Stefani Tolson, Author at Mom's Blog

Tips On Buying Summer Clothes For Those On A Budget

May 3, 2013 by Stefani Tolson 29 Comments

This week has been hot here is California. It has been in the upper 80’s and even in the 90’s. Even though it is Spring, it is beginning to feel like summer. When you are on a budget and especially when you have children, buying new clothes for the seasons can be expensive. Here are some tips for buying summer clothes for the family when you are on a budget.

Tip #1 – If you have multiple children, the best way to save on buying clothes is buy the hand me down system which you probably already use. Go through each of your children’s clothes to see what fits and what doesn’t fit. Take the clothes that don’t fit and see if they can be saved for another child now or maybe in the future. If you have friends with children, you might be able to swap clothes that don’t fit, to save an extra buck.

Tip #2 – Go through your own clothes and take anything out that you did NOT wear and won’t wear this summer. Once you have the stuff that you don’t want, you can either sell them online or maybe swap or sell them at a local clothing consignment store. I know there are a couple places local to me where you can buy and sell your used clothing.

Tip #3 – Find clothes on sale. With the vast amount of websites out there that sell clothing online, you are sure to find a bargain. Be sure to look for items on clearance that you like and also look for FREE SHIPPING. You can also find offers and vouchers on clothes for men and women at superdry.

The only bummer about shopping online is that you can’t try it on before you buy. Be sure to read customer comments or testimonials on any product you buy online if they are available. For some clothing and shoes, you might be able to find out if they clothing runs small or large for the size so you know just what size you should order.

What sites do you shop online for clothes?

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The Monsters University Sororities – #MonstersUEvent

May 3, 2013 by Stefani Tolson 10 Comments

OOZMA KAPPA (OK) – A collection of wholesome, good-natured misfits, the adorable brothers of Oozma Kappa (OK) have bonded over their inability to make it through the Scaring Program. With only four bodies in the house, they don’t even have enough members to compete in the Scare Games. What they lack in Scariness and self-confidence, they make up for in heart.
ROAR OMEGA ROAR (R?R) – The Roar Omega Roar fraternity is made up of the best of the best. They’re the smartest, most skilled, Scariest monsters at Monsters University, and come from families with a long, proud history of Scaring. While the R?Rs may be preppy in dress, they are ferocious in action and downright ruthless, if necessary. Self-declared as the most elite house on campus, the R?Rs are lead by Johnny Worthington who presides over the house like an all-powerful monarch. Eager to continue their Scare Games winning streak, the R?Rs will do whatever it takes to stay on top.
PYTHON NU KAPPA (PNK) – Pretty in pink, the sisters of Python Nu Kappa (PNK) are not to be underestimated. Led by their fearless queen bee Carrie, these ladies are smart, cold-hearted and merciless. Covered in pink from head to toe, the PNKs sweet exterior quickly turns terrifying when the Scare Games begin.
JAWS THETA CHI (JOX) – Big on brawn but short on brainpower, the Jaws Theta Chi (JOX) fraternity brothers are rarely seen without their flashy letterman jackets. The JOX are brutal competitors who never hesitate to do whatever it takes to beat their opponent, even if it’s breaking the rules. Despite practically living at the gym or on the field, these sports-loving monsters often prove that bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to Scaring.
SLUGMA SLUGMA KAPPA (EEK) – The athletic sisters of Slugma Slugma Kappa (EEK) spend most of their days working out and running drills to perfect their Scaring skills. Their initiation is a triathlon, and training together 24/7 has strengthened the bonds of sisterhood so much so that these strong, self-assured girls are ready to out-work and out-scare any monster they encounter together.
ETA HISS HISS (HSS) – The Eta Hiss Hiss (HSS) sorority has been around since the beginning of Monsters University and the members are as mysterious as they are terrifying. The HSS sisters might be pale, mysterious and sullen, but these intimidating Goth girls are fierce competitors and tough as nails. Fittingly, their most distinguished alumna is one of the most powerful, Scary monsters on campus who every new Scare student strives to impress—Dean Hardscrabble.

Which sorority would you choose to join?

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Vacation Ideas You Might Have Not Thought Of

May 2, 2013 by Stefani Tolson 5 Comments

I usually have a summer vacation planned by now but I don’t. This year I can’t decide on where I want to go. For me, I usually go to Southern California because there are so many options. In the last few years our family vacations have included Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood, The San Diego Zoo. If you have never been to Southern California, I definitely recommend seeing all of those I just mentioned.

Today I went on Facebook to get some ideas of places that my friends and fans recommend going to or want to see. I thought I would share with you their ideas in case you happen to be wanting some vacation ideas or you can maybe get lucky and bet on Kentucky derby. I remember thinking it was fun to watch my mom bet on the horse races when I was young.

Here are some vacation ideas that you might not have thought of:

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides – Take a trip on an airboat ride where you will see real live gators! If you are really brave you might get a chance to hold a baby gator or maybe eat some fried gator. I was brave and have done them all.
Seattle, WA – A place for those who enjoy museums. I want to visit Seattle to see the Space Needle that I seen from afar when I was on an a trip with my grandparents back in the 5th grade. I also want to see the Seattle Great Wheel.
African Safari – If you love animals and love going to the zoo, you will definitely want to take part on an African safari. You can either do the real thing and go on a real tour somewhere in Africa or maybe just take the Animal Trek at Animal Kingdom in Florida.
Cambodia – A place to visit for temples, undeveloped tropical islands and lots of white sandy beaches.
Alaskan cruise – Go in style and get to view Authentic Alaska in a fancy cruise ship. This is something I have wanted to do for years!
Italy – I definitely want to see Italy one day. Not only see all the historic sites but try all the Italian food too!
Australia – You might want to check out these popular landmarks: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef and Kangaroo Island. They sound amazing.
Virginia Beach – I haven’t been here yet, but there is a TON to see like The Cape Henry Lighthouse, Ocean Breeze Water Park, The Boardwalk and more!
Disney – If you have never been to Disney Land or Disney World and you have little ones, these two magical places are a must see. I would even go to Disney without the kids. If you are near Florida, get a park hopper pass and see multiple Disney parks in one day. I did 3 Disney parks last year in 12 hours!

What are some places that you might suggest for a vacation?

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4 Cheeky Choices for Ultimate Pregnancy Comfort

May 1, 2013 by Stefani Tolson 15 Comments

The shops are full of stylish maternity clothes, with no shortage of office wear, skinny jeans and bodycon dresses. But for those nights when you just want to chill out, get the comfort you crave with these cheeky choices.

1. Joggers – Even if you have never worn a pair of jogging bottoms in your life, you will find yourself longing to being able to take off your tight denim jeans and slip into a pair of soft cosy joggers. Follow Jessica Simpson’s example when heavily pregnant with her second child, and leave the drawstring waistband nice and loose for ultimate comfort.If it’s relaxation with easy care you’re after, you’ll find it with a polyester and cotton blend. The more polyester they contain, the less ironing you’ll have to do!
2. Sleep bras – If you’ve had a long day and need to curl up on the sofa, don’t wait until bedtime to embrace the unbeatable comfort of a maternity sleep bra. Daytime maternity bras are usually pretty comfortable but most expectant mums agree – sleep bras are in a league of their own.The most comfortable sleep bras are cotton with a little elastane or spandex, and can be pulled on easily. There is a time and a place for lace and underwiring but this isn’t it!
3. A pregnancy pillow – There are several pregnancy pillows on the market now, each designed to provide body-length support. These giant curly sausages of pillows come in a variety of shapes but, whichever one you like the look of, it should offer you new levels of comfort for your back, tummy and hips.Pregnancy pillows remain useful after the birth of your baby, as they can double up as supportive nursing pillows and later as a baby nest and plaything. You can also roll them around to form a cosy little chair for a toddler, so you can enjoy the sublime comfort they provide during pregnancy knowing they will later be enjoyed by your little one, too.
4. Onesies – It’s not only children who can enjoy the comfort and joy of a good onesie. Since last December, when fashion giant New Look reported selling one every three seconds, sales of onesies for adults have continued to boom. Wearing one is said to be like ‘being inside a teddy bear’s womb’, and, for pregnant women, the onesie offers a level of comfort that no other item of clothing can offer. In warmer weather, opt for a light cotton or cotton and polyester blend, while winter pregnancies call for warm and cuddly soft fleece.

Remember, being pregnant is one of the few times in your life you have total permission to take it easy. So hire or download a chick flick, fix yourself a non-alcoholic cocktail and some snacks, get in your onesie or joggers with your pregnancy pillow and enjoy!

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My Trip To The Walt Disney Family Museum – #MonstersUEvent

April 30, 2013 by Stefani Tolson 22 Comments

Disclosure – I received an invite to the #MonstersUEvent. All expenses were paid for and covered by Disney. This post is not a paid post and the opinions stated herein are 100% my own.

I have been to plenty of museums in my time, but not any museum has been as interesting as The Walt Disney Museum in the Presidio of San Francisco. Being the Disney fan I am, I was excited when I had the opportunity to take a press trip this month with 24 of my fellow bloggers to the museum to see just what was inside.

I have to admit that I have passed this beautiful building a few times while driving through the Presidio and was always curious as to what was inside. It was definitely something on my list of places to see in the bay area.

“My father has one of the most well-known names around the world, but as the Disney ‘brand’ has grown, the man has become lost”, said Diane Disney Miller.

Wanting her father’s legend to live on, Diane Disney Miller, the daughter of Walt Disney founded The Walt Disney Museum as a way to tell the story of the man behind the Disney name. A place to showcase some of Walt’s Academy Awards, personal photos, original drawings and so much more. When the Museum originally opened, no photos were allowed but since, the policy has changed and I was able to snap over 200 photos inside.

The Museum is located in a historic 40,000 square foot brick building that is currently owned and operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation, a non-profit foundation. You can’t tell from the outside, but this beautiful building houses 10 interactive galleries that are amazing to see.

While walking through each of these galleries, I was honestly amazed with all that Walt Disney has accomplished. There was also things I learned that were pretty interesting. I bet you didn’t know that Walt Disney went to France at 16 years old to drive an ambulance in the war. Or maybe you did. 🙂

While taking the tour you will find exhibits that feature state-of-the-art technology, listening stations and more than 200 video screens to keep you entertained. I think some of the things at the museum that I found most interesting to see were the original drawings from Walt’s movies like Pinocchio.

Although I enjoyed the whole experience, I really liked the 14 foot model of Disneyland that you can find on the tour.

In addition to learning about the good times that Walt Disney experienced and the awards and nominations he received, you will also learn of the not so good times.

Don’t let me forget to mention that this Museum also features a glass-walled back exterior that frames an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

I could go on forever talking about Walt Disney and the information I learned while on my trip. I am glad that I got to see it for myself and want to go back with my family so that my kids can learn about the man behind some of their favorite childhood movies

If you are a fan of the Disney brand and in the San Francisco area, I encourage you to check the Museum out for yourself. After the tour you will have truly a more appreciation of all this man’s hard work and accomplishments and maybe gain some motivation to try something you thought you could never do too.

I loved this picture I found at the end of my tour that I found so true.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday through Monday. Admission can be purchased at the door, or by visiting www.waltdisney.org. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors & students and $12 for children 6 to 17. Admission is FREE for those that are 6 and under.

If you are unable to visit the Museum, but want to see more of what is inside, feel free to check out my Walt Disney Family Museum Photo Album on Google+.

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