spring fever.

Spring is officially in the air .. at least for a little bit!

There are signs of spring everywhere around my neighborhood and spring fever is setting in. The need for vitamin D on my skin is real! Not to mention the days are getting longer!

This past weekend was spent in true Spring fashion ... spending time with family on Saturday at the soccer field and a 12 mile bike ride along the local Path Trail system on Sunday.

 Check out a few photos from around my neighborhood and from our weekend adventures!

Aiden's soccer game was very entertaining on Saturday! 

 Sunday at dusk .. my favorite time of day.

And a family picture with Kiwi!

Have a great week and enjoy the weather!

my favorite 3 day weekend

Hi friends,

It has been a busy 2 days back at work this week following a really fantastic 3 day weekend. It was great mix of relaxing and adventures!

Friday night the hubby and I helped out with a 13 year old's birthday party .. and there were 56 of them in attendance! WHOA!

I wore my chevron scarf from Cents of Style and a woven pink top with skinny jeans!

Saturday we spent some time in downtown Atlanta. A visit to Ikea is always a must when downtown and we spent walked down to Atlantic Station as well. Who doesn't love Ikea? If I was to  live in a city somewhere, this is where I would want to live! Such a neat part of town. We celebrated the fact that Justin sent off his commissioning paper work with a little Mexican (courtesy of Groupon) Saturday night as well!

Sunday night we made a last minute decision to go to Passion City Church at Philips Arena. We simply adore PCC and it was crazy to see thousands at a church service! It was an incredible night of worship with Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Kristin Standfield, Christy Nockels, and David Crowder.

A mini side trip to watch the SkyView Atlanta.

Monday my poor hubby was sick so after running some errands and housework I took a bike ride without him. The weather was absolutely beautiful and it felt like Spring fever in January! Our  neighborhood has a trail that is several miles long .. a great way to get some exercise and spend some time in nature.

What did you do over your extended weekend?

Frugal Atlanta Part 2: Weekend Hiking Adventures

Wondering how I have spent the last few weekends? Or looking for some more frugal outings in the Atlanta area? Hiking is the answer to both questions and Fall is the perfect time. We have been hiking several times in the past few weeks. If you missed my first post on frugal outings in the Atlanta area, click here.

Last weekend the hubby, some of my family, and I spent Saturday afternoon hiking at Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Cumming, GA. We hiked up to top of Sawnee Mountain to see the Indian Seats and enjoyed  a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

2 weekends ago Justin and I took a shorter hike up Arabia Mountain, which is part of the PATH system in Dekalb county. We had been on other parts of the walking/biking trail, but Arabia Mountain was new to us and very close to home. I am dying to go back for a sunset hike!

During September my hubby's youth spent a Saturday afternoon hiking Stone Mountain and then stayed for the Laser Show. We had a great time!

Other ideas in the Atlanta area include Sweetwater Creek and Panola Mountain. Check out this website for more ideas!

Here's to getting outside and enjoying the rest of the weekend!

Frugal Atlanta Part 1

When we moved to the Atlanta area a little over 2 years ago, I missed home terribly. Since then, I've settled into our life here and gotten used to having things nearby. There are TONS, and I mean TONS of things to do here in Atlanta. So, I have compiled a list of my favorite activities and some tips on how to visit for cheaper! (please note this is in no way a comprehensive list!)

1) Piedmont Park

Nestled in downtown Atlanta, it is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle! It is by far my favorite Atlanta destination! You will find playing fields, a playground, a pool, walking paths, numerous festivals throughout the year, and plenty of open space perfect for biking and having a picnic, all with the city skyline in the distance. We enjoyed ice skating there last winter as well!

Depending on where you're able to park, this can be a FREE family activity. If you have to park in the parking deck, they do charge by the hour.

2) Georgia Aquarium and World of Coke

The Georgia Aquarium is a great family outing and the World of Coke is interesting! We've been to both places a few times and it is fun to see all of the animals and taste different Coke products from around the world. These attractions are located beside Centennial Olympic Park, so you can make a pit stop to play in the  fountain as well.

The absolute best deal for the Aquarium and World of Coke is Teacher Appreciation day in August or September. Each teacher and one guest gets in free to both attractions! During the summer the Aquarium also has discounted tickets after 6pm. Park across the street from the park for cheaper parking then the Aquarium parking deck as well.

 

3) Stone Mountain

A favorite destination of many locals, Stone Mountain has a lot to offer! For the truly frugal, picnicking, hiking and the Laser Show are free! Sitting and playing out on the lawn is part of the experience as you wait for the show to start! You only pay for parking (the parking pass is worth it if you will visit a few times!). I must warn you though, the hike is not a easy one. Or, you can buy an attractions pass and ride up to the top of the mountain. With the pass you can also participate in the high ropes course, ride the train, lots of kids activities, mini golf, and much more. You can find coupons for Stone Mountain easily. Stone Mountain also offers a Teacher Appreciation day (we went in June). My ticket was free and I received a pretty good discount on any other tickets I purchased.

 

4) Zoo Atlanta

A great family trip for all ages! I have seen a variety of deals for the zoo, including a Groupon and of course  Teacher Appreciation Day. You can find coupons easily as well. However, the best deal is offered through the local library system (PINES). You can check out the Zoo Atlanta DVD and when you turn it back in you will receive 4 free tickets (2 adult, 2 child)! I had to wait for a few weeks on a waiting list before getting the DVD and you only have 7 days once you turn it in to use the tickets, but it is still a great deal! We just gave away the children's tickets.

5) Brave's Game

My husband is a big Brave's fan so we try to attend games a few times a year. There are a variety of ways to save some money on a game. First, you can just buy general admission seating. Depending on the game, you can get in for less $10! Personally, I like these seats better because you can see everything, including Atlanta at night. Last year we bought a deal where we received 4 "free" tickets and 6 half price tickets. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the company! This year, there was an Amazon Local deal where you paid $7 to have $30 to bid on a website for tickets. The seats we ended up with were great and I would try it again! Our gas company (Gas South) gave us free tickets last year for signing up and also offers discounts. Check around online before you buy!

6) Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station can be described as a city inside a city. It is fun area of downtown Atlanta that offers living, shopping, dining, and working, all within walking distance. And it is also home of Ikea! There are many festivals and other events that also take place there. Of course, the way to make a visit to Atlantic Station frugal is the use of coupons! Armed with restaurant and retail coupons, you can shop at at Ikea with your Ikea card, and then visit H&M, Old Navy, and other stores.

That's all for today! Check back for more frugal ideas soon!