Friday, September 30, 2011
If you need a new local bar and restaurant to call home, try Three Blind Mice in Lilburn.
So I took advantage of pre-school’s Parent’s Night Out last Friday. I wasn’t sure how the boys would do, so we needed to pick a local restaurant for dinner. I wanted a great restaurant and wine bar, fit for mature adults, not too commercial, and right in the heart of Lilburn. Lilburn has not had too many restaurants that we can call home. The Blue Rooster was a great lunch stop, but that era is over. Where are the locals to go that feels as cool at Atlanta but as welcoming as, well, your own hometown? I found my happy place at Three Blind Mice, also known as TBM. Located near Five Forks and Killian Hill, this wine bar has a great selection of seasonal beers and extended wine selection. The bar is loft chic and the bartender a local …
Friday, September 23, 2011
Enjoy the beautiful weather at a great Georgia corn or apple farm.
Ah! Cooler weather has finally arrived in Georgia. Some of my favorite Fall memories include apple orchards, pumpkin patches and caramel apples. Here are a few places that you can explore the fun activities of Fall and let your inner child out to play. Corn Mazes - Farms with corn mazes can be fun for the whole family if you plan right. Bring a picnic lunch and a babysitter/ grandparent (Yes, you have to pay for their admission even if they don’t play). Then, take part in the fun. Go down the hay slides, pet an animal, ride the crazy 4-wheeler train, jump on the jumpy things, enjoy a hay ride and get lost in the corn box. To create a real adventure, let the sitter watch the kids on the rides while you and your husband navigate the maze. …
Friday, September 16, 2011
Take a break for your all-American weekend to experience Japan- so close to home!
JapanFest at the Gwinnett Convention Center is still set for this weekend -- September 17 and 18. In addition to the great line up of exhibits and food vendors, they have added tsunami education sessions, and all proceeds from the event will be donated toward the Japanese relief effort. JapanFest, albeit a very busy event with a gathering of almost 17,000 people, is very well planned and executed in the Center. All rooms are used for various exhibits so you can spend as long as you want in each experience. Arrive early for the Koi fish display outside. Then if you start in the Performing Arts Center, you may experience a musical dance performance with detailed costumes and expressive theatre-like storytelling. Then you may cruise down …
Friday, September 9, 2011
Summer break is over, and now YOU need a break!
It’s not that we don’t love spending a summer with our kids…but, I think many moms are doing the little summer’s-over-happy-dance right now. If you need a great place to celebrate and dance, try going to a 42-year Atlanta tradition -- the Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park. Crafts not your thing? Well, have no fear. There’s a little something for you and all your holiday gift exchangers at the festival, and I have the plan. Gather your area moms and find out who has the car passes (the event is free with a pass). Then, meet with a full coffee mug, a shopping bag, water bottle, sunscreen and your holiday gift exchange list. My favorite people to buy for at Yellow Daisy include teachers, neighbors, and sister-in-laws. The reason …
Friday, September 2, 2011
When parenting responsibilities seem overwhelming, let the beach help renew your spirit.
This past weekend I had the luxurious honor of joining my friends on a moms-only beach weekend. The combination of friendship and the calming rhythms of the gulf helped to provide a renewed perspective for my spirit. Here’s is my meditation one morning: Looking out into the colorful depths of aquamarine, I feel the ocean’s immense presence. The ocean reminds me of countries across the sea, animals beyond the deep and how all of us on earth are interconnected in so many ways. Deep in my deep thoughts I wonder what affects my small part will have in the world. Then I realize, I am perhaps small in the world, but enormous to the most important people in my life- my children. Will I be able to provide happiness and foster confidence? There …
Friday, August 26, 2011
This girls' night musical is sure to bring laughter and tears -- just like real motherhood.
I don’t write about musicals or plays too much as I do not usually attend them. But, when I read an article about Motherhood the Musical, I got every excited. All moms should mark their calendars to see this show with their mommy friends as well as their own moms. Motherhood the Musical will be at the 14th Street Playhouse from September 22 through November 20 including Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00. Here’s how the website describes the show: “It’s the joyous journey and loving look at the blessings and perils of being a mom. It’s climbing the emotional mountain only to find that there’s laundry at the top. It’s discovering how powerful your love can be and how quickly your children grow up. It’s helping them find their way and…
Friday, August 19, 2011
Explore one of Georgia's Indian effigies and bask in undeveloped Piedmont beauty.
Can you think of a time in Georgia before high rises and neighborhood developments? Take a trip to Eatonton, Ga., (about 1.5 hours on Interstate 20) for an Indian history lesson and what else -- a great Southern buffet! The Rock Eagle Effigy Mound is located in the Rock Eagle 4-H Center, a UGA run park and facility adjacent to the Oconee National Forest. Featuring Indian evidence that has been dated more than 2,000 years old, this 1,500-acre site has a huge lake and lots of natural habitat to explore. Go on a Saturday when they have events open to the public, such as “Saturday at the Rock.” These programs occur every third Saturday and provide a visit to the History Museum as well as a featured topic. August 20 at 9:30 a.m. is …
Friday, August 12, 2011
Take a new look at our local wonder, Stone Mountain Park, for a little education and community connection.
Not all of your escapes can be without children. If you have a few hours, try taking a mini fieldtrip with an older child. Consider going to the Education Center at Stone Mountain Park. Learning something new together not only connects you and your child, but also you to your community at-large. Located at the base of the walk-up trail, the Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center is a Fernbank-esque experience. With interactive and professional displays that show the creation of the magma rock as well as a video show inside a cave, you and your child will thoroughly enjoy learning about the creation of Stone Mountain. After you understand how the rock was formed, you can watch two short videos in a mini-theatre …
Friday, August 5, 2011
Beat the heat with an adult whitewater rafting trip down the Chattooga.
Kids are getting back into school and now it’s time for your vacation. With the temperatures so high, you need to head to the mountains to cool off. I think a little Chattooga white water rafting fits the bill. This is a great overnight and day trip. You can get to beautiful Tallulah Gorge State Park to rest in under two hours. Then early in the morning, you head out for an all day adventure just east of Clayton, Ga. Whitewater rafting is a great way to stay cool during these last dog days of summer. Although you stay in a raft with a skilled guide, you will still get wet. With a beautiful rolling mountains range to wind through, you will find yourself both relaxed and exhilarated. Many summer packages are available through September …
Friday, July 29, 2011
Looking for a new group to help motivate and inspire? I found a great place for you.
Do you ever feel you are missing that very important exercise-gene? You know the one that is supposed to make you crave exercise over other activities like watching reality shows or HGTV? I think my gene passed to my first child at birth and never came back. If I don’t have an exercise class to attend, it just won’t happen. Unfortunately for me, my schedule has made me miss my Parkview class, so I am on the hunt for some new daytime workout options. Behold a new gem of a workout place in Lilburn -- right behind Chili’s on U.S. Highway 78. Aerobics, Yoga & More (AYM) offers a variety of classes and programs for women of all fitness levels-all without a contract. During day and evening, you will find exciting classes like tribal fusion, …
Pat Sartain
9:43 am on Saturday, September 10, 2011
Another wonderful stop at the Yellow Daisy Festival is the Dessert Booth of the Stone Mountain Woman's Club. Enjoy home made cakes, pies and cookies and when you are ready to head for home, take a few to enjoy later. The Club's 2nd Edition of their Dessert Cookbook is also available for only $10. Enjoy. more ›