Strong 4 Life!

Last Wednesday I was invited to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to learn about the Strong 4 Life campaign and to tour the clinic. 

Strong 4 Life is the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s campaign to fight Childhood Obesity.   Georgia is #2 (Yes, the 2^nd) in the US for the highest rate of childhood obesity!  

The Strong 4 Life approach:

·         Increase awareness

·         Improve healthy behaviors

·         Advocate for policy change

·         Establish strategic partnerships

·         Increase access to clinical interventions

You guys know I don’t cook so I worry a lot about Peyton’s future health and diet.   I want her to have the best start and right now chicken nuggets are taking over!  Needless to say I was excited to learn more about the Strong 4 Life campaign.

They shared with information from focus groups as to why this is happening.  Convenience was one of the top reason moms of this focus group feel that their kids are overweight.  We all know how easy it is to roll through the drive thru! Lifestyle is another factor that we don’t think about.  Kids are really into computers and video games so they don’t play like we used to when we were kids.  They shared with us that kids, not even teenagers are undergoing gastric bypass surgery!  This is a serious problem!

Check out these billboards that were put up around metro Atlanta.

These little changes could make a big difference!



Health 4 Life Team

Strong 4 Life has a clinical program for overweight and obese kids called Health 4 Life.  This is a 12 month multi-disciplinary medical management program for children with BMI over the 95^th percentile.  This program focuses more on lifestyle changes and setting goals.  The program includes visits with a team consisting of psychologist, nutritionist, exercise scientist and medical doctor.

Mom Bloggers in attendance (L to R): Bluebird Patch, Ivey of Ivey League Mama, Dr. Stephanie Walsh of CHOA, Christy of Alpharetta Moms, Mimi of Lipgloss and Binky, Fran of Bossy Girl, Renee J Ross

Of course in Baby Shopaholic fashion I have to show you what I wore. LOL!  I finally wore my Jason Wu for Target dress.  I LOVE IT!   Shoes are old Jeffrey Campbell.  Belt is from Forever 21.

I am so honored to have been invited.  So many things we don't think of until its too late.  We (Mothers, Friends, Sisters and Grandmothers) can make a few changes to get and keep our children on the right track.  I am going to break out my never used crock pot to make convenient home cooked meals.  What are you doing to fight childhood obesity?

Nordstrom Rack Grand Opening

Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending a pre-opening Tweet Up for the Alpharetta Nordstrom Rack.  I love me some Nordstrom and the Rack.  So happy to have a Nordstrom Rack less then 5 minutes from my house. 

I am wearing a red/orange thrifted jacket that I got for $1 with an Old Navy tank and pink Forever 21 skinny jeans.  Shoes are Vince Camuto from my show guy.

Check out the Kate Spade section!  I did not realize that Nordstrom's has so many designer bags from less then a season ago.  I was just eyeing that red patent leather bag on the top left this fall at Nordstrom.  It is now half the price at the Rack!

Now I was even more excited to see they had some much Marc Jacob!!!  I devising a plan to go back and get the white bag!... Mother's Day is coming!

This bag right here!  I am still thinking about this Rebbecca Minkoff bag that can double as a clutch!  I want to say that it was only $150! Too bad my camera doesn't fit.

My favorite part about attending events is meeting other social media mavens that I talk to online.  I ran into the awesome and hilarious twitter super star, Shameeka aka The Broke Socialite.  She is also the founder of Lavish and Sugar Comma Events which is heading to Paris in the fall! How awesome!

I also ran into cute mommy, Titania from Atlanta Green Mom

Lexi from Curl Coils and Kinks enjoy some wine while partying and shopping at Nordstrom Rack.

With super mom Lisa from Lisa C Writes.

The DJ was hot!  I busted out a few moves while shopping! Nothing like great music, shopping and drinks flowing!

Her are the "Ready to Check Out" Girls!  I thought this was so cool!  You don't have to stand in line.  Just roll up to one of the ladies and they can check out you anywhere in the store!

Nordstrom Rack Alpharetta put on a fabulous party! Since it just opened officially on April 19, I am waiting for the crowds to die down before I got back and grab a few of those handbags!  I did get some cute stuff!  I will share my purchases with you soon.

Have you shopped Nordstrom Rack lately?  What amazing deals have you found at Nordstrom Rack?

Linking up for Monday Mingle with Momtrends

Disclosure: I was given a gift card for attending the event.Opinions are my own.

Weekend Style: Jump for Diapers

Hope you guys had a great weekend!  This post is going to be quicker then normal because Mama is super tired!  Not because Peyton is not sleeping (Good news she is!) but I have been super busy!  Sunday Mimi from Lipgloss and Binky hosted a diaper drive for Atlanta Diaper Relief.  It was awesome!  Full post coming but her is what Peyton wore to our #JumpforDiapers drive.

 My baby was not into posing today but she is wearing a Little Trendstar shirt from Open Sky.  Jeans are Levi, a gift from a BF.  Shoes are Toms from Nordstrom.

 Peyton also sported a new Do.  What do you think?

I managed to get a picture with my baby doll. 

We had an awesome time at the diaper drive.  Thanks to everyone that came out.  Stay tuned for recap!

How was your weekend?

Atlanta Apparel Mart Shopping!

This is Part 3 of my Atlanta Apparel experience.  First it was the Fashion Show, then I met Jeannie Mai and then I got to shop!

We received these super cute sequin tote bags.  These are the hottest totes I have ever seen!

Since Americas Mart is for buyers and boutique owners only a handful of shops let you purchase on the spot.  I wanted to share the few things I picked up in the short time I had.

I grabbed this necklace.  I thought it was a cute everyday necklace to wear with a t-shirt.

I am infatuated with this gold and yellow necklace! I got this from the same vendor as the necklace above.  I thought each of them were $5 each but when I got home and saw my receipt I was charged $10 each....  I was a little PO.

I picked up this jazzy metallic belt for $14.

I got Peyton some cubic zirconia studs for $1.50!  Crazy right!  I should have gotten like 20.  What was I thinking!

I picked up these over sized wayfarer shades for $5.

I know, I look like a psycho librarian.  Don't laugh!  I got these cat eye glasses for $5.  I am was planning on putting my prescription in them.  Everyone told me they looked cute.  Maybe this is just not a good picture : )

I only had about 30 mins to shop.  What a tease!  I just pray I am invited back so I can do some damage!  What do you think of my purchases?  The cat eye glasses?  Do I look crazy?

Wearapy with Jeannie Mai

I want to introduce you guys to my new BFF that met the Atlanta Apparel Mart show, Jeannie Mai!  You better know who she is!  Well if you don't she is the star and host of How Do I Look on the Style Network and a style expert!  She has such a great spirit and a positive message who would not want to be her BFF!

How cute is she!  We look like old pals. 

Can I borrow that belt?

With Jeannie and Eboni from The Fashionista Next Door.

It was awesome meeting Jeannie Mai and hearing her speak.  Jeannie has her own style psychology called Wearapy.  Here are some more details on Wearapy:

Wearapy is her wardrobe styling treatment to use colors and textures to enhance one’s emotions, influence actions, and to set the tone for various situations in one’s life

• Instead of having caffeine for energy, dress up your look with a bold yellow or bright pinks. These colors bring excitement and attract energy in people around you as well as yourself.

• When dealing with depression, look to crisp shades of white to symbolize a fresh start. Blue is also a healing color, with powers to clarify and cleanse the senses.

• If you are struggling with confidence issues or you are feeling unnoticed, try swapping your neutral lip shades with a bold red or warm berry. This attracts the audience to everything you have spoken.

As a Wearapist, Jeannie teaches women that life’s scenarios call for specific Wearapy tactics.
Such as:

• Job interviews: Black to represent boldness, green to bring energy and excitement,    yellow for warmth and joy.

• Date nights or first impressions: Peach for comfort and open communication, velvet or cashmere for romance.

• Public speaking or large group events: Purple to convey royalty and confidence, reds to attract and draw attention.

This is some awesome information!  I never thought colors of clothing had so much power.  Now I totally get it!

Here are a few more pictures of my Saturday morning at the Apparel Mart Show with Eboni. I am wearing a See by Chloe shirt from Neiman Marcus with Gap bootcut jeans.

With Adrienne, editor of Sadiddy Magazine.  We did not all plan to wear high buns on the same day!

Check out our cute shoes!  My shoes are by Liliana and of course I got them from my shoe guy!  I thought these were super fun wedges.

I had too much fun at the Atlanta Apparel Mart Show and meeting Jeannie Mai!  Too bad I had to jet to get to a birthday party.

Working It in Tea Collection

Peyton loves her some Tea Collection!  Something happens when she puts in on, she just goes to work!  Peyton wore her Bali Spring/Summer Tea Collection dress to church on Sunday.  You can see Peyton modeling video of the Bali line HERE.

Peyton is wearing the Dancing Fern Dress with her Lemon colored Carters sandals from Marshalls.  I made the flower clip before Peyton was born.

I still don't have any yellow sandals!  Peyton makes me want some so bad!  Have you checked out Tea Collection lately?

ATTENTION PINTEREST PINNERS!  The Little Style File is having a Big Mother's Day Pin-a-Way!  You have a chance to win over $4,000 in the most amazing mom and baby products around!  Click HERE for more details.

No Sleep Till Brooklyn Update

I told you guys last week about Peyton's sleeping and how I don't sleep just to try and keep up.

Since having Peyton, this is my new slogan is "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" .  I love the Beastie Boys and Kate Spade!  So I had to get this bracelet! 

Here is the skinny:

After my plea and a few tears to Mister that we needed to do something about her sleeping habits he is was on board. 

We started Wednesday night.  I put her in her crib wide awake like normal.  She jumped up before I got out her room and cried for me to get her.  I kept it moving back to my room.

On the monitor I hear her jump out the crib and the door open.  I go back in with out saying anything and put her back in.  More cries!

Then she starts to call for Daadee!  We kind of chuckled because it wasn't a scream of daddy, it was like a shout, like "I know you hear me calling you because I am saying it as loud as I can".  So funny to hear a baby try to project their voice. 

She gets out and cracks the door but doesn't call for anyone.  We go to look.  She is standing behind the door quite and not crying! LOL!  I wanted to laugh so hard.

Few minutes later... our little Jackie Joyner jumps out again.  I put her back. 

After few more times we didn't hear anything.

I waited a few hours of not hearing anything to check on her.  I open the door to see she is sleeping in the rocker recliner chair in her room with a blanket over her.  I felt so bad for my little baby.  But she was knocked out.  I knew if I picked her up to put her back in the bed all our efforts would go out the door.  So I left her there. 

She did not wake up until the am!  After night one, I knew we could do it. 

The next few nights she went down with no problem.  But we did find her sleeping in the chair.  I came to the conclusion she is over the crib and changed her bed to a toddler bed.  So that way so won't hurt her self trying to climb out and she may actually stay in it if she knows she can get out.

We still found her in the chair a few times but she doesn't get in it until early morning.

Next phase is training Mister!  He wants to keep the baby monitor on.  So we hear every time she coughs, moves the covers or snores!  So I am still not getting rest!!!  Her room is on the same side of the house as our bedroom and if she cries loud enough we will hear her with the door closed.  The pediatrician told me kick the monitor to the curb.  Mister won't listen!

Do you use a monitor?  How old were your kids when you got rid of it?  Sorry for the long post!