Madtown Momma — Keeping Mommin' Real in Madison, WI

SHOP LOCAL: Meet the Mom Behind Crescendo Espresso Bar + Music Cafe

SHOP LOCAL: Meet the Mom Behind…is a new series designed to introduce you to local businesses in the Madison area that you may or may not be familiar with, along with the moms who run them!

When you shop local, you not only stimulate the local economy, but you are also directly supporting people who are our friends and neighbors. Not to mention, small businesses diversify our options as consumers, in addition to the big box stores you find in many communities.

As a full-time working mom, it never ceases to amaze me when I meet other moms who run their own businesses. I often wonder what day-to-day life is like as a female entrepreneur, particularly when most moms are also the ones running their household, to a certain extent as well.

Why I Love Z Boutique: The Only Plus-Size Shop in Madison

Last month, I had the distinct honor of walking in the Fashion Forward: A Catwalk for Charity event at The Sylvee, on behalf of Z Boutique. Z Boutique is a locally-owned plus-size boutique, specializing in women’s sizes 14-24.

As someone who has ranged in size from 8-18 over the years, I have had a wide variety of experiences shopping in the Madison area, with varied levels of customer service, from downright shameful, to absolutely exceptional.

I’ll Say It: Halloween is Just So EXTRA

I haven’t written a post for Madison Mom (formerly Madison Moms Blog) in several months. It was great to finally get something out. And get this off my chest.

I am not a big fan of Halloween, as I’ve already mentioned in this post. Every year this holiday comes around and these same feelings about it resurface.

How do you feel about Halloween? I’ve already had one Mom comment that I’m “no fun”. As I mention in the post, this is clearly the “unpopular opinion”.

Tell me what you think! I’d love to hear if you are a Halloween lover or a hater!

The Best Birthday Freebies in Madison

I celebrated a birthday earlier this month, and as someone who LOVES free stuff, you best believe I took advantage of the many birthday offers available in our area.

I’m all for a good deal and many of my favorite businesses in Madison offer birthday coupons and freebies. You usually have to register for their rewards program or sign up for an e-newsletter in order to receive them.

Here is a list of some of the best birthday deals around. You’re welcome. 😉

Continue reading “The Best Birthday Freebies in Madison”

The Daycare Dilemma: How We Wound Up In 4 Different Care Centers in 4 Years

My child turned 4 years old just a few short months ago, yet we’ve already gone through 4 daycare transitions. And no, we haven’t moved. I’ve lived at the same residence with my husband for the past 13 years.

Searching for affordable and reliable childcare in the area is a challenge many of us face as new parents. I mean, how do you find someone you can trust with your most precious child? A stranger at that.

Why You Should Take the Family to Bay Beach

A few weeks ago, my husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. We dropped the kiddo off with his grandparents up north and then hit the road to Door County. The two of us spent Saturday and Sunday in Door County and went back to his folks house Sunday night.

Both my husband and I took the day off on Monday, our official anniversary. We planned to spend that day with our son. Since it was such a beautiful day, we decided to hit Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay on our way home.

How I Wound Up Shirtless in the Park

Looking for a laugh this morning? Have one at my expense!

Find out how I wound up shirtless in Vilas Park in my monthly contribution to Madison Moms Blog.

The Reality of #MomLife

It’s hard out there for a mommy blogger.

I feel like everywhere I look, I see these highly styled, polished and professional photos that make it look like moms everywhere are absolutely crushing it. And I’m over here like “how in the world…?”

Social media paints an unrealistic picture of what life as a mom is really like, in my opinion. Just like print media, TV and movies, it creates incredibly high standards that we think we need to meet in order to look like we’ve got it together.

5 Board Games You Can Play With Your Preschooler

We’ve been playing a lot of board games in our house these days…I’m a big fan because they give me something tangible to play with my preschooler.

Read more about our current favorites in my latest contribution to Madison Moms Blog.

I’m always on the lookout for more though! Feel free to share your favs in the comments as well.

Road Trip! Your Madison to Nashville Travel Guide

I’ve never been a fan of road trips. At least I don’t think I have. In my mind, I make up stories about how crazy long and boring the drive will be. Envisioning the sheer horror of a road trip until I convince myself that flying is for sure the better option, regardless of price. Continue reading “Road Trip! Your Madison to Nashville Travel Guide”