Canvas Factory Giveaway!! *ended*

I love taking pictures.  I have so many prints that are waiting to go into scrapbooks.  But some of my favorites get put into frames so I can enjoy them daily.  I also love to have my favorite shots turned into canvas prints.  There is something special about turning your 4x6 photo into a beautiful canvas for your wall.

So....I'm excited to be working with Canvas Factory for another giveaway!

Their website makes it so easy to order your canvas.  Just pick the size you want, upload your photo (from your laptop, phone, Insta, FB, Dropbox or Flickr) and voila - you'll have your beautiful, high-quality canvas in days! The process couldn't get any easier.

The canvas on the bottom normally hangs in my son's room, but I moved it here to show both canvases. 

Close up of the latest canvas on the bottom! 

The two canvases in my pictures are both from Canvas Factory.  The top one is my kids on my daughter's graduation day.  The one resting on the mantle is the latest one I've ordered.  It is of my son and two great friends he met at the Duke TIP summer program last year.  I had to cover the girls' faces since I don't have permission to share them with the world, but you can still see the fantastic quality of the print.  The photo that was used for the canvas was taken on my iPhone, no fancy camera or anything!

I love the quality of my Canvas Factory canvases, and the care they take in shipping them.  It was packaged so carefully and I received it in perfect condition.

Canvas Factory is giving one of my readers their own canvas, too! Just enter through Rafflecopter below and stay tuned to see who wins!!
(I have a new IG so be sure to follow the new one as one of your entries, too!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Red Oak Lavender Farm ~ Dahlonega, GA

I love using herbs, botanicals and essential oils.  Especially lavender! I have a sleep mist, linen spray, bath salts, bath bombs and more that use this flower's calming fragrance.  It's definitely a favorite scent!

Three years ago, we first heard of Red Oak Lavender Farm.  I took my son to visit in the summer of 2016 and it was all I could have hoped for!  Beautiful gardens with rows of lavender, and the most amazing gift shop with homemade goodies and more!  Spending time out with the lavender is so peaceful and calming! Butterflies are everywhere and there are so many photo opportunities!

We took lots of pictures, and I knew wanted to come back soon.  However, an allergy to bees and other stinging insects made my son nervous to come back - bees are all over the farm, doing their thing!  So I didn't get to visit for a while.

Last summer my friend Katherine visited Atlanta from Houston.  She, like me, loves lavender and other essential oils.  So I knew she would appreciate a visit there.  She traveled with her one year old, and I think he enjoyed it too - lots of room to walk and explore!

This farm is not like the huge ones you see pictured in France or the Pacific Northwest with row after row of lavender.  Georgia does not have the ideal climate for lavender, but these folks have made it possible with a lot of hard work!  They have approximately 2.5 acres of lavender - about 60 rows that are 100 feet long.  They grow over 20 varieties of lavender on the farm.  It's really amazing, considering this plant should not grow here due to our humidity, clay, and other factors.

The family that owns the farm lives in the house attached to the gift shop. Not only do they harvest the lavender to sell, they distill the oil from plants to make pampering treats for you.  There are also culinary treats like Lavender Sugar, Lavender and Pink Himalayan Salt, and Herbs de Provence.  Those busy bees out by the lavender make the most delicious lavender honey.  You can get it fresh from the farm here!

I've purchased linen sprays, lavender-filled bookmarks, bunches of dried lavender, lavender soap, lavender honey, and a few other wonderful gifts there for myself or family/friends. The prices are great and the products are lovely.  Please check it out when you go!

Here it is, summertime again.  I'm ready for another relaxing trip to Red Oak.  I hope you will give them a visit, too!  There is a $5 fee for adults to visit during June, but now that it is July, entry is free!  From my home in NE Gwinnett, it was less than an hour drive to get there.

Check out this video I made on our visit last year!

And here are some of my favorite pictures from both visits...

D back in 2016.  He's grown up since then - now he is tall and skinny! 

Baby Lennox got his picture taken in this adorable butterfly chair last summer.

Sign from 2016 - they grow double that, now! 

Bee Hives!

Parking is in the front yard or along the driveway.  For special events, they offer parking at a neighbor's farm across the street.

Don't forget to visit the gift shop!

It smells so lovely, too - the scent of lavender is everywhere.

Here's what you need to know to plan your visit!

Red Oak Lavender Farm
2882 Red Oak Flats Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: 706-974-8230 during business hours
March 1 - December 15 ~ Wednesday - Friday 11 - 3  Saturday 10 - 4
Closed on July 3 & 4, 2019
Email: RedOakLavender@gmail.com

Giveaway ~ PARENTING: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family #GospelParenting #FlyBy

I've got another book to share with y'all and a giveaway, as well.  This book is excellent, and I can't wait to tell you about it!

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family is a wonderful resource for Christian parents.

In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.  Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.

I'm only a few chapters in so far, but this book is just what I needed to read right now.  We all have days where we feel like we're not doing a great job as a parent.

This one passage made such an impact on me: "I am more like my children than unlike them - and so are you.  The reality is that there are few struggles in the lives of my children that aren't in my life as well....This admission transformed my parenting.  Instead of approaching them with self-righteous outrage,  I moved toward them as a sinner in need of grace, needing to confront a sinner in need of grace."  WOW, right?!

Oh, this book is making me examine how I parent, and how I want/need to change things.  It came at a great time and I'm so thankful for it!

I really recommend this for all parents who are doing their best, yet wondering if that is enough.  The author has some great words of wisdom, and they can transform how we all do this job of parenting. It's a tough job, but remember, God wants to help you every step of the way!

As I mentioned above, I have a copy to give away to one reader.

Simply complete the mandatory entry in my Rafflecopter widget, and then any additional entries you'd like.  Easy peasy!  Good luck!

GIVEAWAY ~ VeggieTales Every Day with God devotional #EveryDaywithGod #FlyBy

Every Day with God is the latest 365-day devotional (one for boys and another for girls) from VeggieTales. The updated content and art offer the perfect opportunity for parent and child to share time together each day. Each entry includes a Bible verse, short devotion, Thought of the Day, and prayer. The content will help children learn more about God and develop a daily practice to keep Him close in their lives. The book is perfect for bedtime reading, family devotion time, or as a fresh way to start each day!

Format: Trade paperback

Page Count: 384

Trim Size: 5 X 7.25

Retail Price: $9.99

Reading Age: 4-7

This little book is absolutely perfect for bedtime! The color illustrations are adorable. I love that they have one for boys and one for girls.  So sweet! Wouldn't this make a great Christmas gift for the sweet littles in your life? 

You can find both books on Amazon:

Boys Devotional

Girls Devotional

One lucky reader will win their choice of either the Boy or Girl devotional book, thanks to my sponsor.  You can enter via the rafflecopter giveaway below.  This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.  Good luck! 

Giveaway: The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today DVD

**Sony Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.**



Calling all Pirates and Princesses!! You will love this fun new DVD from Sony Home Entertainment! The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow Pirate Today will be out on DVD September 6.   Here's a bit more about the movie:

In this brand new original animated film, Princess Alise is training to be the perfect royal but in her heart all she wants to do is sail the seven seas as a swashbuckling pirate! After setting sail, Princess Alise is shipwrecked and washes ashore on an island where she meets Lucas, a young boy who has been living there by himself. They have to work together to survive and get back to civilization!


Check out this cool Blog App for more about the movie!







Want to win a copy for your family?  Enter to win on my Rafflecopter Widget below:

There is always one mandatory entry that involves leaving a comment below this post - scroll down til you see the box that says leave a comment.  Once you do that, you just need to finish the mandatory entry in the widget and leave the name you commented under!  This must be done in order for any other entries to be counted.  :) 

I'd love for you to share this giveaway with your friends using the share buttons below this post for Google +, Twitter, etc.  Thanks for entering, and good luck!

All Things Bright & Beautiful Giveaway & Review #flyby #AllThingsBrightandBeautiful

Hey y'all! Back with a quick review and a fun giveaway!

In case you can't tell from all my book giveaways - I love to read, and I adore books.  (I may even hoard books - I have SO many!)  I always enjoyed reading to my kids when they were little - the books were so sweet and fun to share with them.

Now I like to give children's books for shower gifts and such. I have several favorites, like Jamberry, Love you Forever, and A Bad Case of Stripes.  I had the opportunity earlier this month to review All Things Bright and Beautiful, a lovely new children's book that is based on the well-known hymn. After getting to read this book, I'm adding it to my list of faves!

I really enjoyed the sweet illustrations, and that this book would work equally well for a boy or a girl. It's just precious, and with Christmas coming, it would be a lovely gift for a child you love!

About the book:
First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of “all things bright and beautiful.”

About the artist:
Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, England, and started her career as a small child drawing on freshly painted walls. Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy is now a freelance illustrator. Katy works at a desk in a studio within Old London Library and likes to tap dance in her spare time.

Specs:
Jacketed hardcover
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian
Retail price: $15.99

You can buy your copy here, or enter to win a copy below!

Giveaway ~ Mother & Son: The Respect Effect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs #MotherandSon #FlyBy

"As a mother, it is never too early and never too late to apply this message of respect.  A boy is never too young and never too old."  Anna Eggerichs

I have been out of town, so I've not been able to get too far into  Mother & Son: The Respect Effect. I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm really learning a lot. I recognized that I see my son more through the love grid than the respect grid. That needs to change!  Since he is the only child at home, now that my daughter is married and on her own, this is something I'm excited to learn more about to apply to my relationship with David. This book will be such a blessing for our family.



From the book cover: 

It's true:  sons and daughters equally need love and respect.  But research has shown that the felt need during stress and conflict differs among males and females.  Males filter their world more through the respect grid.  If you are a mother with a son, this book is for you!

Just as Emerson Eggerichs, PhD, transformed millions of marital relationships with a biblical understanding of love and respect, he now turns these principles to one of the most important relationships of all: one between a mother and her son.  Mother & Son shows how to use Respect-Talk and presents the testimonies of mothers who have tried it.  Emerson provides a game plan so you not only see the man in the boy, but also recognize his innate desires for conquest, hierarchy, authority, insight, relationship, and sexuality.

This book is about a mother going beyond her love and applying respect to the heart of her son.

It is easy to relate to the need of all of us to feel a mother's love, but is that the same thing as our need for respect?  Based on the insight that a mother's love is important, but respect is the key to her son's heart, this book will teach what every mom needs to know, what every son needs to hear.

We all realize that little girls need their daddies' love, but no one is promoting the truth that little boys (and adult ones) need their moms' respect.  No wonder mothers feel left in the dark on this topic.  What makes this issue all the more urgent is that moms are coaching fathers to love their daughters, but no one has coached moms on specific ways to show respect to their sons, at least not in a way that is applicable and fully explained!  Even for young boys, the Respect Effect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.

I have one copy of this fantastic book to give away!  It's easy to enter through the rafflecopter widget below.  Good luck! 

World’s First DC SUPER FRIENDS Themed Area Debuts at Six Flags Over Georgia

New Attractions for the Entire Family Open to Kick-Off Summer Vacation Season The Super Heroes and Super-Villains – BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN, THE JOKER and HARLEY QUINN reign supreme, as the world’s first DC SUPER FRIENDS themed area debuts at Six Flags Over Georgia. The five thrilling new rides and attractions at The Thrill Capital of the South are designed for the entire family to experience together. “We are excited to unveil this thrilling new section just in time for the start of the summer vacation season,” said Six Flags Atlanta Properties Park President Dale Kaetzel. “This area, combined with the addition of Bugs Bunny Boomtown earlier this year, solidifies Six Flags Over Georgia as the perfect destination for family fun.”

The all-new DC SUPER FRIENDS area features five exciting rides and attractions, including:

SUPERMAN Tower of Power, releasing the dare devil in thrill-seekers of all ages to take on this 65-foot tall bouncing thrill ride

The BATCOPTERS, an opportunity to help save Gotham City by flying high in the sky  

WONDER WOMAN Flight School, where pilots can earn their wings by flying their own jet

HARLEY QUINN Games, filled with villainous games to test your skills against the best in the family

THE JOKER Funhouse Coaster, the supreme family thrill ride named after the ultimate Super-Villain features 900 feet of track & speeds along at 30 miles per hour.

Six Flags Over Georgia is also announcing the opening of Hurricane Harbor for its third season. The massive water park features acres of water thrills, including the award-winning Tsunami Surge water slide with a 45-foot zero gravity wave wall. Hurricane Harbor is free with park admission. The park is open daily through August 7.

David and I got to attend the opening of the DC Super Friends at Six Flags over Georgia yesterday and we brought my sister and her daughter along for the fun.  The new DC Super Friends area is located across from the Monster Plantation and it's a lot of fun! Here are some pics of our fun day at Six Flags! The new rides are great, and there is even an arcade with lots of games and air conditioning - it makes a nice break from the heat! (of course, I forgot to take any pics of the arcade, even though we were hanging out in there for a while)  Don't forget you can click on any picture to see a larger copy.

Visit the Six Flags website for more information.  (There are some awesome deals on Six Flags dining passes right now, too!)

Disclaimer: We were hosted at Six Flags Over Georgia for the day in order to experience the new DC Super Friends area.  No other compensation was received and all opinions shared here are my own!

Giveaway & Review: The League & The Lantern

Do you have a tough time finding books for your kids that are age appropriate and entertaining?  I know I do. It's hard to find something your middle school/young adult reader will like that Mom will, too!  So when I was given the chance to let my son read The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells, for a review and giveaway, I was thrilled to say yes!

We just got the book late last week, but David has jumped right into it - reading a little each night before bed.  He says these characters are fun and relateable. The adventures they find keep him reading - he wants to find out what happens next! I am glad this is a book that is appropriate for his age so I don't have to worry about the content.  Something that can't be said about many books meant for readers his age.  This series is targeted for readers 9 - 14.  I usually read his books first to be sure they are good for him, but I'm ok with him reading this one first!

Here is the synopsis: It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

A little about the author of The League and the Lantern - Brian Wells is a concerned father who couldn't find quality entertainment for his kids.  As a producer of 15 movies, he has worked for the major networks, and this is his book debut.  He shares "As my wife and I tried to find great, engaging entertainment options for our kids, we realized that other parents and teachers shared our struggle. We couldn't find stories and series for our children that were both flat-out awesome entertainment and reinforced the kind of character we wanted to build into our kids.  Our thought became 'What if we created an adventure series that was first a fast-pacced roller coaster adventure with great characters and humor and also wove in thems such as family, friendship and compassion?' "

The book is already receiving accolades from organizations such as The Association of Christian Schools International, Parents Television Council, Focus on the Family, American Family Association, Great Homeschool Conventions and others!

Author Brian Wells 

The League and the Lantern is the first in a new adventure series that your kids will want to read! It's written for middle school readers. As a mom who homeschools,  I love the educational aspects the author included - there are 140 key middle school vocabulary words used throughout the story. and historical sites are used as settings for the book.  The vocabulary words are the top 140 words needed for success - they are seamlessly woven into the story.  This helps our kids stay sharp for school during summer/winter breaks - but they just think they are reading a great story!

There are great moral lessons too - including family, friendship, mercy and compassion.  So while my son thinks he is just reading an exciting adventure story, he's really getting a little history, vocabulary and more.  I couldn't be happier about this new book series!

If you purchase your book from the official website, they will give a copy to a child in need, too - how awesome is that?  There is also a section on the website with bonus material - some for kids and some for parents - including a vocabulary guide.

David is already looking forward to the next book in the series - I hope it comes out soon because he is surely hooked!

Now you can enter for a chance to win a copy of this book in my giveaway!

 All you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter widget below.  You MUST complete the mandatory entry and leave a comment in order for your other entries to be valid.  Good luck!

Have a Spring FUN Break at Stone Mountain Park!! #SpringFUNBreak

Hey parents - looking for something to keep the kids busy for Spring Break? I've got a great option for you!  Stone Mountain Park is one of Atlanta's best attractions, in my opinion.  There is something for everyone to do, all year round, and Spring Break is no exception!  Visit through April 10th to enjoy these Spring FUN Break activities!

We always like to start our visits at the Great Barn.  David could spend the whole day there! Four floors of cannons, ball drops, trampoline floors, interactive games, stairs and nets to climb - so much FUN!

The Scenic Railroad train ride is different every season.   I enjoyed hearing the history of the mountain during our ride around the base of the mountain on this visit.  David, his friend Seth & I took plenty of pictures of the beautiful views as we rode along.

Some new things to experience this Spring Break:  

The Great American Duck Race, where Mallard Ducks race to the finish line and you could win prizes!  You can visit with the ducks and even feed them before the races.  

Visit the Azalea Stage and see Magic Mark & Einstein the Rabbit!  Kids will really enjoy this magic show!

Check out the April Fool's Indoor Lasertag!   Make sure you wear closed toe shoes for this awesome five minute, 20 player lasertag experience.

There are so many other cool things to do at Stone Mountain Park, like:

The Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf,  or watch the Yogi Bear 4-D Adventure movie, or get splashed at Geyser Towers!  (you need closed toe shoes for Geyser Towers too!)  You can even trek through the treetops on SkyHike if you are brave enough!  You can take the Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain, or hike up if you feel like it.

If you get hungry, Stone Mountain Park has plenty of places to enjoy a snack or meal.  During this visit, David had pizza, Seth had a BBQ sandwich, and I tried the BBQ chicken nachos. YUMMY!

You can upgrade your daily ticket to include a meal, or to add a ticket to ride the Duck.

The Lasershow will be offered this Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, too.  This is one of our favorite things at Stone Mountain - the music, the fire, the lasers - WOW!

Be on the lookout for the grand opening of The Jump - a thrilling new experience coming to Stone Mountain Park this Spring!

So take a short drive to Stone Mountain Park and check out all of the fun things they have to offer for Spring FUN Break - the kids will have a ball, and you will too!

Check the calendar at Stone Mountain's website for all the details on dates/hours/prices.


Disclaimer: Stone Mountain Park hosted us for the day to experience the Spring FUN Break activities.  All opinions shared here are my own! 

Spring Break Junior Knight Training at Medieval Times Atlanta!

Hi friends! 

It's almost Spring Break, and I know some of y'all will be stay-cationing here in Atlanta.  I just found a great option for a memorable Spring Break family dinner with your family! 

Medieval Times is hosting a great program for kids during Spring Break ~ Junior Knight Training!  Kids between the ages of 4-12 will have the opportunity to get down in the sand before the show and train with the knights. At the end of the training, they will all be knighted by the king! (Please keep in mind that closed toe shows are required to participate.)

Kids and students are just $29.95 and adults are $36.95, and Junior Knight Training is free with a paid admission to the show. (Use Offer Code SBWEB16)

Below are the dates and times of the Junior Knight Training shows offered at Medieval Times in Atlanta:

Today, March 24 - Show starts at 7:30pm & Junior Knight Training begins at 6:45pm

Friday, March 25 – Show starts at 6:30pm & Junior Knight Training begins at 7:15pm

March 30 and 31 – Show starts at 7:30pm & Junior Knight Training begins at 6:45pm

April 1 - Show starts at 6:30pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 7:15pm

April 4-7 - Show starts at 7:30pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 6:45pm

April 8 – Show starts at 5:00pm and Junior Knight Training begins at 5:45pm


Find out more at the Medieval Times website! 
The Atlanta Castle is located at:
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 517 • Lawrenceville • GA • 30043 

Disclaimer: My family and I will be attending one of the Junior Knight Training Dinners.  No other compensation was received.   Any opinions given are my own.  MT provided the images and information about their new Junior Knight Training program for me to share with my readers. 

The Best Summer Day Camps in Atlanta 2016

It is never too early to begin planning for summer activities for your kids! 

Over the years, both of my kids have attended various summer day camps.  One or the other has done dance camp, comedy camp, golf camp, drama camp, church camp, volleyball camp, cheerleading camp, and a few others. They have each learned something special at every camp they attended, they made new friends and discovered new interests.  The memories made at camp will be with my kids forever. Summer camp is a great way to let your kids try something new, and meet new kids that they wouldn't necessarily meet at school or regular activities. It's such a great experience for them to have!

I hope that this list can give you some good ideas for day camps for your kids this summer.  Don't you feel lucky to live in metro Atlanta, where we have so many options for summer camp? I sure do. It doesn't matter if you live in Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, or Forsyth.  There are camps all around the metro area!  And even better, there are camps for just about every interest you can think of. Seriously, the ones on this list are just the tip of the iceberg!

I know it seems rather early to be thinking about summer; after all, it's still winter - we just had snow flurries last week! Some camps are already open for registration though, and others will be starting registration in the weeks to come. There are half-day camps for littles, all day camps for elementary and older kids, plus sleepaway camps, here and outside the Atlanta area.  So many choices!

This is the perfect time to start looking at all of the camp options available, and then narrow down the choices with your kid(s).  Many camps will offer an early-registration incentive in the form of a dollar amount off, or a percentage off camp tuition. Some camps offer discounts for members (like the Y), or residents of a county or city.  These discounts are a great reason to choose your summer camp early and get registered!  Some camps also offer scholarships, tuition assitance or payment plans.  You need to apply early if you want to take advantage of these.  Another good reason to start your camp search now, right?

Please visit my Atlanta Summer Camp Guide for a longer list of summer camps in the metro Atlanta area. There are even a few listed there that are outside Georgia, and some overnight and sleepaway camps, too.  It's another great place to search for the perfect camp for your kids this summer!

The Actor's Scene has some fantastic camps for kids ages 4- 18! Little ones can attend Frozen or Star Wars camp, while older kids can make a movie, or the new Sketch Comedy camp.   (My daughter took acting classes here several years ago, and loved both the instructors and the experience she gained.)

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education Summer Camp offers non-competitive day camps for ages 2 and up.  No auditions required.  Classes held at Buckhead Centre, Powers Ferry Centre, and Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre throughout the summer.

Atlanta Hawks Summer Basketball Camp is where participants receive professional instruction from qualified coaches in a fun environment.  Kids of all skill levels get the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from the pros!  Camps are offered at locations around town.

Builder Bunch LEGO Lover Camp is for the LEGO lover in your life! They offer LEGO day camps all over town, where kids learn to build bridges, trains, catapults, and more while competing with other campers to complete missions.

Camp Pine Acres Girl Scout Day Camp features weekly camps such as Frozen in Summer, Colonial Times, Aquatic Juniors, Road Trippin' USA and others.  This camp is located at Lake Allatoona.

Challenge Island is S.T.E.A.M based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) and offers camps and other opportunities for elementary-aged kids.  Keep checking their website for Atlanta summer camp information (none posted as of 2/8/16)

Chastain Horse Park Summer Camp teaches kids horsemanship skills - everything from grooming to riding.  Programs for kids from ages 4-14.

Circus Summer Day Camp is offered to kids ages 5 through teens, and is offered in Dunwoody, Decatur and at YMCA locations in Marietta and Norcross.  Kids get an introduction to circus skills, performing arts, visual arts and exercise.  All skill levels welcome!

Club SciKidz offers a variety of programs for kids ages 4-15.  Choose from fun camp programs like Culinary Arts, Extreme Science, Master Minecraft Coder, CSI, 3D Printing and many more! Several locations to choose from, too.

Elachee Nature Center Summer Camp is a 1440 acre woodland setting that allows kids to explore and play in the great outdoors! They offer camps for preschool through middle school, and a Counselor-in-training program, too.  (My son really likes visiting this Nature Center - so much to see and explore there!) 

Emagination Computer Camp at Georgia Tech is aimed at kids 8-17.  They can choose from programs like Coding, Video Game Design, Making Apps, RC cars and robots, Create in Minecraft and others!

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Day Camps are for kids ages 2 - 13.  Some of the fun day camps session they offer include Garden Earth Naturalist, American Girl: Exploring the Past with Dolls, Civil War Camp, Prehistoric Georgia, Camper vs. Wild, Cream of the Crop Farm Camp, Wildlife Forensics, and Celts & Vikings.  (We really enjoy the Gwinnett EHC - they have fantastic programs throughout the school year, too)

Imagine That! Summer Camp is offered at locations around the metro Atlanta area. S.T.E.A.M based programs include Coding, Robotics, Sewing, LEGO MINDSTORMS, Minecraft and Programming. This camp is for kids who are ages 5-14.

Junior Zookeeper Day Camp is where kids ages 8 and up learn to feed, train, groom, clean and care for the animals at the North Georgia Zoo.  Crafts, pony rides, feeding baby animals and more are some of the highlights of this fun zoo camp!

Junior TreeKeepers Day Camp offers kids adventures every day.  They will explore the outdoors, bike the Atlanta Beltline, and take field trips to local attractions.  Located in Inman Park, this camp is for kids who are rising 1st graders to rising 6th graders.

Kid Chess Day Camp is held at various Marietta locations and in Cumming.  Kids get lots of time playing chess including Bughouse Chess, Blintz Chess, and Blindfolded Chess.  They have the opportunity to play top instructors, too.  Kids can improve their skills drastically in just one week of Chess Camp.

Lake Lanier Islands Summer Sailing Camp  is a great place for kids 8-13 to learn about sailing, boat safety plus games, swimming and lots of fun in the water!

Margaret Mitchell House Summer Camp is perfect for the child who loves writing! Check out there Mystery in the City Day Camp, Poetry & Performance, Write On: The Essentials and several other day camp options.

Metro Atlanta YMCA Day Camps feature more camps than I can share here! On the various YMCA pages, I saw options for cowboy/cowgirl camp, games camp, olympics camp, sports camp, and many more day and half day camps for kids! The YMCA does a great job with day camps - I have fond memories of the one I attended as a child in Florida!

Midtown International Schools Summer Day Camps offers programs that change weekly.  They have day camps for kids who are rising kindergarteners through rising 8th graders.  Some of the weekly day camps for 2016 include Egyptology, Robotics, Volcanos, Film and Video Production and several others.

Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camp If you have a budding sports journalist at your house, then this camp will be their dream come true!  This camp will be in Atlanta July 18-22, and will be held at Emory University.  For kids 10-18.

Play! Music and Art Camps give kids several camp options  - art, music, video game design, comics and manga and a few more.   Most camps are for elementary aged kids.

Robots-4-U - They offer half day and full day options at locations around Atlanta. Camps include Drones, Robotics, and Battle Bots.  (Click the banner on the bottom of the page linked here for a 60% off coupon!)

SeaVentures H20 Swim Camp offers weekly camps for kids 5 - 12.  Each week there is a new camp theme.  Day camp themes include Olympics, Pirates, Hawaiian, Ocean, and Water Safety.

School of Rock East Cobb has fun choices like build your own guitar, performance and song writing camps for kids ages 7-17.  They have a half-day camp for kids 4-7, too.

Train Summer Camp at the Southeastern Railway Museum   as of February 2016, camp information is not listed, but last year,  kids learned about the history of railroads,  did railroad-related crafts and activities and rode on a train! Keep checking their link for the 2016 summer camp registration form.

WinShape Camps offer an incredible Christian-based daycamp.  Kids have worship time, bible study, sports, singing, and more each day of this week long day camp. On the final day, parents get to attend and, after seeing what the kids learned all week, there is a family picnic with the campers.  David attended this camp several summers ago and it was an awesome experience for him!  In fact, the picture at the top of this post is of David on his final day of Camp WinShape in Dacula, Ga.

Below, you will find some fellow Georgia Bloggers' Camp Guides for the metro Atlanta area - be sure to check them out for even more information about camps in this area. (Don't forget to follow them on email and/or Facebook too!)

15 Day Camps to Grow Your Budding Artist from The Crunchy Mommy

Athens, GA Summer Camps from Mommy Octopus 

Atlanta Science Camps from Love, Peace & Tiny Feet

Best Summer Camps in Marietta from Mom's Magical Miles

Science Camp Atlanta Edition from Really Are You Serious 

Summer Camps for Kids with Special Needs from God4BandMe

Summer Camps for Teens from LalalandMommy

Summer Camps in Atlanta - What to Consider and How to Pay for it from Field Trips with Sue 



I'd appreciate it very much if you please share this post with your friends who may be looking for Atlanta Summer Camps in 2016.  It's easy, just use the Facebook and Twitter share buttons below! Or Pin it on Pinterest so you can easily find this guide!

Giveaway: Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids #JesusTodayKids #FlyBy

Hi friends! I have another sweet giveaway for you this week.  It's perfect for your 6-10 year olds, and will give you a great opportunity for family devotional time and discussion.

Jesus is the Friend who is always with you!  Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids will pour this powerful truth into your children's hearts as they learn that He knows everything about them and loves them more than they can imagine.

Each devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking directly to you, assuring that He is in control, that He is good, and that an amazing future awaits all who put their hope in Him.  Adapted from the ECPA 2013 Christian Book of the Year-winner Jesus Today, this devotional has the same themes as the adult version, as well as written-out scriptures.  It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together.

This book of devotions is small enough to keep on a bedside table (or coffee table), and it's colorful and attention-grabbing. Your kids will enjoy reading this book, which reminds them that Jesus will never let them down, never leave them alone. He loves us more than we can ever comprehend and He is always with us!

Hardcover: 368 pages
Age Range: 6-10 years 

About Sarah Young: 

Sarah Young's devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying and writing in prayer journals.  With sales of more than 14 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists.  Sarah's writings include Jesus Calling, Jesus Today, Jesus Lives, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling for Little Ones, Jesus Calling Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence -- each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ.  Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years.  They currently live in the United States.

I'm happy to be able to share this devotional with you, and to give one away to one lucky reader! Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below and please make sure you do the mandatory entry first - if you don't, none of the other entries will count!

Giveaway: LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE on Blu-Ray

**Warner Bros. Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.**

True Friendship in the Glamorous World of Pop!



There are few things as important in life as your friends. No matter how old you are, your friends are there to help you when you’re down, support you when you make mistakes, and be your rock when the going gets tough.

The new movie, LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE, is all about friendship, trusting yourself and standing up for what’s right no matter what the cost. All set to an awesome rock soundtrack you’re going to love! Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea as they learn that fame isn’t important, it’s your friends that count!

LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE brings to life (in animated form) the LEGO construction based toy LEGO® Friends. LEGO ® Friends invites girls into a universe, Heartlake city, and inspires them to use their imagination to build and role play their own stories with fun-loving relatable characters.

Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea, as they learn about friendship, fame and pop star fun in Heartlake City.

The girls’ friendships are tested when mega pop star Livi comes to Heartlake City. When our friends’ hit song “Girlz” is stolen by Livi’s manager, it’s time for a cunning plan.

As the girls try to tell Livi the truth about her latest hit single, they all learn that fame isn’t everything and sometimes friendship is the most precious thing in the world.

Own LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE on digital HD 1/19 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD 2/2

Also be sure to visit the official L2M website to stay updated with all things L2M!



• Grab your pop star microphone because it’s sing-along night! Click the play button to watch the special sing-along music video for Girlz by L2M.
• Listen to the song High Tops by L2M and click to watch the “Meet L2M” video that introduces the next girl-pop power sensation.
• Download the “Girlz 4 Life” Activity Pack and to unlock your inner pop star! Kit includes Selfie props, a “Spot the Difference” game, making the Band DIY pop star instruments, Friendship Card and more!
• Click on LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE Blu-ray Combo Pack for a link where the film can be purchased!

Time for another giveaway!  Enter below via Rafflecopter to win your own copy of this 

Blu-Ray!

Thanks for taking time to stop by my blog!

Giveaway/Review: The Plans I Have for You Devotional & Journal #FlyBy #PlansIHave

Hey y'all! I sure hope the New Year is off to a fantastic start for you and your family!

Now that the holidays are behind us, it's time to get back to our routines.  One thing we're working on this year is for my son and I to be better at taking time for reading devotionals, our Bibles, and journaling.  (gratitude, prayers) We tend to become distracted and get bogged down with school, family stuff, and just plain old busy-ness, and forget to spend enough time with God.  Today I get to tell you about a really cool kids devotional and coordinating journal that encourages kids, sharing that God has a plan and a purpose for each us, and inspiring them to learn more about that purpose! It makes me so happy that these two books will make it easy and fun for David to spend time with God every day.

I appreciate how these books speak to the child reading them.  They reach out and ask questions, inviting them to respond, pray and learn about God's plan for them. I especially love the colorful and whimsical illustrations in the devotional, and the thought-provoking questions found in the journal. These will be outstanding additions to David's library, and I can't wait for him to dive into these two books! Here are a few pics from the books, and then some more information from the publisher.

About The Plans I Have For You Devotional:
The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.

Hardcover; 160 pages
Age Range: 8-12 years

About The Plans I Have For You Journal:
The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.

Stationery; 208 pages
Age Range: 11-14 years

About author Amy Parker:
Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults.  She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son.  Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards.  But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.

About illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton:
Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter.  Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s.  Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody.  Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.


Zonderkidz is sponsoring a giveaway of both of these books to one of my readers! Y'all know I love being able to share things with you that I think you will love too. Well, these books are a treasure!

So, you know the routine - I use rafflecopter for my giveaways, and I like to give you a few options to enter.  Of course, you only have to complete the mandatory entry to be eligible to win, but some of you (like me!) want to have more than one entry in a good giveaway!  So enter below (if you don't see the giveaway automatically, you may need to click the link) and I'll be drawing a winner next week!

Giveaway:PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® #peepsholiday

Tis the season for all things sweet! Whether you’re looking to stuff stockings, top your tree or bring a smile to a loved one’s face, PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® are here to help!

David and I were excited to receive a big red box full of fun Christmas treats from PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® to check out and share with y'all.  Did you know they make chocolate mousse flavored PEEPS®?! I had no idea, but they are divine!

After we sampled a few, I got crafty with the PEEPS®.  David got to enjoy some of his favorite holiday treats, plus try a few new ones, too!  The lollipop and Holiday pop were different ways to enjoy PEEPS®.

So, here are the details on all the yumminess.... so many great flavors to try!

    PEEPS® Large Banana Crème Flavored Minion: PEEPS® introduces a new banana crème flavored marshmallow in honor of the beloved Minions characters. Three varieties of the individually packed large Minions include the likeness of Kevin, Stuart and Bob – stars of the Minions movie available on DVD this holiday season. Available only for a limited time!
·  PEEPS® Vanilla Crème Chicks Pop: Fans can celebrate holiday traditions with these four classic Vanilla Crème flavored marshmallow Chicks on a stick.
·  PEEPS® Marshmallow Minions: To celebrate the DVD release of the Minions Movie, PEEPS® created a Minion-shaped marshmallow reflecting their fun PEEPSONALITY®. The original marshmallow Minions are sure to please admirers of all ages. Available for a limited time only!
·  PEEPS® Candy Cane Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Those who prefer their Candy Canes chicks without the chocolate can indulge in the peppermint-goodness of Candy Cane favored chicks!
·  PEEPS® Large Marshmallow Snowmen: Large, fluffy PEEPS® Brand Snowmen are fun to eat and to share! Available in one count stocking-stuffer size packages, and three count share size.
·  PEEPS® Gingerbread-Flavored Marshmallow Gingerbread Men: Now you can get the gingerbread flavor you crave all year long in something other than a cookie with PEEPS® gingerbread flavored marshmallow gingerbread men.
·  PEEPS® Marshmallow Trees: It wouldn’t be the holiday season without seeing a Christmas tree! Enjoy green PEEPS® tree-shaped marshmallow decorated with red, yellow and blue garland and topped with a star.
·  PEEPS® Marshmallow Snowmen: PEEPS® traditional sized snowmen! PEEPS® Marshmallow Snowmen are adorned with a top hat and candy cane decorations with a nostalgic look.

 · PEEPS® Chocolate Mousse-Flavored Marshmallow Reindeer: These reindeer shaped marshmallow PEEPS® are chocolate-mousse flavored and oh so delicious!
· PEEPS® Holiday Pop: This delicious marshmallow flavored pop comes with four assorted Chicks representing the holiday colors: green, red and white.

Information about the PEEPS & COMPANY® products:
· PEEPS® Plush: Cuddle up with your favorite PEEPS® this year. Perfect for stocking stuffer or under the tree and a warm surprise. Plush varieties include:  PEEPS® Gingerbread Man, PEEPS® Elf Plush Chick, PEEPS® Plush Candy Cane Chick, PEEPS® Plush Snowman.

David claimed this plush PEEP for himself - it's so soft! 

·  MIKE AND IKE® MERRY MIX Candy: Filled with 4 ounces of MIKE AND IKE candies featuring Lime, Cherry and Holiday Punch flavors, this is a great way to add a little extra sweetness to the presents you give or if you need an item on hand for a quick gift that's sure to please the sweetest people in your life.
·  PEEPS® Lollipop: A delightful handmade PEEPS® lollipop perfect for party favors, stocking stuffers, or secret Santa surprises. Available in PEEPS® Gingerbread or PEEPS® Snowmen varieties.

Some of the fun things we did with our PEEPS®....

Try the candy cane PEEPS® in your favorite hot chocolate - delish!  The candy cane PEEPS® were my favorite.  So tasty!

Mix PEEPS with your favorite candies in glass jars or vases to make adorable centerpieces for holiday meals or parties!

Or just tuck them into stockings for a delicious Christmas surprise!

Would you like to try some of these delicious treats yourself? You are in luck! PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® are giving my readers a discount code to use through 12/31.  It is valid for 20% off your next purchase on their website, no minimum required, from now through Thursday, December 31. Discount code: SWEETINGS15.

They also want to give one of my readers a prize pack featuring several of the products we sampled!  Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below - if you don't see it, click the link to bring it up, and good luck!  (prize pack will vary from pictures, sponsor will select products to send!)