Category Archives: Holiday

Tune into Nick Jr. – Nick Jr.’s Olivia Talks Turkey!!

Holiday, , , , , ,

With the holidays in full swing, it’s time to get into the “turkey day” spirit with our little ones! Olivia, a 6 ¾ little girl, is inspired by Mrs. Hogenmuller and takes up a new hobby – turkey calling! She turns out to be a natural, and before long, she’s attracted a turkey. But when the turkey takes a real liking to her and refuses to leave her side, Olivia has to find a way to make it leave her alone!

Get in the Thanksgiving spirit all week long by tuning into Nick Jr. to see her “Olivia Talks Turkey” special and find out if Olivia is able to get rid of the turkey!

Olivia Talks Turkey

You can visit www.facebook.com/OLIVIATV to learn more about Olivia and to see what she is up to every day! Olivia’s Facebook page will also help keep you up-to-date on the latest OLIVIA news, tips and more from the star herself.

I’ll be watching, will you?

Catch the Holiday Spirit at Atlanta-Area Simon Malls

Atlanta Moms Edition, Holiday, New posts, , , ,

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

Atlanta Moms Edition, Cleaning & Cleaners, Holiday, New posts, , , ,

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.

EcoMaids of Marietta websiteEcoMaids website

EcoMaids of Marietta Twitter page EcoMaids of Marietta Twitter

Shutterfly Holiday Cards – it’s not too early to get started on your holiday cards!

Holiday, New posts, , , , ,

Shutterfly photo giftsI can’t believe it but we have NEVER had a professional family portrait taken.  One of my all time favorite family photographs was one that my mother took of Tim, Sebastian and I (pre-Madelyn years) in front of the Christmas tree.  So, I printed a million of them and put them in Christmas cards.  I haven’t done that since.  Call it lazy, over-whelmed.. I don’t know.  It’s just not happening.   That’s why I’ll be designing and getting our holiday cards from Shutterfly.com this year.  Now to find someone to lucky enough to try and get a great photo of the four of us!  I’ll be sure to update you all when that happens! 🙂

Besides a huge selection of holiday cards, Shutterfly offers shoppers a great selection of photo gifts including wall calendars and stationary.

Shutterfly holiday cards - photo gifts

Shutterfly shoppers can choose from a variety of holiday card styles.  Are you a simplistic kind of gal?  No problem.. choose a classic, simple holiday card design. If you love bright colors and fun type faces, you’ll love Shutterfly’s more charismatic holiday card designs.

Shutterfly holiday photo cards

A few of my favorite Shutterfly.com photo products:

Shutterfly website
Shutterfly TwitterFollow Shutterfly on Twitter
Shutterfly on FacebookLike the Shutterfly Facebook page

Now I just need to find a photographer to shoot a few (hundred.. it’ll take that many to get one good shot of the 4 of us I think!) photographs of us for our holiday cards. 🙂

Are you a blogger?  You can get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly.com.  Learn how here!

Pumpkin Masters saved the holiday in the Hagan house

Contests, Crafts, Holiday, , ,

Halloween evening came to a halt about 14 minutes ago, it’s 12:14 am here. But I still have candy and chatting with friends on my mind.

The kids and I were very prepared for Halloween this year thanks to Pumpkin Masters‘ carving kits and Monster Pieces kit.
Madelyn, shown below, absolutely loved Pumpkin Masters Monster Pieces. I had thought that she could just paint a pumpkin this year but when these kits arrived in the mail I knew that Madelyn would be all over the monster pieces.
Sure enough she transformed her pumpkin from a dull, standard small pumpkin into a three-faced bilingual (Madelyn’s says so) pumpkin and one that is
clearly full of emotions. If the pumpkin’s three faces is any indication into his emotional health, you should be ware.


You can stock up on Halloween carving kits here at Pumpkin Masters store.
Madelyn took her new Pumpkin Masters lighted pumpkin bucket along for trick or treating and it was a huge hit, especially with the younger kids and girls. I guess they like lights. Sebastian put his Pumpkin Masters three light blinking brain in his carved pumpkin that we left on the front porch alongside our bowl of candy. He was thrilled to find that it was still blinking when we got home from trick or treating, hours after he turned it on. He was bummed (but probably inwardly happy) that no one came our house to get candy. Darn.. We have tons of extra m&m’s, twix, lolipops, and snickers bars to deal with here now. What ever will we do?

We gave 3 lucky Atlanta Moms readers a set of pumpkin/Halloween products at a recent get together/contest..

A Giveaway for you!

And now.. if you share a link to your creatively carved pumpkin from this year, we’ll enter you in a drawing to win $10 worth of Pumpkin Masters products for next Halloween. Gotta love being proactive, right? Tell us the age of the primary carver and helper (if any) when linking to your photograph.

Enter to win:

REQUIRED – leave a comment below telling us where we can find your pumpkin photograph (link, Facebook, twitter)’ and the names and ages of the carvers. Full names not necessary.
REQUIRED – also tell us why you want win a Pumpkin Masters carving kit for next year
REQUIRED – sign up for our weekly Insider newsletter. Subscribe
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
– follow us on Twitter (@Mommyinsider) then send out this tweet to your twitter friends (up to once per day!) I just entered to win a Pumpkin Masters carving kit from TheMommyInsider.com. You can enter to win too! Link: http://ow.ly/32lFA

Prize & Contest Details

– Entries accepted through 11:59 November 15
– winner will be notified via the email address the winning comment has
– make sure to use the same email address every time you complete an ‘extra entry’ task.
– we will retain right of use for the photographs submitted for use of this contest (if you are not comfortable with your pumpkin achieving celebrity status then don’t enter this contest! 🙂