Have tablet, will travel (with kids): Samsung Galaxy vs. iPad2

The new Samsung Galaxy Tablet (photo: engadget.com)

With three kids (and one on the way) traveling can be stressful, aggravating, annoying, and troublesome...to say the least. So when my husband suggested a last-minute trip to visit his family in South Florida and I countered with a cross-country jaunt to visit my family in Scottsdale Arizona, we decided to go all in and do both...in a two week period.

My biggest worry was how I would keep the kids (all under 5 by the way) entertained in the car for 11 hours and on a cramped plane for 4 hours. You can only bring so many toys, especially on a plane, and having a variety of things to do is key for kids with short attention spans. So, I was thrilled when Verizon let me review their Samsung Galaxy tablet with 4G (cost $499, or $229 with a 2 year contract). I paired it with my own Wi-Fi only iPad2 to have a bunch of options and things couldn't have gone better!

I used the Samsung tablet to stream Nick Jr shows in the car, at grandma's house, and even at the playground. The 4G service is super fast and when I needed directions to the nearest El Pollo Loco or a quick diversion for the kids. I also used it to create a wireless hotspot (even in the car!) so that the iPad could run on it as well. The fact that the Samsung Galaxy could play Flash video was a real win over the iPad. (Why is that again?) However, the apps on the iPad are much better. But, the combination of the two was magnificent!

Daddy uses the iPad 2 for a good night story.

On the airplane I didn't want to pay the $12.95 for wireless service so without many good apps, it was all about the iPad for us. Both tablets make traveling with kids so much better. Even just using the camera feature on the Samsung Galaxy to take silly pictures and videos to play back later was an excellent time killer. And I do like the Samsung camera better than the iPad.

I highly recommend a tablet to any family who is traveling. Sure it's good at home, but it is fantastic on the go. Parents can make sure the apps are educational (not just Angry Birds) and that the videos are age-appropriate too.  I was impressed with the speed of the 4G service on the Samsung Galaxy and how it was very user friendly.  It may not be as "hip" as the iPad2 but it looks pretty darn cool in the hands of my three year old!

We had great experiences both in the car and on the plane and it really showed us that we CAN travel even though we have a bunch of kids. With the right preparation and a little discipline for the kids, things went super well. Families don't have to be chained to their homes any longer!  Woohoo!

Daddy-Daughter Date Night returns to Atlanta

This is for the Dads who want to spend time with their daughters but don't really know how...for the men who understand being a "Daddy" is much more then just donating sperm...for the husbands who wish they could spend as much time with their daughters as their wives do.  Atlanta's own Chick Fil A is bringing back their popular "Daddy-Daughter Date Night" to the 115 area restaurants on February 4, 2012.  They are taking reservations NOW and they are going quickly.  Visit www.daddydaughterdate.com to make a reservation. 

To see what it is all about, check out this video (and grab a tissue):

My knight of a husband will be there with our 4 year old princess.  I keep thinking it won't be long before she will be going on real dates.  But for now...it will just be her and Daddy. (Cue tear rolling down my cheek.)

See the Laughing Pizza world premiere movie at the Georgia Aquarium

Get your dancing shoes on and your singing voices ready.  The family-friendly favorite, Laughing Pizza, invites Atlanta families to the awesome Oceans Ballroom at Georgia Aquarium for a one-time, VIP film premiere on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11:00 a.m. The award-winning band and world’s largest aquarium are teaming up for the world premiere of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie as well as a live performance by Laughing Pizza after the screening!

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., guests will get the “red carpet treatment” with photographs, spectacular views into the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager, as well as views into the charismatic beluga whale habitat from within the grand Oceans Ballroom. There will also be entertainment by Atlanta's own Circus Camp and more. The VIP screening of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie, will begin at 12:00 p.m. It is only 45 minutes long so even antsy little kids should be rapt. (The film has already won 5 out of 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation, and was endorsed by the Parents Television Council.) After the screening, Laughing Pizza will perform a few of their hits, and guests will have the opportunity to meet Billy, Lisa and Emily, up close and in person!

Laughing Pizza is a real family band that writes and performs all original pop-music for families. Their music videos can be seen every day in more than 18 million homes on PBS stations and TV On-Demand channels around the country. This mom, dad and daughter trio travel across the nation performing at theatres, museums, music  festivals, nightclubs, schools, and other venues – including the White House (with Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers). Their live performances are energetic, interactive, dance-filled shows that get kids and parents up and moving.

There are two ticket options for families to purchase: 
VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets: These tickets include admission to the film, live performance by Laughing Pizza, meet and greet with the band, and red carpet festivities. VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets are $15 (Children under 1 years old are free). 
VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus ticket:  For an even more spectacular experience, guests can upgrade their tickets to include admission to the premiere and its events, as well as admission to the Aquarium and the 3:30 p.m. showing of AT&T Dolphin Tales. VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus tickets are $34.95 for adults and $28.95 for children. (Children ages 1-3 years old need only a film pass, as they are admitted to the Aquarium for free. )  

For more information and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE. The event is sponsored by Shumate and B-98.5FM. A portion of all proceeds will go to The Georgia Aquarium’s SEA Program.  I can't wait to see this movie and see my kids dancing in the aisles to these great songs!  I hope to see you there!

Chick-fil-A Debuts New Nutritious Kid's Meals

I'm no granola girl. I don't wear birkenstocks and I admit that I don't buy organic meat. I don't claim to be a health nut but I do try to feed my kids the four food groups each day and watch their calorie and fat intake. That said, I do like to treat my kids (and myself) to a lunch out every now and again. So I am loving the new grilled chicken nuggets at Chick Fil A. (And no, they aren't paying me to say this...or at all. But, they are letting me host a great event to introduce the new items!)

I was so excited to see that I was included in their new marketing video that went along with the debut of their grilled chicken nuggets and Buddy Fruit options this week. They are slashing the number of calories and fat in their kid's meals and I think that's awesome. And they taste good! In fact, I think I want to order the grilled nuggets for myself!

Chick-fil-A Debuts New Nutritious Kid's Meals

You're invited to a FREE "Mamalicious" family celebration at Chick Fil A!!

This is your OFFICIAL invitation to a free, fun-filled exclusive family event at Chick Fil A Vinings (in Atlanta) to celebrate the brand spanking new kids meal options. You know you love their "with pleasure" service. You know you can't get enough of their food. You know your kids beg to go to the (clean and safe) play areas. And now you have one more reason to love Chick Fil A: healthier kids meals!!! Woohoo!

To celebrate the new Chick Fil A kids meals (which will now include the option of grilled chicken nuggets and Buddy Fruits applesauce) Chick Fil A has asked me to host a family-friendly celebration complete with food, fun, and giveaways at Chick Fil A Vinings. Come and be a part of the first families to try the new kids meals and have FUN while doing it! Wanna come? You MUST leave a comment here telling me what you think of the new kids meal options. (Make sure you leave your email so I can confirm your RSVP.) Space is limited so be sure to RSVP right away!!


UPDATE 1/15: This event is now closed. Thanks for the overwhelming response! Everyone who made the list has received a confirmation email. If you feel like you should have received one but did not, please comment here and let me know. Anyone NOT on the list will unfortunately not be allowed into the private event.