Mommy FTW

I was walking down Myrtle to the Post Office this morning and I decided to duck into Mr. CoCo to see what it looked like. Overall it seems pretty nice – it’s basically like a smaller version of Elly’s on DeKalb. They’ve got a small selection of produce which looks decent (for a bodega) lots of organic grocery items, and some frozen foods that Cameron likes to eat, including Dr. Praeger’s stuff.  I’m a little disappointed that they seem to be shrink wrapping some of their produce (see some of the peppers in the picture) – but overall, its not too shabby, and that’s more of a pet peeve of mine.  I asked the woman at the register if they were really open 24 hours, and she said yes.  So if anyone needs some organic milk at 2 am – you know where to check!

The Produce

The Frozens

I’ve been wishing for a long time that Fresh Direct had an iPhone App – and recently, my dreams came true!  For those of you who don’t know, Fresh Direct is a grocery delivery service that us New Yorkers are lucky to have – and now we have it on the go!  The other day, I used the iPhone App to place a grocery order while Cameron was on the swings at Underwood Park.  How great is that!

Fresh Direct makes your life easier - again!

As far as I can tell, you can do pretty much everything you can do from a regular computer – reserve a delivery slot, check out what’s on sale, change your order, even shop from your favorites.  Now, Fresh Direct is even having a giveaway with $1000 in prizes – check here to enter.  And get the free iPhone App now!

FYI – Fresh Direct just launched their facebook fan page – become a fan and get a free delivery!

Update: I passed by the tree on Friday evening and it looks like the limb removal was successful.  Hopefully it will recover just fine!

the Tree on Friday

Don't worry - It's not a goner!

This morning Cameron and I were playing in the playground at Fort Greene Park and I saw one of the park workers adjusting the tape around the gigantic tree that recently got hit by lightening.  I picked up Cam and we walked over to talk to her because I was curious to find out what the fate of the tree was going to be.  I was hoping they wouldn’t have to cut the whole thing down.  Well, thankfully, they won’t have to.

The park worker told me she had sent a picture of the tree to “Forestry” (I’m assuming those are the city-tree-expert-folks) and they said they thought they would be able to save it, and just remove the split part.  She said they would be coming by Friday with the chipper and chain saws.  Apparently there’s lots of trees down in the city, some in playgrounds, that have taken higher priority in terms of clean up than this one.

If you have a little one that loves machinery that makes loud noises (like mine does!) you might want to check in the park tomorrow to see if there is some chipping and chain saw action going down.

Just like winter did, spring has snuck up on me!  I’ve already started looking for a cute sun hat for Cameron, but there’s a lot more shopping to be done (and mom could use a few new things too!)  So, I’m on the look out for coupon codes to save myself – and you all – some cash.  I’ve already posted a few coupon codes on the Mommy FTW facebook fan page (so you should become a fan so you don’t miss out!)  But here’s two more… and keep checking to see what other ones I can find in the coming weeks.

Old Navy coupon – 15% off $75, 20% off $100 – Coupon Code: ONSAVEBIG – Expires: 03/28/2010

Bloomingdales coupon – 20% off – Coupon Code: BFRIENDS – Expires: 03/28/2010

Etsy was my go to spot for Cameron’s winter hats this year – and he got so many compliments!  It’s nice to have a hat that is a little unique I think.  So, with the weather turning to spring (thank goodness) it’s time to start thinking sun protection for our little ones – which means a nice sun hat!  Of course, I thought of Etsy again.  Here’s a few that I found – but there are lots more.  I’m sure you can find the perfect sun hat for your little one.

These first two come from the worthygoods shop (FYI, I liked pretty much every one of their hats!):

This hat is reversible - I am loving both sides

A less traditional sun hat - but I love the attitude

And now something for the ladies – these come from the blissfulmoments shop:

perfectly pink and adorable

I am a sucker for an orange flower

And now back to the boys:

This one is also reversible - more planes on the inside

This baby is ready for a 4th of July BBQ

Don’t see one you like, or want to check out more options?  Then take a look at this search for “baby sun hat” on Etsy.

Cameron isn’t as much of a fan of scrambled eggs as I would like, although we have had occasional success with them. My pediatrician is always saying it’s great for Cameron to eat lots of eggs because they are a good source of iron – but besides french toast, I was having trouble getting him to eat them on a regular basis. Eventually, we discovered does seemed to like flat eggs because he was always going after the egg in my husband’s weekend favorite – the bacon egg and cheese sandwich. So, when it was Dad’s turn to make breakfast for Cameron, he came up with “Eggs Daddy Style.”

Here’s the method – beat an egg and put it in a hot greased skillet (I use a little Pam, and then a dot of butter). Cook for about a minute, or until the egg is lightly browned on one side. Flip the egg and cook for a few seconds more. That’s it! It’s basically a flat omelet with no filling – but feel free to get creative and add things in!

It only takes a minute in the pan

Cameron eats it up!

For a limited time only (unspecified) click HERE to get a coupon for $3 off Huggies – my preferred brand of diapers… Overnight, and regular!

Clinton Hill Library (and all the Brooklyn Public Libraries) are asking for our help!  And, given how much time Cameron and I have spent there (for Story Time and just hanging out on cold and rainy winter days) I am more than happy to oblige.  If you are interested in supporting the Library and it’s programs here’s info on how to do it:

Donate to the Clinton Hill Library today!

Online: You can visit the Brooklyn Public Library website and make a donation there.  You can send your money anywhere – even specifically choose the Clinton Hill branch.

By Phone: You can call 718-230-2738 and make a donation.

Via Text Message: You can text BOOKS to 50555 to make a $10 donation.

By Mail: You can pick up an envelope at the front desk of the Libarary and mail in your donation.

If you have any questions, email them at supportourshelves@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

I am guessing you’ve spent money on Music Together or other types of classes for your child – so please consider sending some money to the Library.  They offer a great, free service to the community and deserve our support!

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You know you want to!

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Recently I was contacted by Tres Belles Spa (105 Bond Street, Boerum Hill) and asked to write a review of their services as well as help them reach out to other moms.  I went in for a facial, to check out the location, and to talk to Allison Tray, the owner.  It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

Petite, but perfect for moms in need of TLC!

Allison opened Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa spa 6 years ago, although they just moved to their current location in December 09.  When she moved in, she totally renovated the space – and though it is quite small, it manages to be serene, and certainly has enough room to do the job!  I treated myself to a basic facial.  It was very gentle and relaxing; I left feeling refreshed, and my skin was looking great.  I’ve had a lot of facials where afterwords I look like I’ve been attacked by the esthetician, but this was not the case.  She managed to do my extractions and leave my skin toned, polished, and glowing – but not red.  To me, this is a big deal!  I noticed when I was there that the owner and staff seem to know everyone who walks in the door.  I am sure that this closeness with the clientele would lead to increasingly better service – after all, the better someone knows your skin, the better they can help take care of it.  So, I am sure the more times I go back, the better the facials will be for me, and the more tailored they would be to my specific skin issues.

Get your facial + relaxation here - you know you deserve it!

I talked with Alison a little to find out more about her business and the services they offer.  It turns out that Tres Belle is a family business, run by Alison and her Dad (aww!)  She says, “My family had always had family businesses so it was a natural progression that my Dad and I ended up working together. We have always been close and my Dad has a really great sense for business and I love helping people feel confident.”

I asked her why she was reaching out to moms specifically, and she smartly answered, “Moms often forget that it’s important to take a break even if it’s once a month. Many clients and friends are Moms and when they come to Tres Belle it’s like they can have a bit of their sense of self back. Moms give on a constant basis and it feels great to be able to provide them with much needed attention, not to mention adult conversation!”  So true – and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to write about this on Mommy FTW – I know I don’t give myself enough time to relax, and do things just for me.  So I hope that I can encourage some of you to spend some time on yourselves!  If I have to bribe you with discounts, then so be it!

Tres Belle is apparently well known for its laser hair removal – something I’ve always been curious about, but admittedly know nothing of.  “We were honored to have been voted Best Laser Hair Removal in NYC on Citysearch for 2009 [ we also won in 2006, 2007, and 2008]!”  Allison bragged – and rightly so.  That is quite an honor!  “Our most popular package is definitely our Bikini Package. Moms never know when a day at the beach or pool is going to sneak up on them. With all the things you need to do to just get out the door, your bikini area should be a non-issue. Most clients require 10 visits to get to a permanent reduction of up to 85-90% but see results and skin improvement with just a few sessions.”  Personally, I think I might be sold on this one.  I am not a fan of the bikini wax, and not having to plan ahead for time at the pool would be fantastic.

So, for those moms who need to be pampered a little (which I am assuming is ALL of you!!) I encourage you to check out Tres Belles Petite Medi-Spa – it’s just on the other side of Flatbush pretty close to the Dekalb Ave train station.  FYI – if you are looking for some more opinions before you book, then check out their reviews on City Search – they are positively glowing!

Allison has kindly offered Mommy FTW readers some discounts : $25 off any facial plus every facial will include a free add-on of hand massage, and 10% off all laser packages.  Just mention “Cameron” when you book your service.  Pampering at a discount?  Who can resist that!?  Give them a call and book yourself an appointment – You deserve it, and you won’t be disappointed!

Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa
105 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 797-0033
Online at tresbellespa.com
Become a Fan of Tres Belle on Facebook