Smarties, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Liz Childress. Liz hails from Charleston and has lived in the QC for a decade – her Southern roots shine in all that she does. Smarty Mama to two beautiful girls, Liz is in the know on all things girly!
Liz will be working on our Smarty Sales Team and we are super excited to add her to our pink & green family. We just know she will be a rockstar on all fronts!
Smarties, meet Liz Childress!
Liz’s Smarty Mom Stats:
Mom of: Sloan (almost 7), Sydney ( almost 5)
Married: 9 years
Years in Charlotte: 10
Hood: Myers Park
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales for 12 years and now Smarty Sales Executive
What tips do you have getting your girls ready for back-to-school?
Get your kids excited about their new teachers, friends, etc by talking with them about the new year as much as you can. Also, get one or two things that they can get excited about… a new lunch box, backpack, etc and let them be involved in picking it out. Do a quick inventory of their clothes to see what they really need so you’re not over buying. (I’m acting like I never do this.) If they need something, just to order online. It’s so much easier at this age and not to mention a little online shopping therapy is always good for a girl. I figure there will be plenty of time when my girls are older for them to bankrupt me with back to school shopping so I’ll just save up until then.
What is your favorite thing to do with your family in the fall?
Go to the mountains and see the leaves change. We also go camping with my husband’s family and it really is a special time. Seriously! Yes, I actually enjoy sleeping in a tent. I’m really an outside person so just spending time in our backyard together is so nice. A perfect night is a good glass of wine, solid music, & a great dinner outside with just the 4 of us, well 5, our sweet dog too!
What is the last meal you cooked?
Salmon tacos. One of our favorites! I could eat Mexican every day. Have a favorite Mexican restaurant or dish, let me know!
The phrase you’ve said to your girls more than any other at home is…
Be thankful, you are so blessed!
Favorite kids movie?
Dolphin Tail – I’m a total animal lover and who does mind watching Harry Connick, Jr.?! I am also kind of a sucker for some of the Disney Classics, like Cinderella. What girl doesn’t love a goof fairytale with a prince?
Funniest thing your girls have ever said to you?
There are too many funny things. They keep me laughing all the time. They try so hard to learn knock, knock jokes, but rarely seem to get the punch line. It’s so adorable, but they keep working on them.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’d love to own my own flower shop one day. It’s more of a day dream kind of thing. I truly love flowers and love to garden, so having a business that involved that would be amazing. I can imagine all the flowers surrounding me and how it would smell. Wow! I also love the fact that flowers bring joy & happiness to those that buy them and receive them. Makes my heart smile & so do flowers. I need to go buy some!
Best book you’ve ready lately?
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty – It’s a great story and reminder to us all to cherish our memories and hold tight to our families! I totally recommend it.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Josh Duhamel, he reminds me of my handsome hubby☺
Favorite CSP article?
There are so many that I have enjoyed reading over the years, but my favorite would have to be about the 2011 Smarty Mom of the Year, Meghan Hampton. She is a dear friend of mine who has an unbelievable story. It’s a story that continues to touch the lives of many through her charity and fundraising. She and her family will always hold a special place in my heart.!! I think the Smarty Moms category is just fabulous and is always one that I make sure to never miss too.
Behavioral trait you hope your girls don’t inherit from you.
Being too much of a planner and organizer. It’s kind of annoying, but I am always prepared. ☺
Guilty pleasure?
Chocolate & cupcakes, but I stopped feeling guilty about them because life is too short. Just enjoy and then workout!
Don’t forget our other awesome Back-to-School Giveaways!
The Jami Masters School of Dance $100 Giveaway:
One lucky Smarty will win a $100 gift certificate to be used towards dance attire and shoes at the largest dance hub of Charlotte, Jami Masters School of Dance.
The JMSD Philosophy: To instill the love of dance in all of their students. They encourage each child to be the best they can be, and do this in a loving, caring, nurturing, and noncompetitive environment. Through careful, supervised dance training, students gain confidence and charm while developing stronger, healthier bodies.
Click here for details. This is a popular one, so don’t wait to enter!
small hands big art (1) 6-week session Mixed Media Art Class – $125 value!
Another lucky Smarty will win a 6-week session at small hands big art.
At small hands big art, students have ample individual freedom to explore their creativity while learning about famous artists, art history, & art mediums (such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking & more). Classes are small, with two teachers in every class. The small hands big art staff encourages and nurtures children’s artistic development while helping them reap the many developmental benefits of art.
Click here for details. This is also highly popular, so enter now!
