My Oral B "Mommy Party"

I was lucky enough to be chosen to have an Oral B "Mommy Party" by MomsSelect.  Now I know "oral health" may not sound super exciting but being able to give your friends goody bags full of things they actually want and need really is fun!  Besides, I will take any reason to get together with other moms.

I was able to combine this party with the end of the year celebration for one of the moms groups I am in.  We get together twice a month to eat, dish, and eat some more while the kids play.  It's always a highlight of my week.  This week, we had a holiday theme and included crafts for the kids, door prizes, and of course, the great Oral B goody bags.  We had 11 moms, 25 children and all had one great time!


We were supposed to watch the new "Winnie the Pooh" movie and I even had little popcorn containers thanks to Oral B, but the kids were not interested at all in moving away from the toy area.  There were too many new toys for them to play with and too many yummy treats to eat.  They didn't seem to miss it one bit.

Each guest was able to leave with a goody bag and everyone was really excited about them.  It seems like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and body wash are all things we moms run out of quickly.  The coupons for additional products were also a nice touch, and the characters on the products got the kids excited.  My daughter immediately brushed her teeth with the "princess" toothpaste.


All in all, it was a great morning, a fun get together, and an awesome way to say "Merry Christmas" to all.


                                                                                   






I didn't receive any compensation for this post but was given goods to give out as well as keep for myself.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Get ready for the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration

Christmas is almost here but I'm already thinking of the next holiday.  No...not New Year's or MLK Day or President's Day.  One of the biggest holidays of the year in my book...the Super Bowl!


I love football, well more specifically, I love NFL football when the Green Bay Packers are playing.  As the reigning Super Bowl champs they are well-positioned to do it again in 2012 and I will be watching, waiting, and cheering them on.  I have never been to a Super Bowl but I would love make it to Indianapolis this year to (hopefully) cheer on my Packers but also because I learned about this super cool NFL-sanctioned Super Bowl Gospel Celebration the Friday before the Super Bowl. 


Celebrating 13 years of inspiration, this event transcends the traditional Super Bowl Weekend activity, bringing together top NFL players and Grammy Award-winning artists together on one stage, for one night, on one accord. And you can bet that no one will be arrested after this party!

Though the star-studded line-up for the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will be announced next month, there will bound to be top name players and music icons performing and making appearances.  Past events have boasted marquee players like Donovan McNabb, Ray Lewis, Cris Carter, John Elway, Darrell Green, and Coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith, and music  icons including Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Jaci Velasquez, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker and many others.

Tim Brown and Antwaan Randle El at the 2011 event

The event also serves as a fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds benefiting national and local charities. To date, more than $400,000 and 5,000 tickets have been donated.

MORE INFORMATION

WHERE: Clowes Memorial Hall on Butler University, Indianapolis, IN

WHEN: Friday, February 3, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $39 (additional service fees and taxes are extra) and are available at Ticketmaster locations in Indianapolis, www.Ticketmaster.com, Clowes Memorial Hall or by visiting www.superbowlgospel.com. 

For event updates on the 13^th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, including must-see NFL players and artists, visit www.superbowlgospel.com or follow the event on www.twitter.com/SuperBowlGospel and facebook.com/SuperBowlGospel. You can also join in on the fun online during the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Twitter Party this Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 9pm-10pm EST by following @SuperBowlGospel and hashtag#SuperBowlGC. Prizes will be given out during the duration of the party.

Win $30 to spend at PaperCoterie.com!

Have you heard about PaperCoterie.com?  If not...where have you been?  It is only the coolest, hippest photobook/memento/decor creating site out there.  It takes making photo books to the next level.  From unique designs to unique items (love their "memory keepers"), they really let you create something special with your photos.

One of the coolest things I've seen on their site is the Prompt Me! service.  Once you sign up for it, they create a book using your responses to unique questions, prompts, and photos.  This is the perfect book for people who are really looking to capture their lives and to go beyond status updates and Twitpics.

If you haven't had the chance to check this site out (or even if you have), now is the time!  I am giving away FOUR gift certificates worth $30.  But hurry...these certificates expire December 31, 2011!  This giveaway will be a quick one.  It will run from now until Thursday, December 14 at 8pm.  I will email the winners the gift codes that night so you can get started on your project and still get it in time for Christmas.

To enter, please leave a comment below letting me know what kind of memories you are looking to keep this year.  Is it your trip to Disney?  A new baby?  Maybe a graduation or a new move?  I want to hear it!

Enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center was not a place I thought of to bring my family this holiday season. I thought my kids were too young, or I had too many of them, or it would just be too expensive. But boy was I wrong!

This past Saturday I was invited to bring my family to the Woodruff Arts Center and check out some of their activities. I made sure that my kids (3 under the age of 5) were welcome and the answer was a resounding "yes!".

We were treated to the Breakfast with Santa (December 17, 9:30AM; Adults: $30, Children: $20) at Table 1280 first. The kids loved doing the crafts, having some quality time with the best Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in town, and getting to eat some delicious foods in a fancy setting. The made to order chocolate chip pancakes rivaled the light-as-air biscuits for our family, but there were lots of non-carb foods too like sliced to order ham, turkey sausage, and an excellent vegetable frittata. The best part was that each child received a free 5x7 photo of our family with Santa along with a gift bag of goodies! Very sweet! Table 1280 also offers a Holiday Brunch (December 18, 11AM; Adults: $35, Children: $16), High Tea (December 15-18, 20-23, 26-31, 2PM; Adults: $22, Children: $12), and cookie, cupcake, and gingerbread decorating experiences!

After we were stuffed from breakfast we went over to the Rich Theater area and joined many other families to watch a free screening of the movie "Happy Feet". My kids are behind in their movie watching so they hadn't seen it and got into it big time. I was surprised to learn the Woodruff Arts Center is offering free family friendly activities throughout December including movie screenings, arts and crafts, storytelling, an art exhibit of Santa Claus through the years, and even acting workshops for kids. All this is free!

One other thing not to miss is the renowned Alliance Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol". It is the theater's 22nd year producing the most heartwarming tale of the holiday season. The play will be performed through December 24 and since it is just over 2 hours long is best enjoyed by kids ages 6 and up. Check out the family nights at the Christmas Carol for discounts and a festive family-friendly atmosphere.

I encourage all families to check out the offerings, especially next weekend, and take advantage of the class and sophistication the Woodruff Arts Center can provide while still being comfortable to kids of all ages.

New Atlanta holiday tradition: Christmas on Peachtree

Christmas on Peachtree is billed as Atlanta's newest indoor Christmas festival.  Located in downtown Atlanta in the old Macy's building on (you guessed it) Peachtree Street, this experience offers family-friendly crafts, activities, food, and some shopping.

While Christmas on Peachtree won't rival the windows on 34th Street in New York or the spectacle on State Street in Chicago, but it's best to not have those comparisons in your head.  Expect the kids to have fun riding the train over and over again (no fee for most kid's activities with your paid admission) and to spend some quality time turning pipe cleaners into candy canes and wreaths.  Expect Santa Claus to look authentic and to take some quality time talking to your kids (even if they are screaming like mine). Also, know this is their first year and not all the kinks have gotten fixed as of yet.  They could use more entertainment programming on the stage (the Christmas sing-a-long was very cute but too short), some less expensive kid-friendly treats, and perhaps something for the under three set.

All in all, it is a cute event and does help get you in the holiday spirit.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for kids 3-12.  Kids under 3 are free.   Here are two great discounts to help make this even more affordable!

Find your inner "snow bunny" at Snow Mountain

I grew up playing in the snow.  In Wisconsin, it could snow in every month except June, July and August (no exaggeration) so we learned to cope with the cold and all the snow that came with it.  But it wasn't all bad.  I have very fond memories of building snowmen and snow forts, having snowball fights with my sisters, and going sledding down the neighborhood hills.  Now, living in Georgia, I have often felt like my own kids were missing out by not getting to experience a "real" winter.  But they don't have to!!!  I just have to hike over to Stone Mountain Park and spend the day at their winter wonderland, Snow Mountain.

This is the second year I've taken the kids and they love, love, love it!  It is the one event they talk about all through the year...always asking (even in July) when the snow will come back.  It is such a novelty to them and I love how excited they get about it.  They were able to build a snowman...ok...they attempted to build a snowman until they found out that snow is really, really cold on their little fingers.  They played in the Snow Fort, went tubing on the family-friendly Avalanche Alley (even my 3 year old), and just had fun playing in the acres of snow in the "Snow Zone".  They even had a tobogganing ride just for kids three and under!


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Tickets can be a little pricey when you add in a bunch of kids but believe me, it's worth it.  Remember that kids under three are free.  Also be sure to check the Snow Mountain ticket page for any specials they may have going on.  Right now they have a combo pass to check out A Stone Mountain Christmas and Snow Mountain plus a meal and unlimited hot chocolate for $49.95/person (with a minimum of four tickets purchased together). 
• When you buy your ticket online, you will get a two hour time slot for tubing.  Don't be late!  It can take quite some time to get up to the top of the tubing hill and then come down and around to go back again.  You don't want to waste any money!
• After or before your tubing time, check out the Snow Zone.  Even if you have big kids, they will like to throw a snowball at the Snowball Shooting Gallery or maybe they'll even get into the spirit and attempt a snowman or snow fort. 
• Warm up at SnoFire Point with some s'mores or roast a bag of marshmallows.  You get a whole bag of marshmallows (enough for the family) for $3.95. 
• If it is a typical Georgian day, don't worry about wearing the big, bulky snow suits. (Who has them here anyway?)  Just bring gloves and DEFINITELY bring a change of clothes for the kids.  We changed the kids back in the car before we headed home so they were comfortable and warm.
• Check out some discounts from Atlanta on the Cheap.

Tickets:
Snow Mountain tickets: $27/person (under three are free)
Parking is $10
Open now through February 20.  Check the calendar for updated info.

It might seem like a splurge but this is one experience your Georgia kids will not forget.  What a great Christmas present!

25% off everything on Halfoffdepot.com Thursday

Knock those last few presents off your list by taking advantage of HalfOffDepot.com one day only 25% off sale.  Just use the code: 25off to get your discount.  Just remember it will only work on Thursday December 8, 2011.  Don't let it go to waste!

Maybe use it on the Kilwin's Chocolate and Ice Cream gift certificate to pick up some delicious sweets.  Or perhaps get a deluxe mani-pedi from Olivia Todd Salon & Spa (maybe for you?)  Or check out the dozens of other great items!  Enjoy!

Gift Guide: "Daddylicious" gifts for the holidays

What are you getting the man in your life?  What do Daddies even want?  I think my husband would love an afternoon to sit on the couch and watch football...uninterrupted...in a quiet house that was stocked with chips and beer.  (He's really a healthy guy but in this dream scenario chips and beer would reign supreme.)  Anyway, I put together some good ideas for the man in your life.  Some are splurges and some are easy on the wallet but all of them are ones I think any Daddy would love.  Check them out:

iPad 2 or Samsung Galaxy Tablet from Verizon
I have had the opportunity to test and compare both these tablets and it has been one of the more enjoyable reviews that I've done.  I'm not a super "techy" person but these tablets just make doing the everyday things so much easier.  Checking email, looking up a recipe, checking in on Facebook or Twitter...I use them for just about everything I use my laptop for.  I think Dads would think this is super cool and hip.  For guys who are into watching videos and gaming, I suggest the Samsung Galaxy tablet.  It supports Flash video (which iPad does not) so it's great for watching videos (or letting the kids watch NickJr.com to keep them quiet in the doctor's office).  The iPad 2 has the hipster factor and I think is the best all around choice.  Cost: Samsung Galaxy tablet starts at $499.99 for the WiFi only version but if you can swing it, the 4G is SO fast and you aren't always looking for a WiFi connection.  Verizon has a deal right now that the tablet is only $199 if you also sign up for a 2 year contract.  The iPad starts at $499 for the WiFi version and can be bought at many retail outlets including from Apple.com.  Verizon sells a 3G version (not quite as fast as the 4G but still pretty darn fast) starting at $629.99.


Train reaction luggage stabilizing device
This gift isn't as sexy (or as expensive) as a tablet but for the man who travels, it could be just as useful.  The Train reaction is a clever device designed to connect two pieces of luggage to create a perfectly balanced, easy to roll 4-wheeled unit.  No more pulling a suitcase in each hand!  Just easily connect them with this handy device (that can easily be stored away in a suitcase pocket when not needed) and pull away.  This would be a great device for any upcoming family travel you may have coming up. (Think of all the kids' bags!)  Cost: $14.95 online or two for $19.95.


Imprint Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat
Again, not super sexy, but I think it is something that any man who works on his feet a lot will really appreciate.  This mat is made to reduce fatigue and pain (up to 60%!) associated with standing on hard surfaces and is especially helpful for those with leg, knee, or back problems.  Any guy who spends hours in his garage woodworking, or building things, or fixing all that's broken in the house, could use this mat.  Imprint is running a sale right now and mats are up to 55% off with $5 flat fee shipping.  Cost: starting at $54.99 online.

Skin Authority's GO! Man Skin Care Kit
Skin Authority has the coolest travel kit with really good products your man might not even know he needs (but he does!). Every guy needs to protect their skin from the harsh effects of sun, aging, lifestyle, and the environment. Have your guy start this simple routine to produce healthier skin and protect from future damage in just two steps. The kit includes a cleanser, night moisturizer, and day moisturizer with sunscreen.  The moisturizers have a light, clean scent (no "metrosexual" smells here) and is uncomplicated enough for any "non-frilly" man.  Cost: $52.00 online

"Mancation" at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Does your husband not want anything and maybe just needs to get away from it all for awhile?  Then send him and a buddy (or just him by himself) to the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island just outside of Jacksonville, Florida.  With their Fairways and Greens package, he can get overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, up to two rounds of golf, and greens fees and cart rental. This package starts at $499 per night. Or choose their "Discover You" package starting at $299/night and get deluxe overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, and a $100 resort credit per night among other things. And if this sounds nice to you too, then why not drop the kids off at Grandma's and go on a weekend getaway together?!?

Enjoy!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for any items in this gift guide though some items were sent to me for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.