Tag Archives: events

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.

Relaxing in my room at the Montage Beverly Hills – Here for Power of Women luncheon tomorrow!

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I’m relaxing in my room at the Montage Beverly Hills after enjoying a nice walk down Rodeo Drive with Jamie from Blonde Mom Blog.  Why am I here you ask?  Well, I was chosen by Honda to present one of this year’s Power of Women honoree’s with keys to a 2011 Honda Odyssey at the Variety Power of Women luncheon here in Beverly Hills tomorrow.
Yes, I’m nervous, but I’ll be OK.. right?  I’m assuming you said “right Alicia”.  Thank you. 🙂

Montage Beverly Hills suite
Montage Beverly Hills suite

Jamie Reeves (Blonde Mom Blog) and Alicia Hagan (The Mommy Insider) at Montage Beverly Hills
Jamie Reeves (Blonde Mom Blog) and Alicia Hagan (The Mommy Insider) at Montage Beverly Hills

About the Variety Power of Women event:

Variety hosts our exclusive event celebrating the Power of Women and their impact on philanthropic and charitable causes. Variety honors a select group of women in entertainment who, through their efforts, have made a significant difference to their chosen causes. 400 invite-only guests made up of Hollywood insiders and A-list talent come to celebrate, support and pay tribute to the philanthropic efforts of these amazing women. Variety’s philanthropy bizarre provides an interactive area for guests to engage with the participating brand sponsors and the featured charities. The goal of Variety’s Power of Women is to inspire and encourage people from all walks of life to get involved, give back and make a difference.

2010 Variety Power of Women Event Honorees

Hmm.. I can’t help but wonder if Tom Cruise will be at the luncheon tomorrow to support his wife, Katie Holmes as she’s honored for her philanthropic efforts for Dizzy Feet Foundation?  I’ll be sure to let you know!

I am so honored to be attending this great event and to be in the same room as such wonderful people.  These women have worked hard to achieve their status as celebrities and philanthropists and deserve to be honored.

Other bloggers attending the Power of Women luncheon:

2011 Blog and Social Media Events and Conferences

Blogger Resources, Business, New posts, Web/Tech, , , ,

Scroll down to find upcoming conferences.

We want you to be in the know.  If you are a ‘mommy blogger’ (AKA a mom who writes a blog) I’m sure you hope to attend the latest and greatest blogger and social media events.  However, you might not be aware of all of the great blogger conferences going on and before you know it, you’re reading posts on other blogs about how great the BlogHer conference or ___ cruise was and you wished to the high heavens that you were there.
The Mommy Insider Blogger and Social Media Events Guide features upcoming social media and web events, parties, and conferences that we think mommy bloggers, website editors, and those who are interested in blogging and social media will appreciate learning about.

Is your event not on this list? Contact us at least one month before your event with details about the event and we’ll try to list it here in The Mommy Insider Blogger and Social Media Events Guide.

January 2011 Blog Conferences, Expos, and Events

Blissdom 2011 
When: January 27-28th, 2011* *Wisdom Workshops held on 1/26 &  Free Day on 1/29
Where: Opryland, Nashville, TN
 Cost: $399
Twitter: #Blissdom, @Blissdom

Altitude Design Summit
When: January 19-22, 2011
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
 Cost: $395
Twitter: @AltSummit, #altsummit

FoodBlogSouth 2011
When: January 22nd, 2011
Where: Birmingham, AL
 Cost: TBD
Twitter: @foodblogsouth

February 2011 Blog Conferences, Expos, and Events

Ungeeked E’lite
When: February 10-12th, 2011
Where: Sao Paulo, Brazil
What: unGeeked offers an intimate and engaging learning environment opportunity for attendees. Our forums are limited to intimate seating of 200 to 300 attendees.
Cost: Registration opening soon
Twitter: @ungeeked

NC Mom Bloggers’ Beach Conference
When: February 24-27th, 2011
Where: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
What: This conference will offer an opportunity to bring the best  Mom Bloggers together to work & discuss topics related to their field with other social media influencers, while maintaining a relaxed, unhurried, unforgettable experience. [source: Ocean Inn website]
Cost: $159+ with Early Bird rates available
Twitter: @onemomsworld, @carolinamama, and @CheleChestnut – These ladies are Ocean Isle Inn Ambassadors and may be able to answer your questions about the conference.

Design Bloggers Conference
When: February 28-March 1st, 2011
Where: Los Angeles, CA
 Cost: $395+ with Early Bird rates available
Twitter: @DesignBlogConf, #designblogconf

March 2011 Blog Conferences, Expos, and Events

The Texas Style Council Blog Conference
When: March 12 & 13th, 2011
Where: Austin, TX
Cost: $45
Twitter: @txstylecouncil

Bloggy Bootcamp Conference
When: March 19th, 2011
Where: San Diego, CA
Who: Those looking for a day of information, fun, & networking
Cost: Early bird rate of $110 before 12/1/10.  $135 thereafter
Twitter: #BloggyBootcamp, @BloggyBootcamp

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration
When: March 17-20th, 2011
Where: Disney World in Orlando, FL
 Cost: $375
Twitter: #DisneySMMoms

SXSW 2011
When: March 11-20th, 2011
Where: Austin, TX
Who: Lovers of music, film, and new/social media
Cost: $450-900 by 9/24/10 OR $525-995 by 11/12/10 OR $600-1050 by 1/14/11 OR $675-1150 by 2/11/11 OR $750-1250 walk-in rate
Twitter: @SXSW

UnGeeked Elite Orlando
When: March 3-5th, 2011
Where: Orlando, FL
What: A very educational and engaging three days of connecting with CEOs, VPs, Directors of social media, marketing, advertising, sales, recruiting and public businesses who will attend our open forum. [source: UnGeeked Elite website]
Cost: $233+
Twitter: @UnGeeked

BlogHer BET (Business, Entrepreneurism, & Technology)
When: March 24-25th, 2011
Where: Mountain View, CA
What: BlogHer is creating a space for 100 ambitious women to attend BlogHerBET to meet 50 role models and mentors…business leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists and top-level service providers. [source: BlogHer BET website]
Cost: $199
Twitter: @BlogHer #BlogHer 

April 2011 Blog Conferences, Expos, and Events

MOM 2.0 SUMMIT
When: April 14-16, 2011
Where: New Orleans, LA
Cost: $449 
Twitter: #Mom2Summit

Bloggin’ Mamas Cruise
When: April 29th-May 2nd, 2011
Where: Aboard a 3-day Royal Caribbean Cruise!
Cost: $449 full rate after
Twitter:@blogginmamas

May 2011 Blog Conferences, Expos, and Events

Camp Blogaway Bootcamp for Food & Recipe Bloggers
When: April 29th-May 1st, 2011
Where: So. CA (Angelus Oaks, near Big Bear in the beautiful mountains)
 Cost: $325
Twitter:@campblogaway, #campblogaway

Bloggy Bootcamp Conference
When: May 7th, 2011
Where: Boston, MA
Cost: $150
Twitter: #BloggyBootcamp, @BloggyBootcamp

Reviewer’s Retreat 2011
When: May 15-17, 2011
Where: Great Wolf Lodge-Poconos, PA
 Cost: $165
Twitter: #RR11

FitBloggin’ 2011
When: May 20-21st, 2011
Where: Baltimore, MD
Cost: $250
Twitter: @fitbloggin, #fitbloggin

SheCon 2011
When: May 20-22nd, 2011
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Cost: First 500 registered get ticket for FREE!
Twitter: @sheblogsnetwork, #SheCon11

Eat, Write, Retreat 2011
When: May 20-22nd, 2011
Where: Washington, DC
Cost: All-inclusive early bird: $649; Conference-only early bird: $499 (early bird rates until 2/11)
Twitter: @tastestopping, @eatwriteretreat

June 2011 Blog Conferences, Expos, and Events

Travel Blog Exchange 2011
When: June 11th – 12th, 2011
Where: Vancouver, Canada
What: Conference for travel bloggers and travel marketing companies to connect and learn
Cost: $80+

Type-A Parent Conference
When: June 23rd – 26th, 2011
Where: Asheville, NC
What: Type-A Conference will feature killer sessions, opportunities to network with bloggers and companies, and some of the brightest speakers in social media. [source: Type-A Parent website]
Cost: $79 and up.  Super Early Bird rates available through January 28th, 2011.

July 2011 Conferences

EVO Conference 2011
When: July 7-9th, 2011
Where: Park City, UT
 Cost: Early Bird Rate $175 by 8/4…$199 by 9/30
Twitter: @EvoConf, #evo11

Savvy Blogging Summit 2011
When: July 14th – 16th
Where: Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs, CO
 Cost: $250
Twitter: @savvyblogging

August 2011 Conferences

Food and Light Workshop
When: August 2nd-3rd
Where:  Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & The Kitchen Upstairs – downtown Boulder, ColoradoBoulder, CO
Cost: $650

BlogHer ’11
When: August 5th-6th
Where:  San Diego Marriott and Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Cost: $298
Twitter: #BlogHer11  and #blogher

Becoming Conference
When: August 12th and 13th
Where: Asheville, NC
Cost: $93 – $100. 50
Twitter:  @becomingconf

WordCamp San Fransisco
When: August 12th – 14th
Where: Mission Bay Conference Center, San Fransisco, CA
Cost: $50
Twitter: #wcsf

Bloggy Boot Camp – Chicago
When: August 20th
Where: Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, Chicago,  IL
Cost: $140 (sold out)
Twitter:  @bloggybootcamp

BlogPaws 2011
When: August 25-27th
Where: Vienna, VA
Cost: $179
Twitter:  @BlogPaws

2011 International Food Blogger Conference 
When: August 26th-28th
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Cost: $350
Twitter: @ifbc

September 2011 Conferences

BlogHer Handmade 
When: September 15th-17th
Where: St. Paul, MN
Cost: $225
Twitter:  @blogher

WordCamp Albuquerque
When: September 16th-18th
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cost: $25 or $150
Twitter:  @ABQWordPress

She Streams Conference – New York
When: September 23rd-24th
Where: Crowne Plaza Times Square, NY
Cost: Prices vary
Twitter: @shestreams

Conference information shown here was copied directly from the respective conference websites. Please refer to the conference/meeting’s respective website for additional information, rate increases, or other conference information revisions.