Introducing Alamo City Moms Blog’s Newest Contributors!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest Alamo City Moms Blog team members! You’ll get to know them more over the next few weeks as they share their first posts with you. Here’s a little insight into the newest San Antonio moms who are joining our team…

Amanda R.Amanda

Amanda is a native Texan who spent a few years in the Boston area. New to the stay-at-home mom gig, she’s mother to a five-year-old wilding and a two-year-old diva. She has been married to her husband for almost six years, which also means learning the ways of being a military spouse. Upon his return from his first deployment in their relationship, she surprised him by proposing to him when she finished her first half marathon (more like she held up a ring and he said yes). Their honeymoon was a babymoon (oops) to Italy, followed by another deployment, building a new home, and having another child. Much time at home is spent cultivating a medicinal and vegetable garden (she’s a modern hippie), reading all kinds of books (everyone is a book nerd), crafting cocktails (because two kids), and holding spontaneous dance parties in the living room.

What are your favorite things to do in San Antonio? Finding a great place to eat, enjoying the evening out on a patio with a few beverages, and a babysitter watching the littles overnight.

What are your guilty pleasures? Tortilla chips with fresh salsa, bourbon, ice cream when the kids are sleeping, and pedicures.

List a few things you can’t live without. Coffee with GREAT beans, not the pre-ground generic (hello, snob!). Music because when doesn’t a dance party change the mood? Sing-a-longs make everyone smile. Books because the mind is a terrible thing to waste.

What would your perfect day entail? Waking up and having a family breakfast (no crying or whining from parents or kids), spending the day outside on a beautiful day (no complaining or whining from anyone), finding a new place to eat together, popcorn and a movie at home, and EARLY BEDTIMES FOR THE LITTLES.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? Being filled with immeasurable amounts of happiness, through the good days and the bad. Their smiles, hugs, and “I love you”s are priceless.[hr]

ArianaAriana

Ariana grew up in San Antonio but left home to attend the University of Florida (Go Gators!), where she met and fell in love with her best friend and future husband. Justin’s professional pursuits brought them back to San Antonio, via grad school for them both at UT Austin. Happily calling the Alamo City home for more than a decade, the new parents welcomed a baby girl, Anabel, into their lives this past January and are excited to share the city they love with her. Ariana works as a communications and marketing director for a local nonprofit and is already counting down the days to next year’s Fiesta! She occasionally maintains her blog Corkscrew Curiosity.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? ¡Viva Fiesta! Hands down. All of it. How can you not love a city-wide party with a purpose?!

What are your guilty pleasures? The one I’ll admit to, or the one my husband would be embarrassed about? I think this covers both… I like a lot of the programming on Bravo with the “Real Housewives of OC” (and/or NYC and Beverly Hills) topping the list. That’s kind of all I have time for these days.

List a few things you can’t live without. Besides my lovely family? I always, always, always have a lip balm or gloss in my pocket or purse. I just counted what I had in my work purse, and I found six. SIX! I also love my Maui Jim sunglasses and my iPhone.

What would your perfect day entail? A long walk at the park with my family, our dog, and coffee in hand, followed by a good pedicure for a little me time. Then a family lunch somewhere we can sit outside and enjoy a breeze and a beer. A day date movie matinee with my husband after which we are home in time to give our daughter a bath and go through the bedtime routine with reading and all the snuggles. After she’s asleep we’d spend the evening catching up on our favorite TV shows with a good bottle of Napa Cab.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? The love. It’s all encompassing and awesome.[hr]

Christy FinalChristy

Originally from St. Louis, Christy moved to San Antonio to attend Trinity University. She ended up meeting her Air Force husband and has been on the move ever since. After living halfway across the world, she is back in San Antonio. Christy has a background in pediatric psychology and although she teaches as an adjunct professor, most of her mad behavioral skills are used on her three small children. Christy loves to be active and spends her time running, swimming, and playing with her kids. She is an amateur DIYer and will attempt any and all projects. She likes to stay up late and get up early, so you may find her internet shopping at midnight, running before the sun comes up, and enjoying iced coffee in between!

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? To see the city by way of running shoes!

What are your guilty pleasures? Iced coffee and jelly beans (OK, red licorice, gummy bears, swedish fish…I have a weakness for candy).

List a few things you can’t live without. Hand sanitizer, baby wipes, counter spray (did I mention I have three small children?), a GPS watch, a good playlist, running shoes, and a water bottle. I also always travel with a swimsuit, cap, and goggles because you never know when there will be an opportunity to swim some laps!

What would your perfect day entail? Getting up early and going on a long run with my husband followed by coffee and a pastry, taking my kids to the pool or on a bike ride, having time to sit and read a book, throw a facial and a little window shopping in there, dinner away from my house so I don’t have to cook or do dishes, playing in the yard, and finishing the evening playing games. I like to cram as much into the day as possible!

What’s the best thing about being a mom? I have the privilege to be with these three little people who want to share every part of their day with me. I know this will change someday, but with children who are all under the age of six, I will never be as loved as I am right now. I want them to always feel that way and be able to say that “Mama has never loved me more than she does at this moment.”[hr]

ErinErin

Erin is a born and raised San Antonio native. She is a proud graduate of Southwestern University, St.Mary’s University and Texas Tech University. After 400 hundred years of graduate school and four degrees later, she married the love of her life and moved back to town. Together, they are attempting to raise two crazy, tiny humans (4 1/2 and almost 2) who make life fun, happy and hard. Erin is a licensed marriage and family therapist, adjunct professor at St. Mary’s University and a professional coffee drinker. She is a lover of all things involving food, music, sarcasm and wine. And love. There must be lots of love.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? My favorite thing to do in SA (or I suppose any city, really) is to eat. My family eats out quite a bit and my current fave is Supper at the new, fabulous Hotel Emma. I adore our downtown area and love trying all the new local hotspots—with and without kids. The lights, music, and culture in this town are beautiful. Gotta raise culturally aware foodies in this fam. San Antonio makes it so easy to do both.

What are your guilty pleasures? TMZ. Easy one. I check it like it’s going out of style. If they post it, you know it’s true. (Seriously, they’re good). I love celebrity gossip at an unhealthy level, chips, tortillas and queso from Alamo Cafe, and Ghirardelli dark chocolate sea salt caramels. And the song “Ignition” by R. Kelly. May I remind you, this is a judge-free zone.

List a few things you can’t live without. Skinny vanilla lattes, Santa Fe, my people, my music, a good book to bury my nose in, and a good Ann Taylor Loft sale.

What would your perfect day entail? I’d obvi be in Santa Fe (see above). I’d wake up jamming to some Bonnie Raitt. Head out for breakfast at Cafe Pasquals. Shop. Quick stop for pasole on the square. Art galleries. Spa. Dinner and wine at Geronimos. Done. Happy Erin.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? The laughter. Raising happy kids is absolutely fulfilling. Seeing my kids become comfortable, self-sufficient little people makes my heart so happy as a mom. Plus, they are nuts. Absolutely, totally cray, and it’s hilarious. We have a blast. [hr]

GingerGinger

Ginger has lived in San Antonio off and on for the last two decades between sojourns in Europe and Asia. She moved here from Chicago after marrying her high school sweetheart and the military life. Her two amazing teens are incredibly grateful that their parents have chosen to finally settle down in one place so they can attend a school for more than two years. Having grown up in a big urban area, Ginger is amazed that you can live in the city and enjoy so much wildlife out your backdoor. When not enjoying a glass of wine on her back porch, Ginger joins her family at rock concerts (with earplugs) and amusement parks as well as on hikes and other teen-friendly outdoor fun. Still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, she currently spends her work time helping families as a lactation consultant and parenting educator.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? The food scene is amazing here. Since we have traveled all over the world, this is something I can enjoy with my husband and children because they are adventurous eaters. I also truly love to sit on our back porch with family and friends and a glass of wine watching the deer stroll by in the green belt.

What are your guilty pleasures? Red wine, chocolate, books, and my husband.

List a few things you can’t live without. Red wine, chocolate, books, and my husband…LOL. And my hairdresser who hides my grey hair. And maybe the Internet.

What would your perfect day entail? Hanging out with my hubby enjoying great conversation, amazing food, and wine. My kids could come too as long as they did not ask when we were leaving over and over again.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? My kids are awesome. They constantly challenge me to learn more about myself and the world.[hr]

KatieKatie

Katie is a small town girl raising a family in the big city. She grew up in Abilene surrounded by strong women and one patient father. She met the love of her life at only 17, and they both later graduated from McMurry University and moved to San Antonio in 2004. Katie was part of San Antonio’s inaugural Listen to Your Mother show in 2016 and is a happy working mom of three kids. Katie loves to talk about shoes, podcasts, rescue dogs, and her family of mostly redheads. She is held together daily by espresso and Jesus.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? Some of my favorite outings are to the theater to see either a play or a concert. We love seeing comedians and Disney musicals alike! And of course, I love all the great food around the city: food trucks, Tex-Mex, and barbecue are our favorites. (I love almost anything not cooked by me.)

What are your guilty pleasures? My biggest guilty pleasure is the “Outlander” series (books and now a TV show). But I never say no to chocolate either…

List a few things you can’t live without. Caffeine, mascara, and comfortable jeans.

What would your perfect day entail? Sleeping in! (Moms of little ones get me…) We would spend the day outside, but no one would get a sunburn. We would read books, take a nap on a quilt, play games or swim, and play with our dog. Then we would have a huge dinner with all our family and friends with plenty of dessert.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? I love seeing my children’s senses of humor. We have so much silliness in our house, and it makes it such a fun place to come home to. Life can be tough, but love and laughter keep us together.[hr]

Lisa finalLisa

Though Lisa grew up in San Antonio, she has spent the latter part of her life in different states and countries serving on Young Life staff and in ministry with her husband, Bryce, only to make her way back when her husband landed a job here two years ago. Life has taken many twists and turns for the Wallers, but they are thankful to be back in Texas and love exploring San Antonio, especially the city’s up-and-coming restaurant scene. Lisa is mom to Liam (7), Ryan (5), and Emma (2). She loves adventuring and exploring the city with her family, running, writing (obvi), and cooking (or acting as sous chef for the hubs while he cooks). She loves the Lord, and though a ragamuffin at best, is trying to raise her kids to love the heck out of Jesus.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? My family loves to spend time meandering the Pearl Brewery area. Our typical Saturday is a late morning outing to the Pearl Farmer’s Market. The hubs and I will grab a cappuccino and croissant from Bakery Lorraine and let the kids peruse the fresh produce and local goodies. The boys take their scooters, and we all make our way over to the River Walk (stopping to people watch and relish the Hotel Emma along the way) and meander my favorite part of the city. We stroll down to the San Antonio Museum of Art and soak in the scene while the kids play in the fountain (don’t judge—it is HOT in this city!). These brief moments always make me feel like I am back in Europe, where I lived for a stint in my early twenties.

What are your guilty pleasures? Anthony’s chocolate mousse cake from Central Market, Wine, and “The Bachelor/Bachelorette.”

List a few things you can’t live without. Fizzy water, coffee, my Bible, a good pair of running shoes, Anthropologie, Patty Griffin’s music, and my husband—dang, he is patient!

What would your perfect day entail? Waking up at the beach and enjoying a cup of coffee on the balcony, watching the waves roll in, hearing only ocean and sea gulls rising. A good read and time to journal. A long run to explore the beach before anyone else. Time playing in the sand with my kids, watching their sun-kissed faces giggle with delight. Deep conversation with loved ones at sunset while we dig our toes in the sand and watch the day close its curtains. A crisp glass of wine while prepping for dinner, and constant conversation and laughter while we eat a home-cooked meal together. Lights out for kids while the adults play Farkle.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? I love watching my little people develop their own personalities and characteristics. Watching them grow into the individuals the Lord has designed them to be is so rich. Parenting is hard, but so rewarding. We have plenty of exhausting, difficult days, and yet somehow at the end of them, we regroup at bedtime and discuss what we’ve learned—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Hearing sweet voices say, “Mom, I’m sorry I disobeyed; please forgive me,” or, “Mom, I know we have hard days, but I will always love you like no one else will” are balm to this weary mama’s soul. I fail time and time again, but my little people are always there to forgive and extend grace. We’re messy, but we’re forgiven, and if I can show my kids how to love the way Jesus has loved us then my job as a mom is done.[hr]

IMG_9137Molly

Molly is a recent San Antonio transplant, originally hailing from the Idaho tundra and most recently the Washington D.C. metro area. Besides avoiding the giant question mark that is surviving their first Texan summer, she and her husband are doing their best to keep up with two energetic children, a nine-year-old daughter and five-year-old son who alternately drive them crazy and melt their hearts. Molly is a yogi and pastry-turned-clean-eating chef who describes herself as a “creative dabbler.” She spends her days teaching yoga, writing, and photographing healthy recipes, power-lifting, rocking lip-sync battles with her kids, and playing outside. She recently did a front handspring for the first time ever, can’t stop talking about it, and has concluded it couldn’t hurt to leave space for future “professional gymnast” on her life’s resume.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? Joining the farmers’ market crowd at Pearl on the weekends—such a great slice of life, atmosphere, and delicious food!

What are your guilty pleasures? Ben & Jerry’s Boom Chocolatta Ice Cream, shopping for office supplies, and watching “My Little Pony”…sure, it’s a “mom thing,” but I genuinely LOVE Pinkie Pie.

List a few things you can’t live without. Dark chocolate (the darker, the better) and my Sonia Kashuk tweezers.

What would your perfect day entail? If it includes the mountains, practicing a little yoga, incredible food, and endless spa treatments, I’ll take it!

What’s the best thing about being a mom? Watching my little people discover the wide, wonderful world and then what they, specifically, will bring to it.[hr]

natalie finalNatalie

Natalie comes from a long line of Texans and has been slowly working her way down I-35, with stops in Waco to earn a degree in public relations/journalism at Baylor, and in Austin for work. She and her husband Will plan on making San Antonio the last stop on the trans-Texas tour, especially after last year’s big event: welcoming the world’s most delightful daughter, Noelle, to their family right here in the Alamo City. Natalie enjoys using her marketing and PR brain to build her husband’s law practice; keep snacks on the table and craft beer in the fridge; and generate new ideas for ACMB and her own blog To Drink and Write.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? I love discovering all the amazing free activities we have available in our city, whether it’s visiting our libraries and taking part in their programs; taking advantage of our city parks; or just taking walks with our stroller through beautiful historic neighborhoods. There are so many hidden gems in this city, and being a mom has really made me more creative about finding new places for adventuring.

What are your guilty pleasures? Reading is my top guilty pleasure, and I’m the kind of girl who always has a book propped up while folding laundry or washing dishes. I’m a fiend when it comes to inserting a good Mean Girls quote into a conversation, and I love, in no particular order: building forts out of blankets, March Madness, Dr Pepper, chips and queso, and going down obsessive rabbit holes when it comes to googling historical facts.

List a few things you can’t live without. Books, books, and more books; the Hamilton soundtrack; bottled water (any kind—I’m not picky); Wikipedia; two blankets on the bed, no matter how summery the weather is; and my family.

What would your perfect day entail? Waking up fully rested and teleporting (we did say this was a perfect, non-reality-bound-day, right?) the family to Maui, playing on the beach and eating fresh ahi, then heading back to San Antonio to snuggle up in my own bed. Real life: Waking up fully rested; going to a farmer’s market and perusing; watching my daughter run and explore and throw back her head with laughter; spending some time outside playing, walking or splashing (or all three!); having dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants with my husband and daughter; then catching up on my reading before cuddling up in my own bed.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? The thing that keeps me going, mom-wise, is the moment when my baby daughter comes over to me, throws her arms around my neck and says, “Mommy!” in this tone of ineffable delight. To have someone love you that much and to take so much joy in your presence and existence makes everything worthwhile.[hr]

RosalindaRosalinda

I am a Texas born, small town girl who always felt like I had lived other lives in other places. I went off to college and somehow ended up in beautiful San Antonio. Soon I met my future husband who had lived other lives in other places. After we married, we moved out of state. Once I had my little souvenir, we moved back to Texas with my baby boy. Later, we added a daughter to complete our family. My son is now 12, and my daughter is six.  I work full-time as a school librarian and, on occasion, find time to do a little traveling and a little sleeping.

What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio? I like to go exploring distinctive San Antonio places and activities that exist in our city.  After living here all these years, there are still landmarks to see and things to do on my San Antonio bucket list. I just made it to my first Fiesta parade this year!

What are your guilty pleasures? A nice cup of coffee, good book, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and great music.

List a few things you can’t live without. My iPhone, Netflix, wine, and bright colors.

What would your perfect day entail? It would start off with a few quiet minutes with a good cup of coffee and a good book. I would get to spend some fun time with my kids during the day. The evening would involve a great live band and dancing with my husband late into the night.

What’s the best thing about being a mom? I love watching my children try new things. Their eyes light up when they realize something or are able to accomplish a new task.  Sometimes they need a hug or a word of advice when things don’t work as planned. But I know they will try again, because that is how they grow and learn. I’ll be there to guide them as needed and cheer them on.

Lindsay
Lindsay is the co-founder of Alamo City Moms Blog. A native New Orleanian, Lindsay found her way to the Alamo City via her husband, Steven, who is a born and raised San Antonian. She is a mom to three young children. Lindsay earned her B.A. in Psychology from Rhodes College and her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from UTSA. She was a preschool and first-grade teacher for 10 years and is now a Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Therapist.