Give children around the world a @Shot@Life

Shots are no fun for anyone, especially kids.  But what if your kids couldn't get them?  What if your child wouldn't live past their 5th birthday without the immunizations Americans take for granted?  What if getting a shot actually meant your child would LIVE?  This is the situation facing many mothers in developing countries and now there's something we can do about it!

Myself and Emma Dashiell-Charles, fellow Mocha Mom & Shot@Life Champion

Today marks the beginning of World Immunizations Week and one of the biggest events taking place is the week is the launching of the Shot@Life campaign by the UN Foundation.  I was honored to be asked to represent Mocha Moms Inc as a Shot@Life Champion to bring awareness and fundraising to this great cause.  Every 20 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease.  I want to do everything I can to make that sentence false.  And you can help too!

It only takes $20 to fully immunize a child who otherwise would not have access to vaccines.  For the cost of a lunch out, you can give a child a shot at a lifetime of "firsts".  From first teeth to first days of school to first loves, children everywhere should get a shot at celebrating the things that American children take for granted. You can donate any amount of money easily online, and it will go to ensure more children have a shot at every important milestone in childhood.

I implore you to join me in standing up for children who can't stand up for themselves and to get involved in the life-giving Shot@Life campaign.  Simply signing the Shot@Life pledge will add your voice to the movement of Americans who are committed to reducing preventable childhood deaths worldwide.

Win VIP tickets to the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo

As someone who is currently expecting (5 more weeks!), I am always on the lookout for products and information that will make bringing a newborn home any easier.  Even though this is my 4th baby in 5 years, it seems there is always something new I need or want.  But it's just hard to find the time to troll the Internet to find what I'm looking for and I often feel overwhelmed at the huge baby expos around town.  So, when I heard about the exclusive, intimate gathering at the Fox Theatre for the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo on Mother's Day weekend, I was intrigued.  Here I could get the information I was looking for from baby professionals of all fields (from doctors to photographers), try out the latest, greatest "mommy" gadgets, and even have a chance to win thousands of dollars in baby supplies.  You don't have to tell me twice...I'm in!  And if you're expecting or a new mom, you might want to get your tickets too.  (Or win some!)

Check out my Examiner.com article on how to win VIP tickets (an $80 value) to the Expo here:
 Win VIP tickets to the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo Mother's Day weekend

Enjoy!

Review: Chick Fil A's new dessert menu

Starting April 16, the Atlanta-based fast food giant, Chick Fil A, rolled out a sweet update of their dessert menu nationwide.  My family and I had the opportunity to have a dessert tasting at the Chick Fil A Vinings this week to check out the sweet treats for ourselves.  As I am nearly 9 months pregnant, this was the best review assignment I've received in a LONG time. [Do you want to taste these new desserts for FREE too?  See below for the easiest giveaway ever!]

The new dessert options at Chick Fil A include the ooey, gooey chocolate-chunk cookie, which is always served warm ($1.09), fudge brown specialty sundae ($2.95), chocolate-chunk cookie sundae ($1.75), and even a more health and portion-conscious "mini" sundae ($.99).  In addition, the delicious and dense fudge brownie has been updated with fudge icing and no nuts ($1.69).  Through the end of June, they are also selling my husband and youngest son's new favorite treat, the Banana Pudding milkshake.

My favorite new dessert is the simple but delicious chocolate-chunk cookie.  There's something about a warm cookie filled with melted chocolate that just melts my heart.  See what my 5 year old says is her favorite new dessert:

Alas, with the addition of the new tasty temptations, we have to bid adieu to the Lemon Pie and the Cheesecake slices.  Though, us lucky Atlantans can still find them at the several Dwarf House locations in the Metro Atlanta area.

Want to try one of these desserts for yourself for FREE?  The first FIVE people who leave a comment with the dessert they want to try will receive a coupon for a FREE one!  (Be sure to leave your email address!!)

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post and giveaway but Chick Fil A did host my family for a dessert tasting at a local restaurant.  As always, the opinions are 100% my own.

Luxury Living: Spring Break at The Breakers Palm Beach

I admit it. I was a bit intimidated about coming to the world-renowned resort, The Breakers in Palm Beach.  I figured my minivan (and the three kids who go along with it) would stand out...and not in a good way.  Would all these prestigious, well-heeled people know that I spend my days caring for my crew in the suburbs of Atlanta, and not jet-setting around the world like them? Would they care?  The good news: we blended right in!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first thing I noticed was how many kids were at the resort.  I saw families of all sizes (some even had more kids than me) who were just enjoying all the resort had to offer in their flip flops and Gap Kids separates.  This was not the stuffy, 'ladies who lunch' crowd I expected.  Both the staff and guests were equally kind, smiling at my son flying like an airplane through the lobby and my daughter skipping through the Sunday Brunch.  We felt welcomed and at ease at once.  We spent two wonderful nights and three full days experiencing the sun, sand, and luxe-living of The Breakers and when it was over, we did not want to leave.

DINING

We ate at a variety of on-site restaurants including The Circle's stunning Sunday Brunch, the refined Flagler Steakhouse overlooking the lush fairways of the golf course, and the delicious, super kid-friendly Italian Restaurant.  At the latter restaurant, they have a play-and-dine concept where children can play in a supervised area next to the dining room so parents can have a relaxing dinner without booking a babysitter. Genius!  And the food was so fresh and delicious too!  My husband also counts the lobster roll sandwich from The Beach Club Restaurant as one of the best things he's EVER eaten.  It's a bargain at $29.

ACCOMODATIONS  
Our luxurious room was an ocean-view suite that highlighted the resort's recent renovations and updated furnishings.  It was tastefully done in calming blues and whites, and felt beautiful but comfortable enough to relax in. The three balconies and dramatic windows showcased the magnificent views of the ocean (which was a heavenly sound to fall asleep to).  The oversized room was ample for our family of five, but the resort also offers connecting rooms for families who need more space. 

BEACH & POOL



 The Breakers resort offers five pools, including a zero-entry active pool that is perfect for families, as well as stellar beach access to the ocean. A highlight of our stay was the Beach Bungalow rental in the pool area.  For anyone who likes to be outside at the pool but want to fight for chairs, trek back and forth  to the public bathroom, or wait in line at the bar, then the daily rental of a beach bungalow is for you. The kids could watch Nick Jr. while mom and dad enjoyed a cocktail in the sun or washed the beach sand off in the private four-jet outdoor shower.  We were able to invite my in-laws over to enjoy the bungalow with us and they especially liked the quick, friendly concierge service and delicious lunch. (Best turkey burger I've eaten in years!)  And the lovely, private beach is just steps from the pool deck.



CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES The Breakers really shine in the kids activities department.  Children are not an after thought here.  My children loved the outdoor playground, the indoor Family Entertainment center, and the consistent children's menu at every restaurant.  My two older kids were able to attend Kids Camp (for kids 3 and up)  from 9am to 3pm one day and they loved it.  They made friends, did crafts, went swimming, and played a variety of games.  The counselors were excellent: eager, kind, and dedicated to caring for these kids.  What a relaxing day for us, and exciting day for the kids!


COST
Less than you think!  The luxury that surrounds you at The Breaker's is not just for the Lily Pulitizer-clad crowd. During low season (June 1 through September 30), they have awesome packages with rates starting at just $269/night and include complimentary Kids Camp, all children's meals, continental buffet breakfast, and unlimited tennis, fitness classes, and Wi-Fi, and a variety of other savings at the resort are also included.  The rates are almost unbelievable for this outstanding property.  It is an opportunity for families of all sizes and ages to experience a standard of luxury that is uncommon in today's world.  It is a place sure to create memories to last for years.

SUMMARY
I highly recommend The Breakers resort. Even with the whole family with you, you will leave relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to book again.  I know I did!


Disclosure: The Breakers offered my family and I accommodations, dining, and some activities gratis so I would be able to accurately review the resort.  There was no money exchange and as always, my opinions are 100% my own.

Why I became a stay-at-home mom

Our Easter photo this year.

The NBC Nightly News crew asked me yesterday why I became a stay-at-home mom and I was a bit stumped.  I feel like this "job" chose me...and I'm so glad it did.  It's like I am living a life I didn't know I wanted until I got it.  Now, I can't imagine life any different.

When I moved to Atlanta with my then-fiance (now husband) I was on hiatus from a TV show I was producing. I didn't want to jump into anything else right away so I thought I'd take some time off to plan our wedding and dabble in PR a bit.  When I came home from our honeymoon pregnant, it seemed like fate that I didn't have a job to report to.  Sure we could have used the money but now that I was nurturing a life inside me, I couldn't imagine going back to the crazy world of TV journalism and leaving my child in daycare.  That works for a lot of women, but it wasn't the life I wanted for myself. And then when baby #2 came 17 months later, and baby #3, 17 months after that, it only made sense to keep staying at home.  Do you know how much it costs to put three kids in day care???!!???

My husband and I have had to make a lot of sacrifices because of our decision to have me be a stay-at-home mom. We are a one-car household. We will have 4 kids in a 3 bedroom house. We don't eat out very much and I clip coupons to save on groceries.  We buy second-hand clothes for the kids and don't get to see my family in Wisconsin or Arizona as much as I'd like.  My clothes mostly come from the sale rack at Target.  My husband just doesn't buy himself anything new at all.  But that's OK with us.  I don't feel like I'm losing out or missing anything. I've gotten creative when it comes to saving money and am still giving the kids some great experiences.  And they will only be young once.

I'm very lucky to have a hard-working, understanding and helpful husband who supports me as a stay-at-home mom.  I know not everyone has such a great partner.  As we ready our house and our lives for baby #4 next month, I just feel really blessed that my life has turned out like this.  When I lived in a downtown Chicago high-rise, a TV producer at Oprah by day and single-in-the-city girl by night, I could have never imagined my life would feel so complete in a crowded home in Atlanta's suburbs.  I am a lucky girl.

Why did you make the choice you made?

NBC Nightly News and my take on the #MommyWars

That's me...sitting in my lap of luxury.

What a crazy afternoon! Instead of nap time today, a cameraman from NBC Nightly News came to my house with lights, camera, and some action to get my opinion on the "Mommy Wars" debate. SO not the typical day in the Smith household.  (See the clip here.)

The reporter came to talk about the latest Stay-At-Home vs. Working Mom controversy which erupted on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 last night when democratic strategist, Hilary Rosen, said that Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney, had "never worked a day in her life" and didn't understand the economic realities of most American women.

I know the Romneys might have a car elevator in their beach house, but I still believe Ann worked extremely hard raising 5 sons. I think Hilary was dead wrong...and I'm a liberal. I can only wonder what conservative women are saying.

As I am about to have baby #4 next month, I realize how hard I work everyday because I have chosen to stay at home with my kids. My husband and I have made too many sacrifices to count but it is all worth it to us. Sure we'd like a new car, but we want a new baby even more. But that's us. It's our choice and may not be right for everyone.

As for not understanding the economic outlook because I'm not in the working world, that's just not true! I am acutely aware of money going out simply because I'm not bringing money in. Every time I go to the grocery store or meet a friend for coffee or write out the preschool tuition check, I think about now it will affect my family's bottom line. I think most moms who don't work outside the house probably feel the same way, even if they are in families with more means than mine.

The bottom line is that stay-at-home moms do work...HARD...and we're not all rich either. We understand what's going on in the world, and contrary to what people like Hilary Rosen believe, we don't live in some cloistered bubble that would keep us from being a good advisor to our husbands. Don't underestimate the value, importance, and votes that us "non-working" moms can bring.

See Hilary Rosen's comments that ignited this most recent Mommy Wars fire storm below:

Top 10 tips to get the most out of the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta

My kids LOVED the LEGO sculptures!

The new LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta is a truly welcomed family attraction in Buckhead.  What used to be known as a rather...ahem... bourgeois...type of mall, now is open it's arms (and free parking decks) to the minivan masses.  I had a chance to preview the attraction with my family and was really impressed with the amount of things to do and the way my kids (all under 5) could do everything.  They really had a ball!  It could get a bit pricey for larger families but if you take advantage of their online deals, I think it's a well-worthwhile splurge.

Since it can be expensive, I put together my top 10 tips for having a great experience at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, especially in the next few months.  It opens March 17 with a big celebration including a trackless train, ice cream from Cowlicks, and other fun surprises.  Tickets are still available to be purchased for that day!

To get the most out of your visit, I've put together a list of tips and tricks for parents who are planning on visiting the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta:

1. Buy tickets online.  I cannot stress this enough.  A LEGOLAND manager told me that he expects "hours long lines" for people who just show up hoping to get into the attraction that day.  At least for the first few months, just plan ahead and buy tickets online.  Plus, you can save 10% on each ticket buying them online. (Door price: Adult: $19, Child: $15)
2. Don't leave your little ones at home!  This is a place for everyone!  Kids under three are free but they can do just about everything there...even the rides!  My almost 2 year old nearly wore himself (and me) out running from place to place.
3. Ditch the stroller.  Yes, you can bring a stroller and the facility is totally accessible, but unless you have a non-crawling, non-walking baby, the stroller will just get in the way.  My kids climbed out of the double stroller before we even got inside the entrance.  There's so much to see!
4. Go early...or late. When you buy tickets online, you can pick the best time that works for your family.  If you go early then you can stay as long as you want and you don't have to rush at all.  I'm guessing that the place will get more crowded as the day goes along.  However, the LEGOLAND website says after 2pm the crowds thin out.  You can save a few dollars by buying an "afternoon ticket" for entrance after 4p.  They are open until 7pm Mon-Fri, 9pm on Sat and 6pm on Sunday.  For a family of four, the afternoon ticket would save $12 ($55 total online price). 
5. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit.  You won't necessarily spend an entire day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center but make sure to give yourself (and your kids) enough time to experience everything.
6. Prepare for the crowds.  The LEGOLAND Discovery Center isn't huge so even with crowd control, I can only imagine that it will be a bit crazy the first few months.  Just know that it will be crowded and prepare yourself for it.  It is what it is.
7. Take advantage of the Cafe's "family deals" for a more economical option for lunch or dinner during your visit.  I saw a hot dog deal with drinks for 4 people for $25 and a pizza deal with drinks for 4 people for $30.  There are not many family-friendly options right now in Phipps Plaza so these deals are going to be your best bet.  LEGOLAND asks visitors to not bring in outside food except food/milk for infants and children with allergies.
8. Watch kids, especially those three and under, closely in the LEGO "Fire Academy" play area.  This area is fantastic (my kids stayed in there forever) but little ones could get stuck in a 'can't climb up, can't go down' place which means Mom or Dad have to get up there.  Also, they request that everyone wear socks so be prepared if you go during flip flop season.
9. Enjoy.  It will be fun if you let it...or overwhelming if you let it.
10. Tickets seem too expensive?  Get a group together and ask for a group rate.  This is less expensive (one group I belong to got a $9 per person rate) plus there is the bonus of going with friends!

Top take aways from #SheStreams

Me at the Disney World luncheon

I had the amazing opportunity to come to the blogging conference, SheStreams, as a guest of BSM Media and the conference's  corporate sponsor, AT&T.  All I had to do was get myself to Ft. Lauderdale and soak up as much knowledge (and Florida sun) as I could.  I am so glad I was able to go! I feel genuinely blessed...like it was by divine intervention that I was selected for the sponsorship.  I learned so much and really had a great time!

To try to process all that I learned I thought it would be helpful to concentrate on my three top take aways from the weekend:

1. Just add video to your blog/website.  It doesn't have to be fancy! I have resisted the whole vlogging trend because I thought I wasn't good/pretty/smart enough.  I didn't like the way I looked or sounded on camera and I thought I needed expensive equipment and editing software to do it right.  Well I learned that I just have to be me.  Apparently people want to hear what I have to say in addition to reading it.  Speakers spouted statistics about video blogs being more credible and engaging and having a greater effect on any 'call to action' I might be looking for. In short, just do it. (You'll see more video on here soon!)

Disney World's Laura Spencer

2.  Just socialize! I'm not a natural networker and since I can't drink in my present (pregnant) state, I thought about skipping the cocktail hours.  I'm so glad I didn't. I spent one hearing about an awesome new virtual assistant company, Time Dog, that specializes in providing assistant services to moms.  Genius! I also chatted up the vivacious Laura Spencer, head of Social Media for Disney World (!).  I felt dowdy and outclassed by this amazing woman but she was so down-to-Earth and nice.  Just being around fabulous people like Lara, can make me want to step up my game.

3. Just go. I debated going to SheStreams because...well..I don't "stream" and it seemed like an advanced type of blogging conference. Plus it was 600 miles away and I'm 8 months pregnant and...there were many more excuses but they were just excuses.  I was offered a sponsorship and I am so glad I took it! I brought the whole family for a great Spring Break trip.  We tagged on a couple days in Palm Beach at The Breakers (more on that soon) and had an amazing vacation.   I learned a lot and met some really cool people (and the swag bags were pretty awesome too).  I'm so glad I went with my gut and didn't let my excuses win!

Disclosure: I was given a sponsorship for my SheStreams trip from BSM Media and MomSelect.  I was not asked to write a post or do anything in exchange for this sponsorship.  As always, all opinions are my own.