This was my first visit to Halcyon, and I now wish I lived in Alpharetta so that I could attend practically every event they do.
Parking was considerably easier than anticipated. A parking garage is located across the street from the event site. There was plenty of parking space available. We arrived on the fourth floor and headed down the stairwell. Taking the elevator was also an option. It was also convenient that they had a couple of people directing traffic there. Oh, and PARKING IS FREE!
We followed the crowd as they led us towards the busy party area. A lovely lady greeted us and handed us some adorable event brochures shown above. I wish there was also a map included.
We decided to start with Mickey and Minnie, who were posing for photos from 12:30 until 2:30pm. The line was long, but it moved quickly. It was good that there was a lady assisting you with snapping shots with your own phone.
It was also wonderful that while I was holding our place in line, my brother took my baby to play in the sandbox, which was packed of kids and grownups having a good time.
He also had the opportunity to play in the ball arena, which was quite dangerous. Children can be rough, and they were kicking balls in the faces of children by accident, and some would purposely kick them out of the area, hitting people standing in line nearby.
At one time, I was smacked in the face while standing outside watching my child.
On the back of the pamphlet, there was a list of shops in the vicinity that were running offers.
We stopped by Holmes Slice, a pizza restaurant, to purchase a box of pizza baked from scratch and cooked in a wood-burning oven.
I appreciated how they asked for my phone number so they could text me when the pizza was ready.
The wait was only approximately 10 to 15 minutes long. The pizza was delicious! There was only one slice left in the box when we finished.
On-site, there was a FREE photo booth, which was fantastic!
Both inside and outside of the small trailer, there was a setup. We began by capturing shots with our mobile phones on the setup outside. We were assisted by a lovely lady in line. Then we were ushered inside, where a worker snapped photos of us with our own devices before we gazed into the box to pose for photos as the timer counted down, just like a standard photo booth.
On our way to the puppy play area, we stopped by “It’s A Sweet Life’s” cart for some chocolate coated oreos and red velvet cake.
I can say one thing about this event: there were dogs EVERYWHERE. That day, around one-third of the population was made up of dogs, haha. They were all nice to see too.
The event was enjoyable. I’d love to return to Halcyon whenever possible! There’s so much we haven’t done, so many shops and locations we haven’t yet seen. Hopefully, the next event will have a map so I can make more direct stops or I will personally have more time to explore.
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Spend some time lounging about in an extremely comfortable fabric.
2. Put on Your Red Fuzzy Socks
Relax in socks that are the most comfortable for your feet.
3. Red Heart Valentine’s Day Head Bopper
Make a statement this Valentine’s Day with a colorful and charming head bopper!
4. A Warm Blanket
Using a faux fur blanket is the perfect way to cover yourself up and keep warm.
5. Candles
They have a calming effect and make everything smell nice.
6. A Portable Heater
A space heater can help you stay warm in your home theater.
7. Red and Pink Serving Bowls
They are great for serving popcorn, chips, dips, candy, and so on.
8. Popcorn Buckets
You may either keep your popcorn in a bowl or pour it into a popcorn bucket that looks like the ones you’d get at the movie theatre.
9. Heart Valentine’s Day Silly Straws
With a Heart Valentine’s Day Silly Straw in a drink, your Valentine’s Day party tableware will be complete!
10. White Plastic Cake Stand
Cookies, cupcakes, and party favors look lovely displayed on this beautiful cake stand.
11. Red Heart-Shaped Paper Lunch Napkins
With the proper on-theme lunch napkins, you can create your dream table.
12. Heart-Shaped Dinner Plates
On some Heart-Shaped Dinner Plates, serve guests a plateful of love!
13. Food
Get your favorite restaurants’ meals delivered to your door. That means you can continue to lie in your pajamas.
14. Popcorn
Consider investing in a popcorn maker. Many people believe that popcorn prepared in a popcorn maker tastes better than microwave popcorn.
15. Cake or Cupcakes
Roses are red, violets are blue, a valentine’s day cake or cupcakes can express “I love you!”
16. Ice Cream
Grab a bowl or a cone and go to eating!
17. Cookies
There are so many different flavors to try!
18. Candy
Make sure you have chocolates, peanuts, fruit-flavored pieces, and gummies.
19. Heart-Shaped Box of Assorted Fine Chocolates
This box of chocolates can be included in a Valentine’s Day gift basket or enjoyed with your loved one on the special day.
20. Bright Pink Chocolate Coins
To add a splash of color to your candy buffet, place candy coins in clear containers.
21. Beverages
You’ve got the popcorn and the sweets; now you just need something to wash it all down. Whatever you’re drinking, a set of tumblers will keep it cool for the rest of the movie.
22. LED Lights
A simple LED light strip that attaches to the back of your tv may truly make your home theater stand out. The light helps to lessen eye strain by removing the need for your eyes to adjust between the dark surroundings and the screen.
23. Fairy Lights
You’ll want to keep the lights low to simulate being in a movie theater, but you’ll still need some light so you can always find the popcorn bowl.
24. Red & Pink Heart Hanging Decorations
Arrange them level or staggered on a wall to create a stunning photo backdrop.
25. Valentine’s Day Plastic Table Cover
With a themed tablecloth, you can lay the groundwork for your table.
26. Red Heart Centerpiece
This Valentine’s Day, add a heart centerpiece to your table decorations!
27. Red Heart Gem Plastic Table Scatter
Scatter them across any surface to decorate or use them to spice up a bouquet or table centerpiece in a vase.
28. Happy Valentine’s Day Vinyl Cling Decals
With some vinyl decals, create a charming Valentine’s Day window display.
Movies
Shrek (2001)
Despite a rocky start for Shrek and Fiona, it appears that the ogre and princess aren’t so dissimilar after all. Shrek embarks on a quest (aided by his “noble steed” Donkey) to bring Princess Fiona to Lord Farquaad in exchange for the grouchy king removing Shrek’s fairy tale pals from his swamp. When it’s all said and done, the narcissistic king plans to marry Fiona. However, her new friendships—along with a significant secret—threatened to derail the plan. Love appears to strike when you least expect it. It is rated PG-13.
Up (1998)
Love is loss, and the first few minutes of this Pixar classic impart that lesson in the most succinct and heartbreaking way conceivable. The rest of the film is filled with floating balloon houses, talking dogs, and too enthusiastic Wilderness Explorers.
WALL-E (2008)
Robots, too, have hearts. WALL-E has been tasked with cleaning up the massive rubbish strewn across Earth after the planet was abandoned. He goes about his business until one day he meets EVE, another robot sent to discover if there was life on Earth again. WALL-E stays committed to his love and protects EVE even when she becomes unresponsive.
Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel has been imprisoned in a tower, living alone with her mother, who guards her from the perils of the outside world. However, a fortunate encounter with a thief allows her to explore the world beyond the tower and discover the sky full of lights that she is captivated to. Along the road, she might even fall in love.
Trolls (2016)
You will enjoy seeing a gang of candy-colored trolls embark on a fantastic, musical trip.
UglyDolls (2019)
As the free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be a little different, they teach the most essential love lesson of all: how to love yourself.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
When you combine a charming singing, dutiful daughter with an ogre cursed for his bad behavior, you have a timeless love story. Belle will go to any length to help her father, including taking his place when he is imprisoned for trespassing. But all is not as it appears, and maybe, just maybe, the Beast will find his heart after all.
Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin is a wonderful love story that also emphasizes the necessity of being loyal to oneself. While Aladdin fell in love with Jasmine, he knew she had to marry a prince, so when he was offered the opportunity to cash in on some genie wishes, he decided to become what he felt Jasmine desired. But the reality was that she preferred the real Aladdin to the phony Prince Ali Ababwa.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Every scene (and chapter) in Hazel and Gus’ love story has teenagers swooning, sobbing, and everything in between. Curiosity strikes when the two teenage cancer sufferers meet at a support group, and before you know it, they’re inseparable.
Enchanted (2007)
A cruel queen banishes Giselle from her storybook world, leaving her stranded in Manhattan. But when Giselle falls in love with a charmingly imperfect divorce lawyer who comes to her rescue – despite the fact that she is already engaged to a perfect fairy tale prince back home – she wonders if a storybook perspective of romance can survive in the real world.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Dr. Lily Houghton and wisecracking captain Frank Wolff partner up for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a raucous trip down the Amazon in search of an ancient tree with medicinal powers. Secrets of the forgotten tree emerge amid danger and mystical forces hiding in the bush, as their fate—and that of mankind—hangs in the balance.
Aladdin (2019)
In this entertaining remake of Aladdin, the original animated Disney film is given the live-action makeover.
Clifford The Big Red Dog (2021)
Is there any love stronger than the one a youngster has for their dog? In this live-action version of the popular cartoon, follow Emily and Clifford on their adventures.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
A selfish Prince is cursed to become a monster for the rest of his life until he learns to love a beautiful young woman that he holds captive.
The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant, offering a range of fondue cooking styles as well as distinctive meals, salads, and amazing desserts.
It was simple to find parking because it was immediately close to the restaurant. The parking fee was ten dollars.
I booked reservations at 3pm and arrived around 10 minutes late, but they still weren’t ready for us. We had to wait around 10 minutes longer for a table to be cleared and cleaned.
There wasn’t much seating available near the front entry, but there weren’t many people there anyway.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I dined with my baby and cousin on a three-course fondue feast.
Our server greeted us and asked whether it was our first visit to the restaurant, which it was. The menu was a little perplexing, but he went on to break down what we were looking at on the menu so we could grasp it better.
There were three menus: the holiday special, the normal menu, and the kid’s menu were all available.
I noted that the kid’s menu didn’t really seem… childish. There were mostly only meat and seafood selections. My toddler doesn’t really eat any of it, so I inquired if they had any fries available; they did not.
The Melting Pot presented an incredible, participatory dining experience that converted moments into memories from the minute the first piece of bread was dipped into our cheese fondue.
Our server began by bringing us our drinks. I ordered a sweet tea, which is a popular drink known for being “hit or miss” in terms of sweetness. I had no complaints. My cousin ordered a water with lemon and I ordered my baby an apple juice that came in a cup with a lid and straw.
We were asked what style of cheese fondue we preferred because we were there for the Valentine’s Day special. It took us a minute to decide, but our server, whose name I wish I remembered, was really patient. I then inquired which option he would suggest, and he suggested that the cheddar cheese was the standard and most popular choice. That’s what we got.
Our cheese fondue was provided with bread, vegetables, and fruit on the side. I never thought about dipping a green apple in melted cheese, hehe. It tasted strange.
Then we had to decide which salad we wanted. We both ordered Caesar salads. It was served with no additional dressing to be added. I only like ranch on my salad so I waited to eat mine until I could request some to be brought to the table.
We were then asked what kind of chocolate we preferred. We went with the traditional milk chocolate.
It was my absolute favorite part of our lunch. I honestly believed the chocolate fondue order only included a side of strawberries. However, oh my goodness! Strawberries, bananas, brownies, marshmallows, cake slices, and waffle pieces were included. It was incredible! The warm melted chocolate was delicious.
We chose our favorite cheese fondue, salad, entrée, and chocolate for the 4-Course Experience, then prepared our food and savored sauces to enhance the flavor in every bite.
The “Melt Your Heart Petite Entrée” was an optional addition to the Valentine’s Day event special. It appeared to be a little taster lunch. It came with three pieces of chicken, three shrimp, and three pieces of steak. Some extras were also included, such as potatoes and broccoli, as well as a small selection of different sauces to try.
Instructions with appropriate cooking times for each item were supplied, as well as a disclosure regarding cooking safety at the table and how to avoid cross contamination.
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Date: Sunday, February 6, 2022 Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Venue: The Melting Pot Location: All four Atlanta-area Melting Pot locations (Atlanta, Duluth, Kennesaw and Roswell) Prices: $19 for children 12 and under, $29 for ages 13+ Reservations: Space is limited – make your reservation today!
Treat your little cupid to a wonderful treat to show how much you love them! To celebrate Valentine’s Day, you and your little heartthrob can dine on a three-course fondue feast. What makes this deal even more enticing? If you bring a nurse or healthcare professional, you can enjoy ENDLESS Chocolate Fondue to make THEIR day!
CUPID’S THREE-COURSE MENU INCLUDES:
FORGET-ME-NOT CHEESE FONDUE Creamy cheese fondue to share. Your choice of Classic Cheddar, Classic Alpine, Spinach and Artichoke, Fiesta or Wisconsin Trio cheese.
SWEETHEART SALAD
Your choice of our fresh Caesar, California or Melting Pot House Salad.
CUPID CHOCOLATE The perfect ending to this culinary journey. Your choice of any of our chocolate fondues to share.
You can add a “Melt Your Heart Petite Entrée” for the discounted price of $20 per person.
Date: Saturday, February 12, 2022 Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm Venue: Halcyon Location: 6365 Halcyon Way Alpharetta, GA 30005 Prices: Free event; some activities extra. Reservations: No pre-registration needed.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family at Halcyon. Enjoy brunch or lunch in the Market Hall or one of their restaurants, then join everyone on the Village Green for a live performance, meet Minnie and Mickey, visit the Furkids puppy kissing booth, make crafts, and much more.
Live Performance by Pop Violinist Michelle Winters (a Halcyon family favorite!)
Meet and Greet with Minnie and Mickey (12:30pm – 2:30pm)
Furkids Puppy Kissing Booth
Valentine crafts with Board & Brush, Buff City Soap and more (extra fee)
Date: Monday, February 14, 2022 Time: 5:30pm – 10:00pm Venue: Lawrenceville Depot District Location: 400 N Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046 Prices: Free event. Reservations: Registration information will be announced on Monday prior to the event date. Registration for Happy Feet will be LIVE at 8 AM on February 7th. Registration for Funny Face will be LIVE at 3 PM on February 7th.
There’s a lot of love in the air! Bring your girlfriends, family, or a special someone to the Depot District in Downtown Lawrenceville for a Valentine’s Drive-In Double Feature, which includes Happy Feet and Funny Face. There will be food trucks on-site selling convenient delights.
Discover Atlanta’s wonders on this half-day sightseeing bus trip, which includes stops at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Ebenezer Baptist Church. As you drive to Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station, and other locations, your guide will provide insight on the city’s history. Additionally, see beautiful residences in the Buckhead district.
Due to Covid 19, The CNN and indoor portion of the MLK stops are currently closed.
Duration: 5 hours Group Size: 20 max Ages: 3+ Food: Lunch at the CNN Center (at your own expense) – temporarily closed. Parking: $7 – $12 Pricing: $59 ages 3 – 12, $69 ages 13+ Reservations are required: Reserve your spot online at www.atlsightseeingtours.net or call (1-800-279-9160).
Cool Things to Know
The bus is stroller and wheelchair accessible, although there is no lift for them, therefore a folding stroller and wheelchair are recommended.
You’ll be able to relax in the comfort of an air conditioned coach that accommodates 23 people and features wide windows and reclining chairs.
The tour operates in all weather conditions.
Each seat has two outlets underneath for mobile charging.
The shuttle will let you off only at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Site, the Beltline/Krog St Market, the Ponce City Market, and the CNN Center (Closed Temporarily).
You will walk for roughly 20 minutes on the Beltline and 45 minutes around the MLK Memorial Site. Bad weather means extra time at additional stops if walking isn’t possible.
The Peachtree Trolley is the ideal way to visit the sites and get to know the South’s Capital. From Centennial Olympic Park, the trolley will deliver 90-minute fully-narrated tours of Atlanta’s “Must-Sees”.
Duration: 1h 30m Group Size: 26 max Ages: All ages. Pricing: $20 ages 17 and under, $36 ages 18+
This Segway tour enables you to enjoy the outdoors while covering more land than walking. Learn to ride a scooter with your guide and then see the city’s landmarks including Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and Oakland Cemetery.
Duration: 2h 30m Group Size: 24 max, 8 per tour guide. Ages: 14+ – Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $59
Cool Things to Know
A 20 – 30 minute training session will be held before to the tour to assure your comfort on the Segway.
You will be riding a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric scooter.
You get to cruise through Cabbagetown and Oakland Cemetery, one of Atlanta’s greatest green spaces with an incredible view of the city’s skyline.
The tour will take place regardless of weather conditions. Ponchos will be given for those who need them.
On this walking tour of Atlanta’s Grant Park, you’ll get a taste of Southern cuisine. Try meals like hog belly toast and fried catfish at neighborhood restaurants. In addition, you’ll get to see historic homes and Oakland Cemetery.
Duration: 2h 30m Group Size: 10 max Ages: All ages – Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $55 ages 0 – 10, $80 ages 11+ Lunch: Included
Cool Things To Know
This tour is great for foodies who are visiting Atlanta for the first time.
Stately Victorian mansions and the old Oakland Cemetery can be seen here.
The tour includes eight food tastings and one alcoholic beverage from three locally owned eateries.
The tour operates in all weather conditions.
The tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Service animals are permitted on the tour.
$5.00 of your ticket purchase goes to support the Historic Oakland Foundation.
You can look out at the skyline from a beautiful patio.
Prime Atlanta provides the most elite and memorable tour experience in Atlanta. This tour is incredible for a variety of reasons, including private rides, unforgettable views, and excellent customer service.
Duration: 15m – 1h Group Size: 3 max Ages: All ages – Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $215 – $699 for 2 people, add a 3rd person at a discounted rate.
Cool Things To Know
Water and aviation headset rentals are included in the price of the tour.
The tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
This is a private tour/activity for a small group. Only your group will be allowed to take part.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap or in an infant seat which is provided.
Seeing Atlanta’s impressive buildings and structures lit up against the night sky will be an experience you’ll never forget. View Atlanta lit up in elegant white or, on special occasions, in a rainbow of colors. This City Lights Tour is going to give you a real treat. Make no mistake, there will be plenty of chances to get a good picture.
Duration: Up to 2 hours 15min Group Size: 14 max Ages: All ages – Children must be accompanied by an adult. Parking: $10 – $30 Pricing: FREE for ages 4 and under, $45 ages 5 – 12, $55 ages 12+
Cool Things To Know
You’ll be able to relax in the comfort of an air conditioned/heated vehicle.
Bottled water is provided as part of the tour.
There will be 1-2 photo stops.
The tour is stroller, but not wheelchair accessible.
Service animals are permitted on the tour.
The tour operates in all weather conditions.
View stunning panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline.
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta introduces you to the culture and hot spots that make this city such a great place to live, work, and play! Along the journey, you’ll most likely come into contact with local artists, street performers, and neighbors.
Duration: 2h 30m Group Size: 16 max Pricing: $65
Cool Things To Know
All tours provide the bikes, helmets, drinks, and snacks!
My father proposed a drive-in movie theater a few nights ago instead of watching a movie at home as we usually do. That was a poor move. I’ll explain why.
After Christmas, we often put away all of our cozy and colorful home décor, which makes the house look empty and somber. With these 4 tips you can continue to keep the warmth of the season even after Christmas.
After Christmas, we often put away all of our cozy and colorful home décor, which makes the house look empty and somber. With these 4 tips you can continue to keep the warmth of the season even after Christmas.
1. Leave Some Greenery Out
You can use the greenery from your Christmas trees and garlands as a decoration in the winter months after you remove the Christmas ornaments and lights from them.
2. Consider Bright, White Décor
Right after Christmas, when you want your home décor to seem fresh and bright – much like your view on the new year – white is the perfect color to use!
3. Include Soft, Comfortable Fabrics
The winter month would benefit greatly from the presence of your plush, fluffy blankets and cushions.
4. Add Wooden Accents
Adding some wood to your design creates lovely accents that are both wintery and rustic in appearance.
Essentials 1. Plush Pajamas Spend some time lounging about in an extremely comfortable fabric. 2. Put on Your Red Fuzzy Socks Relax in socks that are the most comfortable for your feet. 3. Red Heart Valentine’s Day Head Bopper Make a statement this Valentine’s Day with a colorful and charming head bopper! 4. A Warm…
It’s a new year, which means now is the perfect time to introduce a new you! The year 2022 is nearing, and it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions.
It’s a new year, which means now is the perfect time to introduce a new you! The year 2022 is nearing, and it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions.
It’s a new year, which means now is the perfect time to introduce a new you! The year 2022 is nearing, and it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions.
Maybe you’ve had difficulty in the past keeping your New Year’s resolutions. However, you have another opportunity to try—and New Year’s Day is an excellent time to do so! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out this list of 17 New Year’s resolutions. Whether you want to lose weight or learn to love yourself more, manage your money better, or strengthen your relationships with friends and family, you can choose from these 17 doable New Year resolution ideas.
Strive to exceed expectations and use this new year to pursue your dreams, whether it’s learning how to start a business or simply trying therapy for the first time to overcome a breakup. Whichever path you take, there are countless opportunities to live a happier and healthier life in the new year.
1. Begin a Journal
Keep a record of your thoughts, feelings, and dreams. There are numerous advantages to keeping a journal. It can aid in the reduction of anxiety, the creation of awareness, and the regulation of emotions. Furthermore, when you look back on it later in life, you’ll find it both humiliating and endearing.
2. Send Greeting Cards
Create joy in someone’s life by leaving them with a heartfelt note. You can even personalize greeting cards with your own artistry, fragrances, and even gifts!
If you want to make the gesture even more meaningful. I recommend acquiring some stamps and an address book. Consider how surprised they would be to get a beautiful greeting card from a loved one in the mail.
3. Make a Bucket List for Movies
Every year, there are a slew of films that you don’t want to miss out on seeing. Make a “bucket list” of all of the movies that you really want to watch that are coming out this year and put it on your calendar.
4. Take a Break from Social Media
It is possible to reduce the feelings of anxiety, wasted time, and procrastination that can be brought on by excessive browsing on social media if you take a break from it.
To make it more challenging, choose a day of the week, once a week, when you will not be able to access any social networking sites for the entire day.
5. Spend Less
Stop all non-essential expenditures for a day, a week, or a month. Effective use can help you save more.
6. DIY: Make Something Extraordinary
Getting started on that home improvement project you’ve been putting off is easier than ever in the new year. Doing something creative can be calming, fulfilling, and enjoyable!
7. Begin a Workout Challenge
Instead of rushing to sign up for a gym membership, think about how often you’ll actually use it. Particularly if you’re paying for it. Instead of going to the gym, why not just do it at home?
You may have a specific goal in mind, such as becoming more flexible or losing some belly fat. Concentrate on just one thing at a time. Starting a fitness challenge is a good way to get started. So many free online resources are available to help you achieve your individual physical goals.
For most challenges, you must complete a short workout every day for the entire month. It’s easy at the beginning, but as the days go on, the difficulty increases.
8. Every Month, Read a Book
Is it possible to read a book once a month for the next 12 months? Yes!
If you’d like to be recommended books to read, an Amazon Prime membership entitles you to receive an email at the start of each month with at least five suggestions. You have the option to purchase one of the five for free!
9. Increase Your Water Intake
The temptation to reach for coffee, soda, tea, or anything else sounds more exciting than plain water. Increased H20 consumption, on the other hand, is the key to radiant skin, a more balanced diet, improving the body’s ability to bounce back after a tough workout, and a slew of other benefits. Just to reiterate, increasing your water consumption is always a good New Year’s resolution to make.
For some individuals, the recommended eight glasses of water per day may seem excessive. But that is all it is: a recommendation. Why not make a more realistic aim of drinking at least one or two full bottle of water per day?
10. Schedule Your Appointments
How long has it been since your previous visit to the dentist? What about your most recent visit to your primary care physician? What about your dermatologist or OB/GYN? To avoid having to think about it, schedule your appointments at the start of the year and put them in your calendar right away.
11. Increase Your Vegetable Consumption
Although there are numerous health benefits to eating veggies, the majority of us do not choose to do so. So, if you can’t eat your vegetables, why not drink them?
The V8 brand’s “Healthy Greens” is one vegetable juice I recommend. It’s made out of a mix of green veggies with green apples added for sweetness.
12. Take More Walks
Walking is good for your health and happiness.
Walking 30 to 2 1/2 hours a day is suggested, but fitting that into an already hectic schedule can be difficult. Instead, once or twice a week, go for a stroll for at least an hour. Try to take in some different sights each time you go.
13. Schedule Your Car Washes on a Monthly Basis
Your automobile will always appear clean if you schedule regular car washing. The key is to plan things ahead of time and schedule them on your calendar so that you actually make time for them.
14. Make Time for Meditation
Mental health and wellbeing are just as critical as physical health, if not more so. In the new year, make a conscious effort to give your mind the same amount of TLC as you do your body. Calm, Headspace, and Liberate are all apps and programs that can assist you in getting started!
15. Visit a New Place
If you’ve been putting off your vacation plans, now is the time to start planning—or at least saving.
16. Consider Using Therapy
Everyone needs support from time to time. Even if you don’t feel like you’re stuck or going through anything major, finding a therapist can be extremely beneficial. There are a variety of options available, including phone therapy, virtual video calls, in-person therapy, and even text chat.
17. Cross Something Off Your Bucket List
What is something you’ve always wanted to accomplish but never had the time or money to attempt until now? Do it!
This was my first visit to Halcyon, and I now wish I lived in Alpharetta so that I could attend practically every event they do. Parking was considerably easier than anticipated. A parking garage is located across the street from the event site. There was plenty of parking space available. We arrived on the fourth…
After Christmas, we often put away all of our cozy and colorful home décor, which makes the house look empty and somber. With these 4 tips you can continue to keep the warmth of the season even after Christmas.
Birds are a must-have in any yard. They offer natural bug control (including bees and mosquitoes), lovely songs, and an educational experience for both children and adults.
Birds are a must-have in any yard. They offer natural bug control (including bees and mosquitoes), lovely songs, and an educational experience for both children and adults. It’s also a lot of fun to keep track of how many various kinds of birds you can invite into your yard.
Many people have a bird feeder or even a bird bath. However, there is much more you can do to welcome birds and improve your land as a wildlife habitat in general. Do you want to know how to attract birds to your yard? I have the tips you need to turn your home into a birding paradise.
Making a bird feeding station will meet your birds’ most fundamental survival need – food! To attract more birds to your yard, consider establishing a bird feeding station with many feeders rather than putting up a single feeder.
Different birds will prefer one feeder style over another, thus the variety will provide your birds with the benefit of choice. Cardinals, Juncos, and Blue Jays are all ground feeders, but will also use a strong hopper, whereas finches and nuthatches prefer hanging cylindrical feeders.
You should consider locating your station in a location where you can see it all year and where your birds will be safe. Different bird species feed at different levels, and the ideal feeding station will reflect this.
Begin with at least three or four feeders, placed at various heights and with a range of feeder types to give you the best opportunity of attracting birds to your yard. The more feeders you have, the more birds will flock to you.
Shop Bird Feeders with Amazon
White Swing Wild Bird Feeder $21.99
Sunflower Bird Bath & Feeder Bowl Stake $13.88
Amish Platform Hanging Bird Feeder & House $23.99
Shop DIY Kits with Amazon
5 Pack Build & Paint Bird Feeders $17.99
2 Pack Build & Paint Bird House Kit $14.99
4 Pack Build & Paint Bird Feeders $19.99
Inexpensive and Homemade Bird Feeders
Citrus Rind Bird Feeder
Ice Ornament Bird Feeder (for winter months)
Twig and Toilet Roll Bird Feeder
2. Lure Them With the Proper Treats
Because different birds eat various things, giving them a choice is not only a tool for enticement, but it also helps them acquire the essential nourishment they require to stay healthy.
Black Oil Sunflower seed is a great place to start because it attracts a variety of songbirds such as Blue Jays, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and chickadees. But don’t stop there; provide your birds with a variety of seeds and berries to attract the largest range of wild birds. Smaller seeds, such as nyjer or millet, will attract birds such as nuthatches and finches that aren’t fans of sunflower seeds.
Suet cakes are another fantastic option that many birds will enjoy, particularly species that require high-energy, easily digestible food, such as woodpeckers, chickadees, and wrens. In addition to seed and feed, many birds enjoy other goodies such as peanuts, almonds, and nectar. When you pair each with the appropriate feeder, you’ll be able to attract a diverse range of species.
Simple Foods to Feed Birds From Your own Kitchen
Apples
Slice them up and remove the seeds. Alternatively, cut them in half, scoop out a portion of the fruit, and fill with sugar water before skewering one on a feeder to attract hummingbirds.
Bananas
Remove the peel from the bananas and cut them in half lengthwise to offer to the birds.
Cereal
Plain cheerios, bran flakes, corn flakes, and toasted oats with fruits and nuts are popular with birds.
Before feeding the birds cereal, crush them up. As a result, they will have no difficulty eating the large chunks.
Eggs and Eggshells
Bake clean shells for 15 minutes at 250°F. Crush and place in a dish, or mix with birdseed. They are an excellent supply of calcium for egg laying.
Melon, Pumpkin, and Squash Seeds
First, roast the seeds in the oven. Use no salt or seasonings.
Nuts
Many birds are drawn to peanuts, as well as other nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
You can feed the birds either perfectly crushed nuts or whole nuts.
Don’t feed the birds nuts flavored with spices or coated with candy.
Offer the birds only raw or roasted nuts with no additional salt or flavors.
Raisins
Soak raisins in warm water beforehand to soften them and make them easier for birds to bite.
When it comes to attracting a diverse range of birds to your yard, the location of the feeder is critical. When it comes to visiting feeders, different birds exhibit varying behaviors. While some birds prefer to fly in from across the yard, with a clear shot right to the perch, others are frightened off by a feeder that is too exposed.
Place your feeders in a variety of locations to cater to diverse bird interests. Cardinals, for example, are known to be shy and prefer natural cover. Try putting one or two feeders near a huge shrub or bush that will provide them with the protection they require.
Feeders should be placed off the ground and at a sufficient height so that birds do not become sitting ducks for predators such as cats. Remember that certain birds might get territorial over feeders. To counteract this behavior, space feeders at least 3 to 4 feet apart to give birds more space.
Bringing birds to your yard is about more than just having a consistent food source. All birds want water, so create a bird bath to attract more birds to your yard by providing a water source.
While a basic birdbath is a good place to start, updating your birdbath and water features, such as a solar bird bath, is a guaranteed way to attract more birds. Most wild birds are drawn to the sound of moving water, and curious species will come from vast distances to investigate.
To attract more birds, consider several water sources or several bird baths. A steady water source will be a significant lure, and a single source may become congested, so consider numerous water sources or several bird baths. This allows you to create varied water conditions, such as static, moving, or misting, to appeal to different species.
Shop Bird Baths with Amazon
Bird Bath Deck Bowl $19.99
2 in 1: Bird Bath & Feeder $24.99
Bird Bath with Metal Stake $27.99
Inexpensive DIY Bird Baths
Repurposed Chip Platter Bird Bath
Bowl & Stick Bird Bath (please paint the bowl)
Grapevine Wreath Hanging Bird Bath
Thanks for reading!
I hope some of these ideas encourage you to be creative for a stunning new bird sighting right in your own yard. If you have any other ideas for attracting birds to your yard, please share them in the comments area below!
My father proposed a drive-in movie theater a few nights ago instead of watching a movie at home as we usually do. That was a poor move. I’ll explain why.
My father proposed a drive-in movie theater a few nights ago instead of watching a movie at home as we usually do. There were just three movies screening that night, each showing twice. One about 9 p.m., and the last around 11 p.m.
I inquired if he wanted to stop at a fast food place before we went to the movie. “No,” he answered, “they should have food there.” That was a poor move. I’ll explain why.
The address of Starlight Drive-In is 2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316.
They’re open seven days a week.
Adult tickets are $10 each, while children ages 5 to 9 pay only $1.
On the lot, there was only one snack bar. We had to wait outside until they unlocked the doors to serve food, which was only 30 minutes before the show.
Nachos & Hotdogs
Menu
Tip #1: Bring Your Own Food
My father and I both ordered the same items. Nachos, hotdogs, sodas, and a small bag of popcorn were ordered.
The customer service was excellent. The man behind the counter was very friendly.
I made a joke about the popcorn being old because we could see it sitting outside the shop while we waited to get in. The popcorn was only “20 minutes old,” according to the person. “20 minutes?” I exclaimed, laughing. He informed me that this meant it was new.
My beverage was spilled on the ground by my father on the way back from the snack bar to our vehicle. I went back inside the business and asked the guy whether a free replacement was an option. He apologized and said I’d have to pay for another one. We were charged an additional $2.50.
The food was adequate. It didn’t have much flavor. I’ve never tasted nachos with tasteless nacho cheese. My father hoped that the jalapeno juice from his jalapenos would have improved it, but it didn’t. The hotdogs had the flavor of hotdog water. My father took one bite and then left it alone.
Tip #2: Bring a Portable Radio or Download a Radio App
Nowadays, the audio is delivered via a screen-specific FM radio station, which each automobile can listen into independently. If you don’t plan ahead of time, you’ll be limited to utilizing your car audio and will have to keep your car running all the while. If you leave your car running, it might kill the battery or waste a lot of gas.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, directed by Robert Schwentke, was the movie we chose to view. The movie was amazing. However, the audio stopped for a few seconds during the movie, and when it resumed, the audio was at least 10 seconds delayed. I asked my father to turn on the radio. The audio was still a little sluggish. I called the theater’s phone number to inform them of the situation, and they informed us that it was due to a radio malfunction and that we may return to the entrance for a refund. I was irritated. My father insisted on watching the movie until the present scene was completed. I was so irritated that I refused to watch any more of it. I left to sit at a table in front of the snack bar to wait until he was ready to leave.
Tip #3: Bring Jumper Cables
While I was seated at the table, trying to recover from my ruined movie experience, a guy approached me and asked if I had driven here myself. “No, I came here with my dad, and he’s parked right over there,” I explained. He came over to see if I had any jumper cables since his car wouldn’t start.
This is one reason you should bring a portable radio and make sure all of the inside lights are turned off to save your car battery.
If your car battery dies, the theater or surrounding cars will most likely be able to jump start it. You won’t have to worry about finding jumper cables or a portable charger late at night if you have your own.
Tip #4: Bring a Flashlight
Because the area was quite dark, I had to use my phone’s flashlight to get to and from our destinations. It’s also a good idea to have some form of light source so that you can be seen and avoid being hit if automobiles are driving around with no headlights on, possibly to respect movie-goers.
Unfortunately, we did not finish the movie and cannot find it on any streaming services online. We went to get our movie refund and then headed straight to the restaurant “Cook Out.”
I hope my bad drive-in movie experience inspires you to be more prepared than we were. If you have any further tips for my readers, please leave them in the comments! Thanks for reading!
Coloring apps, which allow you to color images as if they were on a coloring book page while using your phone or tablet’s touchscreen are wonderful.
Coloring Isn’t Just For Kids
Coloring apps, which allow you to color images as if they were on a coloring book page while using your phone or tablet’s touchscreen, are wonderful for smaller children since they allow them to be creative without making a mess. For older children and adults, coloring apps provide an alternative to casual gaming and a peaceful way to pass the time wherever you are.
I got the help of a little person to test a variety of coloring applications and select my favorites. There are apps designed specifically for children, some that offer an innovative 3D coloring experience, and yet more that will play back a time-lapse video of your coloring-in process.
I arranged these apps in descending order, with my favorites at the top and my least favorites at the bottom, regardless of star rating. The star ranking is based on how much fun it is.
My Favorite Coloring Apps
Made by Christian
Made by Me
Christian’s (left) & Mine (right)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
About: This app allows you to color over 5000 unique coloring pages created by their professional artists, such as mandalas, flowers, dogs, and cats. You can even upload and bring to life your own photos and drawings!
Every day, new pictures are added to the gallery for you to color. Over 70 palettes and dozens of coloring options are available, including solid and live colors, gradients, and crayons. You can also make your own palettes! There are over 80 effects, filters, and outlines to help you personalize your artwork. You can also participate in fun color-challenging events.
My Thoughts: This is by far my favorite app of all time. It’s incredible! It’s simple to use and comes with a variety of beautiful color palettes. It’s suitable for people of all ages. It allows you to create a profile and share your photos with others. The photographs are stunning. Every category has a good selection. This is my top recommendation.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: I had to download this app on his tablet because he adores it. I need to get him a stylus for his tablet because he enjoys coloring on my phone with it.
Free Version: There are numerous free coloring pages available. Unfortunately, there appears to be no filter so that you can only see the free photos; you just have to skim through them all to find one. To unlock an image, you must first watch an advertisement.
Advertisements: Yes.
Optional Purchases: The app provides a seven-day free trial. The monthly fee for Recolor Premium is $14.99. It unlocks all 5000+ images, as well as all tools, filters, and effects, and removes all advertisements.
ColorFil – Adult Coloring Book Made by Yea Studio. Cp., Ltd.
Made by Christian
Christian’s (left) & Mine (right)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
About: Fill in the blanks with your own colors. You can use as many images as you like, but you must watch advertising. They have drawings of flowers and animals, as well as various patterns and mandalas. You can make your own palette. It is simple to use for people of all ages.
My Thoughts: This app is amazing! It is unquestionably one of my favorites. It provides the most adorable images to choose from. A lovely collection of color palettes, and I adore the photo effects.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: He had a lot of fun using this app. I gave him my stylus pencil to color with, and it was so simple for him to choose a color and tap on the image to modify it.
Free Version: I’m not sure if I’m overlooking something, but it appears like all of the images are free to use.
Advertisements: Yes.
Optional Purchases: The app’s page advertises a 7-day free trial, however I don’t see that option within the application. I notice subscription options for getting all pictures, new ones every week, and without advertisements. The costs are $1.99 per week, $5.49 per month, and $34,99 per year. These are the most affordable subscription prices I’ve found for a coloring app.
Coloring Book for Adults Made by ColorTime & PuzzleTime
Made by Christian
Made by Me
Two images we colored from the “doodles” category. Christian’s (left) and Mine (right).
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
About: There are about 500 coloring pages in this app. It includes mandala and zen drawings, flower, heart, and love coloring pages, and iconic works by artists such as Vermeer and van Gogh.
Simply tap to select a color and begin painting. Real drawing with brushes and pencils is a possibility. Flowers, hearts, weather icons, and other images can be used as stickers.
My Thoughts: My Opinion: I truly enjoy this app. “Doodles” is my favorite category. Every page on this app is completely free. That’s incredible. Be wary of short ads, but it’s nothing that interferes with your gaming. Gaming includes an easy touch to paint feature, and my favorite feature is the ability to adjust the texture and style of the color you choose! There are so many options.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: He found it simple to select his own colors and tap to modify the color of an area on the image.
Free Version: Every image is available for coloring.
Advertisements: Yes.
Optional Purchases: For a one-time fee of $3.49, all advertisements will be removed.
More Coloring Apps
Colorfy: Free Coloring Games – Paint Color Book Made by Fun Games For Free
Made by Christian
Made by Me
Christian’s (left) & Mine (right).
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
About: In this digital coloring book, you will find both difficult and easy art for all ages that includes mandalas, animals, patterns, and florals.
My Thoughts: I adore this app! Let’s start with the adorable photo gallery. It has a variety of color palettes from which to choose. All you have to do is choose a color and tap on the page to color in whatever area you choose. When you’re finished, you can add a filter, texture, line color, and other effects before sharing it on social media.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: It’s simple for him to swap colors by accident, and many times when he tapped on the screen, nothing changed.
Free version: There’s no filter for quickly getting to all of the free images, but while I was scrolling through, there didn’t seem to be many. Maybe a couple of handfuls.
Free Trial: There is a three-day free trial period.
Optional Purchases: It is $7.99 per week to unlock all features, including photos, color palettes, no ads, and more. Other alternatives include a one-month subscription for $19.99 per month or a 12-month subscription for $99.99 per year.
Coloring Made by Teazel Ltd
Made by Me.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
About: This app has over 800 beautiful and detailed professional images for you to get creative with. There are sections for floral images, animals, sea creatures, and much more! You can use a tap or strokes to paint. There is an infinite color pallet to pick from, as well as multiple brush sizes.
My Thoughts: This app does too much. It automatically generates 50 coins to your account, which you do not have to create. Then any picture with a yellow coin on it is worth at least ten coins to color. Fortunately, there is a category with a variety of free images to choose from.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: Because of the way the interface is set up while coloring an image, Christian kept hitting pop ups he didn’t plan to, such as the color wheel.
Free Version: There are 63 free images to choose from.
Free Trial: There is a three-day free trial period.
Optional Purchases: Extra coins can be purchased. 100 pieces for $0.99, 250 pieces for $1.99, and 600 pieces for $3.99. There are two subscription plans available. $2.99 a month or $4.99 for a three-month subscription to unlock all images.
Happy Color – Color by Number. Coloring games. Made by X-Flow
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
About: This app offers over 40 categories to choose from, including a new Disney category. Happy Color contains a lot of original drawings hand painted by expert artists, as well as photos of renowned characters, comics, cartoons, and so on owned by well-known studios like Marvel, Disney, and Warner Bros.
My Thoughts: It’s a peaceful game to play, and all of their photographs are free, albeit with ads imposed on you. And, for some reason, every time I play the game, I have to turn my phone upside down to make it right-side up.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: Unable to enjoy it since he lacks the freedom to choose his own colors and where to color.
Free Version: Everything is available for coloring.
Advertisements: Yes.
Optional Purchases: The only thing you’ll have to pay for is to have the ads removed for a one-time fee of $7.99 + tax.
Coloring Book – Color by Number & Paint by Number Made by Candy Mobile
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
About: Each image features light blue or gray lines indicating painting locations, and each place has a number and a corresponding numbered paint to apply.
This digital coloring book gives you the opportunity to color some of the world’s most renowned paintings, such as the Mona Lisa, Starry Night, The Last Supper, and others.
My Thoughts: This program does not allow you to select your own colors for usage in the selected photo. It starts with a white canvas filled with outlined objects. You simply click the grayed our area to reveal its colors. I prefer to pick my own colors, but I enjoy the unexpected image displayed at the end. You can save the image to your phone, but you must first view a short advertisement to erase the watermark.
Christian’s (2 y/old) Usage: Unable to enjoy it since he lacks the freedom to choose his own colors and where to color.
Free Version: Everything is available for coloring.
Advertisements: Yes.
Optional Purchases: None.
Benefits
For Children
Enhances Motor Skills
Encourages Creativity
Helps to Improve Handwriting
Teaches Color Awareness, Recognition and Discernment
Enhances focus and hand-eye coordination
It aids in the learning of boundaries, structure, and spatial awareness.
Aids in Self-Expression
Stress-Relief
For Adults
Our focus shifts away from ourselves. Coloring diverts your focus away from yourself (and the things that are stressing you out) and into the present-moment experience.
It calms the mind. When your mind is focused on this basic task, your brain tends to relax.
It’s enjoyable since the stakes are low. Color outside the lines if you want! Coloring does not produce predictable or prescriptive results. It may be as clean — or as sloppy — as you choose, which is one of its soothing benefits.
It enhances your motor skills and vision. Coloring is more than just a relaxing activity. It necessitates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. While logic assists us in staying within the lines, selecting colors generates a creative thought process.
I hope some of these ideas inspire you to try this new activity for some enjoyable and relaxing fun. If you have any favorite apps to recommend, please leave them in the comments!
Fun With You 