Smarty Mom: Stacey Williams

By Katie M

It's Smarty Mom Saturday, and there is no better mom to spotlight today than Stacey Williams. I met Stacey a few years ago when our daughters were in preschool together, and while our girls now attend first grade on opposite sides of town, Stacey and I can't seem to stop bumping into each other! That's a good thing because it's always nice to catch up with this smarty mom!

Stacey and her husband, David, have two adorable children: Katelynn, 5, and Ashton, 2. They have lived in the Triad for 14 years, and Stacey originally hails from New Jersey (another trait I like about her - wahoo Jersey girl!). Stacey works full-time from her home, and when she is not busy working or spending time with her family, she enjoys volunteering at her daughter's school, with Charity Chicks (where she is the fundraising coordinator), traveling, doing crafts with her children, baking, collecting shells/beach glass, and looking for coupons/bargins on the internet.

Let's catch up with Stacey!

Tell us about your job and how you manage your work and home life with two little ones.
I work as a case manager serving children and adults with disabilities. The North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services funds programs to assist families of children/adults with disabilities to remain in their homes rather than going into a facility type setting. I assist the families by maintaining a treatment plan and linking them to services in the community.

Balancing work and home life with being a stay at home/working mom has its challenges. I have found that being able to be flexible is the key. One special challenges we face as a family, though, is having my husband out of town for work on a regular basis. We keep in touch by using Skype (great thing) and having nights that we do something special when he is away and again when he comes home.

What does your husband do that requires him to travel so much?
David is a pilot with NetJets and is away several days a month. We like to Skype to fill him in on the day events (school papers, activities, show him new things they have learned since he left, etc.). We like to make sure that he is able to say good night to them when he can.

We are big fans of Charity Chicks. Tell us about your fundraising position, ways we can help you raise funds, and the latest news with CC.
As fundraising coordinator, I am responsible for obtaining funding and/or donated items for our Charity Chick events. If someone would like to consider making a tax deductible donation to one of our events we have throughout the year they can reach me at swilliams@charitychicksnc.com . Our Charity for 2010 is the Community Care Center. Our Chicks have been great with the volunteering and items donated to the center. Way to go Chicks!!! Our 2011 charity has not been determined but interested organizations should go to our website to fill out an application if they wish to be considered.

What smarty tips can you share about finding coupons and bargains online?
I do not have one favorite place on the internet to shop for bargains. Before I head out to the store I will look up a key phrase (such as the store name) with the word "printable coupon" and usually I can manage to find a printable coupon. Coupon Cabin is good site for this.

Favorite place for kids' clothes?
My favorite place to get kids clothes is the outlet malls. With so many stores it is hard not to find a bargain at one. (Can’t wait until the new outlet mall opens in Burlington!!).

Favorite place to splurge on kids' clothes?
Since I really do not like to spend a lot of money on clothes I can say that I will usually splurge at the GAP or Gymboree.

Favorite family activity?
My favorite family activity is to take day trips: Tweetsie, Grandfather Mountain, NC Transportation Museum, Hickory Science Center, SciWorks, NC Zoo, are just a few.

Favorite mommy time?
Doing crafts and baking with the kids.

Favorite lunch place with the kids?
Moe’s!!!

Favorite dinner place with the kids?
Cities Grill and Bar since they have the fountain inside and the projector that flashes different cities around the country.

Favorite date place?
Twin City Chop house. They also offer coupons!!!

Funniest things your kids have said?
My daughter: “Mommy, he barked a spider (means passed gas)” right in front of the man who did it. My son: I was putting my son down the other night and asked him to lay his head down on the pillow he told me “Mommy I have to think about that”.

Favorite park?
Tanglewood. The kids love to go and see the horses!!

Mini van or SUV?
Most definitely SUV. I love my Chevy Traverse!!!

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
All the kid friendly activities and the ability to explore the areas around us.

Best book you've read?
1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Let’s just call it my version of a bucket list. Of course I do have more to add on my bucket list beside the book.

Smarties ways you stay organized?
Write things down.

Who is your hero?
I would have to say my parents are my hero. They have been married for 37 years. I only wish they lived closer so we could see them more.

The one thing that I could not live without...my family!

Great answers, Stacey! Thanks for taking the time to share all your tips and tricks with us today, and I hope to bump into you - and your wonderful family - again soon!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM