Financially Fit Kids Tips from Citibabes and Joline Godfrey

As a busy mama, with a small business, full time job and 2 kids under the age of 3, I am always looking for places and opportunities to make my life and those of my clients easier. One of my favorite sites to scour is Citibabes, a NY based, family lifestyle center with indoor play area, classes and a first class boutique -- it is a must stop on your NYC tour.

But another great resource is their CitiScoop Newsletter, chock full of tips and resources, here is an excerpt of one that I thought timely to share.

Financially Fit Kids Tips

1) Teach Kids to Walk Their Talk: Decide what is really important and let kids know that their choices show their values.

2) Introduce an alternative to Stuff.

3) Adopt a family.

4) Share your holiday budget with kids: Let them track it, discuss which are the best ways to spend the money and create an excellent teaching moment.

5) Write letters. Share your hopes and dreams for them and encourage them to send them to aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends. Keep them for posterity and to have a special keepsake for years to come.

For more tips and to learn more about Citibabes, visit www.citibabes.com

Ahh, the sales begin, 25% off online Bravado!

Shop at www.bravadodesigns.com, CM's personal recommendation is the Body Silk Seamless, it's a dreamy wear with great support!

A chance to win a $200 AMEX gift card from DC Mama

We know the economy is a hot topic for debate now, and Capitol Moms and DC Mama want to know how you feel about it.

Is this picture an accurate description?

Share your opinion and enter to win a $200 AMEX gift certificate from DC Mama, courtesy of TodaysMama.

Click here to enter the survey and be sure to enter your email for a chance to win.

EVENT: A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops, particularly Shop "N" Tot

The JLW's annual A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops are up and running. The event features 70 unique boutiques all together in one place for your shopping delight. But there is one event that I am particularly looking to visit, this year's Shop'N'Tot.

Join the Junior League of Washington for a fun family friendly event, featuring cupcake decorating, a puppet show, arts and crafts, and special guest authors, Cheryl Barnes of Where's Nat? and Leslie Young of Plaid. Mr. Skip will also be entertaining.

Festivities are just $25 per family and will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Hall A, 2660 Woodley Rd NW; Washington, DC 20008.

For more information, visit www.jlw.org

Credit:JLW

oooh, Label Love: Alice + Oliva at Gilt Groupe

Ok, so I admit it. I do have some label love, but I don't always love paying Label prices and here's where Gilt Groupe comes in. Luxury Labels at Sample Sale prices what's not to love, but it's an invitation only club.

Here's your invitation.

Follow the link,http://www.gilt.com/invite/teia,

Accept the invitation.

Get access to some of the sweetest sales this side of a clearance rack.

Happy shopping,
Teia


Pic: courtesy of the Gilt Groupe (A+O decoblock dress)

Date Night - Arlington: Cassatt's Kiwi Cafe and Gallery

Wednesday was date night for us. A whole night without the babies, a perfect night for laid-back leisurely eating and adult conversation.

Since we live in Arlington, we were looking to eat somewhere near by and Cassatt's came to mind. We got there around 6:30pm. The seating area was quiet, but the smells of roast chicken and something luscious met us at the door.

I found the Early Kiwi Menu, a three course dinner with a variety of options for $18.95, a great treat for me and Dear Hubby chose to go a different route, with New Zealand Mussels on corn and black beans and the dreamy Lamb Pie. I choose the Warm Beet Salad, a tasty blend of sweet, burgundy roasted beets with toasted walnuts and a creamy, tart goat cheese on blend of organic greens dressed with a mild molasses dressing. It was delicious and whet my appetite for more.

I was torn between the roast lamb and the pan-roasted chicken breast, after watching a happy diner receive the chicken. I followed in suite and loved every bite. My chicken was perfectly cooked, still moist and flavorful in a creamy pesto cream sauce with sauteed mushrooms and sweet red peppers. Afterwards, while contemplating the last time we went to dinner minus kids, it was time to drift into dessert and were happily greeted with a volumputous slice of Pavlova, an airy, mildly sweet merienge, decorated with surprisingly berries, kiwi and creamy whipped cream.

Ah, a sigh still escapes me at the thought of the Pavlova. What I love about Cassatt's is nice. Nice enough to go on a date night, but not so much that lingering is discouraged. Kids are welcome, but the restauraunt is not a playground. And the meal was fabulous and reasonably priced, I dare say a good deal for all that we enjoyed.

It was a treat on all grounds covered. I have to say that we'll be back in the near future, maybe even to try the Brunch of Ricotta Pancakes and coffee.

To visit or learn more about Cassatt's Kiwi Cafe, visit http://www.cassattscafe.com/

Luxury Brands for Your Baby at Sample Sale Prices: The Mini Social

Oh, who doesn't love luxury brands for your little one. Oodles of lush fabrics, beautiful, different shapes and styles that you just can't find at your neighborhood Target.

Here's your answer.... the invitation only, great find place for "mommy, baby and child" The Mini Social and we've brought an exclusive deal that will grant you access to club and $10 off of your first purchase by entering DCMAMA10 at the checkout line.

This week's sales include Babysusu, Nest, and Babylicious. Coming soon are Petunia Pickle Bottom, Umi Shoes and Neige.

To join the club and receive your treat, enter DCMAMA10 when you visit www.theminisocial.com

Good Eats and Green Gift Options from Spoon Catering

Ok, so we've started holiday shopping and preparations. We've decided that since so many of our friends are going "green" and requesting gifts as such -- at our house and Capitol Moms has decided that a good portion of our gifts will be consumables, treats and eats, and other gifts that have multiple uses.

Recently, we were introduced to the goodies from Spoon Catering. We received the Breakfast in Bed basket and oh my mercy. It is fabulous and the granola is addictive. From the easy to use and equally delicious pancake mix, strawberry jam, better than my usual Starbucks, Fair Trade coffee and the knock-your-socks-off Granola -- we made surprise guests and picky children extremely happy without missing our Saturday games.

What's even better is that the gift comes to you wrapped beautifully in a reusable basket and tins that we have already started to use to round up those random crayons that end up littering the floor.

To get your own and to try their other products, visit www.spoonnyc.com

Yummy Election Day Treats! Rewards for Voting

Sport your "I-Voted" Sticker today to earn some snazzy rewards.

* Participating Gifford's locations will be dishing up a FREE 12 oz. hot chocolate to those that proudly wear their stickers. For more information and locations, visit http://www.giffords.com/

* Chef Spike's Capitol Hill establishment, Good Stuff Eatery, will give you a free cookie or brownie with your order to celebrate your civic spirit.

And if you haven't already, get out there and VOTE!