May 1, 2024 • 21 mins
Join us as we delve into the unique world of Midwest parenting with Sierra Stuart and Alyssa Williams, of Quad Cities Mom. They share their journey of creating a digital space for parents, filled with practical tips, personal stories, and a directory of family resources. From toddler tantrums to family outings, we discuss the resources Quad Cities Mom offers to readers, and the community they've built to support and laugh together through the journey of parenthood. Sierra and Alyssa's commitment to supporting families shines through as we explore the chaotic yet rewarding experience of parenthood together. Whether you're dealing with nap schedules or teenage drama, this episode offers understanding and support for every parent out there.
Find more on their website: https://qcmoms.com/
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
When moms are, you know,stressed to the max and they
don't want to have to find.
You know where can I watchfireworks this weekend or what
parks should I go to that havethese amenities.
We wanted to put that alltogether into one spot so that
way it makes a mom's life, or afamily's life, so much easier,
without them standing or sittingbehind their computer for hours
(00:23):
and not being able to bepresent with their families at
home.
Intro (00:29):
Where do you find a family of communities connected
by the storied Mississippi River, where young explorers and
dreamers, investors andentrepreneurs thrive?
Where can you connect with realpeople living and creating in a
place that's as genuine as itis quirky QC?
That's where.
Host (00:52):
Welcome to QC.
That's where I'm, Katrina, yourhost, and I am so excited today
to be talking to Sierra Stewartand Alyssa Williams with Quad
Cities.
Mom, Welcome you guys.
How are you?
Guest (01:03):
Good, thank you, Hi.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for having us.
Host (01:07):
I'm so pumped to talk to you guys because I know that
Quad Cities Mom has been aroundfor a long time.
It's made some changes, it'sevolved, and I would love to
have you both kind of talk aboutwhat you do with Quad Cities
Mom and if you could kind ofdivulge on what it is as a
digital marketing and ad agency.
Guest (01:29):
Yeah, so Quad City Moms was founded in 2011.
And a lot of people actuallyknow it as the Quad City Moms
blog, and so, with the businessbeing around for so long, it has
gone through quite a fewdifferent changes and has
evolved and become more, butit's always maintained that main
(01:49):
goal to support and encouragemoms.
So, from Quad City Moms blog toQuad City Moms, we are still
here for those real deal momentsof our families, and our goal
is to always support andenlighten and chuckle alongside
moms and families in our area.
Host (02:08):
You mentioned chuckle and I have to like double down on
that.
But I agree, I was looking at Ifollow you guys on Facebook and
I was looking at you know kindof some of the recent things and
there's some really there'ssome super helpful blogs Like
that is, I think, the meat andbones of the content.
Like there's helpful stuff,there's camaraderie and then, as
(02:30):
you're digging through, there'slike that really relatable meme
you know there's.
There's the one about like whenyou're on a Zoom call and
you're just looking at your ownface or you know the way you ask
for apple juice and then in aquick decision, I'll have a
Bloody Mary instead.
You know, just like moms flyingby the seat of our pants like
(02:51):
really relatable content.
But also you can cater to thatfamily dynamic of all ages and
then just like people living andworking and playing in the Quad
Cities.
Guest (2) (03:04):
Yeah, that's something that I love that we do
is that a lot of peopletoddlers get a lot of attention,
but it's important that youknow the older kids and the
teens like they are still yourkids and they do still need
things to do, and so we alsooffer resources for not just the
(03:28):
toddler era of your life, butalso things to do with your
teens and you know parentingperspectives on when your teen
is starting to drive and whatrelatable content on you know
moms that have already gonethrough that that that's super
helpful too because, like I said, it's not your.
Your kids grow up and it's notjust about the toddlers.
Host (03:52):
Yeah, awesome point.
Um, I'm definitely in thattoddler phase right now with a
uh one, a one and a half yearold and a three year old, so all
of that toddler content isspeaking directly to my soul.
But then I, you know, kind ofperusing the site, I see you
know a mom's firsthand accountof trying to tackle homeschool,
(04:13):
you know, with her elementaryschool age kids.
Or you know family friendlyparks, a nice collective of
places to explore, so yeah, thatall that content is super
widespread to help a variety offamily dynamic.
Um, how did you both personallyget involved with Quad Cities,
(04:34):
mom, and like what drew you toit?
Guest (2) (04:37):
I have followed on socials for a long time.
You know I'm a mom in the QuadCities and if you are, you have
heard of us.
If not, then go give us afollow.
But it was a couple of yearsago and there was an open call
for contributors and when thathappened I jumped on it and I
(04:58):
have been a full force sincethen and it is.
It's just so much fun.
I love it so much.
Guest (05:06):
And I think for me, the biggest thing is, as the owner,
is making sure that we areproviding a resource and, you
know, that digital platform formoms of all ages.
You know we have moms in theirearly 20s with maybe their first
kid, and then we have moms whoare helping their kids, you know
, sending them off to college orthey're getting married, and so
(05:28):
I think it's really making surethat we do have that platform,
and that was something that isso important to me is to make
sure that when moms are stressedto the max and they don't wanna
have to find where can I watchfireworks this weekend or what
parks should I go to that havethese amenities.
(05:48):
We wanted to put that alltogether into one spot so that
way, it makes a mom's life or afamily's life so much easier,
without them standing or sittingbehind their computer for hours
and not being able to bepresent with their families at
home.
Host (06:06):
That's a great point.
That's a great point Like sovisit quadcitiescom.
Obviously we have priorities.
Family friendly is a priority.
You know, we we say we putfamily first.
We're all in for families.
So a lot of content aroundvisit quadcitiescom can be
(06:27):
catered to families, you know,with young children, young
children or, you know, preteens,kind of that scope, but, you
know, obviously kind of coveringthe entire community.
We're trying to give somethingfor everybody, every age moms,
dads, not, you know, whateveryour situation is.
So it is really nice.
It's a great benefit that youguys offer the community to have
(06:49):
this more like catered contentbase for the motherhood journey,
you know, or people who are,you know, in that kind of
guardianship, or looking forfamily advice or camaraderie.
(07:10):
So it is just so nice.
And do you guys find that youhave a popular piece of content
that people come to you for orthat they gravitate to?
Guest (07:21):
So one of our biggest pieces and it's a seasonal piece
and it's very like it's nottimely for the current season
but it's about the holiday trainand so it's really interesting
for the current season, but it'sabout the holiday train and so
it's really.
It's really interesting to seethat one, but the other ones
would be like our park guides um, our school summer camp.
Guest (2) (07:41):
Yeah yeah, we get a lot of questions about summer
camps and that's our one of ourmost popular guides.
Um, it's ranked number one inGoogle search for a few years.
If you just type in Quad CitySummer Camp, our website pops up
and same with preschools.
It's also been in the topsearch results for years.
Host (08:02):
That's a huge question we get as well, and the writing
that's on your site is that acollective of like volunteers.
Guest (2) (08:10):
How do you source all of that we do a lot of it when
it comes to the resource guidesand events, but we do have guest
writers for the parentingperspectives, tips and tricks
(08:32):
recommended readings, stuff likethat.
Guest (08:36):
So where are each of you in your motherhood journey?
Yeah, so I am a mom and I havethree kiddos, um, the our oldest
is 15, and then we have asix-year-old and a four-year-old
, um, and my 15 yearold is mystepson, and so I think that
that kind of shined a differentperspective on, you know, my
parenting journey.
(08:57):
And then you know, there's alittle bit of gap in there too.
So you know, just understandingthat, you know sometimes we
have different plans with onekid and then the others, and so
the calendar portion on thewebsite is really good for being
able to find events that arehappening, um, you know, for
(09:17):
different ages of our kiddos.
Guest (2) (09:20):
Yeah, I also have an age gap.
My oldest is seven and mydaughter is one, so, um, it can
get tricky on catering to theirindividual needs as far as um
things to do.
(09:41):
But, um, it is a lot of fun tosee how the older brother can
take care of his little sisterand it's definitely it's a
change.
I mean she has completely madeour family whole, like we have
the boy and the girl.
(10:01):
We get asked all the time, areyou going to have any more?
And it's like absolutely notLove them, but we're good that
is so interesting that age gap.
Host (10:12):
I grew up in a family with a pretty massive age gap.
There's like almost eight yearsbetween me and my older sister
and you know we found ways to dothings as a family and, like
you know, my older brother andsister found ways to include me,
even though I was just a, asmall tot for many years.
(10:32):
Um, but it is kind of aninteresting challenge to try and
appeal to the interests of, youknow, a, a four-year-old and an
11-year-old or whatever at thesame time.
So, like, do you have any tipsor tricks or things that you
found a way to like get aroundthat challenge?
Guest (2) (10:59):
So, like Alyssa mentioned, we have our calendar
on our site that we keep updatedwith events in the area, and so
for me personally, I homeschoolmy son, so it's helpful when we
go to the library and they haveevents for, like, older kids
and I can kind of leave him inthat area and then I just take
(11:21):
my daughter to the librarychildren's portion of it so she
can play with the toys there.
Yeah, read books and then we goback and pick them up.
But then there's also, like inthe summer months, it's getting
warmer and splash pads areperfect for that.
We have a list on our websiteof all the local splash pads too
(11:44):
, so that's really helpful.
A lot of people haven't heardof ones.
They're also redoing quite afew here in the Quad Cities, so
we're looking forward to that.
Host (11:54):
So let's talk Quad Cities for a minute.
So you know we're all in forfamily, family first, family
friendly.
I think so many people wouldagree that it's a great place to
raise a family.
It's the perfect sizedcommunity with, you know, kind
of the bundle of cities allwrapped around the Mississippi
River.
There's outdoor stuff, there'screative stuff you know we say
(12:15):
that we are the creative capitalof the Midwest and we have, you
know, arguments to back that up.
There's museums, there's somuch live, you know, live
entertainment and family focusedactivities that you can get
involved in.
So what are maybe some of yourfavorite things to take your
(12:36):
kids to?
Or even, you know, like, getout of the house and just have
like a, a solo mom day?
Guest (2) (12:44):
That's always needed and never enough time for that.
Host (12:49):
Right, like I don't even have an answer for that Cause, I
don't, I don't.
Guest (2) (12:52):
I'm like, um, I'm gonna go sit in my car, and
that's honestly what I'm doingright now, because my husband
came home early from work towatch the kids inside and I had
to sit in my car to get somequiet.
So, but for outside family fun,I think what's really cool is
that the Quad Cities has a lotof outdoor skate parks, and I
know that, like Crow Creek isthat the Quad Cities has a lot
(13:12):
of outdoor skate parks and Iknow that, like Crow Creek is
probably a really known one, butthere are some as far as, like
Clinton and Eldridge.
There's skate parks all over.
They're a little bit for maybe,older kids, but I think that's
fun that maybe a lot of peopledon't know about.
Um, there's really great trailshere in the quad cities and
(13:35):
that's another thing that we dowith um.
The age gap is that, uh, my sonis learning how to ride his
bike and then my daughter is onthe back of my husband's bike
and I'm usually way far behindor way ahead, because training
wheels are a nightmare.
Um, but, and there's also tonsof free family activities in the
(13:56):
area.
Um, you know, like youmentioned, there's um summer
concerts are coming up.
Um, they actually start withinthe next couple of weeks, we'll
have a guide to summer concertsin the area.
There's outdoor movies thathappen in the summer.
There is the uh quad city artshas the sculptures and murals,
(14:21):
and so that's always somethingfun that you can do with your
kids as like a scavenger hunttype of thing.
Host (14:26):
Um, and great instagram backdrops yeah, you're so right
about the like photoopportunities on um, on our art
trail.
So, this quad cities, we have aproduct that we are, um, we're
on year two of I want to saywe're.
So if you're listening to thispodcast in the future, it is
(14:46):
April of 2024.
Um, so we are like feeling thespringtime and people are
starting to get back outside,which is really nice.
So the inspiration for stuff toget outside and do is really
coming in quickly and we'rereally excited to, um, you know,
help people find things to doand support, um, our you know
local businesses.
In that way things are thrivingagain.
(15:08):
So, as I was saying, um, the QCpublic art trail is something
that we've worked on with QuadCity Arts, that kind of just,
you know, it's like thatscavenger hunt kind of reward
system you go in, you check, youget some like gratification,
you can take a picture and justkind of like check the boxes off
of all of these really amazingpublic art around the community
(15:30):
that you know people may noteven know it's just right in
your backyard.
Amazing public art around thecommunity that you know people
may not even know it's justright in your backyard, you know
you'll see a sculpture on abike path or you know a mural on
a viaduct that you didn't knowwas there before.
So it's really fun.
So QC Public Art Trail is oneway that you can enjoy that, and
then also the collective thatyou guys have on your website
(15:50):
and then for free, likeactivities.
We also have the QC family pass, and when I say free, it's not
all free, but there's like logodeals and there's like discounts
at least.
So for the frugal families welike to contribute in that way,
and I know that you guys havedone a great job of pinpointing
(16:13):
what those like free or you knowmore like less impactful.
Guest (2) (16:18):
Budget friendly.
Host (16:20):
Thank you, that is, budget friendly activities, because
you know it's a lot, especiallywhen you're, you know, raising a
larger family, multiple kiddos,you want to make sure they're
having experiences and enjoyingthemselves, but you're not like,
okay, guys, we can only do onething this month.
Guest (2) (16:37):
I know we got McDonald's yesterday and it was
$30 for the four of us and I'mlike this is not.
This is like sit down dollars.
It's crazy.
Host (16:48):
We're all going to go in and we're going to play in the
play place.
Guest (2) (16:51):
Yes, so for moms, um, what I can, what would be great
, um is we have a list of brunchspots, um, and then also our
guide to local coffee shops, um,which is huge for moms that
survive on caffeine moms thatsurvive on caffeine Too, true,
(17:20):
yeah, um.
Host (17:20):
Yes, I saw your brunch spot um list.
So is that, was that likemother's day specific, or is
that kind of just ongoinganytime throughout the year?
Guest (2) (17:25):
We have a one for mother's day specifically.
It has um places to eat formother's day brunch, as well as
mother's day events happening inthe next couple of weeks, um,
but we do have a Sunday brunchlist as well.
That's year round Awesome.
Host (17:45):
Yeah, finding that time is so important.
I mean, even if it's like 20minutes, you know, like up in
your room or something to getjust to pull away.
Um, you know, I think that'sone thing that, um, you know,
moms and parents in general kindof neglect is, you know, you're
taking care of everybody andyou've you're you gotta be
(18:07):
attentive to everybody's needsand it's like, you know, you
have to kind of fill your owncup back up to be able to pour
others Right.
So you know, on your eventscalendar, um, on your website,
there's there's family stuff.
Um, is there also, like youknow, like adult only events or
gatherings or anything?
Guest (2) (18:30):
There are, so we try our best to keep it updated
ourselves, but we do also askbusinesses and people that if
they have an event going on thatthey are more than welcome to
submit that on our calendar atany time.
Host (18:46):
That's awesome, that's so helpful.
But yeah, so anything elseabout like Quad Cities, mom,
that you know maybe people wouldbe surprised to know about, or
that you'd like to kind of getthe word out about a little, Um,
yeah, so we have our newsletterthat comes out every Sunday
night.
Guest (2) (19:06):
So if you miss, if you're on a social media break,
um break and you still wantcontent on your phone, we send
out our weekly newsletter thathas all of our recent articles
and everything that we'reposting on socials and that's
available on our website.
And we also do tons ofgiveaways.
(19:27):
We have our Mother's Day giftbasket giveaway coming up, and
then in the next few monthswe'll have tons of other fun
stuff that local businesses havedonated for some giveaways.
So we're really excited forthat.
Host (19:43):
That's awesome.
Thank you guys for all that youdo in the community.
I know you're a great resourceand we're very lucky to have it.
How can people best follow youguys on on social?
Obviously, signing up for thatnewsletter would be great, and
then um your website.
Guest (2) (20:01):
Yep, so we're Quad Cities.
Mom on Facebook and Instagram.
Host (20:06):
And the site is qcmomcom.
It's plural, it's QC moms, moms.
Okay, I will, if you'relistening to this podcast, go
ahead and look in thedescription.
I'll make sure that all ofthose handles and that website
is linked so that you can findan easy click.
So follow them.
They are fun, they are helpful.
Thank you guys so much forbeing on this podcast.
(20:29):
I could talk mom and parentingstuff all day long, so I really
appreciate your time.
I know you all are very busy.
I would love to have you nowfill in the blank QC.
Guest (2) (20:46):
That's where you see, that's where we connect
families with local businesses.
Host (20:53):
I love it.
Sierra Alyssa, thank you both,so, so much.
We will make sure to link allof these socials and website and
hope to see you guys around theQC.
Intro (21:06):
Thanks for listening to QC.
That's when a podcast poweredby Visit Quad Cities Text
VISITQC to 38314 for insiderevents, activities and updates
sent straight to your phone.
That's V-I-S-I-T-Q-C, one wordto 38314.
(21:26):
Message and data rates mayapply.
When moms are, you know,stressed to the max and they
don't want to have to find.
You know where can I watchfireworks this weekend or what
parks should I go to that havethese amenities.
We wanted to put that alltogether into one spot so that
way it makes a mom's life, or afamily's life, so much easier,
without them standing or sittingbehind their computer for hours
(00:23):
and not being able to bepresent with their families at
home.
Intro (00:29):
Where do you find a family of communities connected
by the storied Mississippi River, where young explorers and
dreamers, investors andentrepreneurs thrive?
Where can you connect with realpeople living and creating in a
place that's as genuine as itis quirky QC?
That's where.
Host (00:52):
Welcome to QC.
That's where I'm, Katrina, yourhost, and I am so excited today
to be talking to Sierra Stewartand Alyssa Williams with Quad
Cities.
Mom, Welcome you guys.
How are you?
Guest (01:03):
Good, thank you, Hi.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for having us.
Host (01:07):
I'm so pumped to talk to you guys because I know that
Quad Cities Mom has been aroundfor a long time.
It's made some changes, it'sevolved, and I would love to
have you both kind of talk aboutwhat you do with Quad Cities
Mom and if you could kind ofdivulge on what it is as a
digital marketing and ad agency.
Guest (01:29):
Yeah, so Quad City Moms was founded in 2011.
And a lot of people actuallyknow it as the Quad City Moms
blog, and so, with the businessbeing around for so long, it has
gone through quite a fewdifferent changes and has
evolved and become more, butit's always maintained that main
(01:49):
goal to support and encouragemoms.
So, from Quad City Moms blog toQuad City Moms, we are still
here for those real deal momentsof our families, and our goal
is to always support andenlighten and chuckle alongside
moms and families in our area.
Host (02:08):
You mentioned chuckle and I have to like double down on
that.
But I agree, I was looking at Ifollow you guys on Facebook and
I was looking at you know kindof some of the recent things and
there's some really there'ssome super helpful blogs Like
that is, I think, the meat andbones of the content.
Like there's helpful stuff,there's camaraderie and then, as
(02:30):
you're digging through, there'slike that really relatable meme
you know there's.
There's the one about like whenyou're on a Zoom call and
you're just looking at your ownface or you know the way you ask
for apple juice and then in aquick decision, I'll have a
Bloody Mary instead.
You know, just like moms flyingby the seat of our pants like
(02:51):
really relatable content.
But also you can cater to thatfamily dynamic of all ages and
then just like people living andworking and playing in the Quad
Cities.
Guest (2) (03:04):
Yeah, that's something that I love that we do
is that a lot of peopletoddlers get a lot of attention,
but it's important that youknow the older kids and the
teens like they are still yourkids and they do still need
things to do, and so we alsooffer resources for not just the
(03:28):
toddler era of your life, butalso things to do with your
teens and you know parentingperspectives on when your teen
is starting to drive and whatrelatable content on you know
moms that have already gonethrough that that that's super
helpful too because, like I said, it's not your.
Your kids grow up and it's notjust about the toddlers.
Host (03:52):
Yeah, awesome point.
Um, I'm definitely in thattoddler phase right now with a
uh one, a one and a half yearold and a three year old, so all
of that toddler content isspeaking directly to my soul.
But then I, you know, kind ofperusing the site, I see you
know a mom's firsthand accountof trying to tackle homeschool,
(04:13):
you know, with her elementaryschool age kids.
Or you know family friendlyparks, a nice collective of
places to explore, so yeah, thatall that content is super
widespread to help a variety offamily dynamic.
Um, how did you both personallyget involved with Quad Cities,
(04:34):
mom, and like what drew you toit?
Guest (2) (04:37):
I have followed on socials for a long time.
You know I'm a mom in the QuadCities and if you are, you have
heard of us.
If not, then go give us afollow.
But it was a couple of yearsago and there was an open call
for contributors and when thathappened I jumped on it and I
(04:58):
have been a full force sincethen and it is.
It's just so much fun.
I love it so much.
Guest (05:06):
And I think for me, the biggest thing is, as the owner,
is making sure that we areproviding a resource and, you
know, that digital platform formoms of all ages.
You know we have moms in theirearly 20s with maybe their first
kid, and then we have moms whoare helping their kids, you know
, sending them off to college orthey're getting married, and so
(05:28):
I think it's really making surethat we do have that platform,
and that was something that isso important to me is to make
sure that when moms are stressedto the max and they don't wanna
have to find where can I watchfireworks this weekend or what
parks should I go to that havethese amenities.
(05:48):
We wanted to put that alltogether into one spot so that
way, it makes a mom's life or afamily's life so much easier,
without them standing or sittingbehind their computer for hours
and not being able to bepresent with their families at
home.
Host (06:06):
That's a great point.
That's a great point Like sovisit quadcitiescom.
Obviously we have priorities.
Family friendly is a priority.
You know, we we say we putfamily first.
We're all in for families.
So a lot of content aroundvisit quadcitiescom can be
(06:27):
catered to families, you know,with young children, young
children or, you know, preteens,kind of that scope, but, you
know, obviously kind of coveringthe entire community.
We're trying to give somethingfor everybody, every age moms,
dads, not, you know, whateveryour situation is.
So it is really nice.
It's a great benefit that youguys offer the community to have
(06:49):
this more like catered contentbase for the motherhood journey,
you know, or people who are,you know, in that kind of
guardianship, or looking forfamily advice or camaraderie.
(07:10):
So it is just so nice.
And do you guys find that youhave a popular piece of content
that people come to you for orthat they gravitate to?
Guest (07:21):
So one of our biggest pieces and it's a seasonal piece
and it's very like it's nottimely for the current season
but it's about the holiday trainand so it's really interesting
for the current season, but it'sabout the holiday train and so
it's really.
It's really interesting to seethat one, but the other ones
would be like our park guides um, our school summer camp.
Guest (2) (07:41):
Yeah yeah, we get a lot of questions about summer
camps and that's our one of ourmost popular guides.
Um, it's ranked number one inGoogle search for a few years.
If you just type in Quad CitySummer Camp, our website pops up
and same with preschools.
It's also been in the topsearch results for years.
Host (08:02):
That's a huge question we get as well, and the writing
that's on your site is that acollective of like volunteers.
Guest (2) (08:10):
How do you source all of that we do a lot of it when
it comes to the resource guidesand events, but we do have guest
writers for the parentingperspectives, tips and tricks
(08:32):
recommended readings, stuff likethat.
Guest (08:36):
So where are each of you in your motherhood journey?
Yeah, so I am a mom and I havethree kiddos, um, the our oldest
is 15, and then we have asix-year-old and a four-year-old
, um, and my 15 yearold is mystepson, and so I think that
that kind of shined a differentperspective on, you know, my
parenting journey.
(08:57):
And then you know, there's alittle bit of gap in there too.
So you know, just understandingthat, you know sometimes we
have different plans with onekid and then the others, and so
the calendar portion on thewebsite is really good for being
able to find events that arehappening, um, you know, for
(09:17):
different ages of our kiddos.
Guest (2) (09:20):
Yeah, I also have an age gap.
My oldest is seven and mydaughter is one, so, um, it can
get tricky on catering to theirindividual needs as far as um
things to do.
(09:41):
But, um, it is a lot of fun tosee how the older brother can
take care of his little sisterand it's definitely it's a
change.
I mean she has completely madeour family whole, like we have
the boy and the girl.
(10:01):
We get asked all the time, areyou going to have any more?
And it's like absolutely notLove them, but we're good that
is so interesting that age gap.
Host (10:12):
I grew up in a family with a pretty massive age gap.
There's like almost eight yearsbetween me and my older sister
and you know we found ways to dothings as a family and, like
you know, my older brother andsister found ways to include me,
even though I was just a, asmall tot for many years.
(10:32):
Um, but it is kind of aninteresting challenge to try and
appeal to the interests of, youknow, a, a four-year-old and an
11-year-old or whatever at thesame time.
So, like, do you have any tipsor tricks or things that you
found a way to like get aroundthat challenge?
Guest (2) (10:59):
So, like Alyssa mentioned, we have our calendar
on our site that we keep updatedwith events in the area, and so
for me personally, I homeschoolmy son, so it's helpful when we
go to the library and they haveevents for, like, older kids
and I can kind of leave him inthat area and then I just take
(11:21):
my daughter to the librarychildren's portion of it so she
can play with the toys there.
Yeah, read books and then we goback and pick them up.
But then there's also, like inthe summer months, it's getting
warmer and splash pads areperfect for that.
We have a list on our websiteof all the local splash pads too
(11:44):
, so that's really helpful.
A lot of people haven't heardof ones.
They're also redoing quite afew here in the Quad Cities, so
we're looking forward to that.
Host (11:54):
So let's talk Quad Cities for a minute.
So you know we're all in forfamily, family first, family
friendly.
I think so many people wouldagree that it's a great place to
raise a family.
It's the perfect sizedcommunity with, you know, kind
of the bundle of cities allwrapped around the Mississippi
River.
There's outdoor stuff, there'screative stuff you know we say
(12:15):
that we are the creative capitalof the Midwest and we have, you
know, arguments to back that up.
There's museums, there's somuch live, you know, live
entertainment and family focusedactivities that you can get
involved in.
So what are maybe some of yourfavorite things to take your
(12:36):
kids to?
Or even, you know, like, getout of the house and just have
like a, a solo mom day?
Guest (2) (12:44):
That's always needed and never enough time for that.
Host (12:49):
Right, like I don't even have an answer for that Cause, I
don't, I don't.
Guest (2) (12:52):
I'm like, um, I'm gonna go sit in my car, and
that's honestly what I'm doingright now, because my husband
came home early from work towatch the kids inside and I had
to sit in my car to get somequiet.
So, but for outside family fun,I think what's really cool is
that the Quad Cities has a lotof outdoor skate parks, and I
know that, like Crow Creek isthat the Quad Cities has a lot
(13:12):
of outdoor skate parks and Iknow that, like Crow Creek is
probably a really known one, butthere are some as far as, like
Clinton and Eldridge.
There's skate parks all over.
They're a little bit for maybe,older kids, but I think that's
fun that maybe a lot of peopledon't know about.
Um, there's really great trailshere in the quad cities and
(13:35):
that's another thing that we dowith um.
The age gap is that, uh, my sonis learning how to ride his
bike and then my daughter is onthe back of my husband's bike
and I'm usually way far behindor way ahead, because training
wheels are a nightmare.
Um, but, and there's also tonsof free family activities in the
(13:56):
area.
Um, you know, like youmentioned, there's um summer
concerts are coming up.
Um, they actually start withinthe next couple of weeks, we'll
have a guide to summer concertsin the area.
There's outdoor movies thathappen in the summer.
There is the uh quad city artshas the sculptures and murals,
(14:21):
and so that's always somethingfun that you can do with your
kids as like a scavenger hunttype of thing.
Host (14:26):
Um, and great instagram backdrops yeah, you're so right
about the like photoopportunities on um, on our art
trail.
So, this quad cities, we have aproduct that we are, um, we're
on year two of I want to saywe're.
So if you're listening to thispodcast in the future, it is
(14:46):
April of 2024.
Um, so we are like feeling thespringtime and people are
starting to get back outside,which is really nice.
So the inspiration for stuff toget outside and do is really
coming in quickly and we'rereally excited to, um, you know,
help people find things to doand support, um, our you know
local businesses.
In that way things are thrivingagain.
(15:08):
So, as I was saying, um, the QCpublic art trail is something
that we've worked on with QuadCity Arts, that kind of just,
you know, it's like thatscavenger hunt kind of reward
system you go in, you check, youget some like gratification,
you can take a picture and justkind of like check the boxes off
of all of these really amazingpublic art around the community
(15:30):
that you know people may noteven know it's just right in
your backyard.
Amazing public art around thecommunity that you know people
may not even know it's justright in your backyard, you know
you'll see a sculpture on abike path or you know a mural on
a viaduct that you didn't knowwas there before.
So it's really fun.
So QC Public Art Trail is oneway that you can enjoy that, and
then also the collective thatyou guys have on your website
(15:50):
and then for free, likeactivities.
We also have the QC family pass, and when I say free, it's not
all free, but there's like logodeals and there's like discounts
at least.
So for the frugal families welike to contribute in that way,
and I know that you guys havedone a great job of pinpointing
(16:13):
what those like free or you knowmore like less impactful.
Guest (2) (16:18):
Budget friendly.
Host (16:20):
Thank you, that is, budget friendly activities, because
you know it's a lot, especiallywhen you're, you know, raising a
larger family, multiple kiddos,you want to make sure they're
having experiences and enjoyingthemselves, but you're not like,
okay, guys, we can only do onething this month.
Guest (2) (16:37):
I know we got McDonald's yesterday and it was
$30 for the four of us and I'mlike this is not.
This is like sit down dollars.
It's crazy.
Host (16:48):
We're all going to go in and we're going to play in the
play place.
Guest (2) (16:51):
Yes, so for moms, um, what I can, what would be great
, um is we have a list of brunchspots, um, and then also our
guide to local coffee shops, um,which is huge for moms that
survive on caffeine moms thatsurvive on caffeine Too, true,
(17:20):
yeah, um.
Host (17:20):
Yes, I saw your brunch spot um list.
So is that, was that likemother's day specific, or is
that kind of just ongoinganytime throughout the year?
Guest (2) (17:25):
We have a one for mother's day specifically.
It has um places to eat formother's day brunch, as well as
mother's day events happening inthe next couple of weeks, um,
but we do have a Sunday brunchlist as well.
That's year round Awesome.
Host (17:45):
Yeah, finding that time is so important.
I mean, even if it's like 20minutes, you know, like up in
your room or something to getjust to pull away.
Um, you know, I think that'sone thing that, um, you know,
moms and parents in general kindof neglect is, you know, you're
taking care of everybody andyou've you're you gotta be
(18:07):
attentive to everybody's needsand it's like, you know, you
have to kind of fill your owncup back up to be able to pour
others Right.
So you know, on your eventscalendar, um, on your website,
there's there's family stuff.
Um, is there also, like youknow, like adult only events or
gatherings or anything?
Guest (2) (18:30):
There are, so we try our best to keep it updated
ourselves, but we do also askbusinesses and people that if
they have an event going on thatthey are more than welcome to
submit that on our calendar atany time.
Host (18:46):
That's awesome, that's so helpful.
But yeah, so anything elseabout like Quad Cities, mom,
that you know maybe people wouldbe surprised to know about, or
that you'd like to kind of getthe word out about a little, Um,
yeah, so we have our newsletterthat comes out every Sunday
night.
Guest (2) (19:06):
So if you miss, if you're on a social media break,
um break and you still wantcontent on your phone, we send
out our weekly newsletter thathas all of our recent articles
and everything that we'reposting on socials and that's
available on our website.
And we also do tons ofgiveaways.
(19:27):
We have our Mother's Day giftbasket giveaway coming up, and
then in the next few monthswe'll have tons of other fun
stuff that local businesses havedonated for some giveaways.
So we're really excited forthat.
Host (19:43):
That's awesome.
Thank you guys for all that youdo in the community.
I know you're a great resourceand we're very lucky to have it.
How can people best follow youguys on on social?
Obviously, signing up for thatnewsletter would be great, and
then um your website.
Guest (2) (20:01):
Yep, so we're Quad Cities.
Mom on Facebook and Instagram.
Host (20:06):
And the site is qcmomcom.
It's plural, it's QC moms, moms.
Okay, I will, if you'relistening to this podcast, go
ahead and look in thedescription.
I'll make sure that all ofthose handles and that website
is linked so that you can findan easy click.
So follow them.
They are fun, they are helpful.
Thank you guys so much forbeing on this podcast.
(20:29):
I could talk mom and parentingstuff all day long, so I really
appreciate your time.
I know you all are very busy.
I would love to have you nowfill in the blank QC.
Guest (2) (20:46):
That's where you see, that's where we connect
families with local businesses.
Host (20:53):
I love it.
Sierra Alyssa, thank you both,so, so much.
We will make sure to link allof these socials and website and
hope to see you guys around theQC.
Intro (21:06):
Thanks for listening to QC.
That's when a podcast poweredby Visit Quad Cities Text
VISITQC to 38314 for insiderevents, activities and updates
sent straight to your phone.
That's V-I-S-I-T-Q-C, one wordto 38314.
(21:26):
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