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Once Upon a Child Now Buying Your Gently Used Clothes

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Once Upon a Child is coming to Baton Rouge this month! They are working hard to stock up their store, located on the corner of Siegen Lane and Airline, and that’s where you come in.

They are NOW open to buy your gently used children’s clothing and you will get cash on the spot. That could help you recover some of that holiday spending cash!

Once upon a child baton rouge

About Once Upon a Child

Kids look so great in stylish outfits, but who wants to pay high-end prices when clothes are outgrown so quickly? Once Upon A Child offers the perfect solution: the latest in new and gently used brand name clothes, toys, books, equipment, and furniture…just right for fast-growing babies, toddlers and youth.

Save yourself the hassle of garage sales and online listings when you can swing into the nation’s leading buyer and seller of name brand, new and gently used kids stuff. Simply gather up your gently used kids stuff including: clothing, playards, toddler beds, changing tables, strollers highchairs, toys and bring them to Once Upon A Child for $$$ on-the-spot for all items accepted.

Because we are buying new and gently used items from our customers all day, every day! Our inventory changes, so shop often!

Step 1 Bring in your gently used children’s clothing, toys and baby equipment.
Step 1 While you check out the great kids stuff in the store, the buyer will review your items.
Step 1 The buyer will select and make an offer on the items that meet current style, safety and condition standards, as well as store’s current stock levels.
Step 1 Once you accept the offer, you’ll be on your way with some extra money, some great new stuff for your kids, or both!

At Once Upon A Child you’ll find a huge selection of gently used kids clothing, toys, furniture and equipment at up to 70% off retail! We’re not your typical secondhand store. The items that we buy and sell are next to new, good quality, clean and have been checked for safety standards.

No appointment necessary – we buy every day and will pay you on the spot! Check with your local store for additional details.

ABOUT US:

Each Once Upon A Child location is individually owned and operated by moms and dads like you, who understand money doesn’t grow on trees and that the safety of your baby is paramount. We will soon open our doors and can’t wait to welcome you all to our great concept!!

Our customers want quality children’s clothing and we’re excited that we can offer discounts up to 70% off of original retail prices. We strive to offer a fun and convenient way to sell your gently used items. Whether you’re buying or selling, we would love to help you find what you’re looking for. We offer payment on-the-spot for items we select that meet current style, safety and condition standards. We maintain high merchandise standards by thoroughly inspecting all toys and equipment for any safety recalls.

Tony and Julie Finical opened Plato’s Closet in Baton Rouge over 10 years ago. They have since opened 3 other stores in Lafayette, Metairie and Mobile. Now they are moving on to new brands – Once Upon A Child and Style Encore!

WHAT WE BUY:

clothing, footwear, toys and baby gear
newborn/infant – youth sizes

SAFETY:

Also something really great about what we do – our safety value. http://www.onceuponachildbatonrouge.com/safety

Our wish for you in 2014

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We have some exciting things taking place on the Baton Rouge Moms site and within the Baton Rouge community in 2014. We are kicking off January with a month long organization theme. We will be sharing resources, tips and products that will help make life, school, work and home realistically organized and better planned! If you don’t have a planner for 2014, you won’t want to miss tomorrow’s post. We are giving away planners, planning tools and sharing FREE printable planners!

We hope you have a great 2014 with your loved ones!

Our wish for you in 2014…

May you be blessed with sudden insights and inspiration.
May you be graced with quiet moments of simplicity and reflection.
May you be supported by your loved ones when you need them.
May you be a source of strength to those around you.
May you receive embraces from family and friends.
May you pick up a hobby that you have always wanted to do.
May you say goodbye to habits and thoughts that have become a burden for you.
May you forgive those who have hurt you, and
May you have the courage to make amends when needed.
May you be blessed to be a blessing in our great community in 2014.
May you build the home you have always wanted for yourself and your family
May you have late mornings with a good cup of coffee, and enjoy the fresh air.
May you feel healthy- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
May hope, love, and warmth be in your heart’s possessing,
and may the New Year bring you and yours many blessings.

Baton Rouge Moms

New Year Blessing

 adapted from Frederick L Klein

Flu Prevention: 8 Tips to Avoid the Flu

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The flu season is upon us, and there is no time like the present to adopt protective measures to keep colds or the flu at bay.   Unfortunately, many across the country seem to be catching the bug early on with reports of illness — particularly in the south –  New York, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama have been reporting widespread influenza — chiefly caused by H1N1 (swine flu) that is more likely to sicken younger adults than the elderly. A new report from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Louisiana is among ten states in the US where the flu is widespread meaning more than half the state is reporting flu activity.

The CDC reports more than 1,600 new cases in Louisiana last week.

At least five people have died from flu in Texas — all from swine flu. Health authorities say this year’s flu vaccine can prevent swine flu and several other flu strains, if people get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is a whole separate {hot} topic.Last year, according to the CDC, only 45 percent of Americans got the flu shot.

cold-and-flu-prevention

Flu or Cold? Know the Differences:

{click on image to enlarge or download for a full page PDF}

Flu or Cold?

Helpful tips to prevent the cold or flu…

  • Washing Hands – The advice we have all heard a thousand times is still our best defense to keep away sickness. The simple act of washing hands is something most of us do every day without much thought. There really is an art to keeping hands clean. Washing prevents disease and promotes wellness. Use warm, soapy water and rub hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while rubbing, to keep track of the time.
  • Strengthen your immune system before it comes under attack.– Keeping yourself in top health and strengthening your immune system will help keep the flu and colds at bay. Probiotics will do wonders to boost the immune system! Echinacea and zinc help protect against colds too. Vitamin C is an essential year-round immune system booster.
  • Eat Garlic, and lots of it! – Garlic may have some infection-fighting capability. In laboratory tests, researchers have seen garlic work against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  • Clean surfaces – I never walk into a grocery store without cleaning the grocery cart handle FIRST! Products such as hand sanitizer, wipes and sprays can do the trick! I never leave home without my travel sized Lysol wipes. Clean doorknobs, counter-tops, faucet handles, kitchen appliances, cell phones and the TV remote. 
  • Have your Vitamin D levels checked – If you or your child (like mine) seem to get any passing bug, you might want to consider the possibility of Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can help those with asthma and other chronic lung conditions. A recent study showed  that people with the lowest vitamin D levels report having significantly more cases of cold and flu than those with higher levels. Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to sunlight and is also found in fortified foods such as milk.
  • Get plenty of exercise – Exercise boosts the immune system by clearing out the lymph system. It also boosts mood which is a protective factor in the prevention of illness.
  • Cut down on sugar – Simple sugars, including glucose, table sugar, fructose, and honey caused a fifty- percent drop in the white blood cells ability to resist infections for several hours. Read more on the harmful effects of sugar.
  • Get your Z’s – According to Sleep Doctor Michael Breus, Ph.D. “There’s a significant body of research showing immune function is tied closely to the body’s 24-hour circadian clock,” says Breus. “When sleep is deprived, this cycle is weakened and disrupted, and the immune system suffers.” Research shows that even mild sleep deprivation is associated with deterioration in immune function. “The impact of even a few nights of disrupted sleep on immune function can linger even after sleep levels have improved,” he says.

Keep your immune system strong, protect yourself, wash hands, eat well and get your Z’s to prevent illness from striking! Check back  for Wellness Wednesday, we are share 10 tips for treating the flu naturally!

How do you protect your family from the flu virus?

Sources: webmd.com

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of this site is to share our experiences with food, fitness, and life. When it comes to your health, fitness, parenting, please be sure to do some research or contact your physician.

Five Favorite Holiday Breakfast Recipes – Quiche, Frittata, Casseroles and more!

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You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to judge how appetizing and flavorful these 5 breakfast meals are.  The Quiche Lorraine with Spinach is one dish which will never fail to impress your guests. We eat this every holiday morning and it heats well a day, or two or even three days after making. My boys will devour two whole pies of this family favorite in minutes! I usually double or triple this recipe and make four quiche at a time. This is also the perfect quick breakfast to make ahead for busy mornings when the family is rushing to get out the door.

 
 
 Ready to go into the oven… not the prettiest crust but it will do. :-)
 
Holiday Breakfast
Quiche Lorraine with Spinach or Quiche Florentine with Bacon
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup roughly chopped fresh or drained frozen spinach
  2. 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled or real bacon bits (1/2 cup)
  3. 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
  4. 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  5. 3 large eggs
  6. 1 cup half-and-half
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  9. 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
Instructions
  1. -Preheat oven to 425. -In pie shell, combine bacon, spinach, cheese and onion.
  2. -Separately, mix together eggs and milk, add salt and pepper. Pour into pie shell.
  3. -Place quiche on baking sheet and put in the oven. Bake 15 minutes at 425, then reduce heat to 350 and bake 30 minutes more. It’s done when a knife inserted comes out clean.
Notes
  1. This recipe can be made with a number of different ingredients, including leeks, shallots, capicolla ham, sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, red peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

Ham, Zucchini, and Gruyere Frittata
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup chopped deli ham
  2. 2 small zucchini, sliced
  3. 1 tbsp olive oil
  4. salt and pepper
  5. 8 eggs, beaten
  6. ½ cup grated Gruyere
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. Heat oil in 10 inch ovenproof nonstick skillet. Add ham and zucchini, season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes. Add eggs and gruyere, season with salt and pepper. Cook until edges are set, 2 minutes. Transfer to oven, cook 10-13 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.
Notes
  1. Also try: Potato-Leek Frittata, Spinach, Onion, and Bacon Frittata, and Tomato, Scallion, and Cheddar Frittata.
Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients
  1. 7 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed or cubed fresh rolls
  2. 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese
  3. 6 eggs, lightly beaten
  4. 3 cups milk
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  7. 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled or real bacon bits
Instructions
  1. In a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish, combine the bread cubes and cheese.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over bread and cheese. Sprinkle with bacon.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
  5. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/
Raspberry-Swirl Sweet Rolls
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Ingredients
  1. Dough
  2. 1 cup(s) milk
  3. 2/3 cup(s) sugar
  4. 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) active dry yeast
  5. 1 stick(s) unsalted butter, softened
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 teaspoon(s) lemon zest, finely grated
  8. 1/2 teaspoon(s) fine sea salt
  9. 4 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
  10. All-purpose flour, for dusting
  11. Filling
  12. 1 package(s) (10-ounce) IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) raspberries, not thawed
  13. 1/4 cup(s) sugar
  14. 2 tablespoon(s) sugar
  15. 1 teaspoon(s) cornstarch
  16. Glaze
  17. 3/4 cup(s) confectioners' sugar
  18. 3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted
  19. 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) heavy cream
Instructions
  1. Make the Dough: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over moderately low heat until it's 95 degrees F. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let stand until the yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the softened butter, eggs, grated lemon zest, and sea salt. Add the flour and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is soft and supple, about 10 minutes longer.
  2. Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands 2 or 3 times. Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly buttered bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours.
  3. Line the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up the short sides. Butter the paper and sides of the pan. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and, using a rolling pin, roll it into a 10- by 24-inch rectangle.
  4. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the frozen raspberries with the sugar and cornstarch. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll up the dough to form a 24-inch-long log. Working quickly, cut the log into quarters. Cut each quarter into 4 slices and arrange them in the baking pan, cut sides up. Scrape any berries and juice from the work surface into the baking pan between the rolls. Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place until they are puffy and have filled the baking pan, about 2 hours.
  5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, until they are golden and the berries are bubbling. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for 30 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with the butter and heavy cream until the glaze is thick and spreadable.
  7. Invert the rolls onto the rack and peel off the parchment paper. Invert the rolls onto a platter. Dollop glaze over each roll and spread with an offset spatula. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
  1. The sweet rolls can be filled with a variety of frozen fruit. Try blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, or chopped sweet cherries.
Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

Chocolate Chip-Cinnamon Breakfast Ring

Photo Credit – Pillsbury.com

 

Chocolate Chip-Cinnamon Breakfast Ring
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  2. 2 (12.4-oz.) cans Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
  3. 1 (3.4-oz.) pkg. vanilla pudding and pie filling mix (not instant)
  4. 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  5. 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 375°F. Using 1 tablespoon of the butter, generously butter 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining butter on High 1 min or until melted when stirred.
  2. Separate both cans of dough into 16 rolls. Cut each roll in half crosswise; place half of roll pieces in pan. Sprinkle with half of the dry pudding mix and half of the brown sugar. Drizzle with half of the melted butter. Repeat with remaining roll pieces, pudding mix, brown sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  3. Bake 24 to 28 minutes or until rolls are deep golden brown and dough appears done when slightly pulled apart. Cool in pan 2 minutes. Place heatproof serving platter upside down over pan; turn platter and pan over. Remove pan. Cool 15 minutes.
  4. Remove lid from icing. Microwave icing on High 10 to 15 seconds or until of drizzling consistency. Drizzle icing over ring. Cut into wedges to serve.
Notes
  1. Prep the night before - put everything except butter in pan the night before, refrigerate. In the morning, drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake.
Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/
5 Christmas Breakfast Recipes

(I’d Like To) Stop Trying To Do “All The Things!”

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The holidays turn me into a lunatic. And I don’t mean the fun kind.

I’ve never been one of those over-the-top, crafty moms who bake bread and braid it into shapes and sew tiny outfits and such. I’m not over-the-top (in that way) at ALL. I can’t even handle Elf On The Shelf, which makes me wonder how on Earth everyone else is able to function at such a high level during this time of year. If you look at Facebook, it seems like every child in America has an Elf On The Shelf. How do those moms do it? I seriously struggle with just trying to figure out what I’m going to get my people for Christmas … anything extra throws me right over the edge.

I find myself thinking that I could get sucked into the black hole of Pinterest and MAKE EVERYONE A GIFT and at least solve the problem of the gift list. But would it really solve anything for me to be up half the night frantically crafting – which sounds like an oxymoron – while my husband snores? I’ll tell you what it would solve. Nothing. Here’s what would happen: I would allow anger to fester over the fact that he was sleeping while I hand-made gifts for our entire family, and finally, fueled by rage and over-caffeination, I would hot glue his face to a throw pillow. When he woke up from the pain, I would scream that it was all his fault.

Merry Christmas, Crazy.

I read something recently about how women get caught up in doing all the things during the holidays and they don’t give themselves permission to slow down. I probably speak for a lot of you when I say that I’m not quite sure HOW to slow down, but if anything will force you to, it’s multiple children. Juggling little people tends to make every single process take an eternity, which is why our tree doesn’t have anything but lights on it this year and the boxes full of Christmas décor sat in my laundry room untouched for a full week before I finally asked my husband to get them out of my sight because just looking at them made me feel like a failure.

But.

Maybe it’s a blessing that children force us to slow down. That’s part of what is magical about a baby; I run around like a mad woman, but she has to eat every 3 hours whether I like it or not. And so, like clockwork, I sit down with her and smell her sweet head for a few minutes while she eats. For those moments, I’m still, before the madness resumes again. When I read that inspiring piece about how moms just need to stop trying to do all the things so that they can enjoy their families and their blessings in a chilled-out, relaxed manner, I thought YES. Yes, I WILL DO THAT. I’m giving myself permission to stop trying to do all the things this year, not that I am capable of doing them anyway … but I’ll stop feeling guilty for not at least giving it a try.

We are blessed with what we need and we have each other, and that is enough. At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself over and over and over again, until it sinks in and I magically become relaxed … ? Somewhere right now, my husband is cracking up.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

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Resale Shopping in Baton Rouge

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I love bargains!  As I always say, ” I have expensive taste, but I don’t want to pay for it!”  That means that I want the quality of fancy things, but for less than the suggested retail price.  As a wife and stay-at-home mom, my biggest priority is not shopping!  When I was younger and less wise, money would burn a hole in my pocket, but now that I am a tiny bit older and a little more wise, I like to see money in the bank.  

25percentoff

Photo courtesy of SXC.HU

One way I get great deals is by shopping resale.  I usually go shopping only when there is something specific that we need, but when prices are so low, I can also get things we want.  I love that I can find great deals on clothes that are like new and have such great quality.  I actually enjoy the hunt as well!  It gives me great joy to know that I searched and found something that was such a great deal and blessing to my family.  

One of the best deals I have gotten was a bebe jacket for $5.  Now if you know me, then you know I do not shop at bebe.  I actually hate to overpay for anything.  I have no problem with second hand items because I know quality when I see it.  I am so far beyond paying regular prices for anything.  I do realize that the retail industry thrives off of those who do, and for them, I am grateful.  Those who pay full retail enable others like myself to get the great deals I do.  

If price doesn’t matter, longevity usually doesn’t either.  Some of those same people donate their clothes to thrift store or sell them to my favorite consigners so I can get them for way less. Sometimes I even get items that are new with the tags still on them.  Some of my favorite resale places to shop in Baton Rouge are Meta Exchange, Plato’s Closet, Refinery, Swing Along Kids, and Abigail’s Best.  Now if you are one of those people who like to walk up to a rack and find exactly the right size and style in an organized fashion, this may not be for you.  However, if the thrill of searching for great treasures suits you, then check these places out!

 

Baton Rouge Moms Paint the Town Rouge Event

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Our Baton Rouge Moms Paint the Town Rouge event is tomorrow night! We are busy putting on the finishing touches to what will surely be a great night out for the moms of Baton Rouge! Unfortunately, we had limited space available, 100 tickets to test the waters for our first event. The response was enormous and we sold out in three short days. We will not be selling tickets at the door. Not to worry though, if you were not able to grab a ticket to this event, we already have more events lined up in the coming months! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with Baton Rouge Moms happenings and information on future events.

Baton Rouge Moms Paint the Town Rouge!

Books for Baton Rouge Holiday Book Drive

We will be collecting new and gently used books at the event for low-income children in the Baton Rouge area. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 61% of low-income American families do not own any age-appropriate books for their children. We’re hoping we can change that for the children in Baton Rouge. If you are coming to the event and you have extra books around the house that your children are no longer reading and are in good condition, please bring them to the event!

Parking

Parking at The Club at LSU Union Square is located in the garage on Raphael Semmes Road between Highland Road and East Campus Drive. Parking is $1 an hour via metered parking and our event is from 7 to 10pm.

Tickets

Printing tickets to the event will allow for quick entry into the event, however, if you did not receive the email with your ticket attached, we will have a list of all attendees on hand.

Upon entrance, we will be handing out tickets for door prizes, Popology Popcorn and our signature cocktail, the Rouge Spritz, a perfect blend of cranberries and champagne.

We have a fun Red Carpet evening planned with fabulous door prizes and swag for every mom attending. We wanted to keep this event somewhat simple, without shopping or vendors so that we can focus on socializing, making new friends and enjoying each others company. We have some wonderful sponsors that have helped make this event possible! These local businesses have a heart for the community and for Baton Rouge moms!

Baton Rouge Moms Red Event Sponsores

 

Tips for Hosting a Fashion Swap Party

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Not your typical hand me downs.

A new trend in shopping, or swapping per say. Forget the days of buying storage containers and kitchen gadgets!  It’s time to go through your girlfriend’s closets, all in one place, and score some “new” fashion garb for your wardrobe. Swap Parties are a great way to not only get rid of items in your closet, but to also fill that empty space with something someone else no longer uses. A great time for all ages, both young and old. Don’t forget the added bonus of girl time, sweets, and drinks! 

swap clothes clothes swap

 

Swap Party Tips & Etiquette

*Invite! Invite! Invite!  Send out those fancy invitations at least 3-4 weeks in advance.  Invite your girlfriends, and maybe some of their friends. Make sure your group consists of similar sizes, body types, and style personalities. 

*Tell your girlfriends to clean out their closets and bring items that have not been used or worn for at least 6 months. Items can include apparel, shoes, bags, and accessories. Items MUST be in excellent condition, clean, no holes, hardware working properly, etc. Designate a limited amount guests can bring.

*Where oh where are we going to shop?  Choose a location with ample space, whether in home or a rented space. Space should allot for shoppable, we’ll merchandised areas, “dressing room”, mirrors, etc.

Spice it up with different themes to only offer items within hat theme, casual, dressy, party, designer, etc.

And what gathering is not complete without snacks, sweets, and drinks!

This is a great opportunity to not empty those purses, to gain new and exciting wardrobe pieces, and to socialize with your BFFs or make new connections!

Need a Swap Party Planner, local fashion stylist and fashion blogger Natashi Marie (Dressing Room Adventures), can assist in planning, set up and merchandising, shopping assisting, and any other needs.

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG “Prize Pack” Sweepstakes

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To celebrate the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in cinemas, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Baton Rouge Moms offer you the chance to win THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG thematic promotional items and movie passes to see the film.

{Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Baton Rouge Moms was compensated via payment, gift, or something else of value for this post, however, the opinions expressed within this post are my own.}

Our boys have been counting down the days and going through our  Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit- An Unexpected Journey movies to prepare for  The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. We are reading the beloved books and cant wait to follow along Bilbo Baggins journey with his trusty Dwarves.  I think they are excited to see what this Dragon Smaug is all about too.

About The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG “Prize Pack” SweepstakesFrom Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.  The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”  “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

 

 Learn more about The HOBBIT DESOLATION OF SMAUGTHE_HOBBIT_THE_DESOLATION_OF_SMAUG_OfficialPoster

Sneak Peak- Watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug trailer…

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG “Prize Pack” Sweepstakes:

To enter – Please watch THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG trailer (above) and tell us the correct answer in the comments below…

The dwarves think Bilbo is a?
a) Burglar
b) Wizard
c) Warrior
d) Skin-changer

Please leave the correct answer in the comments below.

Grand Prize includes the following items…

THE_HOBBIT_THE_DESOLATION_OF_SMAUG_Prize_Pack_Sweepstakes

1 grand prize including:

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG One Sheet
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Bookmark
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Mini One Sheet
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Messenger Bag
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Baseball Cap
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Youth T-shirt
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Pencils
(Admit FOUR) – THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Hollywood Movie Money
Hollywood Movie Money is a free admission voucher to see a predetermined film (THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG) redeemable nation wide starting 12/12/13 through Thursday. 01/02/14 in any theater excluding AMC Theaters.

EXTRA ENTRIES – Please use our simple Rafflecopter Widget below for extra entries into this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baton Rouge Christmas Bucket List 2013 {free printables}

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It’s Christmas time in the Bayou State and Baton Rouge is getting ready for a fais do-do for the holidays! With so many great holiday events happening in and around the Baton Rouge area,  it may seem daunting to pick the ones that are right for your family.  The holidays dont need to be full or packed with activities, they should be a relaxing, fun, time to enjoy family and make memories.

We have put together a few of our favorite events with our Baton Rouge Christmas Bucket list:

Baton Rouge Christmas Events

 

The following 10 events have made our Baton Rouge Christmas Bucket List:

Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade – The 63rd Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge Saturday, December 14th at 5:30 p.m. Every year, more than 70,000 people watch the parade live and thousands more enjoy it on television through the holiday season. The Parade is a celebration and a great way to connect with the community. The parade is open to everyone. Typically the parade includes about 80 entries. These entries are a mix of marching bands, celebrities, dance troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.

ZooLights 2013 -November 29 – December 30 Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This years will ZooLights will include a mile-long trail through the Zoo, more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays.

“Holiday Skating on the River” – Will be taking place at the Baton Rouge River Center from Friday, December 21st through Wednesday, January 2, 2013  You can view the full holiday skating schedule here. 

Notaway-Mansion-Christmas-

Nottaway’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – 6 pm:  Holidays at Nottaway Plantation are absolutely breathtaking! Live music includes The Navy Band New Orleans Ceremonial Band, Church choirs will be performing throughout the grounds and food and Beverage stations will be open. Enjoy the Hand Bell Choir, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Fireworks on the Levee and Santas arrival. Bring your camera and take photos of your kids with Santa on the front balcony of the Mansion!

Celebration In The Oaks  – Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country. This beloved annual celebration is fun for all ages and has become an enduring holiday tradition for families, who come to Celebration in the Oaks to ride the train or carousel every year. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions, from light displays to the walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun night before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle.

Christmas in the Country – Decemeber 6th, 7th & 8th- Nothing says Christmas to an excited child more than a parade, especially a safe small-town one like St. Francisville’s popular Christmas in the Country parade the first Saturday each December, complete with marching bands and decorated floats, Santa resplendent in his sleigh. Millions of tiny white lights trace soaring Victorian trimwork and grace gallery posts to transform the entire town into a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas in the Country, as special activities throughout the extensive National Register-listed downtown Historic District provide fun for the whole family at this celebration of the season, a joyful alternative to mall madness. View the full schedule of events here.

24th Festival of the Bonfires – December 13, 14, 15, – CEnjoy Christmas on the River…CAJUN STYLE! Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!!

Baton Rouge Downtown Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights – Join an evening under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in Town Square. Bethlehem Village with a real life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations, plus a magical train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe and listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts.

The Living Nativity –   The 3rd Annual Drive Through Live Nativity takes place on the parking lot of FBBC. Load up your family and journey back to the first Christmas as represented through 12 different scenes. December 13, 14th & 15th  7-9 PM

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra – This years holiday BRSO events will includ:

  • Christmas Brass at Hemingbough on December 6th, 13th & 15th.
  • Home for the Holidays at River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts Sunday, December 08, 2013, 3:00pm Begin the festive season with a celebration of holiday music for entire family. Soprano Mara Bonde joins the orchestra and chorus along with baritone Dennis Jesse. The evening will include full orchestral renditions of classics and light-hearted favorites.
    “Twas the Night Before Christmas” read by Dan Borne’, voice of the LSU TIGERS.
  • Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre Presents: The Nutcracker, A Tale from the Bayou at River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts Saturday, December 21, 2013, 2:00pm – Make your Christmas season one to remember with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theater production of The Nutcracker, A Tale From the Bayou. This is a southern twist on the classic ballet featuring world-class guest artists alongside local dancers. 

 

Baton Rouge Christmas Bucket List

Download the Bucket List below (right click and save to desktop).
Then place in an 8×10 inch frame or protective sleeve.
Use a dry erase marker to mark things off your Christmas bucket list!

{Click on image to see full view}

Baton Rouge Moms Chrsitmas Bucket List

 

Below is a blank printable for your family to create your own home bucket list. Fill it up with books to be read, memories to be made and new traditions to be experienced. Enjoy!

Christmas Bucket List Printable

What are your families favorite Baton Rouge holiday events, please share them with us in the comments below!