Because Mommy Needs a Paperie

Yes, a paperie. And if you don’t know what a paperie is you might also need a dictionary. Ouch. Snap! Sorry, MommyQ hasn’t had enough coffee today. Anyway…

If you don’t have a paperie like Polka Dot Design – that makes your mouth water and your heart skip a beat, you’re totally missing out on party-throwing fun. From adorably tiny cupcake toppers to swoon-worthy invitations to knock-your-stilettos-off party favors, a reliable paperie is one of life’s perfect pleasures.

I think every mom needs a one-stop-shop for baby shower and birthday party inspiration. This fact is especially true if you’re like me, up to your knees in diapers, sippy cups, Goldfish crackers and a ponytail is your standard hairdo. Trying to be the creative party hostess can be as tricky as making my spirited 2-year-old get a haircut or trying to convince my 5-year-old that cauliflower doesn’t smell bad.

This is why I love Polka Dot Design. Struggling with a great teacher gift? Not sure what to do for a party favor? Need a dinosaur centerpiece? Of course you do. And you’ll find all of this and much more that will get your creative juices flowing.

Mom, What’s Under Your Tree?

tree1I’m always interested in knowing what items other moms deem as super-duper gifts. Whether it’s stuff for the baby, the toddler or the preschooler, let me know what kind of goodies are sitting under your Christmas tree this year. I’m also curious to know what you are buying for the hubby. If he’s not on the naughty list, of course. Mine is always on that list, but he get lots of presents anyway. Lucky guy. 😉

Here are a few things that made it under our tree this year. Obviously my kiddos don’t read my blog, otherwise I’d be ruining some good surprises.

1. – Reading Tent AKA Home Sweet Play Home from The Land of Nod – Our friends have this for their kiddos and my little guys loved it. Since my oldest is an avid reader, I think he’ll really enjoy some quiet time away from all of us! I also got him the matching cushion.

2. –  Twilight Turtle – Our little guy is getting his very own turtle. I opted for the regular as opposed to the Sea Turtle because there aren’t as many lights. There’s just something special about falling asleep under the stars, even if they are battery-operated. We’ve had Twilight Sea Turtle for over a year and he’s still a family fave.

3. – “Jerry” the Peterbilt from Cars – I have no idea where you can find this toy. I bought it on eBay because I couldn’t find it anywhere. I’m sure it’s back in stock at Target now!

4. – NASCAR Slot Car Racers – This is going to be the biggest hit by far. Dale Jr. & Jeff Gordon can race each other all day long. I sure hope it can take some abuse. And lots of screaming.

5. – A Drum Set – Oh, yes! Are we gluttons for punishment or what? It’s a pretend set, so it’s not all that elaborate. We love encouraging our kids to be musical because none of us are. I sure hope they can sing too. (I gotta admit, I’m still undecided about this one…)

Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what made your list!

Austin Moms! Win $100 from All About Diamonds

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‘Tis the season for giving thanks, attending parties and receiving gorgeous bling! Celebrate with Austin’s All About Diamonds and brighten your holiday in a sparkly kind of way. If you shop at the store on Bee Caves – starting today! – the first person to mention MommyQ’s blog in the store wins a $100 Gift Certificate. Come on moms, I know you want to grab that!

If you live in Austin, TX, join All About Diamonds for their Jude Frances and Philip Stein Trunk Show & Viewing Party:

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December 4, 10am-4pm
Philip Stein & Jude Frances Trunk Show
Enter to Win a Philip Stein Wine Wand ($325 value)
Gift Bags and $100 Gift Certificates from All About Diamonds for all guests!

December 4, 4pm-7pm
Philip Stein & Jude Frances Viewing Party
Hosted by All About Diamonds and Hall Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center
Enjoy Champagne and Chocolate Truffles
Hourly Giveaways for Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
Win a pair of Jude Frances Diamond Ear Hoops ($480 value)
$100 gift Certificate from All About Diamonds for all guests!

December 5, 10am – 5pm
Jude Francis Showcase
Win Jude Francis Diamond Ear Hoops ($480 value)
Gift bags and $100 gift Certificates from All About Diamonds for all guests!

I Heart Donuts. They Make Me Smiley Face.

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Croissants are too uppity. Toast it too boring. English Muffins are too hard to split. Biscuits are too questionable. Donuts are just right. If you want me to be your friend for life, show up at my doorstep one weekend morning with hot donuts. Seriously, instant best friend!

I’ve loved donuts since I was a little kid. A trip to Krispy Kreme was something to behold. My husband and I are huge donut fans. Before he went on his recent health kick and lost a bunch of weight, we would eat donuts at least once a week. Shame, shame, shame! I won’t even say how many hot KK donuts I can eat in one sitting because it’s absurd.  And you can add two to that total if I have an ice cold glass of milk. Yummy!

My new favorite donut can be found at The Donut Hole. The chocolate iced is sinful. A new Dunkin’ Donut just opened shop nearby and I am not impressed. How can a fresh donut taste three days old? They always seem stale to me. Every couple of years I retry a DD and end up spitting it out after the first bite. Not worth the fat, calories and carbs. Sorry DD, you suck.

Why is MommyQ on a donut kick, you ask? Well, I stumbled across these adorable Frosted Donut Ornaments and just had to share. Can you imagine how awesome it would be to do your entire tree in donuts? Oh my gosh! That would be sweet, no pun intended. Make a mental note, “buy frosted donut ornaments for X-Mas tree.”

Deco Mobile is Swoon Worthy

Are you guys thinking Partridge Family or is it just me? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, who knew felt could be so dreamy!

This decorative Deco Mobile features four felt Storybook Birds with – get this – a Happy & Sad Cloud dangling in the center. Too cute! Each doll is hand-cut of real felt wool and hand-stiched. Dolls are lightly stuffed with hypo-allergenic polyester stuffing. This makes a wonderful gift because it’s packaged in a ribbon-tied handmade bag. Shop Gifts Devine for more retro-inspired goodies for baby. Love it!