last stop: It's All Fun And Games Until You Poke Daddy's Eye Out

Hi Friends,

How was your Superbowl weekend?  What did you do this weekend?

In celebration of our first blogging conference that we went to (Dad 2.0 Summit) ... we are focusing on everything Dads this week.  How do your kids celebrate their Dad?  (The irony is that MOMMY went to the Dad 2.0 Summit - and she appreciated the invite, thank you!).

Dad 2.0 Summit

Have you been to a blogging conference?  What did you think?  Would you recommend any to us?

Dad 2.0 was in Houston this year, and Mommy was invited to attend.  She couldn't attend all days or as much as she would have liked (due to work and taking care of Sissy).  But she did get to enjoy some of the conference on Saturday, and Mommy said she was really inspired and impressed.  The Four Seasons Houston was a great location ... they had an impressive breakfast spread, she enjoyed talking to several sponsors (especially Ella's Kitchen Organic Baby Food ... that's right up my alley, baby what?), enjoyed talking to bloggers ... and most of all enjoyed the speakers.

She was very impressed by the Key Note speaker Brene Brown, and she got a signed copy of her book Daring Greatly.  The subject of much of her talk was about being vulnerable (and being vulnerable as a positive thing)... what do you think?  When were you last vulnerable?  Or are you always vulnerable?  Mommy also got to enjoy the Keynote Conversation - Brands and Commerce.  This subject is very familiar to Mommy since she use to work in the ad world in NYC.  Mad Men anyone?

All Images: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Here I am enjoying some of that yummy Ella's Kitchen "Baby Food."  Hey, I say it's also great as Super Tot snack food!  But Sissy, just you wait until you try these.  Daddy actually made my baby food (and the same goes for when Sissy eats), but we think these would be a great addition to have on hand. They are made with quality organic food, and they are easy and fun to use!  I like to call these "squeezies."

Have you tried Ella's Kitchen?

Do you think I just stopped at one flavor?

Daddy Time

The weekend was unusually amazing in Houston (as in not 1,000 degrees as it is March - November) ...it was in the 70's, not humid, and sunny!  We enjoyed a lot of Daddy park time.  On Saturday we went to Hermann Park, and I rode my BIKE not trike (skkut bike).  Big Boy Max here.

I also counted acorns, and raced Mommy to the tree.  Beat.  Her.  Every.  Time.  You'll get there, Mommy.

Sunday we enjoyed park time at Stude park.  I practiced my soccer skills and went down the slide 1,000 times.

Our weekend was mostly great if you take out the part where I stabbed Daddy's eye and he had to go to the emergency clinic.  No, but seriously ... I accidently poked his eye, and Saturday night he finally listened to Mommy and went to the emergency clinic (because who wants to sit in the ER for hours?).  Luckily he went ...and they gave him some meds.  He should be cleared up in a few days.  Any ER trips for you this weekend?  I hope not!

Above is a sneak peek at Sissy's Weekly fotos ... she had a HUGE milestone this weekend.  She laughed and laughed Sunday evening.  The question now is - is she laughing with us or at us?

She also likes grabbing things a lot now... Mommy says a lot more than I did as a baby.  She's training to grab for Daddy's wallet - speaking of Daddy time!  In the photo above, she has some toys from a Bright Start play mat, and her teether Chewbeads are next to her (Mommy has a Chewbead necklace too!).

Sissy was FINALLY awake on an outing.  Not a whole lot to see here, Big People (she says ... in a nice Southern accent).

And finally on the flip side ... MOMMY (not Daddy) was busy this weekend doing some research for Mother's Day Out programs for me in the Fall.  Did your child do a Mother's Day Out program?  If you live in the Houston area (well, down south east by my Super Grandparents - Friendswood or Pearland) ... are there any you would recommend?

And how was your weekend?

-Mad Max

PS: Please also visit us at Mad About Town.

next stop: Moments in Time

Hi Friends,

This post was suppose to go out Wednesday morning, but obviously my Assistant is slacking.

How is your week?

What is your next stop this weekend?  How do you look forward to enjoying your time?

Mommy said she ALWAYS loves watching and enjoying my Daddy and Me time (and capturing it with photos) ... same goes for Sissy and Daddy time... I love my Daddy - my hero!  Besides ... poor Mommy can't always participate now because she is watching Sissy.  C'mon Sissy, pull it together and run so everyone can go up and down the hill! 

Speaking of Daddy time ...this coming weekend is Dad 2.0 Summit in Houston.  Will you be there?  (Mommy will - makes perfect sense, I know).  

A few photos capturing Daddy time ... on the day before my birthday at Discovery Green are below.  Note, this was BEFORE Mommy realized she needed to clean the camera lens.  Wow.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Also this week one of our favorite stores (Whole Foods Market) is opening up a new store in the Houston area - Katy, Texas.  They have lots of great things planned!  If you live near, visit soon and often.  I know we go to our Whole Foods Market at least once a week!  From Whole Foods Market below ...

Whole Foods Market opens in Katy on January 30th

WHAT: And for the first five days we’re open, we’re giving one percent of our sales each day to five amazing nonprofits in the community, with lots of entertaining events each day.  Come out and shop to support these great local organizations:

Wednesday, January 30th – Katy ISD Education Foundation

Thursday, January 31st – Katy Prairie Conservancy

Friday, February 1st – Katy Christian Ministry

Saturday, February 2nd – ARTreach

Sunday, February 3rd- Katy Family YMCA

WHERE: Whole Foods Market –Katy
6601 S. Fry Road
Katy, TX 77494

So what is your next stop this weekend?

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to visit us at Mad About Town!

next stop: Healthy Cooking Bowl and Dad 2.0

Hi Friends,

We're bringing you a special extra blog post today ...

We have two events we wanted to share with you ... first, do you have any healthy goals (we like to call them goals instead of resolutions) this year?  Mommy wrote down many goals for herself this year ... and one of them is to take being healthy more seriously (eating and exercise).  She's not going to let a demanding job (too many hours / energy) and two kids two and under take over.  More on that soon I'm sure!  We will let her figure out a good plan / routine for herself and then share it.  We would love to hear yours!

If health is a part of your goals / focus (isn't it always - to be healthy?!) this year, we have a great event for you this weekend.  (What are your weekend plans?)  As you know, one of our favorite stores is Whole Foods Market.  They are having a Healthy Cooking Bowl this weekend!

Healthy Cooking Bowl at Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market Houston and Sugar Land stores are celebrating health in 2013 with our second annual Healthy Cooking Bowl from Friday, January 11 – Sunday, January 13.  Kickoff the new year by visiting our stores to sample some of our favorite recipes, learn tips, and receive materials that will help you on the road to becoming healthy!  There has never been a better time to choose your food with wellness in mind.

Each store will be packed with fun activities Friday - Sunday including tastings, demonstrations, and simple and healthy meal solutions.  So, start the New Year off right and taste for yourself that eating healthy can really taste good!

Where: All Houston and Sugar Land Whole Foods Market stores

When: Friday, January 11 - Sunday, January 13. 12 - 5pm

If you are not in Houston ... what type of healthy events are happening near you this weekend?

Dad 2.0 Summit (From Max's Mommy)

Also ... have you ever been to any blogging conventions?  We plan to go to our first one in just a few short weeks!  We would love to hear your experience with them.  Any tips for us?

We are lucky because the Dad 2.0 Summit is coming to Houston!  Thank you for inviting us, Dad 2.0.

We strongly recommend that you attend with us!

What is the Dad 2.0 Summit (From Dad 2.0)?

THE DAD 2.0 SUMMIT is an annual conference where marketers, social media leaders, and blogging parents connect to discuss the changing voice and perception of modern fatherhood.

More men are defying stereotypes by taking active roles in their children’s lives, making day-to-day household purchasing decisions regarding products and services, and chronicling these experiences online. The Dad 2.0 Summit is an open conversation about the commercial power of dads online, as well as an opportunity to learn the tools and tactics used by influential bloggers to create high-quality content, build personal brands, and develop viable business models.

Take a look at their website to turn more ... then have great speakers coming to the summit, and I'm really interested in hearing more about many of the topics of discussion.

Look for more information leading up to the event, and I'll be sure to share my experience afterwards.

You can register here:

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

This is a great recent photo of Max with his Daddy ... it was from his birthday weekend when we took him (and Sadie) to Discovery Green.  Max flies!

-Mad Max

PS: You can also find us at Mad About Town (Our Houston Chronicle Blog).

next stop: The Mommie Series Winter Edition GIVEAWAY

UPDATE: As of the evening of Sunday, October 14, 2012 our winner was picked for this GIVEAWAY.

Congrats goes out to Vicki for winning the 2 Complimentary Tix to The Mommie Series event this week.  We hope you have a blast!  We can't wait to hear about your experience.

-Mad Max and Family


Hi Friends (and Super Moms!),

How are you doing?

First, Happy Birthday to my Daddy today!  Be sure also to be on the look out and read my special post to Daddy today.

Second, we are going to take a break from our Halloween posts this week (look out for our Dewberry Farm post soon!) to bring you a very special GIVEAWAY from our friends over at The Mommie Series (we also blogged about The Mommie Series a few months ago).  (Attention Houstonians!).

Moms, do you need a girls night out on the town?  This is the perfect event for you.  My Mommy went with a gal friend and Sadie last time, and they had so much fun.

Read the flyer below for more information about the Wednesday, October 17th evening event next week or you can also read this link.  Would you like complimentary tickets to the event to go with a friend?  Now is your chance.  The Mommie Series is giving away TWO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to a lucky reader!

How do you enter?  It's very simple, and just read the bottom of this post.  Enjoy some photos from the last event first (can you spot Sadie?  Well, actually, you can't really miss her.  Love you, Mommy).  All images from The Mommie Series / Misti Style.

Mommy Night Out? Cocktails ... Bites ... great speakers, sounds like a good event to me!

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

We made it super simple for you to enter.  All you have to do is visit The Mommie Series page and leave a comment below in this blog post.  Be sure to let us know how to best contact you (you can also email us at madmaxandfamily at gmail).  Too complicated?  Just make sure you leave a comment below and you are entered into this giveaway!

You can also find out more information about The Mommie Series on their Facebook page, and you can Tweet about The Mommie Series using #themommieseries.

You have from now until Sunday, October 14th, 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, October 15th, 2012 by 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

PS: You can also visit us at Mad About Town.

Thursday's Kids and T(w)eens: Giving Back for Birthdays?

Hi Friends,

We hope you are enjoying our focus on birthday celebrations this week.

It's making Mommy quite the Train Wreck when it comes to obsessing over my next big (2!) celebration.

Mommy and I think it's a nice idea to consider charitable donations on birthdays (and other events).  We think it's a great way to teach kids about the value of giving back and service (and to get family and friends involved).  Also once kids get to a certain age, they probably don't need too many more toys!  What do you think?  Apparently we are not the only ones that feel this way ... after doing some research, this is apparently quite the latest craze for children's birthday parties: Cake, but No Presents, Please (New York Times).  And like all parenting topics, there is a heated debate on both sides.

Although it is our opinion that getting your kids involved in donations and charity (even on their birthday) shouldn't be seen as negative at all.  We would never force someone to make a donation or get involved in a charity!

For my 1st Birthday Celebration, we did make charity a small part of my birthday with the Gift of Grub for the Houston Zoo, and we are definitely considering making charity a part of my future birthdays.

But your older kids will have an even greater understanding of the importance of charity.  So how can they incorporate charity into their birthdays?  Two ideas.

First, they can pick a charity (either local, national, or international) from the web that has an easy and user-friendly ability to provide donations.  charity: water is one example that already has an area for birthdays!  I suggest letting your kiddos pick a charity that is either important to them, and / or goes well with the theme of their birthday celebration!

Second, for your older kids, we think it would be a unique and valuable idea to host a birthday celebration where all of the guests go complete service together in your community!  What do you think?  Another idea (that may require less logistical planning) is to make items at your birthday that can be taken to a local charity (maybe at a slumber party your kids could create cards to be taken to a local nursing home?).

And we would love to hear your ideas ... do you have any online charities your kids may be interested in supporting?  Or local charities?

And a few photos from my 1st Birthday (first one with Auntie Tam):

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

-Mad Max

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!

Mad for Monday (Max's Weekend Update): Your Future Olympians

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How was your weekend?  What did you do?  Did you catch any Olympics?

This week at Mad Max and Family and Mad About Town we are going to focus on all things Olympics.  Which are your favorite Summer Olympic sports?

But first ... our Weekend Update:

We didn't have anything too out of the ordinary this weekend: trained for the Olympics (swimming lessons at Dad's Club) and entertained the ladies (SongPlay! music class).  But the highlight was getting together with Dada's family for Cousin C's 6th Birthday.  Thanks for including us in the celebration this weekend!

Did you go to any parties this weekend?  Maybe an Olympics party?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J 

Here I am above on my first big trampoline with Cous R.  I just got to get that jumping down.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Your Future Olympian:

We are also going to start including parenting topics of various sorts on Mondays.  Mad Max has to help parents out there, you know!  You can send us ideas for parenting topics too.

So of course today ... most appropriate we'll start with the Olympics.

So our first question is ... what type of Mom (or parent) do you think it takes to raise an Olympian?  (I personally think even though my Train Wreck Mommy is well, a train wreck, she can raise an Olympian!).  We read the NYT Motherlode Blog piece " Does It Take a Tiger Mom to Raise an Olympian?"  (Read it!  What do you think?)

From Mad Max's Mom: So what type of Mom / parent do you think it takes to raise an Olympian?  As I commented on the Motherlode blog, I don't know that it takes a specific kind of parent to raise an Olympian.  I think some individuals (some, not all) can overcome anything ... and it doesn't matter what your background is ... But of course I'm sure it would help to have a really supportive parent.  I don't think a "pushy" parent would help though.  Don't kids usually want to do the exact opposite of what you may really push them to do (or at least teenagers)?  I think a child has to have the dream on their own!  A child can't fulfill a parent's own childhood dream.

Is your child in an Olympic sport?  When did they start playing that sport?  How did you decide what sports to put them in?  What are their dreams?  What are yours?

-Mad Max / Mad Max's Mom

PS ...

Don't forget you can find us on Mad About Town, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thursday's Kids and T(w)eens: School ... Supplies, Fashion, and Books versus Sports?

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Train Wreck Mommy and I want to know ... what do your older ones look forward to most when they return to school?


New school supplies?  New clothes (or do yours wear uniforms)?  Classes?  Sports?  Other?

Image Credit: Notemaker

Train Wreck Mommy said that one of her favorite school supplies are notebooks.  And we found the perfect notebook for kids through teens!  Not only does it have a LEGO theme, but it's a Moleskine notebook (which are just the best).

Image Credit: Gwenny Penny

Mommy's second favorite school supply is pencils!  And if you have pencils, you of course need a great pouch.  Make your own pencil pouch!

Image Credit: Gearfuse

And keeping with the LEGO theme (who doesn't like LEGOs?), your kid or t(w)een can get a LEGO backpack.  I think a backpack is one of MY favorite school supplies AND style statement.

Image Credit: Geekologie

And finally, I know at Mommy's school shoes are the favorite fashion statements (the students wear uniforms) ... is this the same with your children?  I don't think my wardrobe can be complete without LEGO shoes.

And finally, what about yours and classes and sports?  

With the Olympic spirit surrounding us … I wonder, how do you balance and cultivate your child’s interests, hobbies, and talents (sports or otherwise) with school?

I read an interesting piece in The NY Times Motherlode blog, “The Jock (and His Dad) at the Chess Board.” What do you think?  Do you have a child that is more interested in sports over school?  Did they find an interest or talent in school?

-Mad Max

Check us out also on Mad About Town!

Fun Friday: GUEST POST from Roses, Rosemary, and Lavender

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Sadie here!  We are so happy that Rosemary (and Lucy!) of Roses, Rosemary, and Lavender is joining us today for a guest blog.  Enjoy!  Also be sure to read through the entire post for an update on me (Sadie!) and a reminder about our GIVEAWAY.

Hello to all of the Mad Max and soon to be Sadie fans!  I am so honored to be guest blogging for you this week.  (All Image Credits: Roses, Rosemary, and Lavender).

I had my own baby girl, Lucy, 3 months ago, and I am so excited that Tara is having sweet Sadie.  One of the most exciting parts of having a little girl for me is all of the clothes and shoes.  I have a feeling there is a lot more dressing up and primping with a little girl than there is with a boy.  My husband actually clutched his wallet and groaned when we found out we were having a little girl.

This adorable flamingo swimsuit was one of Lucy's first gifts!  How fantastic is that?  I can't wait to break it out for swimming in her private kiddie pool this Summer.

Here is my Little Diva on her 1 month birthday!  I love the red, black, and white combination for myself and I must say, Lucy pulls it off as well.  Plus she is uber chic in her matching white sunglasses. It's all about the accessories.

Miss Lucy is as cute as a bug in her outfit.  She was meeting our neighbors for the first time and wanted to look good.  Her socks are made to look like little ballet slippers!  I wish I could walk around in socks that looked like shoes.

Here we are on our way to meet a new cousin.  (We are Italian, so there are plenty!)  Lucy is showing off a "group effort" outfit.  Her headband, dress, and socks all come from different, loving friends!  It takes a village to make a diva.

Here we have Miss Lucy in a beautiful black and white ensemble that a high school friend of mine sent.  We went to the mall that day, and Lucy got so many compliments.  I have found that the number one gift choice for little girls is clothing.  It seems that everyone loves to shop for little girls!

And last but not least, we have Lucy's shoe collection.  This 3 month old already has 12 pairs of shoes not including knee high boots and two pair of crochet booties.  And the sad thing is her foot is too small for all but 2 pairs!  She takes after me with both the small feet and abundance of shoes!

Tara, we hope you're ready for a full closet and an ongoing fashion show.  Sadie is sure to be one stylish baby girl!

Sadie here ... thank you Rosemary for bringing us a guest post today!  Lucy's wardrobe is a lot for me to live up to, but I have confidence in Train Wreck Mommy.

So what do you think ... do you have girls?  Do you love buying things for their wardrobe?

My (Sadie's) Current Stats:

Age: 26 Weeks

Height: 14 inches

Weight: 1 lb and 2/3

Fruit / Veggie Size: Cucumber!

Fun Facts: I can hear EVERYTHING, and I'm practicing breathing (which is hard to do underwater!).

What do I enjoy most right now?: I enjoy waking up and dancing around 9 pm.  Don't you?

Don't forget to enter our The Mommie Series-Houston GIVEAWAY.  Click on the GIVEAWAY link to read about the contest and enter!  It's super easy to enter.  Be sure to spread the word.

-Sadie of Mad Max and Family / 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