Center for Puppetry and Arts: The Adventure of Mighty Bug

Written and directed by Jon Ludwig

2012-13 Family Series

Welcome to Bugville, a jumpin’ little insect community that swings to the Bugville Boogie and the sweet sounds of WBUG Radio star Morpha Butterfly. Watching over the insect citizens is the one and only Mighty Bug, a superhero with super strength, smelling, hearing, and flying abilities. But Mighty Bug isn’t the only arthropod with an eye on Bugville. The evil arachnid Scorpiana has assembled a group to attack the town.  Can Mighty Bug defeat the evil Scorpiana and save Bugville? Find out in this science-filled comic book style adventure!

I recently decided to start giving my sons some one on one mommy time. So when the opportunity came up to experience a show at the Center for Puppetry and Arts I knew it would the suitable outing for my soon to be four year old. Boy was that an understatement it was perfect we saw" The Adventures of Mighty Bug" not only did my little one learn a ton about bugs, but he shared all his newly acquired knowledge with his little brother once we got home!

"The Adventure of Mighty Bug" combined the use of body and shadow puppets using comic book storytelling style to keep the audience captivated  My absolute favorite part of the show is when they come out at the end and explain how the production works, thus saving me from having to answer a million questions on the ride home.

Don't forget to head up stairs to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop and make your own Lightning Bug Rod & String Puppet to take home. It's included in the ticket price. This was a big hit with my little guy and I am sure it will be with yours as well!

                                     
                                          WATCH THE TRAILER

Where:
Center for Puppetry and Arts (Main Stage)

1404 Spring Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30309


When:
Jan 31 - Mar 17, 2013

Showtimes:
•Tues-Fri: 10am & 11:30am
•Sat: 12pm & 2pm
•Sun: 1pm & 3pm


Single show tickets, which include Create-A-Puppet Workshop and Museum:
Member - $9.25
Non-Member - $16.50

Purchase tickets online at  tickets@puppet.org or call the Ticket Office at  404.873.3391.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets for this show, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Kickin The Winter Blues $1000 Cash Giveaway Blogger Opp

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• Want more information, swing by and check out Jenn's Blah Blah Blogs FREE Blogger Opportunity.

Let them know Your Unexpected Beauty sent you!

The Circus is Coming to Town!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Circus Presents “Dragons”

February 13- 18 and February 21- March 3, 2013 in Atlanta

DRAGONS is a Once in a Millennium Event Celebrating the Chinese Year of the Dragon! 

Literally before I sat down to right this post we as in me and my little men saw a commercial  for the circus and they began too jump up and down chanting "I want that! I want that!" if you are a mother with little kids you know exactly what I did, smiled and nod. Usually that means don't hold your breath, but in this case it meant we are going and I don't want you bugging me everyday until we go so I will just wait til we walk into the building to tell you. Hope to see you and your little ones there!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors the Year of the Dragon.  Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros.^® Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. A never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends, DRAGONS is coming to Philips Arena February 13 – 18 and to The Arena at Gwinnett Center, February 21 – March 3, 2013.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®  searched the globe to bring audiences of all ages phenomenal acts including the Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, charging Cossack riders, magnificent Asian elephants, Siberian tigers and the frenzied motorcycle Globe of Steel. As the audience observes these and even more real world displays that pay tribute to the dragon, their continued excitement will bring glimpses of the elusive beast.

Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS opens an hour before show time with the interactive All Access Pre-show, FREE to all ticket holders.

For more information, visit www.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RinglingBros.

Performances are at Philips Arena, February 13-18, 2013.

       Show Times:

o   Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Friday, February 15 at 10:30 a.m., and 7:30 p.m.

o   Saturday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

o   Sunday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

o   Monday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m.

            Ticket Prices at : Start at $14

Performances are at The Arena at Gwinnett Center, February 21-March 3, 2013.

     Show Times:

o   Thursday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Friday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Saturday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

o   Sunday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

o   Tuesday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Thursday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.

o   Friday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

o   Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

o   Sunday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

     Ticket Prices at : Start at just $25

    All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at the Philips Arena and The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or via phone by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.

About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Meal Planning Made Easy- eMeals

As a stay at home mom/wife I am constantly looking for ways to stretch our families budget. I also pride myself in making sure my family has a home cooked meal at least six days out of the week.The grocery store is always a huge challenge when trying to stay in my budget and it literally takes me hours to prepare a grocery list. Well eMeals has really simplified the process and I love it!

Want to know how it works?

To start getting eMeals, just choose a meal plan based on your eating style, your family size and even your favorite grocery store. They have a variety of styles to choose from ranging Classic, Natural & Organic, Gluten Free Meals. I am positive that they have a menu that will work from you. I went with the Low Carb option for my family as it most resembled the way my family was already eating.

Weekly you will receive an email of a comprehensive list of seven family-friendly meals, including side dishes. Included in your email will be a detailed grocery list organized by sections and showing that weeks current prices.

Than all you do is print the list and head to the store. It's that easy. 

Most people need help with planning dinner, but eMeals also gives you the option of adding Breakfast and Lunch to your plan. 

So relax and let some one else plan your meals and find these weeks deals and enjoy the time and extra   cash that is sure to flow your way.

For an opportunity to win a Free eMeals Subscription for a Year & Free Visa Gift Card click here. 

In addition you can simply sign on to eMeals and Your Unexpected Beauty readers can use the code newyear to save 15% off your subscription anytime (regularly $58 for 12 months of dinner meals)!

If you are a blogger and want to join the Blogger Network sign up here. Let them now Your Unexpected Beauty sent you (it gives me an extra entry into a giveaway).

Disclosure: I received a one year dinner subscription to eMeals. And have included affiliant links in this post because I love the product. All opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway & Review: Zoës Kitchen {{Ends 02/06}}

Zoë means "life" in Greek and that is just the feeling you get from the moment you walk in and see the very lively and modern decor which includes brightly colored walls and unique art pieces that proudly display many of the fresh ingredients that's incorporated into the menu.  If you haven't had the opportunity to experience Zoës Kitchen you haven't lived.  I had the opportunity to visit the new Cumberland location here in Atlanta, GA this past weekend with my family thanks to my fellow blogger Krystyn of Really Are You Serious.

As you know I am on a weight loss journey but that in no way hindered me from enjoying a delicious and healthy meal at Zoës Kitchen. My favorite was the Chicken Kabobs and the hubby loved the fresh pasta salad, while made with only four ingredients was bursting with flavor. The real test for me  is whether my boys enjoy their food so if devouring the pita and hummus, than completely taking over my Greek Salad, tearing through the three chicken wraps that was placed before them and leaving just enough room for the Chocolate Cake that is made fresh every morning is any indicator I would say they loved Zoës Kitchen!

Now it's your turn to visit Zoës Kitchen one luck winner will receive a gift card worth $15 to experience this delightful Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: My family enjoyed a complimentary dining event at Zoës Kitchen. No other compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oransi's Robby Wash Ball: Review & Giveaway {{Ends 02/01}}!

Robby has been super busy this past week and really been put to the test.  Whose Robby you maybe thinking, well he is my new best friend. Not only has he made my life easier with his convenience, efficiency and being budget friendly he also has gotten my family clothes spotless with a little help from his side kick. Knowing is full name may better help you to understand who he is, introducing Robby Wash Ball by Oransi!

The Robby Wash blue laundry ball pack is designed to be used in both cold and hot water for 12 months on average with softness and colors maintained.  Does not require any additional detergent to clean clothes or odor removal detergents to get your laundry smelling fresh. Works with both front load and top load washing machines.  The pack includes the blue washing ball, a stain stick and three extra packets of macro-molecule pellets.

I had the pleasure of reviewing this product and am very pleased with the result and a bonus the hubby loves it as well. In addition to cleaning clothes just as well as a normal detergent it is also hypoallergenic which is awesome because my two little guys have sensitive skin. So far my Robby has completed 10 full loads of laundry and his side kick Mr. Stain Stick has stood up to the stains that are ever present on my little guys clothing. I don't think there is much else you can ask out of a detergent.

So if you are looking for a "detergent" that can not only clean your clothes but also is budget friendly you should definitely try the Robby Wash Ball.



There is no way I can go on and on about how great this product is and not give you an opportunity to win one of your very own. Follow the prompts below for you chance to WIN!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you would like more information on Oransi and their other product make sure to like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

I received a complimentary Robby Wash Laundry Ball for the purposes of review.  All opinions are 100% my own.


Congrats Renae the winner of the Robby Wash Ball!

Weight loss Wednesday- Staying the Course

As I have mentioned before in a previous post my New Years Resolution like so many others is to loose weight and I am doing a 90 Day Challenge with Creative Bioscience using their hCG 1234 drops. I began using the drops only four days ago and will give you an update on how it is going in a months time, but I must say I am loving it so far! But for know I want to discuss my plan for staying the course.

The most successful I have been at managing my weight as an adult was in college and I attribute that to the company I kept the ladies I experienced those four years with ate like rabbits. Lol But in all seriousness being in the company of young ladies who portion size was less than I was accustomed to and who lived a more active lifestyle than I did inspired/forced me to adjust to their habits if I wanted to hang. My most recent weight loss succes came in the form of a weight loss competition with my friend and fellow blogger Daphne of MushyMamma. Once college and the competition came to an end my weight instantly began to creep up. So I have devised a plan to not only loose weight but to keep it off.

I have also committed myself to a weight loss competition with the BLM Girls (Bloggers Like Me) a community of women bloggers dedicated to the positive exchange of ideas, tips and advice about FASHION, BEAUTY, RELATIONSHIPS and FAITH through blogging, meet ups and social networking. It is a competition and yes I plan on winning the grand prize, I am also benefiting from the experiences of a community of women who are going through this weight loss journey with me at least for the next 11 weeks or so. The cash prize is motivating me and the women are inspiring me.

In addition to the BLM Girls competition my hubby and I are working towards a goal collectively that if reached will be rewarded with a much needed adult only vacation that includes warm weather and sandy beaches. So my focus here is not just solely on me, but if I don't pull my weight (pun intended)  than not only will I let my self down, but I will be letting my hubby down as well.

All the above mentioned challenges and competitions are things I have committed myself to to help me loose weight. How will I maintain it once it is lost? Well if you recall throughout the year last year I made small changes in my life ie., eating only whole wheat everything, drinking green tea, drinking more water, eating from smaller plates, and eating dark chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth. While all these things were a move in the right direction they were not BIG enough to make a BIG change on the scale, but will prove to be helpful when it is time to maintain my weight loss. One big step I have taken was influenced by North Cobb Mocha Moms, a mothers support group which I am President of, we had a meeting where I stood in front 20+ women and revealed not only my weight loss goal, but my current weight as well. GASP. The purpose of this particular meetup was/is to support each other and hold each other accountable to the goals we set for ourselves for the year of 2013. I feel this will make all the difference outside of my home I spend the bulk of my time with these ladies, therefore making my circle of support/accountability complete.

With all that said my biggest inspiration and motivation lies in these two little boys, who deserves nothing but the best that includes a healthy mama!

What or who inspires you to press on when things get tough?

Creative Bioscience 90 Day Challenge

Like so many others my New Years resolution is to lose weight and to hopefully achieve my ideal weight in the year 2013. I have posted before about the small changes I have made in my life that I hope will make a big impact in the long run. With that said I am introducing a few more things into my arsenal and one that I would like to share with you today comes in the form of a 90 day challenge!

I am going to be doing a 90 day product review challenge with Creative Bioscience and am looking forward to sharing my experience with you. After reviewing the several products Creative Bioscience had to offer I opted to try their hCG 1234 product to complete this challenge. The biggest reason why I was drawn to this particular product is that it's drops that you place under your tongue and not a pill (pills and I don't get along well). hCG 1234 is formulated to burn fat quickly without the need for exercise all though you are required to reduce your calories in order for it to be effective.

If you are a blogger and interested in joining me on this challenge apply here: Creative Bioscience 90 Day Challenge.

Wish me luck!

If your New Years resolution is to lose weight what's your plan for attaining your goal?

Disclosure:  I will receive a 90-day supply of the product in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.