Smarty Mom: Courtenay Wardell

We know that our readers are super-savvy moms and we also know that fellow moms are the BEST resource for anything kid-related. So we will be highlighting a different reader (from a different area of Charlotte) each week.

10 Smarty Questions for Courtenay Wardell
Courtenay is a stay-at-home mom wholives in the SouthPark area and has 3 beautiful kids, 2 girls and a boy (see photo). Trey is 7 ½, Sarah Chason is 3, Anna is 17 months. We think she is way-savvy so we asked her to be our first smarty mom profile. Ready Courtenay? Go.

1. Favorite kids boutique?
My favorite kids boutique is Fancy Pants. They have clothes for all ages, boys and girls and I can also get shoes at the same time from Tootsies too. They are pricey but no more than other shops and the staff is very friendly. I also like to go to Plantation Shop, now called Tennille Co. I shop for special occasion clothes there because I can do brother sister outfits that my older son will wear without feeling matchy, matchy.

2. Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
Good deals on kids clothes – several places. My son is almost 8 and wears a uniform to school so he just needs play clothes and a “church” outfit. I find a lot of things for him at Target and Children’s Place. I do try to buy things that that don’t have store logos all over them. I also like Mini Boden for him. For the girls, I buy several things for them through Mini Boden but I get the basics – t-shirts, turtlenecks, shorts, etc. at Target or Old Navy. I have gotten some good deals at Gymboree and through Lands End Kids and LL Bean Kids on basic knit dresses and tights and skorts.

3. Favorite weekday activity for pre-schoolers?
I love to take my kids to the park or on rainy/cold days to the Chick Fil A on Randolph Road. If I really need to get them out of the house, I can take them to any bookstore that has a play area, Pottery Barn Kids or to Toy and Co. just to let them play. I know, sounds crazy but my girls love the kitchens and dollhouses that are somewhere other than home.

4. Favorite weekend activity?
We love to head to the mountains with the kids and when it is warmer the beach. If we stay in town, we like to make plans with friends and have a casual dinner and just let the kids play. Now – my reality is that my favorite activity is calling a sitter and going out without the kids to places that are not kid friendly and actually finishing a meal while it is warm and a drink while it is cold!

5. Best place to eat lunch with the kids?
Brixx and Chick Fil A

6. Favorite place to eat dinner out with the kids?
Brixx again and I know this may sound odd but we love going to Hotel Charlotte and my kids love it also. They have a toy box for the kids and a train that circles the restaurant right below the ceiling. The staff is very patient and they have a good kids menu. The best part is the Mom and Dad get to eat a very good meal that is not pizza, chicken nuggets or a burger.

7. Favorite park in Charlotte
Our favorite is Freedom Park. There is a little something for everyone there. If the kids get bored playing there we walk over to the Nature Museum.

8. Mini-van or SUV?
My very first brand new car was…… A Mini Van. That is the day that I realized my self-perceived coolness was over. The day I became one of “those moms” was bittersweet for me. I do love my Odessey though and for trips and carpooling, it is awesome. I dream of the day that I am in my little two seat convertible, no kids, hair blowing in the wind, music cranked up and no carpool line in sight.

9. Best thing about raising a family in Charlotte?
The best thing about raising a family in Charlotte is that this is a family friendly city. There is a lot to do and we have a lot of choices in schools, churches and recreational activities. The very best thing is there are so many other families like us. We are very fortunate to live in a town with so many friends to support us and help us raise our kids. Corny – but is does take a village.

10. Best kept secret in Charlotte?
The best kept secret is not so secret any longer. You guys have done a phenomenal job with this website and they are letting the secrets out. How fortunate are we as fellow moms to have you two ladies finally put the forum together for us to share Charlotte mommy stuff.

Thanks Courtenay for the great answers, we love the last one of course!
Readers, feel free to comment on any of Courtenays tips!