Unique Halloween costumes for tweens who want to stand out

Halloween costumes for tweens, kids, and adults are everywhere beginning as early as September 25th. Does your family have have their Halloween costumes selected yet?  This year, the usual super heroes, princesses, and witches are joined with Minecraft and LEGO characters as some of the most popular. 

Tweens are at the age where they want to be cool and Mom and Dad do not want them to be too grown up (sexy tweens... not cool). So what if your 9-12 year old wants to choose from unique Halloween costumes for tweens? Where can you look? 

Most likely, Halloween superstores pop up in your area (or a nearby city) before the calendar reads October.  Take some time to walk around one of these stores or browse websites if you have time for shipping. You can find some great ideas that are unique for kids and fun-loving adults as well. 

Here are a few favorites that were approved by me (mom) and my daughter (tween):

Unique Halloween costumes for tweens  

Spirit Halloween and Halloween Megastore are two costume and decor themed shops that appear in the southeast US for holiday needs. We fell in love with these unique costume ideas:

Hooded Huntress Costume

This one from Spirit Halloween is a perfect mix of fantasy and toughness, with the hooded cloak and bow and arrow. This girl doesn't need a dress for a royal ball! She's outdoorsy and strong.

2017 Ford Explorer: long haul road test

This is my second time reviewing a Ford Explorer Platinum, thanks to the team at Ford Southeast & Performance Logistics. My family used the vehicle at no charge for 11 days. All opinions are exclusively mine (or my daughter's). 

Nine months ago, I shared my thoughts about the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum edition. Our family reviewed the vehicle during a 4 1/2 hour road trip to Charlotte, NC for a theme park and the Great Wolf Lodge. This time, we happily received a shiny new 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum for a much longer road test. Our destination? Sunny Florida for a Christmas vacation with family. 

When we chose a sunny destination this year, Christmas travel became extreme travel. We packed the trunk space full (really full) with gifts, luggage, snacks, and a cooler. We set off bright and early with sleepy children then endured holiday traffic later in the afternoon. Our travel day ended up around 10 1/2 hours from home to accommodations.

Favorite Atlanta attractions with holiday celebrations

It's almost Thanksgiving! Which, of course, means that Christmas events and attractions are open all around the Atlanta area. Our favorite metro family attractions have special holiday lights, shows, and magical fun.

Stone Mountain Christmas

Opened this year on November 12th, Stone Mountain Christmas is back with more sparkle than ever. Over two million lights and cheerful sounds will surround you at Stone Mountain Park. New for this season: character experiences with Rudolph, Clarice, and friends at Rudolph's Merry Little Meet and Greet, the Skylights Spectacular musical walk-through, and Rudolph The Red-Nosed-Reindeer 4-D! Plus, beloved favorites the holiday train, snow angel snowfall, and holiday fireworks have returned.

Center for Puppetry Arts: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

 "Rudolph soars back into town for this faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us." This shows sells out quickly, so do not delay. Contact the Center for Puppetry Arts to see if you can still catch this holiday classic. You will feel like you are in your childhood television!

Pre-Christmas family fun!

Christmas season is full of activities and family outings. With the record warm weather we have been having down here, we are enjoying more outdoor time and having fun as a family.

We have been busy for a few weeks! To name a few... our preview of the amazing Six Flags Over Georgia Holiday in the Park, elementary school art show, a preschool sing-a-long, and a fun family night at the Lights of Life. Class parties up next! Christmas is coming!

Even if it is 72 degrees outside.

I'm linking up with Really, Are You Serious today for Mommy and Me Monday! Get in front of the camera and join us!

Happy holidays! 

Favorite family Christmas movies

What are your favorite family traditions around the holidays? 

I love impromptu movie nights! When the weather turns cold and the skies are dark before the kids' bedtime, it's fun to gather the family with blankets, freshly-popped warm popcorn, and a great holiday movie. 

What makes a great family holiday movie? For us, it is something that can entertain the adults and the children. Some of my own favorite holiday movies (like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story) still fly over the heads of my young children. They are "boring", so I hear. 

We have found a few family favorites that make everyone happy. This can be a tall order considering the almost 6-year age gap between my two kids. 

Our favorite family Christmas movies are...


Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas - the Jim Carrey live-action version from 2000. The funny costumes, bright colors, and silly faces keep our littlest entertained, while the story holds the interest of our second-grader. Adults love it too!

Home Alone  - the original from 1990, of course. My daughter loves this movie and asks to watch it several times each season. Our little guy sat still through most of it recently and he giggled at all the "bonks" and "boo-boos".

Elf - Will Ferrell, green tights on a grown man, and a ton of syrup - who needs more? This 2003 family holiday movie is my personal favorite. There is enough silliness and color to hold some attention for our toddler, and my daughter thinks it is hilarious. One of the best Christmas movies of all time! 

Arthur Christmas - this one may not be as widely beloved, but it is a family favorite in our home. Cute animation, a dork-turned-hero, and a lot of Christmas spirit make up this family Christmas movie. 

What are your family's holiday favorites?
 

Family fun: beating the winter blues

"For families with young children, the winter months can seem like the most punishing time of the year:  shortened days, cold temperatures, and snow days all drive kids indoors.  How do we keep our kids happy, healthy, and active when we are already struggling to do the same for ourselves?"  
-Battling Winter Blues Positive Parenting Solutions
 

The article mentions turning off the television, remembering routines, and encouraging enthusiasm for indoor activities. Some of our favorite indoor activities involve creative play and science.

Creative Play

• Play-Doh and Moon Dough are worth the mess when it is too cold to play outside and the weather has everyone feeling a bit too blah. Homemade play dough is fun too!
• Setting up a pretend store can keep kids entertained. Grab a play cash register and stock up on play money. The kids can "sell" books, snacks, toys... really anything they want to gather up into a display. 
• Make simple stick puppets with popsicle sticks, tape, and construction paper - then let the kids give you a puppet show from behind the sofa. They can even make and distribute tickets or create advertising posters before the opening act.

Holiday festivities at the World of Coca-Cola

Here is another Atlanta attraction with holiday fun in store for us this season! The interactive home of Coke launched its seasonal celebration earlier this month.

images courtesy of World of Coca-Cola

 “The World of Coca‑Cola is a favorite holiday destination for fans of all ages from around the world,” said General Manager of Retail and Attractions for the World of Coca‑Cola Russell Jacobs.  
“We are always planning new ways to surprise and delight our guests, and we’ve put together a list of our top ten reasons to spend the holidays with us this year.”

image courtesy of World of Coca-Cola

Guests can:

• Mail friends personalized letters from the desk of the Coca‑Cola Polar Bear inviting them to the attraction 
• Give a one-of-kind holiday gift that friends and family will always remember 
• Savor the season with signature beverages like Gingerbread Coke and Mistletoe Flow 
• Snap and share selfies with the Coca‑Cola Polar Bear and Santa Claus using #WOCCHoliday
•  Get the star treatment with personalized VIP Guided Tours 
• Give back with a gift from the 5by20 artisan collection, which benefits women entrepreneurs around the world 
• Ooh and ahh over the thousands of holiday lights and larger-than-life ornaments in Pemberton Place 
• Learn the real story behind the Santa Claus image we know and love, originally commissioned by Coca-Cola in the 1930s 
• Share favorite holiday memories of Coca‑Cola with other fans from around the world 
• Give the gift of happiness all year long with a World of Coca-Cola Annual Pass  

Holiday In The Park returns to Six Flags Over Georgia! #Atlanta

Looking for a memorable experience with out-of-town relatives or some thrilling family fun with the kids? I highly recommend Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia! We attended a media/blogger preview on Friday night. We left the little guy at home with a sitter and took our big girl and her friend to Six Flags for the tree lighting, holiday festivities, and roller coasters!

photo: Six Flags Over Georgia

We twisted and twirled and squealed for several hours and enjoyed the sparkling lights. Six Flags is a blast at night and the holiday lights make it even better! Holiday In The Park is back for the second year in Atlanta, and we look forward to it becoming an annual family tradition.

photo: Six Flags Over Georgia

What will you experience if you visit Holiday In The Park at Six Flags Over Georgia this year? Well, some of your very favorite theme park rides, of course! But in addition, this Six Flags winter event is all about festive shows, dozens of Christmas trees, more than one million LED lights, and a cozy meet with Santa Claus in the Santa Claus Cabin.  You may also stroll through Peppermint Plaza, the North Pole, and snowy Main Street Christmas. Walk through a mistletoe tunnel with your sweetie or journey back in time to simpler days of Christmas past with Retro Christmas USA. The magical event is open NOW and runs through January 3rd, 2015.

It's time for holiday revelry in #Atlanta

I spotted my first retail Christmas decoration on October 30th this year.... one day before Halloween. I get it. Christmas decorations make a lot of people want to spend money. Stores want to take that money. Therefore, stores push the holiday cheer into our collective faces as early as possible. I expect to see it on October 28th next year.

Now that Thanksgiving is almost upon us, I am cool with the holiday merriment. I still feel like it is September, but Christmas will be here before we know it. Life is just too fast sometimes!

If you are in the Atlanta area like I am, there are many activities and special events happening from now through early January. So if you are bummed by the darkness in both our weather and world events today, it is not too early for some Christmas cheer. Head out this weekend for one of these favorite family festivities:

Stone Mountain Christmas
Gorgeous lights, holiday music and shows, beloved winter characters (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Bumble!), Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4-D, the Snow Angel's magical snowfall, and fireworks, along with all of the attractions and shopping always offered at Stone Mountain Park. Open now! Visit Stone Mountain Christmas for ticket information and hours.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park 
For the second year, Six Flags Over Georgia will be transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland! Also included: holiday shows and special activities, plus the thrills and laughs you can only get from Six Flags! Opens this weekend, November 21st! Visit Six Flags Over Georgia for more information.

All things Harry Potter: for #Halloween!

My book worm of a daughter is starting to get into Harry Potter. She began by watching the first movie, and now we are starting her on the brand new illustrated Harry Potter book series! The stories are incredible without illustration, but as a young yet highly advanced reader, my 7 1/2 year old really enjoys pictures to go with the story.

She is also ready to hit the neighborhood in her latest Halloween costume: Hermione Granger. With just-past-the-shoulder curly hair, she looks the part perfectly once she dons the long black Hogwarts robe and Gryffindor necktie. Just last week, my friend at JaMonkey.com posted a DIY Harry Potter magic wand tutorial... check out this magical handiwork! Here's her DIY Harry Potter wand Pinterest pin as well. 

Image: JaMonkey.com (click for full post)

So we are all set on the costume front! If you want to really make a Hogwarts-type splash for the upcoming holiday, investigate some of these amazing Harry Potter decorating and food ideas from Pinterest:

Image: Buzzfeed (click for full post)

Image: Over The Big Moon (click for full post)

Happy October! Halloween will be here soon! Trick or Treat?!

Why I didn't write a sappy Mother's Day post

There are a few hours remaining in my Mother's Day tonight. Two children are in bed, one sprawled out in his crib with his face to the ceiling and the other still "too awake to sleep", even though it is a school night. I have glanced at headlines and Facebook shares of numerous Mother's Day posts this weekend, and it never occurred to me (until now) that I did not have one of my own.

Sorry, no sappy Mother's Day post here.

I was too busy living in the moments.

I was distracted from computers and thoughts of writing, instead happily fulfilling my roles as the birthday girl (May 9), the wife on date night (hooray for a meal with no baby!), and at-home Mom today. I had a lot more down time than I usually do and it has been nice. I did not cook a meal for two days and that has been awesome. We had no set plans other than our date night dinner, and that was probably the best treat of them all. Our weekends are usually scheduled and very busy. We played at home, broke in the inflatable kiddie pool in the yard, and had the TV on more than we "should". No rules, just us being a family.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all the moms out there. I send my hugs and good thoughts to those who are missing their mother, and I send extra special heartfelt prayers to those who long to be called "Mommy" but it just isn't meant to be - yet.

I am grateful for all of the people who have shaped my life into what it is today, and I hope I am properly guiding my two amazing babies towards their own happy futures.

Is 37 still "mid" thirties?

I have another birthday coming up this weekend. Hooray for my annual weekend of birthday and Mother's Day love. My only requirement for the double holiday of ME is absolutely no cooking. Planning meals, grocery shopping, and cooking are some of my least favorite activities. So I look forward to a weekend of excessive calories from restaurant food and dessert. I cannot decide whether my birthday request will be a cookie cake or peanut butter pie. Maybe I can negotiate both (it will be my very special double-holiday weekend, you know).

I am having total writer's block this week, so forgive my ramblings. Perhaps it's my age.

Is 37 still "mid" thirties?

I fear that I have to use the dreaded "late" word... late thirties. My husband turns thirty-nine in about two weeks, so at least I can still pick on him for being older than me. Two years (minus 17 days) older than me, in fact. I win.

Happy early Mother's Day to all the moms out there. And happy birthday to anyone sharing a birthday week with me, whatever your number may be.

Valentine's Day surprises for young children

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and family. While you are planning a night out for your spouse or picking a card that says it just right or bustling around to get 22 classroom valentines purchased and coercing your child to fill them all out, do not forget to find a little surprise something for your young elementary or preschool aged kiddos.


I have always enjoyed surprising Amelia with a balloon or card or a little something special on various holidays and occasions. It is easy to purchase candy or a stuffed animal from the nearby drugstore for the kids pre-Valentine's Day, but how about something a little more unique or special? I certainly do not need any more stuffed critters in this house!


I perused the trusty Internet to find some ideas for my little ones. How about these adorable creations? 

Keepsake Surprise

source: PersonalCreations.com

This Hello Kitty box from PersonalCreations.com is personalized with a name and filled with Jelly Bellies. You could get any jewelry box or ceramic trinket box and fill it with a favorite candy. This gives your child something special and "grown up" to keep along with their sugary snack.

Money Flower

Pinterest.com

I love this idea!  Children love to receive real money to add to their piggy banks or to take to the store. Money also allows children to learn about budgets and prices when they go out to find their new item. This Pin can be found here: origami money flowers. You just need some bills, green pipe cleaner, and a ribbon. How cute would this be waiting on the breakfast table on Valentine's morning?

Famous groundhogs of the USA (really!)

February 2nd is Groundhog Day. A holiday where we attempt to predict the weather by pulling a furry creature from his burrow. Where did that idea come from? 

Old European tradition states that if a hibernating animal sees its shadow on February 2, six more weeks of winter will occur. This is attributed to Germany, France, and Scotland - so I'm honestly not sure of the exact origin. However, it was the US town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where the first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1887. A local editor convinced businessmen and groundhog hunters to launch the holiday, and they ventured to a site called Gobbler's Knob where the very first groundhog weather prediction occurred.

The Punxsutawney groundhog, the most famous groundhog in the world, is known by millions as Punxsutawney Phil.  But did you know there are actually several famous US groundhogs?

General Beauregard Lee, PhD
Apparently, Georgia's top groundhog is highly educated! He makes his home at the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, Georgia. He has been recognized by four governors and commended twice for forecasting accuracy by the National Weather Service.

Sir Walter Wally
Hometown groundhog of Raleigh, NC. He has been correct in his prediction 50% of the time since 1998. (Rival Punxsutawney Phil is said to be around 30%.)

Buckeye Chuck
Beloved groundhog of the state of Ohio. He was declared the official state groundhog in 1979.

Staten Island Chuck
Officially referred to as Charles G. Hogg, this fuzzy guy makes his home in the Staten Island Zoo.   He is the official groundhog meteorologist of New York City. He ran into some controversy in 2009 when he bit Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

So, now you know.

Happy Groundhog Day tomorrow!

Mommy and Me: Holiday nighttime fun Marietta, GA

It's 2015 already and Christmas has come and gone, but these photos are too cute not to share. Linking up again to Mommy and Me Monday with Really, Are You Serious.

The Atlanta area has a small chiropractic college called Life University in the Marietta area (close enough to the city for a quick evening out). They display a free drive-through light show each year for the holiday season. For families who want to enjoy even more, you can pay per vehicle to enter the Christmas wonderland with a petting zoo, trackless train ride, animated Christmas displays, and lots of goodies to eat. (Extra charges for these activities.) We try to go every year because it is a low-key and festive activity that doesn't require an all-day long commitment.

Amelia and I browsed the windows, peeked at the petting zoo animals, and roasted marshmallows. Amelia ate hers "raw", but she did toast (um, blacken) Daddy's for him. This year, Andrew took his first train ride! I am sure it will be the first of very many. I hear that pretty much all little boys become obsessed with trains!

Christmas in sunny Florida

The Christmas chaos has come and gone. Our day was not quite as expected since the kiddos were sick. Amelia was recovering well by Christmas day and enjoyed the time with extended family, but baby Andrew was not well at all. He is still not himself, almost one week later; we are currently trying a breathing treatment (wheezing) and a new antibiotic (ear infection that won't clear). Poor baby!

Happy New Year to all!

My Christmas sweetheart

And a boy who just did not feel like it

Wishes for a very merry Christmas

For my husband,
I wish you a release from thoughts and worries of work, fun adventures with your children, and easy success and joys in the new year.

For my darling first grader,
I wish for you excitement and surprises, never-ending learning and wonder, and a healthy dose of confidence so we may always see that glowing and adorable smile.

For my sweet baby boy,
I wish you continued growth, discoveries, and squeals of laughter.

For family and friends,
I wish you peace, happiness, and love with safety, health, and prosperity in the new year.

May all of you find your happy place this season, and may that happy place reside in your soul each and every day.

*** Merry Christmas to all! ***

You still have time for these glowing Christmas light displays: Georgia and Tennessee

You still have time! Grab the extended family and venture out for some twinkling festivity.

It is a favorite December activity of ours: driving around to view shimmering displays of holiday lights. With our penchant for road trips and US travel, we have managed to experience a several of the below favorites in Tennessee and Georgia. Are you near any of these displays? Here are a few select Christmas light experiences southern folks might be able to view this week and the next:

 Note: most of these require a fee; check the websites for pricing and operating hours.

Georgia

Garden Lights - at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (extended until 1/10!)

Magical Nights of Lights - Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, GA (ends 12/31)

The Lights of Life - Life University in Marietta, GA (ends 12/31)

Petit Creek Christmas - Petit Creek Farms in Cartersville, GA (ends 12/30)

Stone Mountain Christmas - Stone Mountain Park (ends 1/4)

Fantasy in Lights - Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA (ends 12/30)

Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular - Columbus, GA (private home)

Meckley Family Christmas - Kennesaw, GA (private home)

Enchanted Garden of Lights - Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA 

Tennessee

Speedway in Lights - Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN (ends 1/3)

Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard - Memphis Botanic Garden in Memphis, TN (ends 12/30)

Starry Nights - Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN (ends 12/28)

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland - TN Smokies Stadium in Kodak, TN (ends 1/4)

Christmas on the Cumberland - Clarksville, TN (ends 1/3)

Chad's Winter Wonderland - 8-acre farm in Lebanon, TN (ends 12/31)

Lights on Old Charlotte - Franklin, TN (ends private home)

Favorite decor highlighting the "reason for the season" #Christmas

When I was in the holiday shopping traffic the other day with Amelia, I mentioned to her that shopping and buying are not the meaning of Christmas. Her reply? "I know, it's presents!"

Alas, it has been too long since private church preschool. I realized that, other than her art projects from her former preschool, our Chirstmas decor in the home was all exceedingly commercial. Therefore, I launched 'Operation Bring Baby Jesus Back' in the house.

A friend recently posted a photo on Instagram of a perfect Advent calendar - a nativity scene that you build upon each day, with cute little stuffed figures that reside in pockets until their given day. I searched online and found that it is made by Vermont Christmas Company and I could order the nativity Advent calendar via Amazon.com. Yes to free shipping!

The calendar now hangs on the door to our deck, in the hustle bustle area of the kitchen so we can remember it each day. Amelia is having fun adding a character each morning, and we talk about the shepherds, kings, angels, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The calendar is really big and I love that. It is now a perfect eye-catching and fun keepsake to hang up year after year.

Speaking of preschool Christmas art, I still hang this one by the front door - an adorable hanging angel banner. Amelia made it with the help of teachers during her final year of pre-K. The banner was made with blue felt, white and brown paint, puffy glitter paint, and thick white and silver wired ribbon. Plus some hot glue to adhere the ribbon for wings and a black Sharpie pen for the eyes and mouth. After the banner is created and dried, fold down the top of the felt so a wooden dowel can slide through. Finally, tie on shiny cord for hanging. It is a cute and pretty hanging for a lovely family Christmas keepsake. Don't you just love kid art?

Christmas is on its way! 2014 was pretty much a blur.

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Follow BalancingMama on Pinterest for more kid crafts, kid science, travel, Disney, holiday décor, cute food, easy entrees, kid style, and more.

Favorite holiday gift lists

Are you on Pinterest? BalancingMama is on Pinterest! Check out my various boards on travel, kid style, cute food, easy family entrees, and Christmas gift ideas.

If you are still searching for some fantastic holiday gift ideas, click over to these from some blogging buddies of mine:

STEM gift ideas for girls - from Really, Are You Serious. I love that she encourages science and engineering for her girls. And she was a science teacher, so she knows what she's talking about!

Kitchen Must-Haves - from Redhead Baby Mama. This working mom of a little boy, a bulldog, and a cat shares her experience with some of the most useful kitchen gadgets for her busy life.

Ideas for Techie Parents - from The Mommy Insider. Parents love gadgets too! I definitely want some of the goodies on this list.

If you still need some assistance with your shopping endeavors in the form of deals and coupons? Check out the new Personal Shopper partnership with my friend, Mamalicious Maria:
Get Reward Points + Coupons for @LandsEnd and more


Happy gift hunting!