Atlanta Attractions: Ice Skating at Avalon

Whew!  We are on the other side of Christmas and we hope everyone enjoyed the special time with their loved ones.  Jen and I both had a wonderful holiday and our kids are still home with us for a little over a week.  Our school break for the holidays is kind of weird this year and the kids didn't get out until right before Christmas.  We were counting down the days and couldn't wait for school to be done so we could squeeze in some fun stuff!  On their first day of break we went ice skating at Avalon.  This is something we had talked about doing the past few years, but just never made time to go.  When I mentioned it to the kids last week they were all for it and when I mentioned it to a friend she was all for meeting us there with her kids, too!  

Avalon, for those who aren't familiar, is an outdoor shopping area complete with tons of high-end stores, specialty shops, restaurants and a movie theater.  They offer an outdoor ice skating rink seasonally from mid-November to mid-January.  The hours for ice skating vary and the day we went they didn't open until 3 PM so we decided to meet for lunch first.  We had quite the crew of kids with us, but it made for a super fun day.  After lunch we walked around a bit and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of all the holiday shoppers.  I did not enjoy that hustle and bustle when I was searching for a parking spot earlier though (it took me close to 30 minutes to find a spot because it was so packed just a few days before Christmas).  As we were heading towards the ice rink we ran into a Facebook crew that was there promoting their virtual reality glasses company.  This guy was such a fun sport, talking to the kids and passing out thumbs up "like" magnets to the kids.  He told them they'd be the coolest in their classes with these.

We hopped in line for ice skating about 25 minutes before they opened and we were glad we did because the line quickly grew behind us.  There was an option to buy tickets online ahead of time, but they only sell a limited amount and they were sold out for our day when we checked.

The great thing about the rink not being open yet was that we were able to take in the pretty views and see it before a ton of people filled it up.

Promptly at 3 PM we paid and got our skates.  As we were helping all the kids put on their skates there was a lot of complaining and chaos and my friend and I looked at each other and second guessed our decision to bring 7 kids ice skating.  However, once we got everyone onto the ice they were all smiles and loved it!

There was a lot of clinging to the wall for some of them and I didn't realize what a workout it would be to try to help keep Boo-Boo from falling, but he loved it and we all had fun!

We skated for about an hour and as we were getting ready to leave they all really got the hang of it.  Of course then they didn't want to leave, but it was getting crowded and we wanted to get home before traffic got bad so I promised them we'd go back!  

The rink is open until January 22nd so there is still plenty of time for anyone that wants to squeeze in some winter ice skating fun!  

If anyone is planning to go, here are a few tips that I learned from our experience: 

• If you can get your tickets online ahead of time, that is definitely easier because you can just walk right up and get your skates instead of having to stand in line. 
• I was told the rink holds around 180 people so they cap it at that when selling tickets.  If you don't get on at the time you want, the wait is usually not more than 20 minutes. 
• There are benches for people who might be going with you, but that aren't skating. 
• There are shelves spaced around the rink for your shoes while you skate, but no lockers so plan accordingly for your bags/purses.  We found a nice lady who was sitting and watching her kids to put our purses with while we skated, but it made me little nervous just leaving them there. 
• I was hoping they would have the stabilizer things for the kids to hold onto as they are learning to skate, but they didn't, so they just had to hold onto the side instead. 
• The skates I wore were SUPER uncomfortable.  I don't know if it was the way mine were shaped or what, but I would definitely recommend bringing thicker socks to wear with the skates.  
• Be sure to check their website for holiday hours.  They offer extended times through January 7th and then return to regular hours.  

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From our families to yours, 

we wish you the merriest of holidays!

We are taking a few days off to enjoy the holiday with our loved ones. We might pop in over on Instagram a bit, but otherwise we will catch up with you next week. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Stocking Stuffers for Kids {Giveaway}

We simply can't believe that Christmas is just a few days away now. As much as we don't like to admit it we always seem to wait until the last minute for a few things here and there. This year stocking stuffers is what we waited on until the last minute. Are we the only ones? 

And let's not mention a little thing called wrapping. 

(Yikes!)

Here are some fun things we do have our stockings this year for the kids, but please share any ideas you have so that we can wrap up ours!

• Lip Stuff - Whether its Lip Smackers, or Chapsticks, or sparkly lip gloss (well minus the boys on the sparkles) all our kids like it all. From Skittle flavored to Ninja Turtle themed. Anything fun for the lips is usually a hit in and outside of the stocking year round. 

• iTunes - We've learned long ago that you can be three or ninety-three and an iTunes gift card will still excite you. We always include these in small denominations in everyone's stocking because then the kids buy their own apps, songs, or shows and think it is fun to be in charge of their own "money". 

• Socks & Underwear - We like to throw in some necessities into our holiday gift giving sometimes and have found that socks and underwear make for great stocking stuffers. The boys this year are all about the Under Armour "tall" socks, and the super hero themed ones are just plain fun! 

• Toothbrushes - And while we are on the subject of necessities - toothbrushes. We throw these in there because the kids always think its fun to get a new one, and it helps us feel a little less guilty about the candy it sits next to in the stocking. 

• Magazines - Magazines are always a fun one to throw in. We love that it is a non-toy item, and a subscription is kind of a fun gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Plus our kids absolutely LOVE getting their own mail, and look forward to when their magazines arrive every month. Our favorites are these magazines from Cricket Media. They offer a little something for each child from tots to teens, and love that with their "Double the Giving" campaign we are able to donate a subscription to a charity of our choice when we renew/start our subscription. 

• Brain Games & Puzzles - Small travel sized "brain" games or puzzles are also fun to stick in the stockings. This year we are going old school with some fun mini etch-a-sketches. 

• Cups - This one is easy, practical, and a great idea if you have a baby you are trying to think of. These stainless steel cups are our absolute favorite for kids and babies. 

• Grab & Go Packs - These are the best inventions ever! These little "grab & go" packs are the best thing. They include everything from coloring utensils to stickers to mini coloring/game books and the kids love them. We love keeping them in our cars or having them in our bags for when we might need them during down time. They've saved us a time or two and are one of our favorites to include in stockings. 

Now what will be in your stockings this year? 

And...

Just in case you need something a little extra for your stockings or if you are like us - waited until the last minute to think of things - we are here to help!

We have partnered with our friends at Cricket Media to give away one year's subscription to one of their amazing magazines! The winner will be able to choose what magazine they would like. 

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment below letting us know something fun that will be in your kids stockings this year. 

Winner will be drawn randomly and announced on Monday, December 26th. 

Happy Holidays!!!

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What's In My Bag? {Giveaway}

Ok, mamas!  It's crunch time.  Only a few day left until Christmas and we know you are rushing around and trying to finish last minute tasks before Christmas arrives.  If you are anything like us, you probably have tons of receipts, random coupons, and lots of other things stuffed into your bags.  We thought today we'd take a peek into our bags and share some of what we carry on a daily basis.  And don't forget to read to the bottom of this post for details on a super fun and super amazing giveaway, but first, let's take a look at all of stuff!!!

Jen's Bag

This past weekend, I was at Cute's Tae Kwon Do belt test - which I learned was an all day affair - and a few of the moms joked that I was like Mary Poppins. I kept pulling one thing after another out of my bag to make sure I kept the girls entertained, while their brother and his classmates did their tests. 

With three kids five and under, I've learned you must carry every single thing you own at all times. Ok, well maybe not everything, but it feels like it. With that said, I like a BIG bag. I have a huge diaper bag that I love, but sometimes it's not conducive to every situation - especially when I only have one child with me for part of the day and I want something a little smaller. 

Totes are my absolute favorite bags to carry. This black crocodile leather tote has been rocking my world lately. 

It's been the perfect size to carry around with me for errands and outings with the kids. It has a ton of pockets to keep me organized...well at least I try to start out that way anyway. Three kids digging through my bag throughout the day and it usually ends up looking a little haphazard by the end of the day. And that's where it gets interesting...

Now for the fun part - let's take a little peek inside my bag!

(Promise not to judge! I really have no idea what you are about to see...) 

• Sunglasses - First and foremost - sunglasses! I never leave home with out these. It doesn't matter the season or if it's rainy. I will have my sunglasses with me at all times. I have a few pairs, but I've been rocking this pair lately. 

Okay, now to dig a little deeper. Aside from my wallet, random mystery snack crunched into the bottom, and an old Chick-fil-a toy here's what's inside...

• Diapers & Wipes - Whew, at least we started off with an easy one. I've professed my love for WaterWipes a time or two on the blog before. They really are my favorite and have been so helpful lately since we can't seem to break the endless cold cycle we seem to be in, and I'm wiping noses, faces, and arms (yuck!!!) all day long. As for diapers, lately I have a nice variety of sizes and brands in my bag.  Usually I am a Pampers fan, but I've been test running the Target Up & Up ones.  

• Lotions - A must in my bag at all times - especially in Winter! Aquaphor and BabyTime seem to be my favorites right now. With Baby Cute and her eczema, I've learned not to mess around and get a good lotion and have it on hand where ever I go, and I love the feel of the BabyTime Soothing Cream on her skin. 

• Lip Gloss for Everybody - Always a must have in my bag. You will find no shortage of lip things in my bag. For me...for the kids...we love our lips in this house. Currently hanging out in my bag are my favorite lip glosses, one of my favorite moisturizers, and a princess chapstick or two - in my attempts to divert L.C. from using my glosses. Girl can go through a tube in the blink of an eye!

• Toys - Matchbox cars, action figures, and a Star Wars thing (I think ?)  because, well...boy mom. 

• Snacks - I mean is this even a surprise? Snacks is the only way I survive my day. I usually carry a variety of snacks, but puffs, bars, and pouches will always make their way into my bag. I've had a longtime love affair with pouches, and all three Cutes are now addicted to these yummy Slammers. I feel so sneaky using them because my kids think they are a "treat" when in reality I am sneaking in a bunch of healthy organic goodness into their little bodies. I am pretty sure if I showed them a real Butternut Squash and asked them to eat it they would gag and pass out. So thank you Slammers and the wicked awesome inventor of all things pouch - I love you!

• Hairbows - Hairbows because girl mom. Maybe I should clean these out a bit? But you never know when you a good hair bow. Especially a monogrammed one. 

• Care Kit - Okay so I am a stickler for having these stashed in my bags or in my car. It carries anything from bandaids & antibacterial cream, nail clippers, deodorant, thermometers - basically any tiny sort of care I might need throughout my day. There have been too many scraped knees that have caught me off guard, and sleepy mornings that I couldn't remember if I put on deodorant for me to learn that having a care kit on hand is more than useful. 

• iPad - The iPad, I have mixed feelings on this, but I've adopted a never leave home without it policy. I keep a few fun apps and movies for the kids, Cute's homework and school apps, and my Kindle app on hand because you just never know when you might need it. 

• Notepad & Pen - Because I'm old school. If I don't write things down I lose my mind (more so than it is already lost). 

And there you have it...the inside of my bag. 

Carrie Beth's Bag

Although I am past the diaper bag phase of life, I still have three kids that want and need a lot of stuff so I haven't found a way to get rid of a bigger bag.  It's not huge, by any means, but I still require a bag with lots of organization, pockets, and space for all sorts of things.  

My favorite bag these days is the super cute Metallic Nikki Satchel.  I talked about it a little bit HERE and I'm still really impressed with the quality and functionality of this bag.  I also love that it has a cross-body strap so that I can have my hands free at times. 

Now let's look inside my bag!  In full disclosure, I took out the crumpled up receipts before I took this pic, but other than that this is my bag as it was. 

• Sanitizer - On the side of my bag I have my favorite Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer.  I love their handy little holders and my kids and I are constantly using this sanitizer.  After I pump gas, after they play at the Chick-fil-a playground, etc. 

• Notepad and Pen - I always have a notepad and a pen. Like Jen I am a list maker and have to write things down or I don't remember anything! Plus it is handy when one of the kids wants to write or draw. 

• Cosmetic Bag and goodies - I have small cosmetic bag that I keep in my purse filled with all kinds of things like my favorite lip colors, medicines, band-aides, hair stuff, etc.  You never know when someone might have a scrapped knee, want a ponytail or need a little lip gloss.   

• Dry Erase Writing Practice - Boo-Boo loves practicing his handwriting skills using these dry erase activity books so I usually keep one in my purse so that when we are waiting somewhere or even in the car, he can work on them and stay entertained.  

• Crafts and Pictures - My kids love to craft and color so it is pretty common for me to have something they drew for me or made in my bag. 

• Snacks and Candy Bribes - Snacks because shortly after my children started eating solid foods I learned that you don't leave home to go anywhere without snacks and candy because I'm not above bribing them to run one more errand or behave during their sister's tumbling class.  You never know when a lollipop or candy cane is going to come in handy. 

• Toys - The girls are pretty much beyond the stage of me needing to carry something to entertain them, but Boo-Boo on the other hand loves having some sort of toy, ball or means of entertainment in my bag.  This week it has been a small car and a broken light-up sword that he has now transformed into a light saber.  The sword part broke off, but the light still works, so it is still bringing tons of joy to him!  Pretty random, but hey, that is #momlife. 

That is my bag and that brings us to our giveaway because we know that all you moms out there have a random assortment of stuff in your bags and we want to see what it is!  

Giveaway

We know this is a crazy busy time for everyone, especially moms so we think you deserve a gift!  A metallic satchel to be more specific!  It retails for $178 and it can be yours for free!!!

Ladies, I really do love this bag.  You can love it, too, at 30% off (use code MAGNOLIAMAMASHOLIDAY) or you can love it even more if you win one for free!  

We are teaming up with our friends at Jentou to give away one of their best sellers for free to one of our Instagram followers!  

We want to know what is in your bag?  Do you have random things in there from your kids?  Does your husband ask you to hold their stuff when you are out and about?  Snap a picture and share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #jentouxmamas for a chance to win!  Get creative and have fun with it.  We know all the moms out there will be able to relate!  

Head on over to Instagram to see details on the post and go ahead and enter!  Contest ends just before midnight on December 26th so be quick and enter right away!  You can see all the rules and details of the giveaway HERE.  

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Children's Book Club: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Christmas is less than a week away! I can not believe it! But we are oh so excited, and SO THANKFUL that our break has officially kicked off! 

Right before the break started, Cute's teacher decided to host a fun holiday party themed around How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Now you know we love our Christmas themed books - for both kids and adults - so we were excited to get to have a little fun with one of our long time favorites. The Cutes absolutely love reading The Grinch and watching The Grinch movies over and over. 

It's been awhile since we've popped in for a little Children's Book Club post, but thought this fun time of year deserved a revival. If anything, it at least might give some a fun activity to do with with a classic favorite with all this icky rain and snow going on everywhere.

THE BOOK (in case for some crazy reason you've never heard of it!)

FROM THE BACK COVER

The ultimate Dr. Seuss Christmas classic -- no holiday season is complete without the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou, and all the residents of Who-ville!

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old. 

And don't forget to celebrate Grinch-mas this Christmas season, the annual holiday tradition inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas that encourages readers to grow their hearts three sizes by doing good deeds!

THE ACTIVITY

My part for the party was to make a Grinch themed treat. After a Pinterest search (thanks Pinterest!), I decided to do Grinch themed Rice Krispy Treats. These were super quick and easy to make, which was key at the end of the semester!

Ingredients

- 1 Bag of marshmallows

- 3 tablespoons of butter 

- 6 cups of Rice Krispy cereal

- Green food coloring

- One tube of red decorator's icing
- Wax paper

Directions

1: In a medium sized sauce pan melt the butter and marshmallows until well blended. 
2: Add in green food coloring until desired color. 
3: In large mixing bowl stir Rice Krispy cereal and marshmallow mixture together. 
4: Place wax paper on a pan or a 9x12 dish. 
5: Spread Rice Krispy mixture out evenly and let cool. 
6: Once cooled, cut to desired size and then use frosting to make red heart. 
7: Eat and enjoy!

See super easy! The hardest part is not eating the warm marshmallow mixture!

What is your children's favorite holiday book? 

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