Spend Some Time at Dadeland Mall This Summer!

I came across a post recently that said that we only get 18 delicious summers with our kids and this is one of our 18. This really hit home for me because, while I know I’m not alone in getting driven crazy by the kids throughout the summer and the pressure us moms face attempting to come up with different types of daily entertainment to fill our summer days, I realized this post was so true and it just absolutely broke my heart. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m older, wiser, more confident now that I’m being the best version of myself as a mother, or the mere fact that it’s the simple truth, my children are getting older. The summer days they’ll choose to spend with me over their friends are short lived. The days of us planning family summer vacations and our children willingly going will one day come to a halt. So, with this being said, I made the decision and vow to enjoy these short lived summer days and embrace every moment with them – yes, even the moments they can’t seem to get along, the moments when the house is in complete disarray with their toys and belongings spread out everywhere and even the moments they rummage through the fridge and pantry because they seem to be starving every two minutes.

To kickoff our summer break, we enjoyed a full day at Dadeland Mall in Miami. We shopped, got our manicures done, enjoyed a delicious lunch and spent some QT together. It was a much needed girls day and we were in heaven. I wanted to share our experience with my readers for you to get some ideas on how you too can spend your day at Dadeland Mall — think perfect activity for a rainy day.

We started our day at Alex and Ani where the girls and I each picked out a bracelet. Founded by a fellow mom, Alex and Ani is an eco-friendly socially conscious jewelry line, in which each of the brand’s pieces express a positive meaning. Additionally, each of the pieces in the store are all blessed by a shaman, making them even more intriguing.

 

We then moved on to Ann Taylor where I picked up a few summer outfits. I scored some great key pieces/summer staples. Here’s looking at you, Bahamas!

And right across Ann Taylor, while I bribed the girls to behave while mommy got to try on some clothes, they had the perfect view of LEGO. Of course the girls were extremely excited to see the store for the first time. They had a sneak peek of what their monthly LEGO Life meetings look like. They each built things and picked out extra sets to take home of course. The only way I got them to leave is by continuing to bribe them and this time it was with food!

We then had a lovely lunch at Texas de Brazil. The food just kept coming and coming and coming. We were in steak heaven. Here’s a great tidbit for you. Mommas, when purchasing a full-price meal, children 2 years and under are complimentary, 3-5 years are $5 and 6-12 years are half price. Plus, the caipirinhas are so delicious so that is a must-try when you go.

Of course a girls day wouldn’t be complete without getting manis and pedis. Here’s another tidbit. At Nail Fever Spa, enjoy $60 Mommy and Me manis and pedis every Monday and Tuesday in the summer.

Last but certainly not least, we spent some time at Disney Store. Throughout the month of June, at 3 p.m. daily, in anticipation of the new Toy Story 4 movie, Disney Store will be hosting a special Toy Story 4 Takeover experience so we were able to participate in that.

Here’s some additional info about Dadeland Mall and special services and activities they will be offering throughout the summer:

Hope you all got some ideas on how you can spend a summer day at Dadeland. I hope you fully enjoy the summer with those kiddos, mommas. And when you feel you’re going insane, remember that this is one of our 18 delicious summers that we get with them so squeeze on them and love on them hard – these days are short lived.