Fun Friday: Sexy and Stylish at The Mommie Series

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Happy Friday!  How was your week?

Today I'm (Sadie) going to fill you in on my "gals night out" with Mommy (and her friend Sarah) last week at The Mommie Series Houston.  We are taking a break from our Olympic theme today, but Mommies have to train in many ways, you know!  We will also bring you my Sadie update either this weekend or on Monday.

Last week Mommy, "Auntie" Sarah, and I went "back to basics" at The Mommie Series Houston held at La Mode Lingerie.  We knew the evening would be filled with sexy and stylish Mommies, savvy information, and scrumptious bites!  But who knew these friendly modern moms would also be hilarious?

The Mommie Series Houston event was presented by Misti Pace-Krahl of MISTI STYLE.  The Mommie Series is a "refreshing educational series where a team of experts will enlighten, educate, and entertain modern Houston moms with their knowledge."  Allison Bagley of Houston Tidbits served as the Master of Ceremony, and topics focused on FAMILY, HEALTH, FINANCE, and FASHION.

FAMILY: Neha Gupta, Owner of Elite Private Tutors, offered study tips.  She also kept us laughing (this was a trend throughout the evening and with all speakers) with her honesty.  She offered insight into tutoring that most of us don't think of ... tutoring can serve as a tool to broaden a student's perspective (such as by learning a new language) versus just seen as a "fix" for students that are struggling.  Do you have school-aged children?  Have you considered tutoring?

HEALTH: Dr. Debra Cutler of Kelsey-Seybold focused on the subject of vaccines and our children.  Her wittiness also shined, and Mommy and I enjoyed her talk.  Who would have thought it would be like a comedy show that night too?  She also brought expertise and seriousness to the subject.  She was pro-vaccinate (as most pediatricians are ...).  What is your take on vaccines?

FINANCE: Claudia Kolker, author of The Immigrant Advantage, discussed the interesting tradition of the Vietnamese Money Club.  She also was very charming to the audience, and "Auntie" Sarah is inspired to start our own "Vietnamese Money Club."  We won't go into details because we don't want Dada to find out!  Do you have any "outside of the box" ways that you spend (treat yourself or your family) or save money?

FASHION: Finally, La Mode Lingerie shared the base of our fashion wear - and fabulous pieces at that!  The speaker was so charming that Mommy said we must go back in and visit soon.  Do you treat yourself to fabulous, yet basic, lingerie pieces?

Mommy, Sarah, and I really enjoyed the speakers, but it was also nice mingling with other modern moms (and many carrying fetuses too).  We enjoyed bites from Green Plate Kids, but unfortunately we couldn't enjoy the wine (one won't hurt, Mom ... ).  There were also great drawings and prizes throughout the entire evening, and fabulous gift bags for all guests.  We sure were pampered.

Mommy and I were very excited that we got our first press photo together from the event (along with Sarah) (via Last Night Pics).

culturemap Houston: Sexy hot mamas listen, learn & shop the latest styles at The Mommie Series

Lights Camera Action: Hot Mamas and Bachelor Pad Screening!

Interested in more event photos?  Check out The Mommie Series on Facebook.

Next Up for The Mommie Series Houston: Save the Date for Wednesday, October 17th.  This is their next event!  We are also happy to report that we will be partnering with The Mommie Series to offer tickets to the event for one of our lucky readers!  Did you miss the last event?  Don't miss this one!  (We'll be sure to take some of our own photos next time so we can share them on our blogs).  Houstonians: Will we see you there?

What's your next "Mommy" event?

Have a great weekend!

-Sadie of Mad Max and Family / Mad About Town

next stop: Olympic Sports in Your City

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Before we get to Olympic Sports in Your City ... Mommy wanted me to share a few things:

Did you see my little sister's (Sadie's) first press photo today in Culturemap Houston: Sexy hot mamas listen, learn, and shop the latest styles at The Mommie Series?  If not, be sure to check it out!  Also, don't miss our blog this Friday (from Sadie).  She'll give you a recap of The Mommie Series event from last week.

Also on Friday ... Sadie will share her doctor appointment adventure from today.  Mommy said she has lots to share.  Mommy, I thought we had a blast today?

Finally ... thank you to all of our readers!  Mommy said she's been hearing from several of you in person.  If you haven't already, you can click follow on our blog, and you can also find us on Bloglovin.

Olympic Sports in Your City: 

What's your next stop this weekend?  What about a sporting event (that is also featured at the Olympics)?  What sporting events are available where you live?

If you are in Houston ... we recommend going to a Houston Dynamo (soccer) game.  Have you been to their new stadium yet?  We haven't been yet, but this is definitely on our list to check out soon.  If you've been ... share your experience with us!  Or share your experience of a sporting event where you are from.

They don't actually have a game at home this weekend, but their next home game is on Sunday, August 19th at 8 pm (most appropriate timing for your older ones).  Check out their schedule here.

Did you know that the Houston Dynamo has Youth Programs (ages 5 and up)?  And they partner with SoccerTots for 18 months and up.  I'm (Mad Max!) very excited to begin my SoccerTots class / team this month!  I'll have photos to share soon.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Well, I haven't started soccer yet so I don't have photos ...but in the meantime, I am training in EATING (on a recent visit to Whole Foods).

So what do you think?  What's your next stop?

-Mad Max

PS: Visit us on Mad About Town!

next stop: GIVEAWAY! The Mommie Series-Houston

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

We are taking a break from our usual next stop posting to bring you a next stop for Moms!

Be sure to read our entire post and enter our GIVEAWAY below.

Houston Moms (and Moms-to-be) or those of you that know Moms ...have you heard of The Mommie Series-Houston?  Have you been on a "Gals / Moms Night Out" lately?  This event is not to be missed!  And one lucky reader will receive a ticket to this event.  Be sure to enter and spread the word.

If you are not in Houston, have you been to a "Mommy" type event lately?  If so, what type of event?  We would love to hear more!

Image Credit: Misti Style

Mommy Night Out?  Cocktails ... Bites ... great speakers, sounds like a good event to me!  You can learn more about The Mommie Series from Click 2 Houston in this video.

The Mommie Series-Houston is kind enough to offer one complimentary ticket to one lucky reader!  Don't miss out on this great opportunity and event.

HERE IS HOW TO ENTER (you have up to 8 opportunities to enter!):

1) "Like" Mad Max and Family's Facebook page.  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

2) "Follow" Mad Max and Family's Twitter page.  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

3) Post a comment on this blog post.

4) Comment on our Mad About Town (Houston Chronicle) blog.  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

5) "Like" The Mommie Series-Houston's Facebook page.  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

6) If you are on Twitter, receive an extra entry by tweeting: The Mommie Series GIVEAWAY on @madmaxandfamily #themommieseries (insert blog URL).  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

7) Blog about this giveaway on your own blog, either as a stand alone, or within a post and must contain link to contest.  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

8) Post about this giveaway on Facebook (providing the blog link).  Be sure to let us know by commenting on this blog post.

Remember, you must comment in this blog post for EACH entry (up to 8 comments) because each entry / comment counts.  Be sure to leave a way I can contact you in case you win!  You can also email us at madmaxandfamily at gmail with your info.

You have from now until Sunday, July 29th, 2012 at 9 pm (CST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win.  The winner will be chosen at random using random.org and will be announced on Monday, July 30th, 2012 at 7 am (CST).  No purchase or payment necessary to enter.  You must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  

Good luck!

-Mad Max and Family

The Recent Yahoo CEO Saga: Motherhood vs. Career

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Mad Max is taking a break from blogging today, and he is working on his jumping skills to impress all the tot ladies ... so Train Wreck Mommy here!

We are taking a break from our regular "Thursday's: Kids, Tweens, and Teens" to bring you a topic that of course indirectly affects kids, tweens, and teens!

I'm sure many of you heard about the new Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer.  If you just Google "Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer" you will get plenty of articles.  But she's receiving a lot of focus and debate because she is 6 months pregnant and due in October with her first child.  (Just like me ... well second child for me!).  The issue of working versus stay-at-home Moms, parenting philosophies, and more continues to be a hot topic with many differing opinions.

So what is YOUR opinion about a woman taking a high-powered position while pregnant and expecting her first child?  We can all only imagine that a CEO position is very demanding.  So this also all goes back to the (also very active in the news), "can women have it all?"  I also heard that she plans to take 3 weeks of maternity leave.

In my opinion ...

First, kudos to her for being hired to a powerful position (and while having a family)!  And kudos to Yahoo for hiring a pregnant woman.  Kudos to her for seemingly trying to have a successful career and family life.

On the flipside, I think it's very unfortunate that the media is even discussing this topic because this would never be discussed if they hired a man (that had a wife expecting their first child).  So can men "have it all" and women are just criticized for it?

Although at the same time, I do understand why this topic is coming up.  What is the most challenging aspect of motherhood to me?  Balance: myself, myself + husband, myself + child, myself + husband and child.  Not to mention everything else adulthood throws at you!  But I am definitely not alone.  I'm not sure about how men feel, but this is a hot topic among women.  I've really been enjoying A Cup of Jo's series on this: Motherhood Mondays.

Now I don't know Marissa Mayer's exact circumstances (for all I know she could have worked out a flexible schedule), and we all have different opinions on what it means to be a good wife, parent, and career woman ... but I personally could not even imagine only taking 3 weeks maternity leave.  I think 12 weeks is WAY too short!  Although I am very driven also, I don't think I could accept a position such as hers knowing how much it may take away from my life and my family (18 years of a child's life goes fast!).  But that is just me.  I don't know that I would have said that before I had Mad Max.  It's hard to imagine how you will feel until you are going through it yourself.  We can all assume that she has plenty of money to get the help she needs, and maybe Yahoo is going to be flexible / family-friendly.  Although even if I had all of the money in the world, it might make things slightly easier ... but I don't think it would completely fix the balance issue.  And some might argue that her job won't be much more demanding than other jobs ...

So what do you think?  What do you think about the new Yahoo CEO's decisions?  Do you think women can have it all?  What about men?  What does "all" mean to you?  How do you find balance in your life?  Do you have balance?  Leave your comments below!

Now a quick sneak peek at our blog post tomorrow from Sadie!  It'll be from Sadie and all about Sadie!  Don't miss it.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Alicen S

-Mad Max and Family

PS: Be sure to also check out Mad About Town.

Tuesday's Tots and Wee Ones: Will You Be Mine?

Hi Fans!  What are your Valentine's Day plans?

I'm celebratin' with my favorite gal, (Train Wreck) Mommy!

As you know ... I already have an outfit ready.  In case you missed it, I'll include a few photos below.  Mommy and I wanted to do an outside photo shoot this past weekend, but the weather was bad.  We might go to Discovery Green this weekend to snap some photos.  Mad Max the model.

Here I am in my "Max XOXO" outfit from Chic Couture Boutique on Etsy.  Baby Man Leggings, okay?!

Be sure to check out the Chic Couture shop!

Mommy tried to take pics of me inside ... but ... "sit still, Mummy?"  I don't think so.  Did you pay me for this photo session?

Did you pick an outfit for Valentine's Day?  What will you be stylin' in?

Here are a few more favorites for Tots and Wee Ones that I found on Etsy with Mommy.

Tattoo "I heart Mom" Hat (Babies / Tots) by the hunky dori boutique.  Mommy and I might have to get this one.  Or ... Daddy, how about for Mother's Day?  Hint, hint.

For those of you with twins or sibs (of the boy OR girl variety), how can you pass up this number by Mudpies and Dragonflies?

Or wouldn't this be a nice gift for your galfriend?  I'm thinking about one particular Super Baby Girl in music class that would like the "VE."

Are you looking for the best Valentine's Day cards for your Super Boy?  Check out the printable Valentine's Day cards on One Charming Party.  You can tell them Mad Max sent yah!  (I'm partial to the Super Hero one).

Finally ... in honor of yesterday's Superbowl (the Valentine's Day for Super Dads), I will leave you with two things:

11 Ways Pregnancy is Just Like Football (from Babble)

Mad Max's Favorite Superbowl Commercial (a whistling Super Baby ...and a Speed Dating Super Baby?  Sold):

How are you gearing up for the big Valentine's Day?

Did you have a favorite Superbowl Commercial?

-Mad Max

Mad Style: Yeeeeeehaw!

Happy February Fans!  You know what time it is ... ?  It's almost Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo time!

And that means it is time for ... Rodeo Animals (and me pointing and going "oohhh!!"), Suburbanites in Chaps, and Fried Goodness (Train Wreck Mommy's fav) .. among other things.

You may remember my first trip to the Rodeo last year: Deep in the Heart of Texas.  I hope to stay awake for at least part of the trip this year.

In the meantime, in preparation ... Train Wreck Mommy said we need to start workin' on styling my outfit.  I told her anything to impress the Super Baby Cowgals is fine by me.  And as long as I have a pocket for my Scotch, I'm good to go.  But seriously, I'm thinking a Super Cowboy Baby / Toddler with a mix of Super Urban Hipster thrown in.... so a perfect transition would be this shirt / onesie:

I may actually have a onesie I can already wear, but if I want to be a true cowboy, I would pick this Wrangler number above.  For your "I only wear black, Mummy" urban babies, Wrangler is the brand for Cowboy babies.

Train Wreck Mommy has been obsessed for a while now with the blue and brown mix too.

So Train Wreck Mommy apparently wants to dress me as a wee baby or a GIRL.  No go.  BUT, if you are a wee baby or a Cowgal, these Wranger Diaper Covers are probably a must.

Now these are more up my alley.  These are Wrangler jeans too, but I found them on Cavender's.

Don't forget your Cowboy hat also from Cavender's.  Tip your hat to the Cowgals!

Mommy and I aren't sure if they even sell belts my size.  Any cowboys or cowgals out there know and can help a Super City Baby out?

And what is your thought on chaps?  Too much?

Last ... but not least, Cowboy boots are a must.

I'm really liking these from Small in the Saddle, but I don't think they have my size.  Mommy and I will keep looking!

Mommy will also help me put together some style ideas for the Cowgals soon.  And more blogs related to Rodeo time!

In the meantime, do you have any tips for the upcoming Rodeo?

-Mad Max