First Date @mariettatheatrecompany #ad #FirstDateMarietta @bravepratl

I was invited to attend a media show in exchange for my honest review.

From the company flier:

"Marietta Theatre Company is pleased to debut its third production of the 2017-2018 season -- First Date. A romantic musical comedy written by Austin Winsberg,  First Date will run from February 9 through February 24 at the Lyric Studio on the Square. The award-winning play wittingly depicts the desires and desperations of dating, starting from the awkward first date -- all put to the score of Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner.

Since its original production at Seattle’s A Contemporary Theater in 2012, First Date has brought the all-too-real challenge of looking for love in the city to commiserating audiences around the world. Starring Ashley Prince as Casey and Chris Saltalamacchio as Aaron, both making their Marietta Theatre Company debuts, hopeful and hopeless romantics alike will revel in this relatable off-Broadway show."

If your friend or family member set you up on a blind date, what would you do?  How would you react?  A very irreverant presentation of the "what not to do" aspects of a first date.  A small cast of 7 people present what would happen "if".  Not something to show to the younger set (some language, innuendos, etc), but definitely a great show for adults to check out. 

The cast did an awesome job.  My daughter and I were impressed by their skills.  John Jenkins and his roll as Reggie (the bail out call) was hilarious.  He expressed versatility by performing multiple rolls during the performance.    Becky Ittner was great with her rolls as the sister, grandmother, facebook, and more.  A wonderfully talented cast.

Review - Juicy Juice Teasers @juicyjuiceusa #juicejuiceteaserskickoff

I was invited to attend the kickoff event for Juicy Juice's new product: Teasers.  It was a wonderful evening out with wonderful food and lots of samples of the product.  There were a lot of young teens and children.  The entertainment was a rising young YouTube performer named Ryleigh Ledford.

My preference is the half and half decaffeinated tea, my daughter enjoyed the peach..  It was good to know that they all are naturally caffeine free or decaffeinated as kids don't need the caffeine (and I can't have it).  My daughter sampled the Splashers (a juice pouch drink) and thought they were all good.

The Teasers are a blend of juice and tea.  They have less sugar and are sweetened with fruit juice.  There are four flavors: berry, half and half, peach, and apple.  Apple is the only caffeine free version, the rest are decaffeinated.

There's a great coupon available on the Juicy Juice Teasers site.  If you get the chance, give it a try.

Pike Nurseries Ladybug Weekend @PikeNurseries @BravePrAtl #PikeLadybugs #PikeLadybugLaunch

I was invited to attend an event at the Pike Nurseries in Toco Hills.  It was a wonderful informative session all about ladybugs.  Part of it was what plants/flowers attract ladybugs (and other beneficial insects) to your garden.  These include Red Geranium, Coleus, White Cosmos, Purple fountain grass, Sunflowers, Dill, Fennel, Purple Basil and many others.  These were a couple of planters that incorporated some of these plants that are premade at Pike.

They are also selling packs of ladybugs for you to release into your garden.  Best time to release them is at dusk.  You can keep them in your refrigerator until you're ready to release.  They slow down and "hibernate" when it's cool, making it easier to keep them.  At dusk, they start getting ready for night and settle in.  When released, they will likely be thirsty, so water the plants around the area you plan to release them slightly.  Then, release them at dusk around the bases of your plants.  You can leave the container out to make sure all ladybugs are out.

We did a release of ladybugs into the Pike flowers.  This is opening the container which had hundreds of little ladybugs.

I had ladybugs on my hands, so this is my attempt at getting them into the plant base.

Pike Nurseries is having a ladybug weekend this Saturday and Sunday (April 23 & 24).  The garden center is giving away a free 150-count packet of ladybugs per purchase, while supplies last.  You can find informational sheets on creating a ladybug friendly garden, coloring sheets, and cool ladybug facts on the Pike Nurseries web site.  You can also get information on how to win a $100 Pike gift card.

CONjuration- a magical little convention #magic #HarryPotter #LotR @CONjurationCon #winpasses

An awesome little con!  I attended CONjuration Con last year (it's first year ever) and had a blast.  You can see some of what I wrote about it here.   If you love anything magical (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc), you'll find something there for you.  Lots of great authors and performers.  Maybe I'll even see you at the special Tea Leaves & Tastings!

The convention runs November 13 - 15 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center.  Adult tickets are currently $49.  The price will go up at the door.   For now, you can even try to win passes!  Winner will be contacted (and have 24 hours to respond) to send a mailing address so that you can receive your letter from Hogwarts.  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

@MedievalTimes Mom is Free! #MTAtlanta

Moms are Free at Medieval Times – now thru May 11^th with a full-priced adult admission! This offer is valid at all 9 locations. The code to use is MOMWEB

Purchase tickets: http://www.medievaltimes.com/purchasetickets.aspx
More for Mom's Day!

@MedievalTimes Knight Training #MTAtlanta Spring Break Awesome!

My daughter and I attended a Tuesday night showing last week at Medieval Times. We arrived early and had the chance to check out the Knight Training program that is available during spring break.  The kids lined up in the sand of the arena and were each assigned a "sword" for the practice.  I watched the group of kids  listen to the knights explain how to look for certain moves in the show and then how to do some of them.  They worked their way back and forth a couple of times through the sequence of swings with their swords.  All together, I think the "practice" was 20 minutes long.

My daughter thought it was cool.  She got to talk directly to the knights (one of whom was making very bad jokes).  She also was able to see up close some of what they do and to try it herself.  She would have liked to have tried it against one of the knights, given the chance.  I think if she were given a sword she might be dangerous.

Unfortunately, most of my pictures came out rather blurry.

Knights demonstrating what the kids will be doing.

Practicing and watching the knights show them what to do.

At the end of the session the kids were knighted en masse by the king.

After the knight training, we still had time to wait before the show itself.  Pre-show, we were able to talk to the falconer and meet Echo. The youngest of the birds to perform at the castle.

I did try to get photos of the show, but they didn't do well.  I really need a better camera for that.  At any rate, my daughter was actually tossed a flower from our knight! She was absolutely thrilled. Every time we've gone of late it seems we get the red and yellow knight. This time perseverance paid off.

WHAT: This Spring Break, bring your kids to train to become Knights of the Realm at Medieval Times. Children will enjoy watching an exclusive weapons demonstration by our Knights and the Weapons Master. They will learn about the grueling training it takes to become a Knight. Upon completion of their training, your children will be knighted by His Majesty King Carlos in a group knighting ceremony.

WHEN: This special knight training class is only available for certain show times: April 7th thru 10th: Doors open at 5:30PM with training at 6:30PM

HOW: Children must be between the ages of 5 and 12 to participate. Space is limited and training is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 100 kids. Training is open to both boys and girls. Closed-toe shoes are required to participate. All Seats for these shows are just $29.95 with code SBGR. Book online at bit.ly/buymedieval or over the phone by calling 1-888-WE-JOUST.

I was given tickets to attend the show in exchange for an honest review of the Knight Training Program.

@MedievalTimes Knight Training #Giveaway #mtatlanta

WHAT: This Spring Break, bring your kids to train to become Knights of the Realm at Medieval Times. Children will enjoy watching an exclusive weapons demonstration by our Knights and the Weapons Master. They will learn about the grueling training it takes to become a Knight. Upon completion of their training, your children will be knighted by His Majesty King Carlos in a group knighting ceremony. 

WHEN: This special knight training class is only available for certain show times:

                March 24^th and 31^st: Doors open at 4:15PM with training at 5:00PM

                March 25^th: Doors open at 5:30PM with training at 6:30PM

                April 7^th thru 10^th: Doors open at 5:30PM with training at 6:30PM

HOW: Children must be between the ages of 5 and 12 to participate. Space is limited and training is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 100 kids. Training is open to both boys and girls. Closed-toe shoes are required to participate. All Seats for these shows are just $29.95 with code SBGR. Book online at bit.ly/buymedieval or over the phone by calling 1-888-WE-JOUST. 

Now the giveaway!  Enter to win 4 tickets to a show during Spring Break (April 7 - 10). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#RinglingAtl Built to Amaze! Meet the RingMaster

Andre McClain

Ringmaster

He is an accomplished animal trainer, cowboy, rodeo star, country singer and songwriter.
Andre is a descendant from a long, distinguished African-American cowboy heritage that dates back to the early 1900’s.

Performances are at The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Feb. 5-9, 2014.

Show Times:

• Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m

Performances are at Philips Arena Feb. 12-17, 2014

Show Times:

• Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb.13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 14, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m.

All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at The Arena at Gwinnett Center and Philips Arena Box Office, online by visiting www.gwinnettcenter.com (Duluth), www.ticketmaster.com (Philips) or via phone by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX (Duluth) or 1-800-745-3000 (Philips).

Mr. Clean & Holiday Cleaning Tips #Liquidmuscle @RealMrClean #ad

This New Year cleaning resolution tips post is brought to you by Mr. Clean as part of a Type-A Parent Community Sponsored Post.

As most of my friends know, I'm not the best when it comes to cleaning.  I am overwhelmed quickly and my results vary.  I do love to have a clean house, though, so I keep plugging away at it in my attempts to get it the way I want it.  Mr. Clean has come out with a new product that I'm hoping will help me on my way.

Mr. Clean's Liquid Muscle has 2.5X more power in every drop*. It also has an auto-stop cap, so you always dispense the right amount and waste less. You can use it directly on the mess to clean things like stovetops or counters, or dilute it in water to clean your floors. And because of its triple action formula, each drop packs a bigger punch than you'd expect. Even if there's a dirt supervillain lurking around, Liquid Muscle helps you can defeat it with ease.

Over the years I have picked up several tips that help me keep my home relatively clean and organized.  In honor of the New Year, here are a few of my cleaning tips:

1- Take small bites out of your chores.  Decide on what one thing you want to get clean is and get to it!  For example, I will make my main chore of the day to vacuum downstairs.  That's it!  Next time, I'll make my chore to dust, or clean the fans.  I cycle through the chores one day at a time.   My kids have their own chores as well.  They're busy with school work during the week, so their chores are generally done every other day or every few days.  They are, though, responsible for cleaning their own bathroom.  They like to divide that in half and alternate who gets which part to clean.  One will clean their part in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

2- Use the proper tools for your chore.  For example, a good mop can make a huge difference.  I love my steam mop for getting my kitchen floor clean.  I also love my ostrich feather duster.  Admittedly, I have to shake it out outside fairly frequently, but that's at least partly my fault.  I don't like to dust and tend to put it off.

3- Use the proper cleaner for your chore.  I've tried the new Mr. Clean Liquid Muscle product to clean a bathroom and it really did the job.  I used it undiluted in the toilet for a quick clean.  I also put it on a sponge to wipe down the counters.  The bathroom came out clean and fresh smelling.  I haven't had the chance yet, but I want to put a small amount of the Liquid Muscle into a spray bottle with water.  When I'm mopping my floor, there are times I need a little extra something. I want to use the Liquid Muscle and see how well it helps the steam get up the mess.

4- When it comes to cleaning your disposer, use some leftover lemon at the end.  It will freshen the smell from the disposer and makes it sparkle a bit more.

5- Sometimes, when it comes to cleaning grout in your tub, you need something to give you added reach.  Use an old toothbrush to scrub with.  The new Mr. Clean Liquid Muscle should work well here too.

6- Organization!  It's hard to clean when everything is cluttered.  I'm still working on this one.  I think it tends to be a constant battle for most of us.  You can pick up some really cool ideas on pinterest and from other moms.  It can be a very simple (and inexpensive) solution that you find that way.



This is a compensated post brought to you by Mr. Clean. Mr. Clean is kicking off the New Year with the launch of a new product called Mr. Clean Liquid Muscle, a new multi-purpose, multi-surface concentrated cleaning gel that delivers superior cleaning performance on and off the floor. Be sure to like Mr. Clean on Facebook and follow @RealMrClean on Twitter.

Ringling Brothers is returning to Atlanta! #wintickets #ringlingATL

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ^® Presents Built To Amaze! is the 143^rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth. Surprise and wonder delights audiences with over the top feats of strength, agility and courage. As the momentum builds so does the anticipation, anything can happen when Ringling Bros. Presents Built To Amaze!
 
Circus performers from across the globe create the perfect blend of athleticism and bravery, where power meets fearlessness and amazement has no bounds.  Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance.
 
Celebrate the tradition TODAY and experience it’s modern flare of twists and turns where excitement and suspense are so intense you’ll be tempted to cover your eyes.
 
From the blueprints to the band, the crates to the clowns, the hammer to the high wire, witness the spectacle as we measure out the perfect mix of marvel and majesty in an imagination equation where the impossible comes to life. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®Presents Built To Amaze! 

Performances are at The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Feb. 5-9, 2014.

Show Times:

• Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m

Performances are at Philips Arena Feb. 12-17, 2014

Show Times:

• Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb.13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 14, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m.

All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at The Arena at Gwinnett Center and Philips Arena Box Office, online by visiting www.gwinnettcenter.com (Duluth), www.ticketmaster.com (Philips) or via phone by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX (Duluth) or 1-800-745-3000 (Philips).

Reading is Fun!

Read five books and receive a FREE Kid's Ticket with the purchase of a Full-Price Adult Ticket through our Reading With Ringling Bros. program.

Visit www.readingwithringling.com to see participating libraries and library Clown appearance dates.

Win 4 Tickets!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 I was compensated in exchange for this post.

Operation Give Back & Special Family programming #MTAtl

Medieval Times Atlanta is once again supporting charity and has created Operation Give Back.  A wonderful way for the members of the Castle and their neighbors to give back to the community this holiday season.

The Knights from Medieval Times, Atlanta have already volunteered with two well-known Atlanta organizations.  For photos and more information, follow the links below.
o   Project Open Hand: http://bit.ly/OpenHandMT 
o   Atlanta Community Food Bank: http://bit.ly/ACFB-MTatl

Toys for Tots (Last day to donate is 12/22!)

·         Medieval Times, Atlanta is proud to be an official drop off location for Toys for Tots.
·         Now through the end of December, guests to our shows can deliver a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots upon arrival to the castle to receive a FREE* Souvenir Upgrade, including cheering banner, commemorative program, and one behind-the-scenes DVD per party.

o   *With the purchase of a ticket. One Souvenir Upgrade per toy.

 Follow the link for more information: bit.ly/mtfortots

 Facebook Giveaway:   Every Wednesday, characters (Knights and Princesses) take to the street to spread the word about Medieval Times. Throughout December the Atlanta Castle will be reaching out to our neighbors to spread holiday cheer. Nominate someone you feel is deserving by sending a message to gaschools91@medievaltimes.com with your nominee's name, workplace and a brief summary of why he/she is deserving of some holiday cheer.

Special Family Programs:

‘Twas the KNIGHT Before Christmas

What: Kids (12 & under) in pajamas will be admitted for free* with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy upon arrival and the purchase of a full-priced adult admission. All guests are invited to gather ‘round the fireplace with the knights and princess after the show for complimentary cookies, cocoa, and a live reading of the holiday classic, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Wear pajamas & bring your favorite blanket! All toy donations will benefit Toys for Tots.

When: Christmas Eve, 5:00 PM show

How: Use code KFVE at time of purchase. *Restrictions apply. Visit bit.ly/knightb4xmas for details.

Family New Year’s Eve Jubilee

What: Join us for a New Year’s Eve celebration designed for families! Adults are just $32.95 and kids are just $25.95. Admission includes the two-hour live show, four-course feast, Junior Knight Training, story time with a princess, face painting, and party favor bags for kids. Junior Knight Training, story time, and face painting will take place pre-show.

When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013. 6:00 PM Showtime, Doors to open at 4:00 PM.

How: Use code NY13GR at time of purchase. Visit bit.ly/nyejubilee for details.

Medieval Times Atlanta - Operation Give Back #MTAtl

 

Medieval Times Atlanta has created Operation Give Back.  A wonderful way for the members of the Castle and their neighbors to give back to the community.

The Knights from Medieval Times, Atlanta have already volunteered with two well-known Atlanta organizations.
For photos and more information, follow the links below.
o   Project Open Hand: http://bit.ly/OpenHandMT 
o   Atlanta Community Food Bank: http://bit.ly/ACFB-MTatl

Toys for Tots

·         Medieval Times, Atlanta is proud to be an official drop off location for Toys for Tots.
·         Now through the end of December, guests to our shows can deliver a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots upon arrival to the castle to receive a FREE* Souvenir Upgrade, including cheering banner, commemorative program, and one behind-the-scenes DVD per party.

o   *With the purchase of a ticket. One Souvenir Upgrade per toy.

·         Follow the link for more information: bit.ly/mtfortots

 Facebook Giveaway:   Every Wednesday, characters (Knights and Princesses) take to the street to spread the word about Medieval Times. Throughout December the Atlanta Castle will be reaching out to our neighbors to spread holiday cheer. Nominate someone you feel is deserving by sending a message to gaschools91@medievaltimes.com with your nominee's name, workplace and a brief summary of why he/she is deserving of some holiday cheer.

Swagbucks 5th Birthday Promotion

Swagbucks has some big things in store for their 5th Birthday this year - they're giving out five $1000 cash prizes and holding a HUGE Swag Code Extravaganza where you can earn 135 Swag Bucks worth of codes! There are also some huge games planned, and while the party doesn't happen until February 25th, TODAY you'll get more info, including how you can win one of those $1000 prizes!

Haven't joined Swagbucks yet? Click here to join and use the Swag Code 5THBIRTHDAY during registration - you'll start with 120 Swag Bucks instead of the usual 30.

Swagbucks Code extravaganza

Swagbucks is celebrating the month of January with a bunch of Swag Codes - if you can get them all, you'll have an extra 65 Swag Bucks at the end of the day. They'll be happening all throughout the day, so check their blog, Facebook and Twitter for potential clues. Also, if you have the new Toolbar installed you'll be able to check for Swag Codes all day long!

If you haven't joined Swagbucks yet, click this link to join the fun and start earn reward points that you can exchange for free stuff like gift cards! Use the code JANTASTIC during sign up - that way you'll start with 100 Swag Bucks instead of the usual 30. Enter the code exactly as it appears with no spaces.

Swagbucks goes Mobile!

Swagbucks has just added a new way to earn from their mobile site: Special Offers, where you can earn a lot of Swag Bucks in a small amount of time. Just go to the "Earn" Menu and you'll find them - you can choose from a bunch of different offers and they'll add new ones as they become available. Once an offer credits, it'll appear in your Swagbucks Ledger as "Special Offers: Trial Pay Mobile". Offers can range from a few Swag Bucks to thousands of Swag Bucks and can be a simple as watching a video. Just check Swagbucks.com from your mobile device to get started!

Not a member of Swagbucks? Sign up for your free account with this link and earn with me!

Win Tickets to the Atlanta Boat Show

From Jan. 10-13, 2013, Georgia’s favorite boating event docks at the Georgia World Congress Center, showcasing everything from luxury motor yachts and bass boats to family cruisers, pontoons and ski boats. Beyond the best in boating, the 2013 show will provide education and entertainment for all ages, from courses on how to repair a boat engine to learning from the on-the-water pros of MTV’s Wake Brothers and Animal Planet’s Off the Hook: Extreme Catches star, Eric Young.

Whether looking for a boat or new adventures in the New Year, the 2013 Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show has the deals and family fun to fulfill the wishes of any boater.

For more features and information, visit AtlantaBoatShow.com, follow the show on Twitter or Facebook.

WHEN:
Jan. 10-13, 2013
Thursday – Friday, Jan. 10 – 11, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE:
Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C
285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

TICKET INFORMATION:
Adults 16 and older: $12
Youth 15 and under: FREE (when accompanied by an adult)

Winner of 4 Tickets to the Atlanta Boat Show - Sonya Carter
Congratulations!

Swagbucks Swag Code Extravaganza

Tomorrow, Swagbucks is having a mini-holiday party in the form of a Swag Code Extravaganza! Multiple codes will be available throughout the day, 45 Swag Bucks' worth in total. To prepare, be sure to download the newly redesigned Swagbucks Toolbar, which now features a Swag Code Alert button!

Mom Blogger conferences

I'd love to have the opportunity to do many things in my life. One of the things I'd love to be able to do is learn to expand my blog out more. Of the conferences I know of, there are a few that definitely stand out. One of my dream conferences has always been BlogHer. I hear about so many great things that happen at that conference, that if I'm ever told I get to pick one, this would be the first choice.

Closer to home, one that interests me is the Type-A parent conference. Admittedly, I'm not necessarily type-a, but I do believe there is a lot I could learn from attending. Fortunately, they state on their site that you don't have to be type-a to attend.

Looking around, there are quite a few conferences out there that look cool. The farthest one away, though would be Mom 2.0. Another good conference for beginners and those interested in learning.

To be realistic, though, I'm not interested in becoming a "big" blogger, just in making mine more interesting/real. To earn something through it would be an add-on that I can't not think about. I love reviewing products, earning rewards by posting, etc, so it would be nice to be able to do more of that as well.

@Swagbucks and Amazon - get free MP3s

When you snag an Amazon.com Gift Card from Swagbucks during the month of September, you will be rewarded with a $1 promotional credit for Amazon MP3. With over 20 million songs, they're sure to have that new song you're dying to hear again or an oldie you don't already have in your collection. Start earning reward points today and snag your Amazon.com Gift Card and $1 Amazon MP3 promotional credit before Sept. 30th.

Swagbucks Treasure Hunt

This Wednesday, in honor of "Talk Like a Pirate" day, Swagbucks is holding a Treasure Hunt. Be on the lookout for more details.