Famous Footwear Opens Two New Atlanta Locations!

*I was provided a gift card to facilitate my review of the new Kennesaw location. All opinions are, as always, my own. 

If you are a parent, you know how quickly kids go through shoes. It seems like we are constantly buying the boys new sneakers for school and with warmer weather coming at us full speed its time to start stocking up on summer sandals! Right now, I am gearing up for summer. The boys are pretty much set for summer this year but that doesn't mean Mama doesn't have to look her best too! 

The good news is that Famous Footwear has two new stores in the Atlanta area, Kennesaw and Alpharetta, marking its 13th and 14th locations in the Atlanta market, meaning we now have more options, closer to home. Famous Footwear has a huge selection of shoes for Men, Women and Kids of all ages and has become my go to for stylish, reasonably priced shoes for our whole family.

I stopped in yesterday and browsed all the new spring styles. So much cute stuff to choose from! I finally settled on these for a casual, everyday option and I am so excited to show them off.

(Don't mind my giant man feet)

The Low Down:

The Kennesaw location:

• Opened on March 18 and will host eight Free Shoe Saturdays beginning March 28
• Located in Town Center at Cobb Mall at 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy. (Its downstairs in the Sears wing.)
• Celebrating grand opening event on March 28 from noon to 5 p.m. with drawings every hour and an appearance from popular local radio station, WWPW-FM, 96.1, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Invites customers to come back weekly for Free Shoe Saturdays, every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. until May 16

The Alpharetta location:

• Will open April 8 and will host eight Free Shoe Saturdays beginning April 18
• Located in North Point Mall at 1000 North Point Circle
• Celebrating grand opening event on April 18 from noon to 5 p.m. with drawings every hour and appearance from popular local radio station, WSB-FM 98.5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Invites customers to come back weekly for Free Shoe Saturdays, every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. until June 6 

My Favorite Part:

Both locations will host Free Shoe Saturdays for eight weeks. Meaning you have a shot at winning a free pair of shoes every hour, all day long!

Discounts:

• If you haven't joined the Famous Footwear Rewards program, you are seriously missing out. Its totally free to join and you earn $5 in rewards for every $100 you spend. Plus, exclusive discounts and free shipping if they don't have your size in store. Spend $200 and get upgraded to Gold Rewards for even better deals!
• Until April 5th, you can print out (or get the online code for) an extra 15% off coupon HERE. Perfect for us late minute Easter shoppers!

What are you waiting for? Get started in store or online at www.Famous.com!

Monogram Online: THE Online Shop for Personalized Gifts!

Looking for a personalized gift for a loved one this season? What about a special birthday gift for later next year? I have always loved giving and receiving personalized gifts because it is something you know they had to put thought into at least. They thought of your name specifically!

When it comes to fine monogrammed and name jewelry, MonogramOnline.com is in the top of its class -- from silver and gold necklaces shaped into first names to cufflinks etched with initials. But that's not all the gift-focused website is about - its huge selection of monogram-ready wares include, but are not limited to, iPhone cases, kitchenware, to sporting goods. There is something for everyone!

I particularly love these name necklaces! You could do a first name, last name, or even Twitter handle to make it the perfect gift. 

Right now, Monogram Online is offering 45% off store wide to my readers and that is definitely a price you can't afford to miss! That makes these beautiful sterling silver necklaces just $42 apiece! To take advantage of this deal, head over to their website by clicking the link below and be sure to enter code BLOG45 at checkout to get your discount! Then come back and let me know what you chose!

I'm a Zoo Atlanta Ambassador!

Its official! I was one of Atlanta's many wonderful bloggers to be selected as a Zoo Ambassador for Zoo Atlanta! I am very thrilled and looking forward to the opportunity to work with Atlanta's number one place for all things wildlife.

Zoo Atlanta, the city's oldest cultural institution, maintains a collection of more than 1,500 animals, representing more than 200 species from around the world. Spanning nearly 40 acres of lush landscapes and inviting botanicals, the Zoo is a leader in building naturalistic habitats for wildlife. The Zoo environment is designed to give guests a tour of exotic destinations around the globe without ever leaving Atlanta. A leader in formal and informal education, the Zoo is also a dynamic learning environment for students of all ages.

What does this mean for RMM readers? It means I will be serving as a direct liaison to the Zoo and be bringing you the scoop on all things and happenings at Zoo Atlanta all year long! Its going to be a lot of fun, so come back often to check up on the Zoo and all things Atlanta!

*If you aren't in the Atlanta area, that doesn't mean you can't check out the uber adorable Panda Cam to check in on Zoo Atlanta's twin baby pandas!

Au Revoir 2013

Well, 2013 has come and gone. Even at its worst, its been better than some of the previous years. I won't complain. I've found happiness and joy in 2013. I've lost and I've gained. Admittedly, I have been rather absent in 2013 as well. Call it a mental health year I guess.

Still, there were a lot of memories made. Just like years past, I want to share some of my favorites from the year with you. Even when my heart isn't in it completely, I do still love to share my little corner of the world with all of you.

In January, I spent some time getting my groove back and battling the Thursdays.

February brought our Staycation in the ATL and we welcomed Spring with open arms. 

March was a month of exploring new cities and spending time in a beautiful place. 

April saw the joy of two handsome boys and the shock of a nation.

In May, I bought my shiny and took a little trip with my boys.

June brought us to the Braves game and a little relaxation time at the local beach.

In July, we got a ridiculous amount of rain but we still found time for some fun.

August saw our television debut!

October meant a partial Hootie

September, November, and December were unfortunately quiet around here though. Like I said, mental health... months? That doesn't mean there wasn't fun times to be had, just that there were so many I didn't share. 

As for the 2013 list? It was a big failure this year. I hate it and its really bothered me in the last couple of months but there just didn't seem to be enough time this year. Of course that just means that next year will bring some of the same challenges but I am okay with that. I am more than ready to bring the A game and get it done for the new year. 

What are you looking forward to in the new year?

Shelf Safe Milk: A Mama's Best Secret Weapon #MilkUnleashed

With two growing boys, milk is a big part of my family's diet. We go through several gallons of milk a week easy and its the one thing we have to "emergency run" to the grocery store for every time. Now though, we have discovered the next best thing to that option. Have you heard of shelf safe milk? Its perfect because we can easily keep milk on hand for a longer period without worry.

Shelf safe milk is considered ultra high temperature pasteurized milk (over 280 degrees Fahrenheit vs 180 for regular pasteurization) that is packaged in an eco friendly Tetra Pak carton. This means that it can be stored on the pantry shelf, at room temperature, for much longer than refrigerated milk. No fancy additives or dangerous preservatives need be added. Of course you can get shelf safe milk in flavors like chocolate or strawberry though.

The best part for me, and what I mentioned earlier is that shelf safe milk does not require refrigeration until the packaging is opened. Seriously. You can keep healthy, great tasting back up milk in your pantry. Just open and use when needed. In general shelf safe milk can be stored for around six months! (Always check your expiration dates!)

The tetra packs come in a variety of sizes perfect for lunches, camping and of course your purse or diaper bag as a back up! I have used them in the past as ice packs for the cooler even. Freeze them the night before and by lunch time the next day, the contents of your cooler are cold and your milk is the perfect temperature for drinking!

Ready to learn more about Milk Unleashed? Check out the Milk unleashed website in English or French and be sure tolike them on Facebook to learn more great ways shelf safe milk can benefit your family!

*This post is brought to you by Milk Unleashed and The Motherhood. All opinions are – as always – honest and my own.

Time Saving Tips and Tricks (AKA Our Television Debut!)

Earlier this week, we made our television debut! I was approached by Fox 5 Atlanta about doing a short segment on some tips and tricks for busy parents. Now I want to share those tips and tricks with you as well as our five minutes of fame!

You can ready the whole story on the Fox 5 Atlanta website as well. Tell me what you think!

Check Out the #DeliveryManMovie Trailer First! #The533

What does family mean to me? My family has always been a mixed bag of complete hilarity. We all have our quirks and our issues but when it all comes right down to it, there is nothing that could keep up from helping each other through it all.

This fall, in Delivery Man, Vince Vaughn plays an affable underachiever looking for his purpose in life, when he finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago.

Now, he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them want to meet their biological father. The way he accepts the challenge is heartwarming and hilarious.

I was invited by Disney to be one of 533 bloggers to debut the exclusive trailer for Delivery Man. Check our this exclusive trailer just for Render Me Mama readers:

Looks awesome, right? I am looking forward to the rest of the movie and finding out how he completes his mission. Will he find them all? Will they ever find out who he really is?  Love it.

DELIVERY MAN opens in theatres everywhere on November 22nd. Until then, you can LIKE the movie on Facebook or FOLLOW the movie on the Twitter, Pinterest, or instagram!

What do you think? Will you check it out?

Peet's #GiveACup Wants Your Opinion!

If you have ever had the pleasure of tasting Peet’s coffees, you know how uncompromising they are when it comes to flavor. The single cup is no compromise! When they started working on their Single Cup, they insisted on getting the ratio just right and you can definitely taste the difference.

Now, in the internet's first official social sampling experiment, Peet's coffee wants to know what you "Give a Cup" about! Say what? Peet's coffee is using your votes to determine where they host their sampling events each week. Give a Cup about kale? Maybe they’ll show up at a farmer’s market. Don’t give a cup about kale? See you at the chocolate store down the street. It’s up to you and America to decide where they go so vote, share, and participate in the social sampling experiment!









Today they are asking if you give a cup about zombies for their trip to Chicago. Personally, I give a big cup about zombies. All that walking dead, trying to eat my brains? So not cool. So of course, I voted that I most definitely give a cup about zombies. We will see where that leads the sampling truck!

Ready to participate in this social media coffee extravaganza?

1. Go to Peet's Give A Cup page
2. Vote on a topic weekly-they are silly and fun
3. Your vote determines where the next stop will be
4. See the schedule of tours 

Click, clack, done! The campaign runs from June 19th- July 25th and will most likely be coming to a city near you sometime soon, so join in the action and show what you and your city, gives a cup about!


*Disclosure: Images and value provided by our partner, Peet's. This is a sponsored post and I was compensated. All opinions on coffee and zombies share remain my own. Zombies are scary y'all.*

Happiest of Birthdays to Me!

Today, I turned 32. Scary thing, 32. Still, I could not have asked for a better birthday. Considering how bad the last few years have gone, there wasn't really much competition. I spent the morning with my boys hanging out and opening presents. D insisted I had to have a party crown so I dug out my mother's old homecoming queen crown to wear for the morning's festivities. We had birthday cake for breakfast and then I opened the presents the boys and my mother had gotten me.

My favorite part of the morning though, was the boys' singing me happy birthday and then helping me blow out my candles. *swoon*


After we messed around the house for awhile we got dressed and went to our favorite restaurant for lunch. The boys call it the "fire restaurant" but its actually a Japanese steak house. As we stuffed ourselves silly, D leaned over and told me I was his best friend in the whole wide world and I nearly broke down in tears. These boys definitely know how to make their Mama feel special. 

After lunch, I went shopping with my father. That's right ladies and gents, my father voluntarily took me shopping for clothes. Four stores later, something tells me he regretted getting himself into that situation. I kid. He helped me find some great new work/ interviewing clothes and for that I am so grateful. With money as tight as it is and with all the weight I've lost, my closet is a bit scary. 

Not the best picture but its new!!

When I got home from shopping with my dad, I had a couple of surprises waiting for me. Actually, the delivery man was just getting out of his truck to give one to me. Talk about service! Anyway, I got the most beautiful bouquet of flowers from a close friend that is out of town for my birthday and let me tell you what, I haven't cried like that in awhile. Happy tears but totally unexpected tears. 

Gorgeous, Right??

I also got a beautiful plant and gift card for a mani/ pedi from a close friend of the family and a new bathroom rug (which was quite needed) from my mother. 
I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family that have made my birthday special. From Facebook posts and emails to flowers and gifts, there is no doubt in my mind that I am loved this year. Its such a wonderful feeling and it has certainly made my birthday rich and happy. Happiest of birthdays to me! 

Our Stay at @SheratonAtlanta #ExpATL

So, last Friday I told you that over the weekend we would be having a very rare "staycation" here in Atlanta. Just hanging around and seeing the sights and hanging out with some other amazing Atlanta Bloggers. Long story short: We had a blast! More on that another time though.

(Image via Sheraton)

I also told you about that we were being hosted for the weekend by the Sheraton Atlanta but what even I didn't realize was just how amazing this place is! First, let me preface this by saying that, even though they put us up for the weekend for free, but that definitely did not affect my opinion. I am posting about it because I was seriously blown away.

I have vacationed in Atlanta for more years than I have lived in Atlanta and stayed all over the city at various times/ ages/ situations.  We also did a lot of moving around and travelling when I was still a single, kid free lady. Needless to say though, I have stayed in the fancy schmancy and the not quite so appealing.

The Sheraton though, was by far the cleanest hotel I have stayed in probably ever. Seriously. We all know that hotels can kind of seem icky even when they appear clean on the surface. Thing is though, you can see the clean here. They take the time to protect their investment and their reputation and it shows. With 763 recently renovated guest room accommodations and suites, the difference seriously shows.

The staff was by far the most welcoming and knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure that the boys were comfortable and having fun. The concierge even remembered to bring my boys oranges as a treat when she came in to work the second day because K had said he loved them.

Of course there were also the amenities  which I have always called the "bonus features". The amenities at the Sheraton Atlanta were well tended and not over run by wild children. Of course the boys' favorite was the gorgeous indoor pool that our room overlooked. I could have sat there the whole weekend and watched them jump in and out of that pool, listening to the fountains and relaxing under the banana trees. My D was so completely excited about the pool I didn't think he would sleep but he had played so hard and swam so fiercely that he was out within 5 minutes of laying down both nights.

Speaking of sleep, you have not slept well until you have slept on one of their Sweet Sleeper Beds. Oh my heavenly comfortable sleep. Its always hard for me to get out of bed but this was the kind of bed you sink into and it forms around you. I haven't slept so hard my face hurt in a long time but I so did this weekend. I do did and so did my children! Bliss.

So, long story short, the hotel was the highlight of our weekend. If you are looking to make a trip to Atlanta (which you should) or thinking about doing a staycation like us (also amazing), definitely try to stay at the Sheraton Atlanta. Its a trip you definitely won't regret.

Staycation #ExpATL

This weekend my mother, the boys, and I are headed downtown for a weekend "away". We are spending the weekend in Atlanta, the city we spend so much time in already but never really get to see. The boys love going downtown to see all the "castles" but usually we are rushing to this or that and don't have time to stop and enjoy it.

(Image via Google)

This time we are going to just explore the city to our hearts content. See some of the sights we haven't seen, spend some time exploring the places we love, and maybe do a little relaxing while we are at it. Crazy, right? I am looking forward to it more than I probably should.

I will be starting out my weekend with some fellow Atlanta bloggers and that always makes for a great time. Here in Atlanta, we are lucky enough to have a really amazing support group of bloggers and some truly awesome PR personalities, so when we all get together, its always a lot of fun. The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is arranging for us to hang out and learn more about the Atlanta "scene" so we can all share about how completely awesome it is.

Then we will start exploring the city. Just the boys, my mother, and me that is. We are being provided a hotel room by the Sheraton so we have a place to sleep and can explore til we drop. Then, take a dip in the pool or a nice long nap. Then, we will get up and do it all over again until we have to head home.

Did I mention I'm excited? Because I so am. It will be so nice to get a few days fun in with my boys and a great opportunity to get my mother out for her (upcoming) birthday. Plus, I think we all deserve it! Be sure and check back next week and I'll share our shenanigans with you! If you don't already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram to check out what we are up to!

Re-Vamp

I just hired the fabulous Mrs. Holly to help me revamp RMM and I have to admit, I might have had a huge panic attack about it. Not that I doubt her ability at all, I just hate change. Even when I know its for the better. Still, I know its time to fix her up and make her pretty again. As much as I love the bright red and pretty flowers, I have done so many self tweaks to this design that it has almost given up one me.

The last straw was last week when I tried to update the 2013 page and it gave out. I just don't have the energy to fix it again either so you'll notice its still sad face up there.

Still, Blogger is my stride and you won't be seeing any changes there any time soon. Sorry mommy-blogger-mafia, not my thing. Don't laugh, they know who they are.

At any rate, Some things will be switching up around here in the next little bit so hang tight and I will post again when everything is new and shiney again. In the mean time, hold me...

2013 List

Back story: Every year for the last 9 years, I have had a list of things to accomplish. For the last 3 I have blogged about them for you all to see, learn from, or hold against me (2010, 2011, 2012). Hopefully more the last two than the last. Still, the premise is simple: 12 things, 12 months, 12 posts.

Last year, I did not complete my list. It makes me really sad to admit that but I suppose you win some, you lose some. Last year was not what I had expected of it any way. In reality, there were only tow things that I missed though and that isn't too bad considering. I didn't get to have my dinner party and we didn't go on a family bike ride. Rules are rules though and since they didn't happen last year, they get tagged on to the 2013 list.

This year, though, I decided to make the focus of my yearly list a little different. I want to focus on more lifestyle things. Things that will better my boys and I in the long run versus smaller things that are fun to do in the moment. If that makes sense. You can see that I have a few things on this years list that will be harder on my heart, both mentally and physically, than I will ever admit but I know that they have to happen. Of course there are things that we will have considerable fun doing as well.

1. Get divorced. Officially. It breaks me to admit that where I was so desperately in love this time last year, I am simply prepared for the end of my marriage. To move on.

2. Get a working vehicle. The van that we bought when I wrecked my old van is in T's name and is not in safe, working order. He won't fix it and I won't fix someone elses car. Stalemate. The boys and I need transportation and soon.

3. Make more connections in the blogging world. Fact is: I love doing it and its something fulfilling that pays me back in its own off beat ways. I would love to attend a blogging conference or two. In fact, I may already have one on the line. Cheating? Maybe. And? Still exciting and still hasn't happened yet so it makes the list.

4. Get K involved in a sport or activity of some sort. My poor littles is so very clumsy but I really think he would just adore doing something outside the house. D had this spot on the 2012 List but this year it is K's turn. Of course I will continue to keep D in T-ball but soccer just wasn't his thing.

5. Get my life organized! I am in serious need of getting my life in order. We have moved so many times in the last 8 years that everything has been shuffled around in boxes and not looked at since. Its time to pull out those boxes and do some serious housekeeping. Everything from papers to decorations to toys needs to be sorted and put back in its proper place.

6. Get my sewing machine fixed. This is a big one for me. I have mentioned it before but I am a rather tall lady. Tall = no store bought clothing that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I would love to be able to make myself some girly skirts and tops that would actually be long enough. Its a stupidly simple thing that would mean a lot to me at least.

7. Train for a marathon. Yes, me. The arthritic, helpless old lady. More and more I am reading and being told by doctors that taking back up my old habit of running might actually do some good on these old bones. Add in the bonus of having more energy and a clearer mind state and I can't resist. As far as actually running a marathon, I would love to but I can't exactly financially commit to something that I might not be able to complete. Who knows though, maybe it will happen!

8. Take my boys on a trip by myself. It be Chattanooga or Black Rock we need an adventure to help center us back on each other. Without distractions or interference.

9. Take a class to better myself. Self defense seems like a logical choice but I would also love to renew my CPR/ First Aid certification or take a photography class of some sort. Who knows what it will end up being but I want it to definitely be something that will have impact.

10. Cut out caffeine. For about 10 years when I was in high school and beyond, I had cut out caffeine completely. It literally wasn't until D was born that I started drinking it again and it has slowly taken over again. I know its bad for me and I know its going to be so hard to cut out but I really think it will make me feel better to just cut it out.

11. Go on a family bike ride. Of course, everyone but me has a bike though so this is kind of a two part type deal. First: Buy me a bike. Second: Family bike ride. Bonus: Take a picnic. (2012 leftover)

12. Host a dinner party. I don't care if its just a few people or a hundred. The last gathering we had at our house was after a funeral and its time to correct that juju. Plus, its time to put some of those Pinterest ideas to work! (2012 leftover)

So what do you think? Think we will be able to get it all done? Say no so its more of a challenge. Heh. Here we go ladies and gents, lets render this mama to the moon!

2012 in Review

Its finally over! 2012 has come to a merciful end! Maybe you don't feel that way but I am glad its over. Its been a long on with lots of heartache and I am ready to get on with life and get this year behind me. Only way to go is up, right?

The year in review:

January: Photo Mojo Challange

 February: Our Trip to Gatlinburg

March: I Lost 30lbs! 

April: I Told of A Little One Lost

(Image Via Google)

May: I Finally Joined Instagram

June: I Came Clean About My Situation

July: We Moved. Again.

August: The Boys Started Preschool

September: My Boys Turned Three and Five

October: I Took A Some Time for Myself

November: I Spoke About Love and Thankfulness

December: ALL of Our Hearts Broke

I am thoroghly looking forward to 2013. A year of re-birth for me and the boys. Its time to make this life awesome. Are you coming?

#PhotoMojo Instagram Challenge: Weeks 3 and 4

Thirteen through Twenty Six of the Photo Mojo: Instagram Challenge!*

Breakfast

Dead (not really)

Shoes





Yellow

Collect

Secret

Green



Down




Fake

Thankful

Black

Pretty

Big/ Little

Excited

*I have been having issues with my cell phone since we moved to the new place and I am in the process of switching carriers so I haven't been able to upload pictures to Instagram. I hate that its been an issue but c'est la vie, no?