Georgia Kids’ Gear

08/30/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

University of Georgia Kids’ Gear

I must admit, one of my new favorite aspects of the beginning of college football season is scrolling through my Facebook feed, and looking at all the adorable kids in their adorable Georgia kids’ gear. Starting out the next generation of fans typically happens at birth, sometimes even as early as the baby shower, especially here in the South. Bulldog fans are no different! Whether the little tykes are outfitted in cute Onesies or drinking their juice from a sippy cup, it should have the Georgia “G” all over it! Next time you make JELL-O for the big game, check out this Go Dawgs Mold Kit! Bring on football and another winning season for the University of Georgia!

Not a Dawgs fan? (GASP!??!) You can typically find your team within these links – just click on the item of choice, and you should be able to find your team there as well.

JELL-O Dessert Mold Kit, University of Georgia $5.98

University of Georgia Dawgopoly $16.84

Baby Fanatic Security Bear Blanket, University of Georgia $14.99

University of Georgia Bulldogs Crystal Onesie & Leg Warmers $35

Baby Fanatic Gift Set, University of Georgia $13.57

NCAA Georgia Bulldogs Infant Sippy Cup “Future Dawg” $7.88

Georgia Bulldogs Diaper Bag Official $59.99

Georgia Bulldogs Baby Onesie Dress $21.99

University Of Georgia Bulldogs Bedding Set $125

Georgia Bulldogs Long Sleeve Performance BMX Jersey Boys $19.99

Keep on saving! :o)
--Barbara
**Remember, y'all, this post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Filed Under: around town, baby

UFC Gym Perimeter – Kids Kick Some Butt! + Giveaway

06/13/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

This is a sponsored post with Mums the Word Network and UFC Gym Perimeter. All opinions, however, are completely my own.

Today, my daughter Carol and I worked together to kick some butt. Well, sorta. We were invited to attend a special session at UFC Gym Perimeter, to try out their new kids program. She was elated by the experience. Not only did we get to peruse through the equipment before class began, but she also got to test out a pair of boxing gloves and a super-cool tech-y punching bag.

At UFC Gym, boys and girls learn self-defense, self-confidence and discipline while having fun in a safe and entertaining group class format. It’s also a great way for them to burn energy and have fun! Taught by a staff of rockstar, attentive professionals, UFC Gym Perimeter kids classes help your little one learn self-confidence, coordination, discipline and self-defense. Plus, it’s fun!

The class began with the kids warming up for 15 minutes, using fun stretching and cardio races to hold the interest of the wide age range of the kids attending. The highlight for Carol, of course, was the whole class getting in to “The Cage” for more fun and games (and excerise, but don’t tell her that part!), including planks, squats, and fun-and-friendly boxing moves. The class concluded with a cool down stretch and a game. Seriously, Carol. had. a. blast. In the week since, every time we drive in that direction, she asks if we’re going to “the fun gym” so she can “play games again”. [Read more…]

Filed Under: around town, health and fitness

Free and Frugal Ways to Beat the Heat Around Atlanta – Part 2

05/16/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

They don’t call it “Hotlanta” for nothing, that’s for sure. Although Summer 2013 was drenched considerably with rain for the Atlanta area, who knows what’s in store for this summer!? Hot, humid seemingly-never-ending heat seems par for the course in the southeast, come June, July, and August.

But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer! Atlanta is home to quite a few fun, free, and frugal ways to stay cool during the dog days of summer. Be prepared with this extensive list of free and frugal ways to beat the heat around Atlanta this summer!

I’ve broken the guide in to three parts: splash parks/pads, water parks and attractions, and indoor places.
Check out these aquatic centers and attractions. While some are not necessarily “frugal”, it may be worth a shot to mix it up during the summer heat, offering a special treat for the family:

Cumming Aquatic Center offers classes, lessons and more – there’s something for everyone here. Features include several different levels of diving boards, indoor and outdoor pools, and opportunities for intense swimming and diving lessons. The outdoor facilities are open during the summer, from May through September, and features a slide, a lazy river, and a play structure for children. The outdoor area also features four cabanas for birthday parties and three giant umbrellas for shade {FREE for kids 2 and under; up to $5 admission; or passes for longterm use}
Gwinnett Aquatic Centers, including the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center,offer walk-in pools, sprayers, slides, floating rivers, and more! With locations throughout the county, there’s bound to be a center near you. Please note: all pools are closed for maintenance 5-17-13 through 5-24-13. {Residents: $3.25 – $5.50; non-residents: $6.25 – $10.50}
Cherokee County Aquatic Center offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a super-cool water playground, two water slides, beach entry, pavilions, concessions, and more! There is also a special splash park at Cline Park as well. {FREE for kids 2 and under; up to $6 admission for adults and kids over age 2}
photo courtesy of Cherokee County Aquatics
Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park or “Lanier World” will keep you occupied and entertained for at least an entire day! The Raging River sends older kids down rapid, complete with splashy turns. Wild Waves is the states largest wave pool (And it’s got a kid-size version, Wiggle Wave.) There’s also their splash park, Kiddie Lagoon; as well as a swim area and beach area. Then there’s the ultimate “floating playground” – Aquatic Adventures, along with several thrilling water slides for kids over 42″ tall. {FREE for kids 2 and under; children and adults range from $12 to $35}

Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park – photo courtesy of http://www.lakelanierislands.com

In addition to diving boards, shaded kiddie pool, and concession stand at Wills Park Pool, they also host “Dive-In Movie” nights during the summer! Located in Alpharetta. {$3/person/day}
Six Flags Over Georgia – Ok, yeah, not necessarily a water park, but they DO have a handful of good water rides. They, um, always leave me with wet britches, at least. And now, two words: Hurricane Harbor! Discount tickets frequently available via local establishments, like McDonalds (online promo code: MCDatl to save up to $20) and from a good ol’ Coke can.
South Cobb Aquatic Center, located in Austell, is one of six aquatic centers in the county; it includes slides, diving boards, and a lazy river. {$2.12 – $4.50 daily admission}
Stone Mountain’s Geyser Towers is a great option for anyone over 32″ tall. With an intricate web of nets and tunnels, kids enjoy occasional splashes. {Individual Attraction Tickets: Adults: $14.00; Children (age 3-11): $14.00; OR Included in Adventure Pass & Mountain Membership}
photo courtesy of Stone Mountain’s Geyser Towers
And then there’s always White Water: with over 50 water different attractions, there’s something for everyone, including the 90 foot Free Fall for the adventurous types, and the wave pool and hooch river for everyone, and Captain Kids Cover for wee ones. {Buy tickets for just under $30, or group tickets for under $25}

Filed Under: around town, places to go

Free and Frugal Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta – Inside

05/16/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

I’ve broken the guide in to three parts: splash parks/pads, water parks and attractions, and indoor places.

Don’t feel like being outdoors, even with the relief of water? Check out these great indoor places (think AC!).

Movie theaters around the Atlanta area frequently have summer specials. Check with your local theater for details.
Legoland offers discount tickets through August. Your kids will enjoy themselves, and you can cool off, and mmmmaybe do a little shopping all at once.
cruise around the mall. You’ll get a little exercise, and beat the heat all at once! (And run in to your favorite stores, and grab some extra Shopkick points, too!) The Mall of Georgia’s Village Pavillion Fountain is in front of the mall, near the food court and front entrance — so your kids can splash and play while you shop! My kids and I enjoyed quite a few “story time” sessions at the Disney Store at Perimeter Mall — and they even had a “rewards” card for repeat participants!
The Childrens Museum of Atlanta is FREE every second Tuesday on of the month, through the end of 2014. But if you don’t want to wait, it’s $12.75 for any one over the age of 1. (Call ahead for group discounts.)
Or visit your favorite indoor playgrounds, like KangaZoom, Catch Air, Hippo Hop, Jump Jump, or Monkey Joes — each frequently offer discounts through daily deal sites, like Groupon! Admission prices varies by location, but is typically under $10 per child, adults and children under one (non-walkers) are free.
The Cooler – go ice skating or roller skating in Alpharetta! They have “Learn to Ice Skate” camps this summer, as well as public skate times. Call or hop online to check. 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta 30090 678-897-4250
Let your kids romp around either of the two Atlanta locations of Superior Play Systems. On Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm, kids can play at the big playset store to their hearts content. It is literally a playset, trampoline store, and other sports equipment store – and your kids can burn off some serious energy for three full hours twice a week – absolutely free. (Except during school holidays, during which time admission is $6 per child. Still a great deal!) Two locations: 1355 Stonefield Ct, Alpharetta GA 678-710-9237 OR 5463-A Goshen Springs Rd, Norcross GA 678-710-9238

Did I forget something? Do you have another favorite free or frugal way to beat the heat in Atlanta? Do share! 🙂

Filed Under: around town

Free and Frugal Ways to Beat the Heat Around Atlanta

05/15/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

I’ve broken the guide in to three parts: splash parks/pads, water parks and attractions, and indoor places.

Slather on the sunscreen, and bring your bathing suit to these awesome parks, all FREE, except where noted:

Centennial Olympic Park boasts a large “Fountain of Rings” for kids of all ages
Roswell’s Spraygrounds Parks (2 locations: Riverside Park and East Roswell Park, off Fouts Rd.) offer a cool relief from May (opens Memorail Day weekend) through September {$1/person/day – infants under 1 year, as well as adults NOT entering the water with paid children are FREE}
The Atlanta Beltline offers three distinct parks: Perkerson Park, D. H. Stanton Park, and Historic Fourth Ward. Each are open daily May 1st through October 1st, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There’s a splash pad, as well as a disc golf course, playground, and several different sports fields, among other amenities — so there’ something for everyone!
Suwanee’s Town Center Park offers visitors a the largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County. They’v recently added sun shades to the fountain area, which should make for an even more pleasant stay.
Suwanee’s Town Center Park

Also in Gwinnett is the Town Green Fountain on Duluth’s Main street. It’s also shaded, but perhaps better-suited for older kids because the interactive fountain tends to be high and powerful.
And don’t forget Piedmont Park’s Legacy Fountain. Although currently under renovation, Legacy Fountain offers splash pad fun for kids. {FREE} And the Aquatics Center has a zero-entry pool area. {$1-4 admission}

Piedmont Park
Photo courtesy of Un-Coordinated Mommy

Check out ways to beat the heat with water parks and attractions, and indoor places. Also, if you have further suggestions, bring ’em on, I’d love to hear from you! 🙂

LASIK Update: Almost One Year Later

05/09/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

It’s been almost one year since I ditched the lenses and took the LASIK plunge – a decision I have never ever regretted! While there are still brief moments when I groggily try to reach for my glasses upon half-waking up, it takes less than a split second to realize I can, indeed, see perfectly fine, unassisted.

The freedom I’ve experienced in the last year has been amazing, and I couldn’t be happier. Truthfully, I lied to y’all in my first sentence. I do have one regret about LASIK: that I didn’t do it sooner. For years, I lived with the hassle of glasses and contacts, with dry lenses during allergy season (which is a substantial amount of time for me!), praying my goggles would hold while swimming – or brave swimming sans contacts, and the sheer amount of planning involved in bringing your glasses and/or contacts with you.

The only side effect I’ve had in almost a year is my night vision seems more sensitive to light, which I notice particularly when I drive. Granted, I don’t drive too much at night, but when I do, lights tend to be a titch more blurry/haloed than before. It’s a minor effect, and really just something I notice, rather than something truly bothersome. To me, it’s worth it in the long run, considering the payoff.

How great would it be to enjoy summer activities without the hassles of eyeglasses or contact lenses? Experience the freedom of LASIK! Our highly experienced LASIK team is offering $1,000 off LASIK through May 31, 2014. Click here to take your LASIK self-evaluation test or call 855.ATL.LASIK to schedule a FREE consultation. Also, make sure you “Like” Thomas Eye Group on Facebook, so you can stay abreast of their latest deals, for when you are ready to take the plunge.

If you’re not quite ready to experience LASIK, or if you don’t qualify, check out this great deal from Coastal Contacts. Get your first pair of glasses FREE from Coastal Contacts (shipping averages about $13.00). Use code: FIRSTPAIRFREE (includes standard lenses) to get the deal. Try them on at home and if it the frames don’t fit, return shipping is free! This is available for first time glasses customers only. Shipping charges up to $20 apply. Lenses upgrades and coatings are available at additional cost.

Filed Under: around town

Free Story Times Around Atlanta

04/17/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Story times around Atlanta are just one of a gajillion perks of being a parent of little ones in this city. Story time is an extended benefit of parents reading aloud to their children, as it also helps a child’s social side grow, as well as prepare/supplement listening skills for preschool and school. Following a list of mostly retail places around the metro Atlanta are that offer story times, open to the community.

First, don’t forget, you can also check with your local library, as well – despite budget cuts these last few years, story times are still going strong. Local counties have their times listed online: Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Clayton, Cobb, Sequoyah regional and Forsyth. [Read more…]

Filed Under: around town, books, literacy

20+ Signs You’re From Atlanta

02/24/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Atlanta. A’lan-a. The A-T-L. “Hot-lanta” even… If you’ve spent any significant amount of time in my fair city, you’ve heard it all. And then some. But what makes Atlantans stand out? What makes us who we are? Here’s my interpretation. You can probably relate, whether you’re a true native, or a transplant – if you’ve spent time in Atlanta, you can relate to these.

Signs You’re From Atlanta

That second “t” is silent. The city is called “Aht/lan/nna”. Period. Ok, depending on how far back you can trace your roots, you may also omit the first “t”.
Speaking of pronunciation, it’s called “Co-Cola”. And it umbrellas every brown carbonated beverage known to man. But drinking anything else is sacrilegious ’round here. That pesky “P” word may as well be a 4-letter-word…
At least once, you’ve smugly told an out-of-towner to just follow 285, that it’ll lead them to their destination. You cheeky sunnuvagun!
You know exactly what ITP and OTP mean!
Even if you matriculated elsewhere, you’ve spent at least one night an hour northeast, in downtown Athens. But you probably don’t remember it.
You’ve spent at least one St. Patrick’s Day a few hours south in beautiful Savannah. But you probably don’t remember it.
You can find Piedmont, Centennial, and all the other cool free things to do around Atlanta.
FREE Things to do in Atlanta
You know the rarity of meeting a “Grady Baby” or a “Northside Baby” who’s been here all his/her life.
When reading Gone with the Wind, you can identify many of the streets and towns mentioned throughout the story.
You’ve met at least one Dunwoody house wife. Probably playing tennis.
You know where The Ted is, even if said Ted is on its way out.
You also know where the (downtown) Varsity is.
But you further know all the cool kids really prefer Zesto’s instead.
You also know where The Big Chicken is.
But chuckle whenever you hear someone say they live off a road named Peachtree.
You can pinpoint precisely where “down yonder” is. And you’re fixin’ta go there. Y’all ever been?
You know to bring a book for your morning commute, afternoon commute, or trip to the grocery store.
IHOP SchmIHOP! If you want good (greasy) breakfast grub, you head to the Waffle House. After all, there’s one on almost every corner.
You’ve rocked out to some Skynyrd at the Laser Show once or twice, and recently indulged in the closest thing Atlanta regularly gets to “snow” at Snow Mountain.
You know at least a few folks who bleed red and black. And probably folks who prefer other colors, but -well- meh… You probably also know there’s an alternate spelling of “dog”, which is equally endearing, particularly ‘tween the hedges.
…which means, you fully understand the sacred nature of football Saturdays in the fall.
Even if you’re from the suburbs, you tell people you’re from Atlanta. Unless you live in Gwinnett County, then, inexplicably, you say you’re from Gwinnett.
The only acceptable sweet tea is served in a styofoam cup from Chick-fil-a. But you’re aunt Nancy’s runs a very, very close second.
Also, the only acceptable chicken sandwich is from Chick-fil-a. Nothing. Else. Comes. Close.
You know the “metro Atlanta area” consists of approximately 1/3 of the state of Georgia, and growing.
(amended in light of our recent winter weather) You’ve seen, firsthand, the absolute kindness of strangers, and -no matter how far north or south your roots are planted- you know the meaning of true Southern Hospitality.

Filed Under: around town, random ramblings

1-28-14: The Day Atlanta Stood Still, and Opened Their Hearts

01/29/2014 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

In case anyone is wondering why schools in the South close down at the mere mention of snow, take today in Atlanta as an example. Students and faculty are spending the night in a handful schools across the metro area, emergency shelters are opening up to provide stranded motorists a place to stay after spending HOURS in standstill traffic (usually because they ran out of gas!), GADOT reports over 940 accidents today, folks are opening up their homes to others in need across the metro area: the city basically shut down.

Why? [Read more…]

Filed Under: around town, random ramblings

Fun Family Things to do In Atlanta this Winter

11/22/2013 by Barbara

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links, which I"ll totally blow on waffle fries and sweet tea, y'all!**

Don’t be -um- left out in the Atlanta cold this winter! There are so many fun family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. Here’s some of my favorites:

Go Ride The Pink Pig – Seriously, it’s one of Atlanta’s oldest holiday traditions. If you haven’t ridden The Pink Pig, go! We took our daughter (then 3) last year for the first time, and she thoroughly enjoyed it! I have a feeling, after a trip to Disneyworld under his belt, my son will enjoy it, too! For $3 a ride (and discounted repeated rides), you will take a train ride through a life-size story book. The best part? A portion of the proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Goes November 1, 2014 through January 4, 2015.Located at Macy’s at Lenox Square Mall, Upper-Level Parking Deck, 3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326Did you know, you can also have “Breakfast with Priscilla”? Saturday mornings, through December 7, 2013, and Sunday, December 15, 2013, you can make reservations to have breakfast (adults $16.99, children $9.99), enjoy face painting, and then ride the famous Pink Pig! Call 1-877-556-2297, or go here for more details.

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain – This is Atlanta, so snow -for the most part- must be made by artificial means. And what better place to do so than at the largest piece of granite around? Stone Mountain’s “Snow Mountain” is has something for everyone: tubing -even a tubing carousel for little tots, open space for snow play, and warm and toasty treats to warm your insides. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation, since space is limited. Check out special deals here. Located at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd; Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Call 770-498-5690

Fun Things to do in Atlanta this Winter - Stone Mountain

photo courtesy of http://www.stonemountainpark.com

Global Winter Wonderland – Well, one thing you can do at Turner Field, even amongst the chaos and confusion about a certain team moving to a certain county, is enjoy this extravaganza! I’ve shown you all its amazingness here – and you can grab discounted tickets here. Located at Turner Field; 755 Hank Aaron Dr SW; Atlanta, GA 30315 Call 404-314-1994
[Read more…]