Baton Rouge Family Fun

The premiere digital resource for families in Baton Rouge & Beyond

You are here: Home / Archives for Travel

AUDUBON AQUARIUM AND INSECTARIUM NOW OPEN

by

It’s official – the new Reimagined Aquarium and the new Audubon Insectarium are NOW OPEN! Be one of the first to visit the two completely reimagined and redesigned Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium and see all there is to discover at Audubon Nature Institute.

AUDUBON AQUARIUM AND INSECTARIUM

AUDUBON AQUARIUM AND INSECTARIUM

Drone image of Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium.
March 29, 2023

The Aquarium temporarily closed in November to undergo months of extensive renovation, while Audubon Insectarium relocated from its former home at the U.S. Custom House to the Aquarium building. Having the two popular attractions in one location will provide guests with a one-of-a-kind opportunity as it is the only facility in the world to house both an aquarium and an insectarium under the same roof.

AUDUBON AQUARIUM AND INSECTARIUM

Guests will be immersed in experiences featuring the beauty and stunning diversity of wildlife and habitats worldwide, from local Louisiana bayous to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean through South and Central America, and the Amazon River basin.

“Through our reimagining, visitors will experience many of their favorite Aquarium exhibits in an entirely new way. Not only are there new animals in our care, but educational opportunities to showcase the important connections between humans, animals, and the environment,” said Rich Toth, Senior Vice-President and Director of Audubon’s downtown facilities.”


Rusty Costanza / Digital Roux Photography

Among the updates to the building is the creation of a new, downriver entrance that features a multi-story bird-safe glass curtain wall, a monumental stairway, and a 2,500-square-foot lobby that will tell the story of Audubon’s conservation work worldwide. Separate entrances to the Aquarium and the Insectarium will be on the second floor.

Guests can experience unique animal encounters with penguins, a 60-foot-long hands-on touch pool with sharks and stingrays, daily animal presentations, and the highly anticipated behind-the-scenes access to the Aquarium’s largest exhibit, the 450,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit.

AUDUBON AQUARIUM AND INSECTARIUM

In the Amazon gallery, visitors can walk among lush greenery and 60 colorful free-flying birds representing 15 different species before venturing into the Amazon Encounter with even more animal species, including armadillo, tortoise, several species of birds, and the newest member of the Audubon Aquarium family, a Linnaeus’ two-toed sloth.

The relocated Audubon Insectarium has a new and innovative look at the most plentiful animals on Earth, including a magical trip into the Insectarium’s Butterfly Garden, where hundreds of butterflies representing 20 different species flit and float around guests as they stroll through the garden and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mighty Mississippi.

AUDUBON AQUARIUM AND INSECTARIUM

Audubon Insectarium allows guests to experience the fantastic animals that pollinate our crops, add beauty and diversity to our world, and make up the largest group of animals on the planet.

“Combining technology with the natural beauty of the animals in our care offers innovative experiences for our guests,” said Higinio Covarrubias, Director of Husbandry at Audubon’s downtown facilities. “There is a 264-square foot giant-sized motion reactive display wall that uses the latest interactive technology to bring images of butterflies and lightning bugs to life that reacts as people walk near.”

WHERE: 1 Canal St., New Orleans
WHEN: Open Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
TICKETS: One attraction: $30 adult/$25 youth

For tickets and more information, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org

Photos & Sources Credit: audubonnatureinstitute.org

Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour with Papa Noël

by

Beyond the world-famous airboat and swamp tours offered at McGee’s Swamp Tours, they also host special events throughout the year that celebrate our Joie de vie (joy of life)! Christmas-themed tours led by Papa Noël, the Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour, is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! The family fun doesn’t stop with Christmas, as these tours also introduce guests to Louisiana’s unique swamp environment and heritage.

Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour

We had a wonderful time on the water this past weekend with Papa Noel! It felt as if you were stepping back in time and slowing down to enjoy the simple things we cherish in the festive season, like bells and carols and good old-fashioned chats with Papa Noel.
Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour
Upon arrival, we were welcomed at the door with a swift check-in; walking into the entry to their gift/snack shop, it is very cozy and filled with a few goodies your kids will want to buy. (come prepared for this!)
Once ready, a short walk to the boat, and we were off for some Christmas fun on the Bayou. Papa Noël welcomed everyone, and the elves served up candy canes, cookies, and informative snippets about the region and the wildlife in the swamp.
Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour
Papa Noël read the story ‘Cajun Night Before Christmas’ in the ‘real way it’s meant to be read,’ according to my 10-year-old! You can purchase the book in the bookstore and get it signed by Papa Noël himself! The kids sang a couple of Cajun carols, and a surprise visitor was on board, a baby alligator!
If you are looking for traditional fun with your kids, carol singing and bell ringing, and one-on-one chat time with Papa Noël, this is the experience for you!  Sit and look out for a bald eagle or a Santa skeleton (go and see for yourself!) or jingle the bells and sing along.. the choice is yours!
Upon our return, we enjoyed hot chocolate and crafts –  when back on deck after a photo op with Papa Noel, you can make an ornament to take home and hang on your tree and remember the time you went on a memorable swamp tour with your loved ones at Christmas time!

Papa Noël

Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he’s known as Papa Noël. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noël rides the river in a boat pulled by eight alligators.

Papa Noël is headed back to the Atchafalaya Basin for the fifth year! McGee’s is again offering swamp tours led by Papa Noël (aka Santa Claus) himself! Alas, the 60-minute tour will share the story of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas.”

After each tour there will be family photos with Santa, ornament decorating (with a swamp-theme), hot chocolate, cookies, and candy-canes. All included in the price of your tour!

WHEN:

  • December – 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23

  • Tour Departures at 9:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:00PM, 3:30PM and 4:00PM.

WHERE:

MCGEE’S SWAMP TOURS
​1337 HENDERSON LEVEE RD.
HENDERSON, LA 70517
337-228-2384

 

ADMISSION:

  • Children and Adults: $25.00

  • Children (under 2 years): FREE

Roz is a wife and mother of two, who loves traveling and experiencing life to the fullest. Raised in Southern Africa, she has lived in the UK, Thailand, and now the USA. She enjoys camping with her family, exploring new places, and sitting by a campfire. When she is not working, you will find her shouting for her kids on the soccer field, jogging with loud music in her ears, or creating art with her kids.

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo

by

The Hattiesburg Zoo has announced its plans to expand. Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo, a water park built for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy will begin construction this August. “Expanding the Hattiesburg Zoo to include the Serengeti Springs water park is a natural fit,” said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which will build and manage the park.

 

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo

 

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will include the Fusion Fortress Water Play Structure, an entry building with a gift shop and restrooms with changing rooms, showers, and lockers, a serene Lazy River, a swim-up pool and bar, group pavilions, cabanas, food trucks and concession stations, loungers, Adirondack chairs, tables, and other amenities.

 

The Fusion Fortress includes nine slides of varying heights. Some straight slides and several with twists and turns, and the soon-to-be-famous “Serengeti Swirl”. There will be multiple water-play areas and two bucket dump stations, all in a design that highlights the animals and environment of Africa.
Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo
Underneath the Fusion Fortress is the Life Floor, which provides a cushioned floor that is anti-microbial and has a zero-water level (meaning there is no standing water). On the Life Floor around the perimeter of the Fusion Fortress are an additional 19 spray toys, allowing for access and enjoyment outside of the slide areas.

 

While the Fusion Fortress is the splash, slide and spray section of Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo, the rest and relaxation area is the Lazy River, which offers floating serenity with an accompanying swim-up pool and bar. The Lazy River will be the place to be to beat the Mississippi heat.
Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo
For more information on Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo visit www.hattiesburgzoo.com. 

Photo Credit: www.hattiesburgzoo.com

Beaching with Baby – 10 Mom-Approved Tips, Hacks, and Products

by

If you’re heading to the shore with the family this summer, you will want to read on for some mom-approved tips, hacks, and products that will make Beaching with Baby a breeze! You won’t want to head to the beach without these beach essentials for toddlers and babies!

Beaching with Baby and Family

Beaching with Baby: Tips for a Successful Trip to the Beach

Here are some fabulous tips for Beaching with Baby from a mama who recently had a first-hand experience!

Umbrella Stroller

We brought an old, cheap one that I found in my in-law’s garage. It did the trick and would probably use it even if the baby was walking. It helped with trips back and forth to the room.

Beaching with Baby and Family

Swim Diapers / Baby Wipes / Regular Diapers / Clothes

I used the Huggies Little Swimmers and didn’t have any issues with them. They were just the first ones that I saw on the shelf. We brought a pack of normal baby wipes, as well as regular diapers. I packed the diapers and an extra set of clothes, and a light blanket for nap time. I packed a hooded towel and a hooded cover-up in case of a change in weather.

Sun Protection

I saw this fabulous Mom Hack on Facebook, and it’s a game-changer! Use a beauty blender to apply sunscreen on the face!

Set an SPF timer

Set a timer on your phone so you know when it’s time to reapply sunscreen to your child and yourself. Make sure you cover sensitive exposed spots like the tips of the ears and back of the neck. Set another timer to remind you both to drink liquids so you don’t get dehydrated. Check out our favorite sunscreens for babies and toddlers.

Hats with Ties

In addition to sunscreen, sun hats with ties are a beach must-have with kiddos. Our favorite hat is the  SwimZip Kid’s Sun Hat – Wide Brim UPF 50+ Protection Hat for Baby, Toddler, Kids. With ADJUSTABLE HEAD AND CHIN STRAPS – Both the head strap and the chin strap are adjustable to easily create the best fit possible with a breakaway chin strap that helps prevent choking. Side venting keeps heads cool. Wide brim for optimal protection. 

Battery Operated Fan / Air Pump

We didn’t need a fan because there was a good breeze every day and it was never too hot. We used the air pump to blow up the kiddie pools/floats/toys after getting down to the beach. It is easier to carry floats not inflated.

Entertainment

A kiddie pool is a must-have for babies because it kept them cool and entertained, and contained. We sat the pool on the sand in the shade, so they were out of the sun pretty much all day. Our kiddos weren’t able to get out on their own, so they played in the pool most of the time.  We had the guys bring up water from the gulf in buckets to fill the pool up. It took a couple of trips, but it was worth it.  I brought some beach toys and some water toys from home. The biggest hit was foam bathtub letters and koozies – who would have thought?! We used the Swimways Baby Spring Float Activity Center with a canopy in the pool, and it was perfect.

This is Charlee and Hayes in their kiddie pool at the beach.

Shades and Covers for rest and naps

A small tent for the kiddos or baby to get out of the sun is also a great item to bring to the beach. Our favorite is the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent.

Beaching with BabyAnother option for the baby is this small SUNBA YOUTH UPF 50+ Sun Shelter Baby Travel Crib with Mosquito Net.

Baby Powder

This is a miracle worker! You cover the sandy area and let the powder and let it sit for a minute, brush the sand off and the result is no scratching or pain. However, you will be covered in white baby powder, thankfully, it will wash off easily.

Most importantly, make some new memories with the fam and enjoy soaking up the sun, the sounds, and the breeze of the salty air! 😉

Waterproof bags

When you’re done swimming, you’ll want somewhere to put your wet clothes. Babygoal Wet Dry Bags are especially nice because they have two compartments- one for wet clothes and one for dry.

Beach tips for kids

We’d love to know what beach tips, tricks, and or products worked or didn’t work for you?
Follow the conversation on Facebook! 

This post may contain affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase through our links.

Six Reasons to Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park

by

Baton Rouge families, the Louisiana Children’s Museum opens to the public August 31st and you should start planning your day trip now! We recently had the opportunity to attend a media preview of the LCM, it wasn’t yet complete, yet we felt like we were walking through the most magical of places. It’s going to be something special for Louisiana families, a tactile experience that will delight young and old alike. Every section of the LCM is created to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through many inventive and engaging experiences, most importantly PLAY! Every decision made throughout the museum was intricately thought out to help elevate the capacity of our little ones. 

Julia Bland, CEO of Louisiana Children’s Museum, spoke beautifully on the importance of childhood, she encouraged us to enjoy and celebrate children where they are and to not make the mistake of wishing away seasons of childhood. The museum has been structured to support parents in their efforts to embrace each stage of development while focusing on literacy, environmental education, health and wellness, STEM, arts, and our rich Louisiana culture. 

Why the relocation? The new location allows the museum to better meet the needs of the community as well as improve geographic access and connect children to nature. The attention to detail outside is just as significant as the inside. The Louisiana Children’s Museum will include five new exhibit galleries indoors as well as a literacy center, a parent/teacher resource center, an edible garden, a sensory garden, and full-service café. There are a plethora of reasons to make the day trip to New Orleans to visit the LCM, here are just 6 reasons to start planning your family day trip…

Six Reasons to Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Talk and Play Center

The Talk and Play center is a family-centered space that encourages families to make joyous connections  – connections of children to parents, to grandparents, to life long learning, to growing cycles – the continuums, connections, circles, and cycles that we see in so many parts of our lives.

Play With Me Exhibit

Created for children under the age of four, this ground-floor gallery is designed to provide easy access for parents of young children with strollers. Little ones can explore and play while resources are available to support parents in their journey as children’s first teachers. The Play With Me exhibit includes a fun one of a kind Sensory Lagoon, much like a tiny Lilly Pad water bed for children play on and experience. Play With Me also includes a Cypress Tree Book Nook, Peek-a-Boo Puppet Theater, Early Literacy Sensory Wall and a Discovery Zone. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Follow That Food 

Follow That Food will be one of the largest galleries. It will take children on a playful Louisiana Growing & Gathering food journey that starts in the fields and coastal waters, passes through the busy Ports & Cargo with stops at the Food & You Market, Creole Kitchen, café and finally, makes its way to the family table. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Dig into Nature

Overlooking the lagoon on the ground floor, this gallery is where children will discover the abundance of natural resources unique to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. Through this tactile and textural set of experiences, visitors will explore the relationships between the diverse resources, ecosystems, plants and animals who live here. The “caring” and “sharing” stations will allow children to bring their own outdoor treasures to examine under massive microscopes and projector. The exhibit also includes Exploration & Innovation, Sedimentation Table, Storytelling Nest, Cajun Pirogue and an amazing Promise Tree Portal.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Make Your Mark

Entering the second floor, Make Your Mark celebrates New Orleans’ rich art and its architectural, musical, historical and cultural heritage. When children understand and embrace their heritage it invites children to discover how to make their mark with their own original creations.  This is exhibit includes Studio in the Park, Jammin’ House, Jackson Square, NOLA Urban Design Studio, Build Big Dreams, Book Nook & Light Tables and more! 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Move With the River

Move with the River will immerse children in an action-packed wet world of fun where they will begin to explore the story of the Mighty Mississippi River. Families will follow the journey of Louisiana’s most abundant resource, water! 

Acorn Café 

We’re not done yet, a huge BONUS to your visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum is the family-friendly Acorn Café! Acorn a Dickie Brennan & Co. Cafe at the new Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park is the icing on a day of fun exploration. Guests can enjoy a meal indoors or outdoors on the LCM balcony overlooking the lagoon, oaks, and wildlife. The menu is sourced around high quality, local food at an affordable price. The majority of children menu items are $6, and adult entrees range from $6 to $11. Have a little one with a food allergy? No worries! Acorn will be peanut-free and will offer many gluten-free options, including a gluten-free dough for pizzas. Come early or stay late, Acorn will open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with French Truck coffee and pastries served for a morning starter or an afternoon pick me up.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

We can’t wait for you all to visit. The new Louisiana Children’s Museum is breathtaking, but don’t take our word for it, make it a family day trip and plan to visit the new museum in City Park which will open on August 31st. 

Learn more about the museum, prices, birthdays and more on the LCM website at LCM.org.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Disney Cruise Line coming to New Orleans in 2020

by

Have you heard the news? For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will sail from the Port of New Orleans starting in 2020. I have sailed on all four Disney Cruise ships with my family and with Disney Social Media Moms and it is truly something magical that can’t be put into words. We are thrilled that the Port of New Orleans has finally included Disney Cruise Line! 

“Set sail from the legendary port city of New Orleans for the first time ever on select limited-time Disney Cruise Line voyages to breathtaking locales in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.”

Disney Cruise Line New Orleans

Disney Cruise Line New Orleans 

Starting on Oct. 4, cruisers can begin booking trips for early 2020 in a variety of the Caribbean and Bahamian destinations, there will be six cruises coinciding around the time of Mardi Gras.

The first voyage from New Orleans will be Feb. 14, 2020, a seven-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder! Ports of call will include Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica with three days at sea!

A six-night cruise on the Disney Wonder will sail from New Orleans on Feb. 21, 2020. Its stops include Cozumel and Grand Cayman, with three days at sea.

Four-night cruises on the Disney Wonder will sail on Feb. 27 and March 3, 2020, with one port of call, Cozumel, and two days at sea. Nola.com

Watch the announcement from Disney Cruise Line on our Facebook page and tell us what you think about Disney Cruise Line coming to Louisiana!

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards: 1 in 3 will WIN!

by

This is a sponsored post with RaceTrac. All opinions are our own.

Summer is well underway with the beginning of the new school year on the horizon. Now’s the time to take hold of the summertime you have left and make the most of it. Whether you take a road trip or stick around town for some last-minute summer fun, be sure to include RaceTrac on your adventures! RaceTrac is offering families fantastic rewards this summer with their Wintastic Summer Rewards program. There’s a 1-in-3 chance to WIN every time you make a qualifying purchase with the RaceTrac app! We have 8 RaceTracs in our area, no matter where you are in Baton Rouge, you’re to sure to be near one. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

RaceTrac is our go-to when our family of six is in need of a quick on the road snack or to cool off at their Swirl World for ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and Italian Ice. You can’t beat the price, 16 oz. Swirl World frozen treat cups, including toppings, are available for a flat rate of $3 and kids ages 12 and under can take advantage of free kids cups through July. You can customize your frozen treat just how you like it – with up to 40 toppings, the choice of a cup, cake cone or waffle cone and a variety of flavors that you can try alone or swirl for a personalized creation. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

If you’re looking for a healthy refuel, no worries, RaceTrac’s sandwiches are made in-house with hand-selected, high-quality ingredients every day. Cut fruit and salads are made and delivered fresh to the stores daily as well. Guests have a 1-in-3 chance to win more of their favorites like pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee and $1 fountain drinks in any size, now through Labor Day when you scan your ap on qualifying purchases.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

Enter to win RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

To get in the game, simply download the RaceTrac app, make a qualifying in-store purchase and scan at checkout.

1. Download the New RaceTrac App! When you download the app you will instantly win your first reward, a free hot dog, and a fountain drink.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

2. Buy a qualifying food or beverage item.

3. Be sure to scan the app at purchase by showing the app barcode at checkout.

4. Happy winning!! You have a 1-in-3 chance of winning!!

For more information on Wintastic Rewards, follow RaceTrac on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit their website RaceTrac.com. 

Wintastic Rewards runs through September 4, 2018

RaceTrac partnered with influencers such as me for its Wintastic Rewards campaign. As part of this Program, I received compensation for my time. RaceTrac believes that consumers and influencers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. These policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, and social media engagement recommendations.

 

 

A New Orleans Home Away from Home – 1201 Canal Condominiums

by

provide It’s the weekend and many families will be heading down to New Orleans to visit the city as a family, with visitors or possibly a romantic weekend getaway. Living in Baton Rouge offers families a plethora of options for weekend getaways. Many Baton Rouge families visit New Orleans throughout the year and I would venture to guess that visits would be more frequent if there was a permanent residence to go to, a home away from home.  Century21propmgt.com offers you a place that feels like a home while providing hotel-style amenities and an urban living experience, when it came to security it was backed up with locksmith Brooklyn so it was pretty secured, I am really concerned when it comes to home safety and everything that has to do with it. The 1201 Canal Condominiums offer Baton Rougeans just the place, the perfect home away from home.

1201 Canal Condominiums

1201 Canal Condominiums

The 1201 Canal Condominiums are centrally located and nestled within the fully renovated historic Krauss department store. 1201 Canal Condominiums are beautiful inside and out, offering a rooftop pool with the best roof design by Dial One Roofing, and spa overlooking the downtown skyline, 24-hour valet parking, and a professionally-designed fitness center.

1201 Canal CondominiumsRecently transitioned from apartments to luxury condos, 1201 Canal Condominiums have 110 residences ranging from $219,900 to $1,153,900 and are available for purchase at 1201 Canal Street in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

The 1201 Canal Condominiums are perfect for young professionals, families, and empty-nesters seeking a downtown address. Visiting historical monuments in New Orleans is a treat, but imagine owning a piece of history in one of Canal Street’s most renowned landmarks. With the expansion of streetcar lines, the addition of bars and entertainment, and places to call home, upper Canal Street is experiencing the rebirth as the mecca it once was.

1201 Canal Condominiums

The 1201 Canal Condominiums are conveniently located across the street from the Tulane Medical Center, the renovated Joy and Saenger theaters, and the Canal Street streetcar is just outside the front door. The French Quarter and Central Business District are both just a short stroll away.

A second home provides family memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. If you pass on the property from generation to generation, it bestows a benefit that is hard to put a price on. Whether you have a young family or your kids are getting ready to leave the nest, a home away from home might be the perfect New Orleans investment for your family.

Learn more and follow 1201 Canal Condominiums online: Facebook and Instagram

Save

Baton Rouge has grown on me, but it took some time

by

They say home is where your heart is. In February of 2006 I left Virginia, the place I’d called home for 13 years. Virginia is where I went to school, made friends, knew everyone and their business. I grew up in a very small town where everyone knew you and you knew them. You knew their mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. When I left my home in Virginia, I left my heart there.

Moving from what was familiar to me was really a challenge, and I almost gave up a few times. After getting married and a job relocation, we ended up in Louisiana. 

Welcome to Louisiana

I didn’t give Louisiana a fair chance. I didn’t want to. I wanted to be back in Virginia with my friends and family. I missed the familiar sights, the weather, and everything there was to do there. I went back to Virginia every chance I could during our first year of marriage. I even went so far as to drive back to Virginia and apply for my old job, which I got but eventually turned down to stay with Sean in Louisiana. 

Then, I was pregnant and we bought a house. We were pregnant again with Sean in December of 2010. I was laying down roots in a place I hated, but didn’t really have any reason to dislike. Sean and I would talk about moving back. He was hesitant and I could understand why. Sean makes a pretty good income and he just wanted to start enjoying life, not continue moving. Looking back, I feel awful for what I put my poor husband through. The truth is, for five or six years after we moved to Louisiana, I kept my heart in Virginia. 

After one more trip back to Virginia with the kids during the summer of 2013, I finally realized what I was doing by leaving my heart in Virginia, when what I really needed to do was make my home in Louisiana. On my drive back home this time, I realized that I had missed Louisiana – the swamps, the beautiful sunsets and, of course, the food. When I hit Louisiana with the kids, I knew it wasn’t the physical place I missed about Virginia, it was the community, and the love I felt for the people there.

945599_10201055735017704_532942677_n

Coincidentally, it was shortly after a summer in Virginia that Tiany e-mailed me and asked if I’d like to help her launch BatonRougeMoms.com. I jumped at the chance! Then, I met Maggie of MyBatonRougeMommy.com. Maggie and Tiany are the sweetest. Maggie was born and raised right here in Louisiana and she loves her state. Tiany moved to Louisiana and she even said it took some time for her to like it here, but now she loves it and enjoys the community, especially other moms. Between Tiany and Maggie, I knew I had found a great group of friends who would support me and help me to realize just how amazing Louisiana is and what it has to offer. 

Baton Rouge Moms Groups

Joining BatonRougeMoms.com and making an effort to contact other moms to set up play-dates and girl’s nights out has made life so much more enjoyable. I realized that making friends and having “sisters” to lean on is just what I needed. Truly, home is where the heart is. For me, that means that wherever you have love, you’ll have a home. 

If you’re new to the area, don’t hide out as long as I did. Make the first step. Reach out to other moms in your area, put yourself out there, mingle, don’t be afraid to speak up. Go on adventures with your family. Louisiana is a beautiful state, rich in tradition and southern hospitality. Don’t miss out for as long as I did!

Welcome to Baton Rouge Moms!

by

Hello Baton Rouge Moms!

It’s BRM launch day!!! If you have yet to do so, please take a moment to meet the ladies behind the blog, on our contributors page. Tiffany, Maggie and I are local bloggers that have been supporting moms online for many years. We are thrilled to be joining forces to put our collective talents to work for moms in the Baton Rouge area.

The idea for this community blog was sparked a little over 10 years ago. Yes, I am a procrastinator, it took 10 years for my plans to come to fruition. I wanted to launch a site that would not only support moms in the Baton Rouge area, but make life easier with tips, recipes, reviews and local news. Moms are busy, we need the gifts of knowledge and encouragement without having to dig for them.

My hope is that Baton Rouge Moms will fill a need in the community. Through daily topic posts, mom events and a strong social media presence, we will make it easy for you to find the information you’re looking for while staying connected to moms in BTR.

Here is a taste of what you can look forward to at Baton Rouge Moms.

We have listed some of this weeks BRMB launch giveaways too!

BRMB Daily Blog Topics 

 

Sunday – This Week in BR

Each Sunday we will post a list of events happening in the Baton Rouge area for that week. A one stop resource for you to find all of the weeks events at a glance. Be sure to check out our Kids Eat Free listing as well as our calendar of events (coming soon).

 

Manger Monday:

Every Monday we will bring you Manger (Manger is the French verb “to eat”.) Mondays. We will share kitchen help in the form of menu plan tips, healthy 30 minute meals, recipes, quick fix snacks, smoothie recipes, green shakes, holiday treats and more. We will also share reviews, specials and giveaways from some of our local restaurants.  Our very own Holly Clegg will also join us on BRM with her fabulous recipes and giveaways.


GIVEAWAY – We will be giving away 3 of Holly Cleggs cookbooks, stay tuned for reviews and recipes from these cookbooks… KITCHEN 101, Too Hot in the Kitchen, and Gulf Coast Favorites:Easy Southern and Louisiana Recipes

Holly Clegg

Tech Tuesday:

Technology is defined as the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life. Every Tuesday we will bring you the latest and greatest in gadgets, apps and online resources for your family. The folks at Cox Communications – “your friend in the digital age”, will share their tips on technology too!

GIVEAWAY – Power up on the go! The HALO Pocket Power Charger is a super-popular, supercharged electronics accessory that provides peace of mind away from home. Charge up any phone, tablet or camera with this super charger, a great gadget for busy moms! Of course this giveaway will include the PURPLE charger, perfect to whip out on LSU game days!  ($40 Value)

 Halo Phone Charger

 

Wellness Wednesday:

Our days are filled with requests, deadlines and never-ending demands, leaving us tired and rarely taking proper care of ourselves. We can’t take care of our families if we are not taking care of ourselves. On Wellness Wednesday’s, we will share health and beauty tips and feature local Doctors who will guest post throughout the year and share their expertise on BRM.

GIVEAWAY – One lucky Baton Rouge Mom is going to win this Wellness Gift Basket? Filled to the brim with all of the things that will help mom relax and rejuvenate!

Gift Basket for Mom

 

Thrifty Thursday Tips

On Thursday we will share money saving ideas as well as local deals, sales, promotions and thrift store happenings.

One of our partners, Chick-fil-A at College Drive, is one place to get a great deal on Kids night! Eat a delicious, nutritious meal and enjoy FREE events for the kiddos! This Thursday, Chick-fil-A at College Drive will host BRFD Fire Safety Night & Parachute Drop, be sure to RSVP here. .

Have you ever seen a flying cow before? Stop by for this very special Kid’s Night with the Baton Rouge Fire Department. Learn about fire safety, tour the fire truck, check out the fire fighter gear and catch your very own cow which will be dropped from the fire truck ladder. See you there 5:30-7:30pm ***Parachute drop begins at 6:30pm

GIVEAWAY – Chick-fil-A at College Drive is giving away 2 Adult Meals and two Kids Meals to be redeemed at the College Drive location.

Chick-fil-A Kids Night 

 

 

Fun & Fancy Free Friday

It’s FRIDAY Fun Day and we will be sharing fun things to do in the Baton Rouge area along with freebies, and fun posts for mom.

Speaking of fun, have you had a chance to visit Quarters off Sherwood Forest? Quarters is the only venue for endless family entertainment, including a state of the art video gaming floor with consoles and computers with the really good gaming keyboards and other hardware, 10 lane boutique bowling alley, 2-story 8,000 sq.ft. laser tag arena and a Full Service Restaurant. One lucky family in the Baton Rouge area will get to experience the fun first hand!

GIVEAWAY– Family Access Pass…A family of four will get 1.5 hour of Bowling, 1 Large Pizza & Fountain Drinks, and  $5 Winners Cards {$70 Value} Visit Quarters online to learn more at http://www.quartersbr.com/

 Quarters Baton Rouge

 

Sisterhood Saturday

We are all navigating this crazy, amazing, beautiful thing called motherhood together. The key word being “Together”. We hope to bring moms in the Baton Rouge area together for support, encouragement and a real sense of community.

The sense of community is a feeling members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and the group” (McMillan and Chavis, 1986).

Sisterhood Saturday will be a day where we share the real side of motherhood through our own stories,  parenting and home keeping tips. We hope you will share your Supermom moments, your struggles, your knowledge and support with us too.

Baton Rouge Moms Blog

We will also share ways that we as a community of moms can work together to help make BTR the best it can be through social good efforts and volunteer opportunities.

GIVEAWAY –  LALove Necklace in Purple, Mint, or Pink – Silver or Gold Chain. We love this necklace from Hey Penelope Design, the perfect Logo jewelry for Baton Rouge Moms Blog!

HeyPenelopeDesign

 

7 days of of all things Baton Rouge, Family, Fun and most importantly #BRMOMS!

To enter to win the above giveaways,  please follow the instructions in our Giveaway widget below… Number one on the widget is the only mandatory entry for our giveaway (leave us a comment and tell us what you hope to gain out of Baton Rouge Moms) All additional entries are extra and will give you additional entries into our giveaway. Giveaway ends Oct. 7th, winners will be listed and emailed on Oct. 8th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Maggie, Tiffany and I are excited about the future of Baton Rouge Moms, we hope you are too!  As always, if you have any questions, suggestions or if you would like to work with us, please shoot us an email at info@BatonRougeMomsBlog.com

Keep up with Baton Rouge Moms on the go!

Facebook Round Google plus round Instagram round Pinterest round Twitter round

 brmbgirls