American Eagle Outfitters is getting ready to debut a new line of warm and cozy denim, fleece, t-shirts, dresses, outerwear, footwear and accessories geared towards kids called 77kids on October 21.  In conjunction with the 77kids debut, they are sponsoring a sweepstakes where one lucky boy or girl (and a parent) can win tickets, airfare and hotel to a VERY exclusive VIP Jonas Brothers concert. The concert will take place on November 14th in Los Angeles for a very small audience. The sweepstakes winners will get to walk the “red carpet” with other invited celebrities, AND be able to hang backstage with The Jonas Brothers after the show. Tickets are NOT on sale for this event – the ONLY way to get a chance at a ticket is to enter the free... [Read more]

The whole family is ready for the weekend – it has been a jam packed week of activities, homework, and daily drama. The kids have already asked if we can order pizza, pop some popcorn and have a Wii party tonight. I love the Wii because it is so interactive and has such a great selection of games for 4 players. Our favorite Wii party games are: Wii Sports – Bowling is by far the best game made for Wii because everyone can pick it up easily and be successful. Smarty Pants: Trivia for Everyone- Wii puts a fun twist on trivia! Play tug of war with your opponents over questions, shoot targets to determine point values, and then there is the ever popular double points dance! We Ski – Join your teammates on the ski lift and race,... [Read more]

Got a tween who likes reading books that are full of adventure, a little suspense and some history subtly added in? If so, check out The Secret of Wellington’s Map by Mollie Kehl Penrod. Jaime and her best friend, Nicole are looking forward to a carefree summer in their hometown, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. All is going according to plan until they discover a strange ancient map and suddenly their relaxing vacation becomes a desperate fight for their lives. Though danger lurks around every corner, Jaime is up for the adventure, but is set to discover more about herself and her past than she may be able to handle. My 9 (almost 10) year old enjoyed the book but I think it was a little complex for her to follow in places. She loved the character... [Read more]

My oldest is a boy – who turned 12 this summer – and while he has always been incredibly low maintenance as kids go, I can’t help but wonder what is in store for me over the next few years. Gayla, who writes at Guerrilla Parenting knows and is doing her best to make me oh so scared! Her teen boys are giving her plenty of blogging fodder these days on everything from style, marking territories (aka acting like toddlers or dogs), and girls. I have to say, I do like her no-nonsense parenting style and I think one day her boys will appreciate it, too! [Read more]

I just happened to notice in my dashboard this morning that between all the many authors of Weary Parent (I’ve been on board sin Feb. 07 and Christine joined me in Jan. 08) we have amassed a huge library of parenting tips, survival tactics for the teen years, discussions, product and movie reviews, and a little bit of everything in between. This post officially marks the #1000 point! Woo-hoo. There are quite a few giveaways going on in the b5 neighborhood including: Our cool momAgenda giveaway (so you can be organized in style) Keeping the Castle has a giveaway running that is for your house Thrifty Mommy is giving away Clorox Green cleaner The Food Bowl is giving away the cutest, funkiest dog toys Happy Friday! [Read more]