Cheers to Good News!

I have fabulous news to share....

Rueben J. Quittmeyer and I are expecting a new addition.

The Latest at Pink Book of Goodness

The warm weather makes us thirsty for something fabulously cold and creamy.  For Pink Book of Goodness (my personal blog), I put together a cool drink and book pairing set...because what's a lazy late summer day without a good book.

Image credit: Spoonful

http://teiacollier.blogspot.com/2013/07/frosty-beverages-and-summer-reads-match.html

Want to read the post... click through here

All the best,
Teia

We are BACK!!! Capitol Moms Dallas Launches on July 1.

If you notice the blog dates, you already know that there has been a serious lag in blog posts from Capitol Moms. 

Chalk that up to life throwing us a curve ball and making the game just a little different than before, but isn't that the constant state of motherhood -- one adventure after another, filled with memories, experiences and take worthy lessons.  As time progresses, I'll share some of the journey and others you'll figure out along the way, but for now, I happily look forward to the re-launch coming July 1, 2012. 

:)

In the meantime, you can check out where I've been -  online as Dallas City Editor at Miss A - Dallas and on my personal blog at Happiest of Adventures. 

Teia Collier at Fashion's Living Canvas

Teia  

Rockabye Baby: Lullabies with an edge

A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of reviewing the latest from celeb-favorite Rockabye Baby, a series of lullabies based on rock legends like U2, Green Day, Queen and the upcoming Aerosmith.

I have to admit, at first I was a little leary, rock lullabies. Ok, it was fantastic. You hear the strains of "We are the Champions" and you find yourself humming along as the short people are falling to sleep (and to get ready to in the morning at my house too).

We sent a couple of copies out to mommas to review and heard equally fabulous commentary, "Dear Hubby thinks this rocks!", "Can we get another?" "What a good idea! We listen just about every night."

To hear some of the fabulous lullabies and to order your copy, visit www.rockabyebabymusic.com

NYT Article about Picky Lunch Eaters

My mom sent me this article about a solution for picky lunch eaters. I know first hand how aggravating it is try to figure out what will make the perfect connection between lunch box and kiddie tummy.

I am still trying to figure it out. Here's a Times solution.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/health/nutrition/07recipehealth.html?_r=1&hpw

Rainy Day Activity: Sorting the Memories with MomAgenda's

When I was at home just after giving birth to my daughter, her Grandmother gave her a really sweet present a book of memories of her father from his first steps until his slight cocky-a bit awkward high school graduation. It started me thinking about recording memories, which I am horrible at. I have a great big box of pictures and little memorablia, ticket stubs and notes that I intend to scrapbook one day.



So when I received momAgenda's School Years Organizer, I was thrilled. It is a beautiful, simple way to organize and not miss a memory and create a great gift that you can prepare for the future and have for memories-sake. It's super easy with pockets, prompts and slots for pictures, thoughts and report cards. It looks beautiful and makes it easy.

To get yours or to learn more, visit www.momAgenda.com

DLL Rainwear: making the monsoon so adorable,,,,

Ok, so today the monsoon hit DC this afternoon. As I type, I am watching the lightening show from my Arlington window. Gorgeous, and as I think about the crocks that need to be mud-stripped -- I wish I had ordered our DLL Rainwear -- the adorable penguin umbrella and matching raincoat -- earlier in the week.


Check this out. Adorable. Unique Raingear. I can see my Zenora strutting down the mall with her little penguin guiding the way.

To order yours, use this exclusive discount "DCMAMA15" for DCMama and Capitol Moms readers 15% off at www.dllrainwear.com

CM Favorite: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Baby Blossom Surface and Freshening Sprays

It's summer and I've taken it upon myself to do a little really, late "Spring" Cleaning, but with a 3 year old and a 1 year old, who wants all those nasty smelling chemicals to do a job that you probably don't want to do anyway.

Then when strolling the local Whole Foods, I stumbled upon Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom Surface Spray and Freshening Spray.

Two words: LOVE THEM!

I dumped out the block bin, found some crazy stuff inside and then sprayed everything down. I loved the smell, the way that random crayon marks seemed to disappear and how easy it was. The freshening spray has become a great light linen spray and just a little spray does it.

Shop now for a 20% discount at www.mrsmeyers.com

See Kai Run's 25% off Summer Sandal Sale

Shop now at www.seekairun.com

On TV: Princess Protection Program on Disney Channel This Weekend

On Friday, June 26, 8pm, The Princess Protection starring Camp Rock's Demi Lovato and Wizards Of Waverly Place's Selena Gomez airs tonight.

A sweet, family-friendly, tween-lovable tale of two girls that learn the meaning of being a princess. I screened this with my 17 yr old sister and 3 year old daughter snuggled with a big bowl of buttery popcorn and found that we all laughed, smiled and giggled along with the movie -- and that the movie kept all of our attention (a definite plus with a 3 yer old -- still in her princess mode). As a mom, it was really nice to see two teens that were not overly exposed and living all too grown up lives and situations, as the starring models... I have to admit that it reminds me of why I like Disney Originals.

Grade: B+

Check the website for more details and future airings.

For more information, see www.disney.com/princessprotectionprogram

EVENT: The 17th Annual Safeway National Barbeque Challenge

Come see some of the nation's best grillers and barbeque champions at the 17th Annual Safeway Barbeque Challenge.

As a transplant Texan, barbeque is a serious thing... and I'm looking forward to a taste off.

For tickets and more information, visit http://www.bbqdc.com/

Wear your heart on your wrist: Juicy Love Knots

I saw this bracelet and thought it was so cute, a great addition to a summer bangle collection... to give a fun and substance to the flighty, jingle of silver and gold.



Available now at www.juicycouture.com, $35

EVENT: 3rd Annual Ibero-American Guitar Festival at the National Musuem of the American Indian

Information from their newsletter:

"JUNE 19 – 21 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

The National Museum of the American Indian hosts the
3rd Ibero-American Guitar Festival

The Ibero-American Guitar Festival of Washington, D.C., brings together the best performers on guitar and guitar-related instruments from the Americas, Spain, and Portugal.

Daytime events are free and open to the public, though seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Evening concerts require tickets. For complete schedule and information on purchasing tickets, visit www.dciberoamericanguitarfestival.org, or call 202-633-1000. Some tickets may be available at the door during the festival."

2009 Capital Hospice Cup benefitting Capital Hospice

Tickets ranging from $10 General Admission to $2000 Sponsorships available.

Special Dove for Dove Release to honor the memory of a loved one, special opportunity $50.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.capitalhospiceevents.org/hospicepolocup/Default.aspx

DCMama Connect: Connect with other Mamas in 140 Characters or less

Who doesn't love to meet other people and just say hi and converse with a common thread that ties you all together.

What a better tie than motherhood? The folks at TodaysMama, DCMama's parent company, have done just that with Connect, a micro-blogging tool, similar to Twitter, that lets you say what you need to say in just a few words.

To Connect, visit http://www.todaysmama.com/connect/group/dc

Hoop Mama: Twist to Fit : FREE Class on June 17th with childcare available

Last week, I spoke with the vivacious and fun Jocelyn Gordon of Hoop Mama Fitness. She is passionate about helping women reach their health goals and making the most of their time as mothers and enjoy their fitness experiences.

She shared with us the following information about the program.

"Hoop Dance is the return of Hula Hooping as an exercise, meditation and entertainment art! This practice uses colorful adult size hoops, rhythmic music and massage like moves to bring you to an immediate state of fun, joy and bliss."

Hoop Mama! Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Series
FREE for pregnant DC Mamas attending the June 17 class

In Class Childcare Provided with Reservation * $3 per child
Wednesdays, 10:45am - 11:45am * through July 8, 2009

Center Dance Company, Falls Church, VA * www.hoopdancedc.com

facilitated by Jocelyn Gordon - bodyworker and movement educator specializing in prenatal and postpartum fitness: jocelyn@lovemovementhealingarts.com * 571-235-6374

Away We Go: A Road Trip with a Heart and a Soul

In a nutshell: A young couple with a baby-on-way sets off on a air and road trip to find where they will call home. After jaunting from place to place with adventures and some hilarious friends and family, the couple finds a place to belong.

I went to the movie, all set not to like it, but open to it, as I am not a SNL fan --long story, way too silly, but enough on that. The first seconds of the movie start with an attempted oral sex-ing, yep, oral sex and the commentary that could be provided on such an event. I was shocked and set to leave, but was intrigued as were the people around me.

But as the minutes wore un-noticeably on, Away We Go wrapped its arms around me like a bear hug and held me (and my attention) to the end. I loved it. Not for kids, but it was sweet and touching. I laughed like I hadn't in a movie for a good while. I was horrified by their hilarious family and friends, rooted for them to succeed and looked forward to seeing where they would settle. Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski were convincing, loveable and endearing. Overall, a good time to be had by most everyone. And from the laughs and sighs in the theatre, I wasn't alone.

Away We Go - earns a A-, good time, fun movie, alittle crass but no bad.
In theatres now.

Wanted: Your Family for DC's Kids Resturaunt Week

Delicious Eats. Your Family. Special Prices. What's not to love?

Join us this week in celebrating the brilliant idea that is Kid's Restaurant Week, June 13 - June 21. Some of DC's best like Art'N'Soul, Mie'N'You, Wasabi and Zola are offering early dinner seatings from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, special prix fixe menus for adults ($29) and children under 11 will pay just $1 per year of their age and even better, a portion of the proceeds benefit local children's charities like Miriam's Kitchen.


For more information and to reserve your space, visit http://www.kidsrestaurantweek.com/dc.asp

Lusting after Linea Pelle Right Now at Billiondollar Babes!

Most any one who knows me knows that I love handbags, purses , clutches -- even though most times, I carry a great big leather bag, my personal fave.

I have to admit though, I love a great sale even better and Billiondollar Babes is a great way to get both fixes covered.

Right now, my I am checking out the Nikki clutch, perfect for slipping into another bag with the essentials and coming out polished when it is all done.

To register for this special members only club as my guest-- click the link below.

"www.billiondollarbabes.com

Daytrips around DC: Seeking ideas...

With the upcoming season... we are planning a series of daytrips and babymoon features. What are your favorites? Where would you like to go? Better yet, where would you love to win a weekend trip?

Look for a with the kids and adult alone time features for local and relatively local trips in the upcoming 3 weeks.

If you have any suggestions, send us an email at info@capitolmoms.org or would love to be entered to win, sign up for the newsletter to the right.

Best,
Teia