Converting the entertainment center into.....I don't know!!!

I've been having that urge to get something new for the house...know that feeling?! Along came my mom with an opportunity to furniture swap! We swapped my Crate and Barrel Wine Bar for her Pier 1 entertainment center/armoire. My parents finally got a flat screen TV for their family room so they were ready to ditch the 'in great condition' armoire when I chimed in! We could take it! However, we don't have room for it. I offered her the wine chest, to make room, and it was a deal!

Ok, so here's the dilemma...WHAT DO I DO WITH THE ARMOIRE??? We put it in our dining room, right next to the kitchen with the original idea of converting it into a bar - I do need a place to put my wine glasses now that my Crate and Barrel bar is gone.

But, the need of an "office space" is really up there! I need a good resting spot for my laptop, printer and 17" monitor, as well as bills and random paperwork; a kitchen counter area is the current home . I've googled around and have found a great blog My Sweet Savannah - her posting back in June 2009 - ~armoires, they're not just for storing clothes~ has tons of ideas. Of course, it was like a Cheesecake Factory menu - too many ideas for me that I'm left clueless!

So what do you think I should do???

Reader Mail: Etiquette for Birthday Party Invites!

Reader Mail! Reader Mail!

Oh the tales of child birthday party invites...or adult for that matter!!! Who do we invite? Who do we not invite? Are you annoyed that you didn't make the list or relieved for a classmate's birthday party at the park that is just at a bad time?

Reader DebbieF wrote:

What do you think etiquette is on your child being invited to a birthday party for a classmate that was not invited to your child's party? if you don't know...maybe you'll consider starting discussions on mommy questions some how through the blog? I don't know...just a thought- hope all is well. debbie

Great question/dilemma! I just went through this last fall with Isa's birthday. Parties come in different sizes. We all can't have a party of 100 with circus acts and popcorn. We each do what's best for our child and family. Sometimes that means a small party with the closest of friends and sometimes that means every child in the class, even if your child doesn't stand them or barely knows their name! In your case I think you should accept and appreciate the invitation, plus look forward to a fun time for your little one!

In my case, after Isa being invited to numerous birthday parties by classmates, I unfortunately wasn't able to return the invite for her birthday to everyone. We held her party at a bounce house party place and had a limited number of guests allowed. I decided to just invite the girls, rather than pick and choose those who thought she liked the most.

Anyone have a different idea? Comments? Thoughts?

PS - Thanks DebbieF for coming to SmartyPantsMama.com for advice on this relevant issue mamas face!

Smart Mama Advice Needed - Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, Carnation Instant Breakfast or Ovaltine??

Based on some advice from a pediatrician friend, I'm going to begin limiting her milk consumption. Maybe the obscene amounts of milk she was drinking (5 + glass a day) had something to do with her irregular bowels!

My munchkin LOVES chocolate milk. I'm just not such a fan of giving her chocolate milk. I'm not sure why. I was thinking about letting her have one of serving of milk with either good old standard Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, Carnation Instant Breakfast or Ovaltine. I thought it would be a nice treat for her. I'm leaning towards Ovaltine, but I'm not even sure why.

Advice needed!

A Constipated Munchkin!

Looking for Smart Mama advice!!!!

We've had some bouts of constipation with my 2 1/2 year old. I'm not sure if its her diet or since she's just recently potty trained, she would rather not deal with pooping - she would rather continue playing instead. She'll end up going 2 or more days without pooping before I end up giving her Myralax in her milk which pretty much insures that she'll be pooping in hours.

Have you experienced this with your munchkin? Did you alter his/her diet? My munchkin is a picky - I should actually say stubborn - eater so getting her to eat new things often requires lots of energy and patience!

Please share!!!