All Play & No Work

Since my oldest is out of school for the holiday, it took me to the internet to find things that would entertain he, my 20 month old and myself. I tried to imagine what is fun for an 8 yr old boy.....

So for you parents, babysitters, and grandparents trying to entertain your kids, take a look below. Please note, anything I engage in will be reasonably priced due to the fact we are preparing to purchase a larger vehicle and have our 3rd child!

Top 5 Activites to keep the kids entertained and parents sain during winter break!

1) AMC theatres offers $6.00 movie tickets before 12noon. Yes even newly released movies. ( Yes I can't believe I didn't know about this either!)

2) Under 7 loves Chuckee Cheese, and the older siblings can help win tickets or play the video games to keep entertained until the pizza comes. Be sure to hit the web before going to receive discounts on food and tokens

3) Great Kids Village: They have locations in SilverSpring and Columbia. It's a big open play area for ages 0-10. You can hit up the cafe in the Columbia location as well. There is a charge for children 9mon and older but worth it for your kids to have hours of playtime and you hrs of peace of mind. FYI: They are having an event for parents and children for new years during day the day.

4) I always take to a museum whenever my son is out of school for an extended period of time. It's educational, we can ride the train which the baby loves, and best of all it's FREE! (Just incase you're wondering we're going to the air and space museum, this museum has the IMAX theatre, food court, and hands on activities for the kids)

5) Lastly if you have $30 to spare after being santa for the holiday you can make your way over to the national harbor. This year the harbor has The Grinch on ice. It's a whole ice city that you can walk through with the theme from the Grinch. (This is one I do not want to miss)

So my suggestion is grab $20, pack some snacks, and head out with the kids. Once you get home they'll be too pooped to argue with each other, get into everything, or ask a million questions!

I Got a New Attitude!

Every year when the New Year comes people always ask "What is your New Year's Resolution?". This year I have decided to go against the norm and decided on a new way of life. I am living by give all or nothing! I have also vowed to expose myself to things I have always wanted to do but continued to put off. In saying this there are 2 things on my list for the new year. One is ice skating, I know I know, who hasn't been ice skating? ME! The second is going to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, something I have been saying I am going to do and never have. So for all you other mother's I suggest you do the same, go out on a limb and do something you have never done!

Happy Toyadays I mean Holidays!

Being a mother you will know that this is one of the most hectic seasons of the year (besides your child's(ren) birthday). That being said any mother knows that once your children become a certain age they see the commercials and begin to plead for one of two things; Either the most expensive toy or the most popular. For example, I recall last year my son wanted the Wii, after searching everywhere I wasn't able to get it for Christmas (unless I wanted to pay $500 or more), and so I promised myself I would not land in the same predicament. I asked my 7 y/o months ago what he wanted for Christmas and he begin to write a list. I took this and found the top toys for 2009 so that I would be prepared, along w/ doing some Black Friday shopping on the more expensive items. Knowing the top toys for the yr helps when shopping for your or someone elses child. This way you're more likely to choose an item the child will actually want. Just to give you a glimpse I listed the top 5 toys for 2009:

- Go Go Pet Hamsters
-Bakugan Battle Pack
-Bendaroos Mega Pack
-Princess Peppas Palace
- Rip Racer

These are just a few of the top toys from one site, there are millions of websites that list the top toys of the year by age, and even type. So to all you mothers out there I say happy shopping and be sure to check the list to save yourself some time!

New Surroundings

Now that my youngest is getting older (7 months), I think it's time for him to move to his own room. With that being said I have to decorate it. I was thinking of going with the monkey theme since I call him my little monkey, or vintage cars so that he can have something he can grow into. Decisions, decisions, what ever I choose I know I will be using Dezign with a Z's wall decals. This company which I used for my older son's room, and had my office use to enhance our work space has some great wall decals. They have mirror images, lettering, scenery and wall clock decals ( how cool is that)! So I tell you all what, tis the season to be giving. If you follow me on twitter(twitter.com/chicmy) or our blog I will send you the code to get $10.00 off your order and a free mini decal! Just think about it you can decorate for the season with wall decals and receive $10.00 off and all you have to do is follow me on twitter or my blog!

Tis the Season

We all know that after Thanksgiving, Christmas is right around the corner! With that being said, many cities are beginning to have their tree lighting ceremonies. The tree lighting ceremony is exciting for the kids as well as the adults. Most times they will light the tree, along with having a hot drink (for me preferably cocoa) and Santa and Mrs. Claus on hand for photos and to take down the oodles of wish list that the children have come up with. Lucky for my son, along with the Tree lighting ceremony we are going to take him to a light show at Seneca Creek State Park! So check your local paper for tree lighting and light shows for the holidays in you area. Maybe I'll see you at the tree lighting!

Khod! DiaDiwan

I believe that as a person one should try to broaden their horizons. If you're unable to travel outside of the US or your state for that matter read up on what's going on in the rest of the world, especially when it pertains to something that you love. For me I would have to say I have become fascinated and overwhelmed by DUBAI. When I first saw them begin to build a few years back I was in aah of how this would be a man made island with such luxuries. With this being said whenever I come across anything dealing with DUBAI I read it with special attention. So yesterday I cam across a website whose editors are from dubai. This website, diadiwan, has everything from blogs and fashionista features to children clothing and bakery shops. Khod! (here you go) DiaDiwan, let me know if you enjoy the site!

Exit from Eczema

Now that winter is fast approaching I have been trying to find natural remedies to help soothe my 7 month old's eczema. Something that he has had since birth and I am being told will begin to subside as he gets older can be a pain especially in the Winter season. So I did what any chic loving mother would do, I hit the net!
Googling, blogging, and researching I found an article on parents.com where a mother went through all the things that could affect your child's eczema and cause it to flare up. Things that my well equipped pediatrician neglected to mention! So I am saving other mothers the trouble and you can get the info you need right here! Remember a few important key things, children with eczema should wear cotton (as opposed to wool, or itchy scratchy material), vaseline is always a good moisturizer to help lock in moisture, watch what your baby eats once they begin to eat solids some foods may flare up skin, and if you are like myself and give your child a bath twice a day in the evening put a little olive oil in their bath, it will help so the water is not so harsh. As always I would say consult your physician, but these are a few things I have found that have helped.
I know that when we think of our babies we think of soft, smooth skin, so let's help keep it this way!