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When You’re Stuck Between Gratitude and Frustration

April 27, 2020 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

It’s so easy to get caught up in the fear and frustrations of our stay at home order. To get wrapped up in the what if’s? The planning for the just in case. The worry, the isolation, the concerns on the impact all this will have on our homes much less our nation. I’m constantly having to pray away my fears. I’m also stuck between being so grateful for the blessings my household currently has; compared to so many others who are in a much more intense dilemma. Keeping your glass half full is effort. 

Gratitude

Not going to lie to you…after a month of staring at my khaki walls and losing track of what day we’re on; I’m getting close to over waiting out this Stay At Home Order. I get it, our world is in the middle of fighting a pandemic. We are trying to flatten the curve. All we’re being asked to do is stay our booties home. It’s not that difficult. But yet, it is pretty difficult. If you are an extrovert with toddlers.

Gratitude

My kids and I are stir crazy. We miss our friends and school, and I’m pretty sure they’re tired of seeing just mine and their dad’s face every day. We’ve crafted, sang, done school work until we’re blue in the face; and we just need to see something new now. The feeling of entrapment is starting to settle in, and the battle to fight civic duty and emotional well being has begun. So what’s the solution here? It’s joy & gratitude. 

Choose Gratitude

Gratitude reminds me that my sweet husband is able to still go to work while others can’t. I think of the house full of food my grubby toddlers get to snack on all day. The air-conditioned home I live in with electricity and internet! In 2016, after the flood, we didn’t have a kitchen or a put-together home. All I’m being asked to do is sit in my home. I don’t do well feeling trapped which is what I’m struggling with the most. But, oh how gratitude and thoughts of gratefulness have helped me distract those feelings.

Choose Joy

Find joy in the mundane. Find time for yourself. Even if it’s just to put a face of makeup on; so you can remind your husband he has a hot wife and not a homeless person for a partner. It’s a five-minute shower, and a FaceTime chat with a friend. Even if you have to scream at the kids in the middle of your convo; and y’all are having to restart the same sentence five times. It’s ordering a new book. It’s starting a journal. It’s watching your kids play peek-a-boo and chasing after the new puppy. It’s a glass of wine after a hard day. It’s appreciation, for your health, for your income, and for your home. “Joy comes in the morning.” Tomorrow is a new day; right now find your joy in the mundane. We’ll make it through; and when we do, come find me. I have a hug waiting for you.

Baton Rouge Family Fun Ambassador – Courtney Cotharn-Lambert

Courtney Cotharn-LambertI am a Design Consultant, Event Planner, and Doula. My hope is to help a mom: plan her baby shower, design her nursery, help her during labor and birth, and lastly help plan the baby’s first Birthday. Find me online at www.courtneyaid.com

“A one stop support shop for all her baby needs.”

 

 

More posts you might find helpful:

  • How To Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus, Flu & Cold
  • Introducing Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates – Join us for some virtual fun!
  • Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours
  • Kids are home from school for a month, now what?
  • When Social Distancing Cancels Your Kid’s Birthday Party
  • Social Distancing Day in the Life – With the Whole Family Home

Filed Under: Moms Tagged With: Baton Rouge, choose joy, Covid-19, Family, gratitude, stay at home order

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards: 1 in 3 will WIN!

July 17, 2018 by Tiany Davis

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.

 

 

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Food, Snacks, Travel Tagged With: Baton Rouge Family, Baton Rouge Parents, Baton Rouge travel, Family, Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, RaceTrac, road trip, Summer, Swirl World

Chicken Salad Chick To Open Denham Springs Location

September 27, 2017 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Have you heard the news??? Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only southern inspired, fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, will be expanding in Denham Springs! We have heard nothing but great things about Chicken Salad Chick and we are thrilled that they will be opening at Juban Crossing in Denham Springs on October 4th!! Not only do we have an awesome giveaway for you but we will be inviting 100 moms to the soft opening next week to try Chicken Salad Chick for themselves!! Keep reading…  

The Chicken Salad Chick concept, born in Auburn, Ala., was established in 2008 in the kitchen of founder, Stacy Brown. When Stacy discovered that the local county health department would not allow her to continue making and selling her delicious recipes out of her home kitchen, she overcame that obstacle by launching her first restaurant with the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew; the company now has more than 65 restaurants across the Southeast.

Chicken Salad Chick

Grand Opening Festivities

GRAND OPENING – 10/4: The First 100 Guests receive FREE CHICKEN SALAD CHICK FOR A YEAR! The first guest receives a Large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week, the next 99 receive a Large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month!

During grand opening week, guests will enjoy southern hospitality through giveaways and specials at the new restaurant. 

*Must make a Chick purchase to receive reward
*Must be 16 years of age 
*Must Download Craving Credits App
*Redemption will start 10/9

THURSDAY – 10/5: Thirsty Thursday! Our First 100 Guests to purchase a Chick Special receive a Free Large Drink and a Chick Koozie!

FRIDAY – 10/6: Our First 50 Guests to purchase two Large Quick Chicks receive a Free Large Chick Cooler!

SATURDAY – 10/7: Our First 100 Guests to purchase a Chick Special receive a Free Scoop Card for their next Chick visit!

Be sure to RSVP to their event page on Facebook here!! 

Chicken Salad ChickChicken Salad Chick

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick puts an edgy twist on a Southern classic, offering guests a “custom fit” chicken salad experience, with over a dozen original flavors to choose from, as well as gourmet soups, flavorful side salads and freshly-baked desserts. Chicken Salad Chick serves southern style chicken salad with heart and strives to spread joy, enrich lives and serve others every day. Today, the brand has more than 65 locations across the Southeast and has currently sold 146 franchises to be developed across the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas.  Visit www.chickensaladchick.com to learn more!

Chicken Salad Chick Giveaway!!! (Ended)

We have partnered with  Chicken Salad Chick to give away a large Chicken Salad Chick cooler with a large quick chick of chicken salad, crackers, chips, koozie and a tumbler.

But that’s not all!! Enter on the Rafflecopter Giveaway Widget below with an email and share our Facebook giveaway on Facebook http://bit.ly/BRmomsFBGiveaway and you could be 1 of 100 moms to receive an invite to try  Chicken Salad Chick at their soft opening next week! We will email winners Friday!! 

 Chicken Salad Chick

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Mark your calendars for a whole week of awesome giveaways to celebrate the newest Chick in town! Denham Springs Chick opens October 4th – see Y’all there!

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Food, Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana Tagged With: Baton Rouge Food, Baton Rouge Moms, Baton Rouge Restaurant, Chicken, Chicken Salad Chick, Denham Springs, Denham Springs moms, Family

Laying the Groundwork for Your Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-schoolers

October 1, 2015 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Do you have trouble scheduling your family’s many activities? What are your older kids doing after school this fall? Maybe you started dance classes, joined a soccer team, are trying Spanish, piano, tennis, or art lessons, or giving your child a little help with extra tutoring?

Why do we as parents feel like these extra curricular actives are important?

These activities help our children grow up to be well rounded. These activities help us and our children identify their interests. And the more immediate benefit is harnessing their endless energy into productive activities.

Gymboree_Sep_OTL_Play is -Confidence!

So how do you lay the groundwork for your babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers? PLAY!

I am not talking about putting some toys out around your toddler while you are on the phone catching up with an old friend or cooking dinner. While both of these things are important, your child craves some dedicated play time with their favorite person – YOU!

I encourage you to play with your child at least once a day. Sit down with your child, without the distraction of your phone, the tv, other devices and give your whole attention to the little person who adores you.

Make a list of play activities but don’t be afraid to repeat activities over and over – young children learn through repetition.

Ask your child a lot of questions. And LISTEN to their answers (even if it is just babbling), it will make the your child feel important. Teach them the give and take of conversation, and as their imagination blossoms encourage pretend play.

Make eye contact with your child – this has been proven to lead to more confident older children.

Gymboree_Sep_OTL_Teach Me

Talk to your child how you want them to talk, this is important before your child is talking & after they turn into a little chatterbox.

Both gross and fine motor skills need practice for developing body control. So, add in climbing, dancing, jumping, skipping, and other large muscle group work with coloring (or scribbling), puzzles, stacking blocks, and other more focused activities.

Playing with your child sounds easy, but it is hard to schedule into your busy life. If you have a class to attend, you will be more accountable for your time. Come see us at Gymboree Play & Music to spend some quality play time with your child in one of our classes – Play & Learn, Music, and Art. Our memberships are monthly and always include Open Gym free play time! Our schedule is located at www.gymboreeclasses.com.

Gymboree Baton Rouge

 

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Baton Rouge Resources, Education, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Moms Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Family, Gymboree Baton Rouge, Gymboree Play & Music, Play

The Life Of A Tired Mom.

June 21, 2014 by Guest Contributor

Do you like coffee? Man … I love it. I love the smell, the warmth, the energy it gives me. Nothing says “I love you” like my husband bringing me a cup of coffee in the morning. I have read The 5 Love Languages and I came away from it fairly certain that caffeine is my love language.

I never thought I’d find myself too tired to make coffee, but one morning this week I really was. At 6:30 a.m. I was staring at the ceiling trying to muster up the will to stand. I ended up flinging my arm onto my husband’s stomach until he made a sound that was a cross between a waking-up grunt and a cry of pain, and when I was certain he was fully awake I asked him to make me a cup. 

Tired Mom

Actually, I said “I feel like I’m glued to the bed,” and a few minutes later while HE was staring at the ceiling trying to muster up the will to stand, he said “I feel like I’m glued to the bed,” and then I got mad at him because I REALLY DID FEEL GLUED DOWN and he totally stole my line.

We really make quite the pair.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my tiredness level because it occurred to me that I’m the fun-killer in our house. I’m worn out, you see, and everywhere I turn there is another mountain of laundry or another mess. This is to be expected in a family of five, I know. But just ONCE, I’d like to be the one whooping it up with the kids, while Robbie nags us about the noise level or the mess. Just once, I’d like to not be the one who has to remember important appointments, make to-do lists or worry about what the kids will eat for dinner.

I’d like for someone else to be the one who says, “The baby needs a bib,” “You’re too close to the electric fireplace,” or, “I’m going to fold laundry.”

I want to take a break from reminding my husband to dry his hands on the kitchen towel instead of using paper towels, because when we run out of those I will ultimately be the one who has to buy more … with three kids in tow.

Somewhere along the way, I became this exhausted annihilator of glee that I don’t even recognize. Childbearing and home managing has done something to me — something wrinkly. It’s not fair because deep down I’m a fun person! I am! Really! I simply get tired of being responsible. I get tired of feeding people. Sometimes — shhh, don’t tell — I even get tired of showering. I think it’s because I am responsible for bathing three other people in addition to myself, and then my husband comes home and makes a joke about me giving him a sponge bath, and wonders why I don’t laugh at his jokes anymore. IT’S BECA– USE THAT IS SO NOT FUNNY.

This is the not-fun part of motherhood — the tiredness.

lifeofatiredmom

On Father’s Day, I tried to rally because it was my husband’s special day, but all I wanted to do was take a nap. That evening, I got down on my hands and knees to clean up a spill under our kitchen table … and I seriously considered lying face down, right there on the kitchen floor. How long would it take them to find me? As I considered this, the baby came crawling over with an ecstatic look on her face.

“MAMA!“ she said, so happy to have made the discovery of her mother, who was now lying face-down on the kitchen floor. I made a conscious decision not to think about the water I still hadn’t sopped up, or the dirty dishes still sitting on the table above us. I allowed myself to be still for a few moments and ignore all the things that were still undone, and I took the time to look at my daughter. Really, truly, look at her.

Sometimes I feel like I go long periods of time without really seeing my family — taking the time to study them, relish them. I’m always too busy killing fun or wandering around in a zombie-like state, and they’re always moving so fast … a blur of arms and legs, never sitting still long enough for me to see them clearly. So I looked at her closely, soaking in her delight, listening to her babble and watching her smack the tile floor with her hands.

God, I was tired.

But I wasn’t tired because I’d been out all night with my friends. I wasn’t tired because I’d been studying for an exam, or working late at an office job I hated. I was tired because when you have a house full of people, they leave a lot of crumbs on the floor. There are a lot of fingernails to clip. You’re needed a lot more. And you are loved so much that all they want to do is hug you, touch you, and soak you up. Taking the time to consider the source of my tiredness helped me to see that I’m actually more blessed than exhausted.

And so I got my butt up, because that’s what mothers do when they would rather lie flat on the floor, but instead of returning to cleaning the kitchen I picked up the baby and went to see that the rest of my family was doing.

They were wrestling. It looked dangerous, but they were all laughing.

And this time, I didn’t say a word.

Filed Under: Moms, Parenting Tagged With: Baton Rouge Moms, Family, motherhood, sisterhood, tired mom

Tips for getting your kids to the Finish Line

May 13, 2014 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Girls on the run

This past weekend was a unique race experience for me. I got to join my 8 year old niece and 6 year old nephew for the Girls on the Run 5k. As soon as we knew it the kids said “It’s starting, we have to go!” We lined up in the back since my sister in law said they would probably be walking most of it. Not a half a mile into it I started hearing the excuses from my niece:  “I have to pee”, “My side hurts”, “My feet hurt”, “Can I just sit?”, “How much further?”. Her younger brother was like Superman. You could have just put a cape on him and he would have been gone. He was enjoying himself and taking in the sights along the way. When we got close to the Finish line you couldn’t keep either child from make that quick sprint to claim their medal they earned for their 3.1 mile journey. My niece wouldn’t let the volunteer put the medal on her though she saved that honor for me her Aunt Nicole which made my day. I thought I would share some tips on how to make race day a bit easier on the kids so they can claim their own Finish Line experience.

  • Research the pre & post-race day activities and food options that your kids would like ahead of time.
  • Choose light breakfast options for your kids to not weight them down but provide enough energy to carry them through.
  • Lay everything out the night before so you’re not scrambling to get out of the house.
  • Try not to over dress your kids. Check the race temps and dress for 10 degrees warmer. You will warm up within the first mile of starting your activity.
  • Check your kid’s shoes before race morning to make sure there is enough wiggle room and the soles look good. Check their shoe laces before the race starts.
  • Take them to the restroom 15-20 minutes before the race start.
  • Allow them to drink at the water stops but not chug! A few sips will suffice.
  • Watch your kids breathing. Quick, shallow breathing will bring on side stitches. Slow your pace. The faster the pace, the shorter the sequence (fast pace = one or two strides per breath, slower = three or four strides per breath).
  • Encourage them to keep moving when they want to slow down or stop. Tell your kids you are proud of them and focus on the shorter targets rather than the finish line. Let’s get to that stop sign or next water station.
  • If your child has any medical or physical impairments write it on the back of their race bib along with their full name, allergies as well as your name and phone number in case you get separated.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and enjoy this experience with your kids. It may be something they pass on to their own kids one day. 

To learn more about Girls on the Run you can visit their website: girlsontherunsola.org  or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gotrsola

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Health, Moms, Parenting, Running Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Runners, Family, Girls on the Run

So Long, Farewell

May 3, 2014 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

For the past 13 years, I have called Baton Rouge home.  I started at LSU in the fall of 2000.  I got my degree here, found my purpose, and even found my husband here.  

Baton Rouge

Born and raised in New Orleans, it was not such a far stretch to move to the capital city.  I have enjoyed my time here and the people I have developed life-long and and sometimes short-term relationships with.  During the years, I have gotten married, had 6 kids, bought two houses, started a blog and more.  I love my friends and family so saying good bye is not easy for me.  Sure we can visit, but it won’t be the same.  

We are all excited about what is in store in a new city, a new state, and a new atmosphere to explore.  We are looking forward to being closer to family members we were used to visiting and now having to accept that we will have to visit the ones we’d see in town.  We are preparing to move to Houston within days and we can’t wait.  My hubby had to go first to start his new job and soon we will be joining him there.  He has taken care of many logistics to make our transition as smooth as possible. The last time we moved we had 3 kids, now with double the number it will definitely be a bigger challenge for us.  

I am grateful for all the help we have had here in Baton Rouge.  I am grateful for the opportunities that have opened up for me here.  Being a contributor for Baton Rouge Moms, although short-lived, has been great! I will miss it and you.  The moms of Baton Rouge that I have come to know have been some of my greatest allies.  As a mom, having others who have walked before you and/or walking with you is a great asset for you.  I have received so much from other moms that have helped me to be a better mom to my own kids.  Of course there are others we will miss as well, including our parents, both here and in New Orleans, especially.  

Its only a few hours away, so we look forward to making the drive out to visit often.  This is a new season for us and we cherish our last days here and look forward to the day we will all be together again in our new home in a new place.  Thanks, Baton Rouge, for making us feel so welcome while we have resided here.  

goodbye

I will leave you with this.  Just under two weeks ago, our baby girl was born.  She arrived less than 2 hours after I got to the hospital.  She weighed 8lbs and 1 oz and she is truly adorable.  Her middle name is Grace and for very good reason.  We have had a month of so many uncertainties concerning our move and one of them being daddy having to leave before her birth.  When it was all said and done, my labor was quick, smooth and safe.  I know without God’s grace I could not have faced it without my husband.  I am grateful for his parents that have taken such great care of me and the children while he’s away. Grace covered every uncertainty from selling our house to having our baby girl. Selling our car was the part we weren´t sure about, but we did check out various places, Shiply was the best site we found and we actually considered it. But not just yet.  She is our precious new addition and we love her dearly.  She will never know Baton Rouge like we have, but  maybe some day she will understand why we love it so much.

Filed Under: Blogging, Moms, Parenting Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Family, Friends

Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate! ~ Giveaway

April 21, 2014 by Tiany Davis

{sponsored post}

See more than 50 of  your favorite Disney characters – On Ice!

Classic and contemporary Disney songs, an original storyline, brilliant costumes and high energy action will have audiences celebrating some of the world’s most popular events without ever leaving Baton Rouge!

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!

 Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.

Disney on Ice Baton Rouge

In a fun-packed, ice extravaganza, more than 50 characters from 16 Disney stories will converge and take audiences on a thrilling world tour to exotic destinations like Brazil for a Carnival parade, Hawaii for a luau party and Japan for a Cherry Blossom festival. 

Disney on Ice Baton Rouge

“Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! gives families a reason to celebrate no matter what time of year it is,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “This uplifting and unforgettable spectacle showcases different celebrations around the globe, and families will walk away remembering to celebrate the everyday joys and successes in their lives.”

Disney on Ice at River Center Arena – Show Times & Dates –

Disney on Ice Baton Rouge

Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate! ~ Giveaway

We’re excited to giveaway a Family 4-Pack!

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway! The only required entry is that you comment and share your favorite Disney character. To increase your odds, complete the extra entry options on the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Filed Under: Celebrate, Disney, Entertainment, Giveaways & Freebies, Uncategorized Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Disney, Disneyon Ice, Family, River Center Arena

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