Halloween happenings: Trick-or-Treat event at Publix Saturday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

This is something else to do with the kids. Not sure how extensive it will be at each store but if you have to pick something up from the store, might as well do it during 4-7 to get some treats for the kids. Might be nice to do after an early dinner. Enjoy!

Halloween happenings: Trick-or-Treat event at Publix Saturday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: A round-up of Atlanta’s family Halloween events - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I can't beleive how many kid-friendly events there are this weekend! Tons of places to dress up, get candy, do crafts, etc. And the best thing is that most of them are free! Check 'em out:
Halloween happenings: A round-up of Atlanta’s family Halloween events - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Pink Pig preview was AWESOME

Thanks to everyone who came out to support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at their VIP preview of Macy's Pink Pig. It was a great time! My two oldest and I ventured out sans nap to Lenox to check out the Pink Pig and boy oh boy am I glad we did.  It truely was a VIP event!  In addition to the train rides, there was face painting, a balloon artist, a DJ, commemorative photos and a super kid-friendly food buffet, including a delicous table full of all pink and/or pig desserts. (Cotton candy, cookies, and cupcakes...oh my!)

Macy's Pink Pig opens for the season this Saturday, October 30 and runs through January 2, 2011.  A portion of the proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  Make sure you don't miss this Atlanta holiday tradition!

 The food was great, including the dessert buffet shown below.  It's hard to capture the yummyness on camera but believe me...it was good!

 Nina-Rose had so much fun she barely made it out of the parking lot before falling fast asleep.

Halloween happenings: Area malls offer trick or treating this "Malloween" - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I love these events. It makes it so easy. Just take the kids to the mall! It looks like North Point is the best in my opinion though Town Center at Cobb looks good too. I am partial to North Point because of their play area, train, and merry-go-round. They also have good shopping and are not too crowded. Maybe I'll venture out with the kids this Sat and still let them go trick or treating in our neighborhood on Sunday. Get all the info on area mall offerings here:
Halloween happenings: Area malls offer trick or treating this "Malloween" - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Fun for kids and dogs at Atlantic Station’s Howl-O-Ween - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

This looks really fun and I do love walking around Atlantic Station. My only caveat is that my kids are afraid of dogs and I wonder if they will be terrorized. I'm sure every dog will be on a leash but still...Guess we'll just have to play this one by ear. Check out below for more information:
Halloween happenings: Fun for kids and dogs at Atlantic Station’s Howl-O-Ween - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Leapin’ Lizards Halloween Bash - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I have never been to Leapin' Lizards but have heard good things about it. I'm guessing this will be a crowded event as they are planning for 300 kids. But it seems like a good alternative to trick or treating or maybe in addition to the neighborhood romp. Get more details here:

Halloween happenings: Leapin’ Lizards Halloween Bash - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

FREE VIP Preview of Macy’s Pink Pig this Thursday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I can't wait to ride the Pink Pig this year! I remember bringing my 7 month old there 3 years ago. Now I have a 3 year old, 2 year old, and another 7 month old to bring. The kids love it and I love starting traditions with my family. I know we're still a few days away from Halloween but I'm already getting into the Christmas spirit! More info on the FREE preview here:
FREE VIP Preview of Macy’s Pink Pig this Thursday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

St. Regis offers "In The Pink" afternoon tea to support breast cancer awareness - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

The St. Regis is the ultimate in luxury and their tea is no different. I've been to tea just once and would like to go back soon! I would suggest going with a small group though. I went with a large group (about 25) and the service didn't seem as up to St. Regis expectations. I'm a tea conniseuer...LOVE afternoon tea...and this is one of my favorites in Atlanta.
St. Regis offers "In The Pink" afternoon tea to support breast cancer awareness - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Festival on The Mount - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Festival on The Mount - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Review: Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! was a hit in Atlanta - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

We had a great time at this show! It is always a little overwhelming to go anywhere with 3 kids, especially somewhere nice like the Fox, but we were among friends and it was great. No need to worry about my kids standing up or dancing around or being too loud...they fit right in because all the other kids were doing the same things. See more details on the review here:
Review: Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! was a hit in Atlanta - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happening: Family-friendly getaway package at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I have never been to the Lodge (hope to check it out this Fall/winter) but have heard great things about them. They seem to be a more relaxed Ritz and this package is surprisingly affordable. Check it out:
Halloween happening: Family-friendly getaway package at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Free Children’s Storytelling Festival at Mable House Saturday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I've never been to the Mable House but this looks interesting. Good way to mix fun and learning. I think it would be especially good for grade schoolers. Enjoy!

Free Children’s Storytelling Festival at Mable House Saturday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween Happenings: Buckhead YMCA hosts "Spooktacular" this Friday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

Very fun event! Get use out of those costumes!
Halloween Happenings: Buckhead YMCA hosts "Spooktacular" this Friday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Olivia Tea Party at Little Shop of Stories this Sunday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I LOVE Little Shop of Stories and even though it's on the other side of the world from me (ok...the other side of 285), this is something I will think about going to. My 3.5 year old is a big Olivia fan.
Olivia Tea Party at Little Shop of Stories this Sunday - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Goblins in the Garden - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Goblins in the Garden - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! dances into Atlanta this weekend - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

This show looks SO FUN! For more information on tickets (including a discount code that ends TONIGHT) and the VIP Gabba Party Package upgrade click here:
Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! dances into Atlanta this weekend - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Taste of Atlanta uncorks next weekend - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I haven't been to the festival for the last couple years but it looks like fun. $25/person (in advance) is a little steep though...especially when you still have to purchase taste tickets if you want more then the 15 you get with admission. More info here:
Taste of Atlanta uncorks next weekend - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Halloween happenings: Boo at the Zoo - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

This looks really fun. And since we're zoo members now, I want to take advantage and get some extra wear out of the kids' costumes. Bet it is going to be crowded though!

Halloween happenings: Boo at the Zoo - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Phipps Plaza Santa appointments open TODAY - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

So technical difficulties have made getting an appointment tough but it looks like the system is finnally up and running. I got an appointment tonight but most weekends are already gone. Check out the who, what, where, when here:
Phipps Plaza Santa appointments open TODAY - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Center for Puppetry Arts’ Julie Dansby chats with Examiner.com - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I'm looking forward to going to this performance on Saturday. I haven't been to the Center for Puppetry Arts before but I think my kids will love it...OR...they will be scared to death. We'll see! Check out the interview on the head puppeteer:
Center for Puppetry Arts’ Julie Dansby chats with Examiner.com - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Dreamgirls opens in Atlanta to standing ovation - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I had the opportunity to see the opening night of Dreamgirls as it made it's Atanta stop at the Fox Theatre. I was ready for a good show but was more then blown away. If you are looking for a date night suggestion this weekend or a fun girls night out...check out this show. Get more information and details on the show here:
Dreamgirls opens in Atlanta to standing ovation - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Part 2: Finding family-friendliness at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

Part 2 of the review...activities for families and info on the amazing spa. I had the four-handed facial and was able to spend some much needed "mom" time in the self-centered garden just relaxing. As if it couldn't get any better they offered me a yummy ginger ice cream and a pink frosted red velvet cupcake. Nice!

Part 2: Finding family-friendliness at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

Finding family-friendliness at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

I had the opportunity to check out the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach last week and just LOVED it! I was really surprised at how family-friendly it was. I never felt like my kids were a nuisance or that I had to hush them up. Our suite was very comfortable and worked really well for our family of 5. I would highly reccommend this resort if you're looking for a long winter weekend getaway. You don't have to give up luxury hotels just because you've had kids. Yah for that!

Finding family-friendliness at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com

The value of family

Short and sweet...sometimes we take for granted the value of the most important things in our lives.  Our families, whether they be the families we grew up with, or the ones we created through marriage and child birth, hold special, unique places in our hearts.  It's easy to put off those phone calls, forget to send a birthday card, or find a reason not to visit.  "Liking" their facebook status or sending a group text on Christmas does not count as meaningful communication.  I vow, in front of God and my blog readers to make more of an effort to connect with those I love deeply...both the people I see everyday and those who live far across the country. 

I have a crazy busy house and a crazy busy life but if I don't stay connected now, where will I be when my house and my life quiets down?

Will you make the vow with me?

Three can't miss family -friendly events THIS weekend

Looking for a fun time? Want to enjoy the perfect 10 weather? Check out these events this weekend and enjoy!
Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival
This free festival in Harmony Park in Oakhurst Village is taking place this Saturday, October 9, from 10am to 7pm. It is the 13th year for the festival and includes an artists market, live music, good, local food, and a hands-on, active children's area. If that isn't enough, the festival also features a good old fashion parade at 2pm. Harmony Park is located at the corner of East Lake Drive and Oakview Road.
Atlanta Parent Magazine's Family Block Party
The Family Block Party has become a tradition to attend among many of Atlanta's families. And, this is one event that is totally, 100% about the kids. From many bounce houses to pony rides to festival games, there is something for everyone, including babies. There will be over 50 kid-friendly activities including entertainment, storytelling, informational booths, crafts, and more. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Dreamgirls’ Chester Gregory dishes to Examiner.com - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com

Dreamgirls’ Chester Gregory dishes to Examiner.com - Atlanta Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner.com