Category Archives: Atlanta Moms Edition

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Aqua Tots Kennesaw – Parents Night Out Friday December 10th

Aqua Tots Atlanta area swim schools

Bring the kids for a fun night of swimmming in our heated pool…noodle races, Christmas carols, water games & more while you enjoy a night out with your spouse, friends or just have quiet time at home! Perfect time to finish holiday shopping or wrap gifts!

Kids will get some exercise, make new friends & have a great time! Ages 5 to 12+yrs. Cost: $25 for 1 child, $20 for each additional sibling. Younger siblings can register to go next door to Little Bears as we are holding parents’ night out together for your convenience. YOU MUST REGISTER for this event & may do so beginning Nov. 20th. Juice and water will be provided.

When: Friday, December 10th 7-11pm

Where: Aqua-Tots Kennesaw location –  2655 Cobb Parkway Suite 102, Kennesaw, GA 30152 (678-331-8687)

Registration is required!

Aqua Tots on Atlanta MomsView more information about Aqua-Tots swim schools in AtlantaMoms.com Swim Lessons guide

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Catch the Holiday Spirit at Atlanta-Area Simon Malls

Simon Malls holiday eventsAtlanta-area Simon malls will deck the halls this season with plenty of holiday cheer and entertainment.  Gwinnett Place Mall, Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, Northlake Mall, Phipps Plaza and Town Center at Cobb are offering a variety of special holiday treats for the whole family:


Gwinnett Place

2100 Pleasant Hill Rd.

770.476.5160

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  • Santa’s Arrival: November 13 at 10 a.m.Visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland, presented by Subaru of Gwinnett, Select Comfort and A+ Financial Services, at Gwinnett Place’s Center Court and have your holiday photo taken with St. Nick!
  • Photos with Santa: November 13 – December 24 in Center Court.Santa will be available daily; hours and photo package pricing available at www.simon.com.
  • Pet Photos with Santa: December 6 and 13, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Center Court.Bring your furry friends to have their holiday photo taken with Santa!  All animals must be on a leash or in a cage. Please use the main entrance between Mega Mart and Sears to enter the mall.
  • Brunch with Santa: Saturday, November 20, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Lower level in front of Mega Mart.  Kids will get some one-on-one time with St. Nick and enjoy holiday fun including a face painter, balloon artist and more! Brunch treats will be provided by Mega Mart.  Simon Kidgits members can attend this event for $2; non-members can attend for $7 (cash only).  RSVP as space is limited! Reservations will begin November 5; call 770-476-5160 or email skorenbr@simon.com.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: November 26 – December 11 (Monday-Saturday), from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Gwinnett Place partners with The Salvation Army on their annual holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. For more information, visit www.salvationarmytreeusa.org.
  • Girl Scout Troup #1409 is offering gift wrapping services in exchange for donations. Dates and times coming soon; visit www.simon.com for more information.

Lenox Square

3393 Peachtree Rd., N.E.

404.233.6767

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  • Photos with Santa: November 6 – December 24.Santa will be available daily in the Macy’s Court, mall level.  Hours and photo package pricing available at www.lenoxsquare.com . The first shoppers to visit Santa will receive a special gift, while supplies last.
  • Pet Photos with Santa: December 5 and December 12 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Macy’s Court. Santa will be available to take photos with your furry friends!
  • Macy’s Great Tree Lighting:The 63rd annual event kicks off with a show featuring performances by Katherine McPhee, Chuck Wicks and Macy’s Rising Star Bobby V., and includes a fireworks finale as the tree is lit! Crowds of more than 100,000 are drawn each year for the spectacular event as a special Thanksgiving tradition.
  • Macy’s Pink Pig: October 30 – January 2, hours may vary.Costs are $3 for 1 ride; $5.50 for 2 rides and $7.50 for 3 rides. Proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
  • The Gift of Giving: Lenox Square shoppers will have the opportunity to donate to a number of worthy causes this holiday season.
  • The Veterans Support Organization will be collection charitable donations November 25 – January 1 at the Main Entrance Valet.
  • Atlanta Union Mission is offering gift wrapping services in exchange for donations. Wrapping station will be on the Mall Level in front of Guest Services.Thursday – Sunday from November 27 – December 19; daily from December 20 – December 24.
  • Lenox Square’s Busiest Shopping Day of the Year, ‘Black Friday’: Friday, November 26, from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. Holiday fun greets shoppers on ‘Black Friday’ with festive activities, retailer sales and extended holiday hours.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program:November 26 – December 11 (Monday-Saturday), from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Lenox Square partners with The Salvation Army on their annual holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. For more information, visit www.salvationarmytreeusa.org.
  • Sounds of the Season: December 1 – 3 and December 6 – 10, at noon, 12:30 and 1 p.m.. Tis the season for Lenox Square’s “Sounds of the Season” free concert series.  Enjoy live holiday music performances by talented area groups including school, church and community choirs from across the metro area.

Mall of Georgia

3333 Buford Dr.

678.482.8788

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  • Santabration: Celebrate Santa’s arrival at Mall of Georgia by attending Santabration on November 6 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the Village Pavilion.Join us for run with Radio Disney, a holiday parade and more! Santabration is sponsored by Despicable Me, the Disney Store and Build-A-Bear.  Visit www.mallofgeorgia.com for more details.
  • Photos with Santa: November 6 – December 24.Visit Santa at his holiday home in the lower level Nordstrom Wing.  Santa will be available daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day; hours and photo package pricing available at www.mallofgeorgia.com.
  • Pet Photos with Santa:December 5, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Bring out your furry friends to have their holiday photo taken with Santa!  Please enter through the mall entrance between Nordstrom and Belk adjacent to Woodward Crossing Boulevard.  *No exotic animals permitted.
  • Simon Kidgits Club Breakfast with Santa:December 4, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in the Food Court.Enjoy holiday crafts, breakfast, and personal time with Santa himself!  Free breakfast for Simon Kidgits Club Members, while supplies last.  Breakfast for non-members costs $5, which includes an annual Simon Kidgits Club membership.  Guests wishing to attend must RSVP at Guest Services or email mmr4852@simon.com.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: November 26 – December 11 (Monday-Saturday), from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Mall of Georgia partners with The Salvation Army on their annual holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. For more information, visit www.salvationarmytreeusa.org.
  • Parking on Demand:Looking to take the hassle out of parking when doing your holiday shopping? Visit www.mallofgeorgia.com to sign up for Parking on Demand, a new program allowing shoppers to call-ahead or go online to make parking reservations for some of the best spaces at the center – just in time for the holiday season! Sign up for this program now to take advantage of the free trial period running through January 2.

Northlake Mall

4800 Briarcliff Rd.

770.938.3564

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  • Santa’s Arrival: November 20 at 12:00 p.m.Usher in the holiday season and help us welcome Santa to his workshop on the lower level of Northlake Mall’s Center Court with the help of the Radio Disney, DeKalb County Fire & Rescue, Lakeside High School Marching Band, Color Guard and other special guests. 
  • Photos with Santa: November 20 – December 24, during regular mall hours in Center Court.Check Santa’s day-to-day schedules and photo package pricing at www.northlakemall.com.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program:November 26 – December 11 (Monday-Saturday), from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Northlake Mall partners with The Salvation Army on their annual holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. For more information, visit www.salvationarmytreeusa.org.
  • Holiday Music in the Mall Series: November 26-December 20. Tis the season for Northlake Mall’s “Sounds of the Season” free concert series.  Enjoy live holiday music performances by talented area groups including school, church and community choirs from across the metro area.  Find a list of performances along with dates and times at www.northlakemall.com.

Town Center at Cobb

400 Barrett Pkwy.

770.424.9486

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  • “Thanks for Giving 2010” Center for Family Resources Food Drive:November 5 – 15.Join us in donating Thanksgiving food for 1500 Cobb County families.  The donation barrel will be located next to Guest Services on the Upper Level Center Court, outside Macy’s Furniture Gallery.  For more information on specific needs, visit www.TheCFR.org/ThanksforGiving.  *Non-perishable food only.
  • Santa’s Arrival:November 5, from 6 – 8 p.m.Santa Claus makes his first stop of the season outside the Food Court Main Entrance!  St. Nick will be escorted to his holiday home with live reindeer at 7 p.m., and during the event, there will be activities for kids of all ages.  Plus, the first 200 children visiting Santa that evening from 7 – 9 p.m. will receive a Santa Hat (no purchase necessary), and all guests will receive a jingle bell necklace and other giveaways (while supplies last).  Santa’s Arrival is presented by Radio Disney and Carl Black Kennesaw.
  • Photos with Santa:November 6 – December 24 in Center Court.Check out Santa’s day-to-day schedules and photo package pricing at www.towncenteratcobb.com.
  • Pet Photos with Santa: November 14 and 21 at 6:30 p.m., and December 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Center Court.Bring your furry friends to have their holiday photos taken with Santa!  No exotic animals please.  Please enter the mall through the main entrance between Belk and JCPenney.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program:November 26 – December 11 (Monday-Saturday), from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Town Center at Cobb partners with The Salvation Army on their annual holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. For more information, visit www.salvationarmytreeusa.org.
  • Simon Kidgits Welcome Winter Party: November 13, 1-3 p.m.Celebrate the season with holiday crafts, activities and giveaways.  Upper Level JC Penney Wing.
  • Simon Kidgits PJ Party with Santa:December 11, from 1 – 3 p.m.Santa’s stopping by to read stories to the children during this festive pajama party, hosted by Mrs. Claus!  Milk and cookies included.  Upper Level JCPenney Wing.

To learn more about Simon malls, including information on Simon Kidgits Club and holiday mall hours, visit www.simon.com.

EcoMaids of Marietta house cleaning – just in time for the holidays

EcoMaids of MariettaOK, moms.. I know your stressing about Thanksgiving and the holidays.  What exactly is causing your stress?  Here’s my list:

  • Finding and buying gifts for everyone
  • Planning travel
  • Decorating the house
  • Making, buying, mailing holiday cards
  • Cleaning – that’s a doozy!

I am going to go out on a limb and guess that your list is similar to mine.   If it’s not, leave your list in the comments below.. I’d love to know what I’m forgetting to stress about!

I recently crossed one item off of my stress-list – cleaning. The lovely folks at Eco Maids of Marietta deep cleaned my house and made it look like we don’t have an 11 and 4 year old inhabiting our place.  The poor cleaners even witnessed my husband catch a huge spider in the den.  I felt terrible that they had to see that and it was right after they arrived too.

Getting ready for EcoMaids was quite a task.
Here’s a snippet of a conversation I had with my  husband and two kids the night before EcoMaids was coming:

Me: Alright guys, we have to clean the house.  The cleaners are coming tomorrow.

My 11 year old son: Oh, Mom!

Me: No really.. get up to your room and pick everything up!

My 11 year old son: But Mom.. that’s what they do, right?

Me: Come on.. just do it!  I am going to tell them to throw away whatever they find on your floor, dresser, under your bed, and on your nightstand.  They are coming to CLEAN, not straighten up after you!

My husband: (with a surprised look on his face) Alright, let’s go clean up.  We have to get ready for the cleaners.

The EcoMaids cleaners were at our house for about 5 hours.  That’s how detailed they are.  It was so nice to see shiny baseboards, clean appliances, dust-free ceiling fans, and made beds.  The relief my husband and I felt when we looked around the house for the first time after the cleaners left, was immense.  I am so thankful for EcoMaids and know you will be too!

EcoMaids of Marietta

EcoMaids of Marietta services the majority of Cobb County and the immediate surrounding areas and has been green cleaning in Cobb County since August of 2009.  EcoMaids’ products and services are safe for kids, pets and our planet. They use Green Seal Certified solutions and methods, multi-level HEPA-filter vacuums, and microfiber tools and cloths.  All of EcoMaids of Marietta’s employees are screened, bonded, and insured, as well as trained in the most progressive green cleaning techniques.

EcoMaids attention to detail is unmatched. Superior service, Competetively Priced, & We’re Green! You cannot go wrong.

Leave the cleaning to EcoMaids and spend more time with the people you cherish most.

Get a free estimate online or call us today at (770) 427-0066.

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ONE NIGHT ONLY THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® at Buckhead Theatre!

Buckhead Theatre - Shangri-La AcrobatsIncredible,” “breathtaking,” “stunning,” and “quite unbelievable,” are just a few quotes critics have used to describe this cultural masterpiece. THESHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® 31st North American Theatre Tour will stop in Atlanta for one night only to perform a 7:30 pm show at The Buckhead Theatre Wednesday, November 17th.  The entertainment provided by these gifted performers appeals to all ages and transcends beyond language barriers by inspiring audience members through incredible acts of dexterity and skill. Prepare to sit back, relax and be transported by these magnificent acrobats to the mystical land of “Shangri-La,” where anything is possible and illusion becomes reality.

Produced by IAI Presentations, Inc., THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® offers more than a glimpse into the fascinating traditions of the Orient. It consists of sensational Chinese acrobatics, balancing feats, martial arts displays, and much more. A truly Oriental spectacular and a show for all ages, the grace and precision of the acrobats are the triumph of years of dedicated training and discipline. Chinese acrobatics are, in fact, more than just a series of stunts. Most of the acts clearly demonstrate the achievement of perfection through finding harmony between mind and body – an ancient concept in the Orient.

Shangri-La at Buckhead Theatre

The sensational group has performed throughout South America, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Monte Carlo, Canada and the United States. For more than 30 years THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® have been directed by the Hai Family from China and have achieved great success and standing ovations across North America and around the world. Their annual sold-out theatre tours astound audiences night after night with their incredible talents. The overwhelming response of the audience is a testament to the popularity of their unique brand of entertainment. The performers enjoy traveling the world and sharing their ancient art with audiences both young and old.

THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® brings an exciting new genre of production to The Buckhead Theatre. The infusion of Asian culture and theatrical stunts are unlike any performance the venue has produced to date, yet plays into the theatre’s plan of being a diverse and multicultural entertainment center.

This multi-faceted and multicultural experience is an ideal educational opportunity. Subject to school’s interest, a matinee performance may be added to the show schedule to allow local students a unique chance to be emerged in Chinese culture and traditions. Schools interested in ticket information can contact Karla Curtis at 404-THE-BUCK or Elliot Penso at 404-372-4755.

Tickets for THE SHANGRI-LA CHINESE ACROBATS® will go on sale Saturday, October 16th at 10 am. Ticket prices are $12.50 for children/students 16 & under and $30 for adults and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone 866-448-7849

ABOUT BUCKHEAD THEATRE

After two years of waiting and a complete $6 million makeover, Buckhead Theatre, an impressive 33,000 square foot space, is officially open.  With a façade (and name) reminiscent of its early 20th century beginnings as a movie theater, combined with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and a 10-foot LED marquee, Buckhead Theatre is the perfect combination of classic and hip.  With lectures, comedians, Broadway plays, public as well as private special events and of course, rock n’ roll, Buckhead Theatre  has a 2,500 person capacity and will serve as the epicenter of entertainment for Buckhead and beyond.  For more information, call 404-962-8700 or visit www.thebuckheadtheatre.com.  Parties or groups interested in private events can contact Myrna Antar with Novare Events at 404-962-8709.  You can also keep up with the venue by joining us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buckheadtheatre or on twitter at www.twitter.com/buckheadtheatre.

The Buckhead Theatre: 3110 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30305

Enjoy the show!

Atlanta Moms: Wax Hand Art for parties and Fundraisers

I received an email from a young man named Bryce this morning telling me about a business that he and his brother Brittan started called The HandStand.  So, what’s the big deal you ask?  The young men are still in high school!  Talk about motivated kids.

It’s the ultimate Party Favor!  Looking for a way to “WOW” the guests at your next event? Wax Hand Art is a fun and creative hands-on activity for children and adults.  Our unique wax hand impressions are fun and unforgettable – EVERYONE at the event will want one.

The fun starts when you dip your hand into our warm, soothing wax to form a colorful, treasured souvenir mold of your hand!  Customers get an exact wax replica of their hand and a great interactive experience.  The special keepsake can be shared with friends and family.  We use only the safest, non-toxic wax, providing a comfortable, soothing experience.  We are dedicated to reliability and safety.

The HandStand, licensed and fully insured, guarantees the highest quality wax as well as professional and courteous employees.

Capable of producing at least 50 hands per hour, we service the entire Metro Atlanta area and parts of North Georgia.  Call us at 770-822-0065 or email handstand9395@yahoo.com to schedule your event.

The Wright Brothers

Brothers – Britton and Bryce Wright are no strangers to managing events.  They worked with their mother to organize school carnivals and other events since they were in elementary school.

The HandStand was started to create a flexible source of income for the entreprenuerial teens since they are involved in so many other activities for school or sports.

From Britton and Bryce

We recognized that we could have a fun way to earn money, support charities and help our friends earn extra money too.  We want The HandStand to provide an entertaining experience for everyone and are dedicated to providing a valuable service and product.

A portion of The HandStand’s proceeds will always be donated to help others.  Their favorite charities are:  their church – Mt. Zion U.M.C., the Red Cross and the Boys and Girls Club.

What Atlanta Moms and The Mommy Insider readers can do:

  • Book a party or fundraiser with The HandStand – be sure to tell them that you learned about them on AtlantaMoms.com so they know their marketing efforts are working!
  • Call 770-822-0065 or email handstand9395@yahoo.com to schedule your event.

Way to go guys and AtlantaMoms.com wishes you the BEST of luck.  I feel confident that these guys will go far with their idea.  I must also give kuddos to the boys’ mom who has seemingly given her boys great confidence and taught them to have determination, something some parents may not do so well.

This is not an advertisement.