was down 4.8 lbs and I've met my 5% goal and had to re-determine my next weight loss goal.

Week 7
It was my sweet daughter's 5th birthday this week. My non-scale victory was that I only ate 1 slice of her birthday cake even though the extra cake was calling me from the fridge for 5 days after the celebration was over. I tracked religiously and did some mall walking. I keep re-committing to  getting active and getting my heart rate up, but I didn't make it to the gym this week. I'm able to start predicting the WW points that a food is going to be. Now that fall is approaching us the fruit options are starting to dwindle, but I'm making sure I'm keeping fresh veggies and tasty fruit always available. This week I'm down 2.4 pounds.

Here is an excerpt from my typical food day:

Breakfast
Greek key lime yogurt - 4 p
Coffee with 1/4 c of sugar free pumpkin free creamer - 2 p
Banana - 0 p

Lunch
Tuna fish 1 serving - 4 p
1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese - 2 p
3 pickles - 0 p
Lettuce to wrap it in - 0 p
Hellman's Mayo low fat 1 tbsp - 1 p

Dinner
Chicken cooked with spices 5 oz - 5 pp
Baked potato - 4 p
low fat sour cream 1 tbsp - 1p
green beans steamed 1.5 cups - 0 p

Dessert
Skinny cow ice cream sandwich 4 pp

Week 8
I'm making sure I keep fruit at the ready for when I'm hungry. This is majorly important to my success - having healthy food on hand so I don't make high point choices. This week I ate at Sonic. Holy goodness the points were high for that meal, but the thing I love about WW is that there is nothing off limits - AND I DIDN'T FEEL GUILTY LIKE I CHEATED ON MY DIET! I just have to accommodate the splurge with my points and eating and working out for the rest of the week to get the results I want to see on the scale. I also made it to the gym twice and got 12 activity points which I didn't even eat. This week I lost 1.2 pounds.

My total weight loss for 8 weeks is 22 pounds. I feel like it's slow and steady, which I'm ok with. My scrubs for work are starting to feel a little loose on me and slowly I'm starting to fit into clothes I haven't been able to wear in a while. I keep telling myself - this is a marathon not a sprint. If I don't see the results I'd like to see I always have next week to tweak it as I see fit.

I'm so lucky to have the love and support of my wonderful husband Jim. I'm a member of a Weight Watchers support group on Facebook, and I'm saddened by how many women are harassed by their partners over their weight and the torment they deal with from the lack of support and negative words. I'm counting my blessings he's in my corner and I'm counting the pounds away as I work toward my goal.

Weight Watchers Disclosure: People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

MomAboutCharlotte.com Disclosure: I have received a free 3-month pass to experience Weight Watchers online. I am not being paid to use or endorse Weight Watchers and thoughts are my own.

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Saying 'Goodbye' To My Deepest Darkest Secret - With The Help Of Weight Watchers

I’m not a dieter – I’ve never liked diets. I’ve always believed that dieting meant major limiting and deprivation – and I’m a more the merrier kind of gal. As a result I’ve always shopped in the plus sized department typically rocking a 14/16 – and while I certainly didn’t have my ideal body I was comfortable in my own skin, had plenty of dates, a great job, played sports and I didn’t feel limited by my dress size.

Fast forward to baby number 1, I went up a dress size. Fast forward to baby number 2, I still hadn’t lost the weight from baby number 1 and I was up another dress size. Sigh.

Now I’m going to share my deepest darkest secret…. My son is 14 months old and I’m still wearing my maternity pants. If I’m not wearing maternity pants I’m wearing loose fitting yoga pants. I hate getting dressed every morning. None of my cute outfits fit anymore. I don’t really recognize myself in pictures. I don’t feel like my usually confident sexy self. I’m not me.

The problem is – I LOVE to eat.

Sadly, this LOVE has left me feeling ick about my body and it’s just making me unhealthy. I’m feeling limited, uncomfortable, tired all the time and desperately in need of a change – but I didn’t know where to start, after all – I’m not a dieter.

Then fate intervened, I was offered an opportunity to try Weight Watchers Online for 3 months and write about my experience on my blog MomAboutCharlotte.com and Katie’s blog MomFavorites.com. I felt very hopeful, but nervous that I’d fail. Ultimately I told myself that I had nothing to lose – but the weight.

My goal is simple – to feel good in my skin again and to feel healthy. I’ve also made a goal to run a road race or obstacle course for my 35th birthday in March 2014. I had to sit on the sidelines as my husband did the Ridiculous Obstacle Course last month, and this year I will become a participant instead of an out-of-shape onlooker. First things first – I’m going to get out of these maternity pants. Here is my story.



Week 1
I’ve downloaded the Weight Watchers app and Weight Watchers scanner. It all seems pretty intuitive. Each food has a point number (2 points for an egg, 4 points for a yogurt, 0 points for fruit and vegetables etc.). I’m given 43 points each day, and that number will decrease as I lose weight. I’m spending lots of time in my pantry scanning food items to get a sense of each food’s point value.
I have spent $40 on fruits and veggies at the farmers market and I’m ready to get started. As the week progresses I’m amazed by how much I’m not shoving into my mouth because I have to account for it. I’m not eating an extra piece of cheese as I’m making lunch for the kids, and I’m not stopping for an ice cream just ‘because it’s summer’. I’m also realizing how few fruits and veggies I was eating, because now I’m eating them non-stop. I forgot how much I actually enjoy them.I purchased a food scale and I have measuring spoons and cups at the ready. I honestly had no idea  what 3 ounces of chicken looked like. Now I know.



This week my husband wanted to go out for BBQ, and it’s the first real challenge about living life on a diet – will I be able to eat out? The answer was unequivocally – YES! I was even able to get a pulled pork sandwich for dinner. Instead of eating 2 biscuits I didn’t eat any. I had my pulled pork sandwich and 1/2 of the portion of mashed potatoes. I was able to find the point value for the menu items because Weight Watchers has hundreds of restaurant menus listed on their app. I didn’t even have to break into my weeklies. I’m starting to think I can really do this.

The hardest part? I’m going through a mental depression about all the foods I can’t eat on a whim. Not because I’m hungry, but because I’m mentally hungry. This is the biggest hurdle – my mental addiction to foods and the wave of satisfaction that pours over me after I’ve had exactly what I’ve wanted to eat. I step on the scale – week 1 weight loss is 6 pounds! This is giving me hope.

Week 2
I’m looking up recipes on Pinterest for Weight Watchers friendly dinners and also using the Weight Watchers app to search for recipes. I’m really loving this app. I’m finding myself doing more meal planning in advance.

 I always make sure I have 2 pieces of fruit with me when I leave the house, or a bag of baby carrots. This way I won’t be tempted to make high point choices if I get hungry – and since veggies and fruits are 0 points I feel like I’m ‘getting away’ with something!

We have a date night this week that I’ve had planned for a while, and we’re going to my favorite restaurant. I’ve hoarded my daily and weekly points for this night and I’ve researched the menu to see what I will be able to order. I am even going to get a martini.

I spent another $40 on produce this week, and am trying veggies I’ve never tried before like okra.



The hardest thing? Trying a new creamer for my coffee because I don’t want to waste 3 points on the full fat kind! Luckily it’s fall and there is some fat free pumpkin creamer that has a low point value and tastes good.

I’ve ordered new sneakers because I want to start exercising as well to help with my energy level and weight loss goals. My first goal was set by the Weight Watchers app, and that is to lose 10% of my body weight. It seems feasible.

This week (according to the new scale) I’ve lost 1 pound. It’s not as much as I was hoping but it could be because of the new scale. Either way, a loss is a loss.

Week 3
This is starting to feel easier and more like simply eating and living my life versus dieting. I’ve also decided that I’m not going to eat anything after 7 PM if I can help it. I’m saying no to foods that people offer me. This week I’ve said no to french fries and birthday cake. This is big – birthday cake is my favorite. But I don’t feel sad about it because I know I’m going to see the results on the scale. I also have purchased some low point chocolate treats so I can get my chocolate fix when I want to.



The portion control is starting to work for me, now that I’m measuring food I know what a ‘serving’ is. I’m also not feeling hungry, and what I really love is that there is ALWAYS something I can eat for 0 points – any veggie and any fruit.

We had a moms night out and I had to bring an appetizer to share. I opted for fresh made salsa which was 0 points and baked Tostitos Tortilla Chips, 14 chips for 3 points. I ate the heck out of that salsa and loved every bite of it.

I’ve made it to a work out class and I’m feeling the pain of how out of shape I am!

I’ve made another trip to the farmers market and purchased an eggplant and made a low point egg plant parmigiana that was delicious and a hit with the hubby and the kids. We’re eating a lot of veggie full meals.

This week I have lost 4.4 pounds. Yeay!

The hardest thing? I’ve lost almost 12 pounds so far but I’m not really able to feel it in my clothes quite yet. Maternity pants allow too much sin to be unaccounted for, and they will be donated to Goodwill as soon as I’m able to comfortably fit into non-maternity pants.

Week 4
I’ve joined a Weight Watchers Facebook page and it helps to hear other people’s stories. I like to know that I’m not alone – and it’s a great place to turn to for support or suggestions. Weight Watchers also offers support forums through their website.

This week I find myself moving more, and feeling a little lighter on my feet. I’ve also been taking the kids out for short walks whenever I can. I’m not getting my heart rate up too much, but any moving is a step in the right direction. I was chasing my daughter around the couch as we played duck duck goose and I felt more able to move and get down on the ground.

I’m able to wear some of my largest-sized non-maternity non-yoga pants. They’re still not 100% comfortable but at least I’m able to fit in them and wear them. This is progress.

The hardest thing? All things pumpkin are starting to come out in the stores and saying no to them is SO hard! I’ve used the Weight Watchers app and Pinterest and I’m going to make some low point pumpkin muffins and pancakes. After all – pumpkin is 0 points!

Being prepared with low point options from the store has been my biggest help. Keeping the house stocked with produce ensures that I always have something to eat and that I won’t be hungry.

My husband’s support has been constant – he told me that he loves me at whatever my dress size is, but that he will help in any way I need so I can reach my own personal goals. He’s the BEST.

This week I step on the scale and have lost a total of 15 lbs in 4 weeks. I’m really proud of myself.

Next week my goal is to start exercising and getting my heart rate up.

Stay tuned for the next 2 months of my progress as I work my way out of maternity pants and into a healthier, happier me.

Weight Watchers Disclosure: People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

MomAboutCharlotte.com Disclosure: I have received a free 3-month pass to experience Weight Watchers online. I am not being paid to use or endorse Weight Watchers and thoughts are my own.

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Bye, Bye Nightmares

Our daughter is 4 with a wild imagination, and lately its been running a muck at night in the form of nightmares. Nightmares between ages 2-4 are pretty common, but still upsetting to the little ones. One of the articles I read suggested making a dream catcher. It looked like a fun project, so we had her decorate a paper bowl with her favorite stickers, beads and ribbon. She loved the idea that it would catch all of her bad dreams, and hopefully our project will offer us a nightmare respite.

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About Town Pony Rides

My daughter loves 'My Little Pony' and for her 4th birthday begged that we have a 'My Little Pony' themed party. Well I'm all for a themed party, and since she's only little once and is spoiled with too many toys already, my husband and I decided to spend some of her birthday money on an experience instead. We hired About Town Ponies to come to our house for her birthday party. She was so excited, and all the kids at the party were nearly bursting at the seams with anticipation as they each patiently waited for their turn to ride on Magic, a dark brown pony. While some kids were riding the others were able to comb and pet Target, a light brown and creme colored pony. You can tell these ponies have been around lots of children, because they were calm and collected, and didn't seem to mind all the little rambunctious hands or squeals. This was a unique party experience for the kids, and many of them still talk about it when they come over to visit.

Angie, who owns About Town Ponies was very courteous, prompt and was able to keep the bedlam organized making sure every child got their turn. Angie is an active volunteer for a program that offers children with disabilities free riding experiences, which can be very therapeutic. Birthday parties start at $145 for an hour for two ponies. This includes bringing the horses to your event and any clean up necessary.

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Left Shoe Right Shoe

My daughter has trouble distinguishing which shoe goes on which foot. I've tried showing her how to look at the toes and where the buckles are etc. but nothing really helped until I used a black magic marker to put dots on the inside of each of her shoes. Now she just lines the dots up and she knows which one goes on which foot!

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