Kid Friendly New Year's 2013

New Year's Eve in Prince William County has a few fun options for kids!!

Christ Chapel will be offering a NYE service at 10pm. 13909 Smoketown Road Woodbridge VA

The Cavalier Family Skating Center will host an a New Year's Party.  Monday, December 31st from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. They will be giving away an iPad Mini (must be present to win). Black Outs, Games, Flash Light Skates, Dances, Balloon Drop. Tickets are $20. Receive FREE skate rental with an advanced ticket purchase. 1924 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554

Skate N Fun Zone will also have some options:

Kids In Motion offers an annual Kids' Party for ages 3 to 12  from  7 pm - 9 am.  It's $35 for the first child and $30 for each additional sibling.  RSVP by December 27th to save $5 per child.  Pizza, games, hats, necklaces and a balloon drop at 10pm.  Call 703-878-0100, must pay in advance.

If you want to keep the kids home with you (and asleep) Jump N Jimmy's will have open bounce from 10am-6pm.  Work them hard and put them to bed early ;)

Leesylvania Park will offer a “First Day Hike,” so you can start the new year with some exercise! This is a self-guided hike along Lee’s Woods trail; plus a scavenger hunt for young hikers, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr. Woodbridge. Parking, $4. 703-583-6904.

Nutella Breakfast Tour Woodbridge

POTOMAC MILLS TO HOST NUTELLA BREAKFAST TOUR TRUCK FILLED WITH 5,000 JARS OF FREE NUTELLA® ON DECEMBER 23*

Woodbridge, VA Announced as Winners of Nutella® City Challenge

WHAT:                 Residents of Woodbridge, VA will be awarded five thousand (13 oz.) jars of free Nutella hazelnut spread and a visit from the Nutella Breakfast Tour Truck this December as winners of the nationwide Nutella Tour City Challenge.  The truck will be making one last stop in the winning city to spread the love at Potomac Mills on December 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., just in time for the holidays.

                                The Nutella Breakfast Tour Truck visited 12 cities across the country from September to December encouraging fans to tweet their favorite way to wake up with Nutella.  Woodbridge, VA posted the most eligible tweets, winning the top prize, a special visit from the Nutella Breakfast Tour Truck filled with free Nutella.

Local residents are invited to come out to celebrate the holidays and claim their free jar of Nutella while supplies last. Fans can also take a picture next to the giant inflatable Nutella® jar, enjoy festive music and spread some holiday cheer.

For more information and Official Rules for the Nutella Tour City Challenge, visit the Nutella USA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NutellaUSA

WHEN:                 Sunday, December 23, 2012

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:               Potomac Mills (Parking lot near Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and jcpenney)

Woodbridge, VA

* Handing out up to 5,000 13 oz. jars while supplies last.

About Nutella

Nutella® was first imported from Italy to the U.S. over 25 years ago by Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. The popularity of Nutella® has grown steadily over the years and it is the number one selling branded hazelnut spread in America.

Nutella® is a tasty hazelnut spread that gets its unique taste from the combination of hazelnuts, skim milk and a hint of cocoa.   In addition, Nutella® has no artificial colors or preservatives. It can be found in grocery stores, warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers and is generally found near the peanut butter and sweet spreads section. 

When used in moderation with complementary foods such as a glass of milk, piece of fruit or a glass of orange juice, and spread on whole grain toast, Nutella® can turn a balanced breakfast into a tasty one too.  It can be a quick and easy way to encourage kids to eat whole grains, such as whole wheat toast, English muffins, toaster waffles and bagels.  Nutella®.  Breakfast never tasted this good®.

Holiday Wish List

One of the fun parts about my “job” as a blogger is that I get to learn about new companies on a regular basis.  Just in time for the holidays, Fragments contacted me and shared a little about their story.  Founded in 1984, (which is the year I was founded, too) by Janet Goldman, Fragments pioneered the “Fashion Jewelry” category in accessories.  Their online store offers both fashion and fine jewelry, and since Christmas is coming, I thought I’d share a bit of my personal wish list after looking around the site.  Fashion jewelry is priced between costume and fine jewelry prices, which is nice because you can find a piece that makes you feel extra special but doesn’t break the bank.

 

On to my list. Don’t worry- you don’t have to send me anything.  Although, if any of you know my husband in real life, you can feel free to send him this link.  

 

First on my list- the Ocean Gemstone Ring Stack.  All of a sudden I’m really into gold, and these colors remind me of the cruise we took this year, which is a nice pick-me-up from the grey weather outside right now!  This ring is from the Robindira Unsworth Collection, and I actually love everything she has listed. 

 

Next, basically all of the earrings in the LK Designs Collection.  The graduated colors are gorgeous, and I had a hard time picking a favorite pair to list, but I’m going with the Ombre Teardrops.  Being able to wear dangling earrings is the small consolation prize I get in return for no longer having an infant or a toddler to grab at them, so they may as well be fabulous! 

 

Fragments has its own namesake collection, as well.  I actually believe that sparkles are a core value.  Seriously.  Sparkle studs, CZ hoops, and crystal pieces in various colors, these are all adorable and very affordably priced, with pieces starting at the $30 mark. 

 

While I wanted to be sure that my list was realistic, I couldn’t help just taking a quick peek at the fine jewelry.  Our 10^th anniversary is coming up, and I would definitely not object to an eternity band, especially if it’s got Glitter in the name! Having a third band to change up the look of your wedding set is such a fun idea, and even though I wouldn’t ever give up my original band, I would definitely add a little extra bling now and then!

And, since it’s a “wish” list, let’s just throw one out there.  I love stars and snowflakes, and this diamond and opal star necklace (for a cool $11,000) is amazingly beautiful and I would just sit and stare at it all day.

 

Everyday.

In addition to shopping for pieces based on your personal likes, Fragments also features pictures of celebrities wearing their pieces (Oprah and Miranda Lambert are fans) as well as a blog, editor’s picks, trend watch, and owner Janet’s picks  to help take the guesswork out of selecting the perfect piece of jewelry.    

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This is a sponsored post from Fragments, however all opinions are my own.  (Seriously, it's not that much of a stretch to find jewelry I'd like to have in my life.  At all.)  All photographs are courtesy of Fragments.com

12 Days of Giveaways: Baby Blossom

Baby Blossom has been a great sponsor of giveaways all year long, and this giveaway is no exception! They've got a great baby gear item just for a lucky PwcMoms reader!  Enter using the Rafflecopter under the description.

Mamas & Papas Snug Seat & Tray -- Teal  ($60 retail)

Ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort, this first seat adjusts as your baby grows. With the tray included it is easy to clean and lightweight, perfect when you're on the move and suitable for inside and outside use.

• 1st stage: for use when baby can support their own head (from 3 months approx.)
• 2nd stage: when baby outgrows the 1st stage seat (from 12 months approx)
• Soft and comfortable, designed to keep baby snug and in place
• Removable tray aids play times and meal times
• Lightweight for easy transportation
• Easy to clean
• Rigid crotch post for added safety
• Comfortable and easy to clean 
• Ideal seat for baby during early stages of weaning
• Baby's first seat - ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort
• Two piece seat that adjusts as your baby grows - just remove the seat insert 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Posts: Holiday Movies for the Naughty and Nice

 Oh Christmas, how to I love thee. From eggnog and tree trimming to gift wrapping and caroling, there is something for everyone during the holiday season. It seems like everywhere you look there is hustle and bustle and general Christmassy cheer but one thing that gives this time of year it’s sparkly magic is the tradition in which it is seeped in.

There’s nothing better than cozying up in front of a fire and a well-dressed tree with some popcorn and a great movie. So let’s take a look at some of our old favorite movies that we will watch year after year, as well as some new ones you may have never thought of. Perhaps you might start a new tradition this year!

The Classics
Classics are called classics for a reason. They have timeless and wonderful messages that still pull on our heartstrings to this day.
• A Christmas Story – A story about a boy, a Red Ryder BB gun and why you should never lick a frozen street lamp.
• It’s A Wonderful Life – A beautiful lesson in why everyone is important to somebody.
• Miracle on 34th Street – A cheerful movie about how it doesn't matter if Santa is real or not.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas – This was one of the very first movies to ever quote bible verse to explain the real meaning of Christmas.
• White Christmas – Who doesn’t get choked up when the soldiers sing to the General?

Family Favorites For Any Age
The following list is for the whole family to watch together while nibbling on candy canes and warming toes by the fire.
• Elf– What happens when Buddy the Elf leaves the North Pole in search of his dad in NYC, who also happens to be on the “Naughty List”? Comedy ensues.
• Home Alone – Little Kevin’s family forgot him at home on Christmas. I’m sure he’ll be just fine, right?
• Shrek The Halls – If you’re a fan of the Shrek films, this will be right up your alley.
• Frosty The Snowman – Who doesn’t remember watching this when they were a child (back when we had to get up to change the channel on the TV)?
• How The Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr.Suess can do no wrong with this holiday tale.

Movies That Are Probably Best Watched After Bed Time
If sometimes you just want to spike the eggnog and watch a movie that might shock your grandmother’s delicate sensibilities, then these Christmas movies are for you.
• Love Actually – While 90 percent of this movie would be considered PG, the matchmaking of one couple might make a few blush.
• Bad Santa – Tasteless, crude, vulgar, and completely hilarious.
• Christmas Vacation – Some may argue this is a family movie, and while I agree, I must warn you, there are a few “adult” words mixed in. Still one of the best Christmas movies of all time.
• Four Christmases – A cute movie about spending time with your family and hating every minute of it.
• Fred Clause – How do you compete if your brother is Santa Clause?

Are there any movies that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments.


Nicole Yontz is a contributing writer to the website What To Expect and a personal blogger at TheBetterHalfBlogs.com.

12 Days of Giveaways: Tickets to "Little Mermaid Jr."

The Northern Virginia Players are near and dear to my heart because we have three homeschool friends on the cast!! It's so cool when you know someone in a show, let alone three!!

Photo Credit: Kate Wittig

This year, the NVPlayers are offering "Little Mermaid Jr.", which is a great way to thrill your Little Mermaid fans!  Showtimes are:
Friday, January 11 @7:30pm
Saturday, January 12 @1:30pm

Saturday, January 12 @7:30pm

Friday, January 18 @7:30pm

Saturday, January 19 @1:30pm

Saturday, January 19 @7:30pm

All shows will be performed at the Family Worship Center, 7719 Fullerton Road, Springfield VA 22153.  This is a fairly quick drive from the Woodbridge side of Prince William County.

In addition to great songs like "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea", the Northern Virginia Players will continue their tradition of using a portion of the ticket sales to help others.  This year's donated portion will benefit Super Storm Sandy victims.  Ticket are $12 and may be paid online or using cash or check at the door.  There are not reserved seats.

Want to win your tickets? Northern Virginia Players is generously offering a lucky winner a family four pack of tickets to see the show!! Enter using the rafflecopter below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sandy Hook School Reflections

A few of you have emailed me about ways to "explain" Friday's tragedy to your children.  I emailed those people back, and was going to let this go, but I received a few more emails today about it as people sent their children to school and figured they would hear more about it while they were there, so here are some of my thoughts.  Again, I'm not a therapist, these are just my approaches.

 I've worked in Children's Ministry and studied philosophy and religion, and if you can explain Friday's tragedy, please let me know because there's a nobel peace prize with your name on it.  There are no explanations, in my mind, that could ever explain why someone would slaughter sweet children as they sat in their classrooms.  There is no possible reason that could ever explain why this happened that would satisfy me.  Mental illness? Possibly, but even then, why wasn't the shooter getting help? Why wasn't he on medication? Why wasn't it working? There is an endless string of questions as to why.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an explanation, all I can do is offer you that from my background, we believe that we live in a fallen world, and because of that, evil things happen.  There are concepts in most Western faiths that involve the idea that part of our purpose is to help repair the damage that evil does.  Even though I'm Christian, I like the Jewish idea of Tikkun Olam, or that we have a requirement to heal the world through social justice and societal awareness, but your belief system will surely have some answers for you.

Practically speaking, whatever your religion or lack thereof, you can help your child to know that they can continue to move forward.  I am a huge believer in reflexive questioning with my kids, so I am not offering information about Sandy Hook to my youngest daughter.  When my older two boys ask me about it, I start by asking them what they know, and ensuring that I understand what they are asking me.  There is no need to force too much information on a child who isn't seeking it, in my opinion.  For example, when my six year old asked me what happened at the school in Connecticut (thanks to the NFL for that one) I asked him what he knew, and he told me "something bad".  I told him yes, that it was something bad, and that people were working to make sure it never happened again.  That was enough information for him.  When my nine year old asked the same question and got the same response, he wanted to know if anyone died, and when I told him yes, he wanted to know how many people.  A few hours later, he had put together in his mind that people died at a school and asked me the terrifying question of whether or not children had died, too.

With my own children, I am emphasizing the following:

1) They are surrounded by people who love them and want to keep them safe.  Parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, babysitters, daycare providers, all of them want to help them to thrive and be safe in whatever setting they interact with them.

2)  When bad things happen, we are able to learn about how to prevent them from happening again, and people are responding to this crisis with legislation, increased police presence, and increased vigilance about school policies.

3) Part of our faith is to respond to evil with goodness, and we can come up with practical ways to help the families in Newton. I think that developing a reaction plan helps children to feel like they are not small and helpless in the wake of what is making many adults, myself included, feel small and helpless. If nothing else, there's a national sympathy card you can sign online.

4) This isn't really an emphasis, but if you haven't already, TURN OFF THE TV.  Over the next several days there will be more revealed about the order of the shootings, funerals for children, and I'm sure they'll dig up whatever reasons the killer listed as his causes.  Just turn it off.  Remember that "breaking news" can pre-empt your child's TV show at any time.  If you "need" TV, go with DVDs for a few days.

5) Validate that it's okay to feel whatever your child is feeling about this. Let them know they can talk to you, to their teacher, and to the school counselor about any concerns or misgivings.

6) My kids don't go to school, but if they did, I would make a point of starting a conversation this afternoon asking if they heard anything at school they want to talk about.  Different families will have provided their children with different levels of information, and much like a game of telephone, your child will have a mish-mash of fact and fiction to sort through in their head.  Also, find out what the response is at your child's school by asking the office if the teachers/counseling staff are addressing the issue, and what types of increased security, if any, your child will be seeing today.  There may be a letter going home (there frequently is after a major occurrence the school needs to react to) so be sure to check the bottom of your child's backpack where they've crumpled it up for you.

If you need additional ideas or information, the following resources could help.  I've collected these from facebook, and don't necessarily endorse them, just sharing so you have as much info as possible:
Dealing with Crisis, from Save the Children
Talking About School Shooting, from Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters
Am I Safe?, Time Magazine
Talking to Children About Disasters, American Academy of Pediatrics
Restoring a Sense of Safety After a Mass Shooting, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology

12 Days of Giveaways: Little Pim Language DVDs

Thank you all for your patience as I let this space be quiet in respect for all of us as we processed the events of the last few days.  I'll catch up on the giveaways, but sometimes we all need a moment to reflect, especially with such great tragedy.
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I was asked to try the Little Pim series of educational DVDs and I was very excited to give it a go.  We pay pretty decent money at a preschool that teaches a foreign language for our daughter, but since I speak (spoke, in college) Russian and French, I'm not much help with the German she gets at school.

As background, Little Pim was created by the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, who developed the Pimsleur method of learning languages for adults.  They call the approach in the Little Pim series "Educational Immersion", and it is targeted at children ages 5 and under.  For more about the development, methodology and approach, you can check out the Little Pim Website.

So, remember when Baby Einstein was a thing? (Maybe it still is, I'm a few years out from babies) This is a similar format with a simple animated Panda between footage of actual people doing things.  It's all immersion, so there's no English, although there are subtitles for parents who need help with pronunciation.  In German that wasn't an issue at all, but in reading reviews from other sites, some users complained that in languages like Russian and Chinese, the subtitles were phonetic and native speakers teaching their children often felt like they'd do the phonetics differently, or they wanted their child exposed to the alphabet of the language they were learning.

Each DVD is divided into 5 minute mini episodes, so if you are really trying to get a younger child to focus, they only have to do it for a brief stretch.  My daughter sat down to watch this with my husband. She's 4 and he's in his 30s, and he did such a great job learning German, I'm very proud ;)
My daughter loved the DVD and at her age, she stayed focused intently for half the DVD, and then said her brain needed a break.  She's already asked if she can watch again tomorrow.  I assume that they use the same footage for each DVD and just put the language over the top because our first DVD was food/eating themed and we learned how to say "rice" and "chopsticks", but we also learned "strawberries", "kiwi", "cake", and "the oven is hot".  I'm not an expert, but I know that this approach seemed to work quickly for my daughter (and my husband) because they could see the actual item being used and hear the words.

You can order Little Pim in gift sets like the one above, for $169, which includes books, DVDs, music CDs, a plush, a backpack, and flash cards, but only in French or Spanish.  Other languages, including Chinese, Italian, German, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, English ESL, English ENG, and Portuguese, are available in 1 DVD or 3 DVD packs for $34.95 or $59.95.

(Shhh.....until the 19th you can get them over at Groupon, too)

Anyhow, I like the DVD concept.  I'm not going really dedicated to the idea of being bilingual by age four, so I enjoy that I can provide my child with learning materials she can use on her own, working at her own pace.  Could you really work these up into a language curriculum program for your toddler? Sure- but it's really nice to just pop in the DVD while you're making dinner, too.  I think we might pick up a few other German DVDs for my daughter, but if you'd like to get your own starter DVD for free, enter to win! Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I was provided with a DVD to try and with one to give away to one of you lovely lucky people.  Shipping will be directly from Little Pim.  PwcMoms is not responsible for your child walking around speaking a language you don't understand.  Winner assumes all liability.

12 Days of Giveaways: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

 We're 12 Days Away from Christmas, so I want to hit you guys with a few giveaway items!! First up, I've got a $25 gift card to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Woodbridge.  This fairly new restaurant is located in my favorite place- Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center.  Love Love Love :) The restaurant had us for a preview meal, and they've got a pretty amazing children's menu.  My son got the children's salmon, and I'm not a seafood lover, but his fish was awesome.  I really appreciated that there were some exciting and healthier grilled items, in addition to standbys like burgers.  If it were me, though, I would probably choose Firebirds for a great date night.  Nobody minded our children, and the volume level in the restaurant is that magical point where you can hear the people at your table but there's enough background noise to mask your children bemoaning the fact that someone else is currently using the ketchup ;)

The restaurant is beautiful inside, I love the waterfall concept bar display, the wine bottle wall, the stone and the fireplace.  There is definitely tons of ambiance.  Entrees include steaks, fish, chicken, pastas, and some delicious sounding salads.  Yelp rates the restaurant between $$ (moderate) and $$$ (pricey).

Want to head to Firebirds for your own date night or happy hour? (It's so cozy and sleek inside-  it'd be a beautiful place to meet up with girlfriends for a special drink!) Check out the Rafflecopter below and enter to win!! I'll be drawing all the winners for these contests on Christmas Day- my way of giving some presents to you guys :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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We were able to try a meal at Firebirds before offering this giveaway, also provided by Firebirds.  Winner assumes all liability.  All photo credits are to the Firebirds Facebook Page.

Daytime Christmas Bazaar

Potomac Crest Baptist Church (15418 Cardinal Drive, Woodbridge) will be the venue for a Christmas Bazaar on Thursday, December 13th from 1-4pm.  Unlike most Bazaars, this one will take place during the school day, so you can shop without children! Have infants? Childcare will be available for a small fee ($2/hour per child) for children ages 2 and under.  That means you can shop uninterrupted.  

Hope to see you there! 

(C/K)Han(n)uk(k)a(h) Craft

However you like to spell it, here's a fun Hannukah craft that's super easy!  You'll need some candy canes, a baking sheet, and an oven. 

Break the candy canes into pieces and make equilateral(ish) triangles on a greased cookie sheet and bake them for 2-5 minutes at 300 degrees. Take them out, stack one on the other, back in for one minute to set them together, and then out to harden. Use a metal spatula or board scraper, the plastic ones are too fat and roll the candy. These are SweetTart candy canes, and they're pretty yummy :) Blueberry ones would be cute and the right colors :) When they're hard, you wipe any non-stick spray residue off with a napkin, and then you can hang them up or eat them after you light your candles :) You can use little pieces all put together, too- actually my favorite one was all the different leftover colors together!"

Special Offer From Prince William Ice Center

When the holiday season comes, sometimes budgets get a little tight.  That means that some of the fun winter activities we all enjoy can get put on hold until January.  Prince William Ice Center is offering some fun at a discount price for PwcMoms readers with a Buy One Get One Free on skating! Note that you'll actually need to PRINT THIS OUT and take it with you- you can't just show them on your phone.  These BOGO's are good through December 31st and are not valid with any other offer. You can check out their Public Skating Schedule for times.

If your little skater loves public skating, then why not take it one step further and purchase some lessons? I love giving my children lessons/activities as gifts because they don't take up any more room in the toy closet, and a sport or skill is something they'll never outgrow! If you want something to open, head to the Prince William Ice Center Pro Shop and pick up some gloves, an ornament, or even skates! Hockey Equipment rental is available, and lessons are a great value, especially since students in group lessons receive a pass for one public session each week so that they can practice their skills! Classes are available for all ages and ability levels.  When you register, be sure to let them know you're a PwcMoms reader, because I've got another deal for you!  10% off the January/February Learn to Skate or Learn to Play Hockey Series!! For this deal, you must reigster by January 5, 2013, but again, these lessons would be such a great gift for someone in your life who's itching to get on the ice!

Holiday Cheer at The Marketplace at Madison Crescent

PwcMoms.com sponsor The Marketplace at Madison Crescent has a fun event for the whole family tomorrow, including face painting, hot chocolate and giveaways! Don't forget to pick up your coupon book while you're there! 

Chick-fil-A Home Office

We were so fortunate to be able to visit the Chick-fil-A Home Office in Atlanta, Georgia yesterday as part of the "VIP of Chick-fil-A" promotion run by local restaurants here in the DC metro area.   I'm not a great flyer, so two flights in one day was pushing it, but I am really glad that I went and I actually did pretty well on the flight coming back, so maybe I just need to travel more.  (Note to husband.)

Chick-fil-A of Woodbridge was our sponsoring restaurant, and they were so incredible to us.  We had a congratulatory dinner (you can read about it here), and since the owners were unable to travel with us, they sent a car from Elite Limo USA, which was great.  Our daughter thought for sure that they were going to pick us up in the catering van (the one you see parked at the restaurant that's cow-spotted) and was SO excited for us to get to ride "with the chicken nuggets" that we haven't told her yet that we had a lovely SUV instead :)

My "plus one" is pretty awesome

Our flight left out of Reagan Airport, and it was short- about an hour and twenty minutes or so.  There were a bunch of winners and restaurant owners (or "operators" in CFA speak) on our flight, with about 130 total people on the trip when we all met up in Atlanta.  We had such a great time meeting new people and watching the operators tease each other.  While we were in Atlanta, they kept stressing the family atmosphere they try to create for their employees, operators, and customers, and you could definitely see that! Whether it was trying to convince a stewardess that one of the Cathy's was on our flight (he wasn't, but the operator of the La Plata store offered everyone on the flight an original sandwich to make up for it!) or surfing on the airport shuttle, we had a really great time just traveling and enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

Once we arrived in Atlanta, there were tons of Chick-fil-A home office staff that came to greet us.  Little known fact, it is physically impossible to not smile when people are forming a human chain and ringing cow bells at you!

Especially if you and your husband joke about how you're being "herded" to the buses.

At the end of the line, the cows were there!! I promised our kids lots of cow pictures, and we did not disappoint.

The Home Office is actually amazing.  I wasn't really sure what we were in for when they told us we were going to do a tour of corporate headquarters.  Chick-fil-A's retention rate for employees is 97% at the Home Office, and they typically only lose people to illness or retirement, and you can definitely see why.  The location is like a giant park with most of the land left wooded.  There's on-site childcare provided, as well as a gym, stocked pond, running trails, a cafe that provides lunch each day, and y'all, I'd move to Atlanta tomorrow to go work there.  I am not even kidding.  You can watch a video about it if you want to, on their website.

We were also provided with lunch, and then Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A came to speak with us.  He was very charming and funny! He came in to spend a few minutes with us while we were having lunch, and when he started his speech, he got distracted by someone's plate and joked "What are you all eating? Is that pork barbeque? Someone's going to get some demerits for that!"  I sincerely hope that when I am in my 90s I'm still putting on a suit and coming to speak to people!

Not pictured: The life-size Willie Nelson that lives in the office

Dan Cathy, the COO, also came to speak with us and so did "Bubba" Cathy (who threw a giant cow, which I caught!! Thank you, not that you're reading this!).  Chick-fil-A is still family owned, and their third generation of family owners are now coming up.

We named him "Lap Child" hoping to pre-board on the way home.

After our lunch, we were able to tour the office, which is partially a museum, so there are works of art and statues all over the building, as well as a dedicated are to Truett Cathy's car collection, which includes one of the Bat Mobiles used in filming Batman forever.  My husband really loved that.

There's also an exhibit with a replica of the Dwarf House, which is where the Cathy family started their restaurant business, as well as an area dedicated to the charities that the Cathys fund through the WinShape Foundation, which offers marriage retreats, camps, foster homes, team development, college programs and more.

After our tour, we were again taken out to our buses which took us to the Dwarf House, which also has a Chick-fil-A attached, so that we could snap a few pictures and pick up a boxed dinner since we wouldn't all fit inside.  Don't worry- it was a Chick-fil-A sandwich this time- no barbeque.

We just had the most wonderful time.  It was fun and informative, and I really respect the principles that Chick-fil-A runs on.

If you're ever in Atlanta, you don't have to be a "VIP" to get a tour! Chick-fil-A Home Office Backstage Tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:30am and 1pm.  Lunch is available for purchase after the 9:30am tour.  The 90 minute walking tour is for ages 6 and up.

PS- I have a Chick-fil-A giveaway for your enjoyment, too.  (Unless it's after December 7, 2012, because then the contest is closed).
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I was provided with transportation to/from and around Atlanta, as well as a tour and two meals for myself and one guest as part of the "VIP of Chick-fil-A" contest.  The contest was not limited to bloggers/writers, and I was not asked to write about my experience in return for winning.  I just wanted to share with you guys.  All opinions are my own.

Chick-fil-A 2013 Calendar

I'm including the wording I was given, but here's the deal.  If your kids love "The Cow" as much as my kids love "The Cow", or if you have anyone in your life who lives at CFA, you're going to want to get a 2013 Calendar.  Great stocking stuffer- especially since it gets them freebies at Chick-fil-A all year long! Read to the bottom for a special giveaway offer to get your own! Also, the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake is a limited-time flavor (until supplies last, usually the beginning of January) that's back for the holidays.  I don't even LIKE peppermint, and I love this shake.  My clothes are so lucky that the Chick-fil-A isn't within 5 minutes of my house.  Sigh. 

Read on: 

Just in time for holiday gift giving, the Chick-fil-A^® “Eat Mor Chikin^®” Cows are saluting 12 of history’s most famous “moonarchs” with the debut of the 2013 Cow Calendar. These regal bovines aren’t the only reason the restaurant chain is celebrating this season. Chick-fil-A’s ever-popular Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake will also make a long-awaited return as a limited-time flavor at restaurants nationwide starting today.

The 16^th edition of the tongue-in-cheek Cow Calendar, which celebrates Chick-fil-A’s ineffable mascots, is “Royal T-Bones: It’s a Tough Job, But Somebody’s Gotta Steer History.” Each month chronicles the lives of 12 historic rulers who led their cow kingdoms to a better way of life, latching onto the credo, “Angus for dinner, no one’s a winner.” Among the prestigious leaders featured in the calendar are Queen Isacowbella and King Herdinand, who are “best known for sponsoring Chrisheifer Columbull’s voyage and discovery of Western Chickensphere” and Queen Marie Ancutlette, who “changed the country forever with one simple statement: ‘Let them eat chicken!’” 

New to the 2013 Cow Calendar is a digital “gift” card that comes pre-loaded with a free Chick-fil-A menu item each month of the year. Customers will be able to register their digital cards online, activating monthly rewards redeemable in-restaurant and in the drive-thru. The 2013 Cow Calendars are now available for purchase at all freestanding or mall Chick-fil-A locations for $6 (plus tax) through early January, or until supplies last. Calendars can also be ordered online at www.chick-fil-a.com.

For the fourth consecutive holiday season, the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake is returning to Chick-fil-A menus as a limited-time flavor. Hand-spun with the home-style Icedream^® and topped with light whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, the milkshake will be available as supplies last until early January in 14 oz. or 20 oz. cups priced regionally from $2.60 - $3.39 and $2.85 - $3.89, respectively.

I'll be giving away five Chick-fil-A 2013 calendars, and each one will have a treat coupon tucked inside for you, too! (Although you're welcome to keep your calendar, they do make a great gift!) Begrudgingly, I'm even giving away the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake coupon I was mailed.  That's love, you guys.  

To enter, tell us your favorite Chick-fil-A location in a post below and "Like" us on Facebook. You can also "like" your favorite CFA location on Facebook for extra chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 
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Disclosure: I really don't like Peppermint.  Peppermint flavored gum and especially Altoids mints make me feel sick.  I really do like these shakes, though.  No whipped cream on mine, if you're bringing me one.  The giveaway items were provided to me free of charge, all opinions are my own.  I'm not responsible for the people in your life not hanging out with you anymore because they're at Chick-fil-A getting free stuff from their calendar every time you call. 

Giveaway: Children's Nutcracker in Prince William County

A great Nutcracker option in Prince William County has a giveaway for PwcMoms readers! 

'Tis the season for the magic of Herr Drosselmeyer, a Christmas tree that grows from deep within our hearts as part of a fantastical dream, and the herald of music and mice in a great battle scene. A Children's Nutcracker will be performed by the dancers of Gainesville Ballet School on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 5 PM. The cast includes both pre-professionals and professionals in its seventh year of production.  About 100 students from public, private and home schools across six counties in Northern Virginia will be among those to dance in the 2012 performance. A family tradition for all ages - come celebrate the Kingdom of Sweets this year at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia.  In the spirit of the holidays, one family four-pack of tickets will be awarded as a holiday gift to the readers of Prince William County Moms.  Simply post a comment here, and one family will be randomly-selected.

 

Gainesville Ballet features local talent from Bristow, Centreville, Front Royal, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, South Riding, Warrenton, Winchester and surrounding areas, with a distinctive style of discipline and grace that radiates from teacher, to student, to community, and beyond.  On 6 May, Gainesville Ballet School was honored as Outstanding Arts Organization during the 2012 Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence. Each year, the Seefeldt Awards recognize individuals and organizations who have contributed to the strength and success of the local arts.  Read more about A Children’s Nutcracker online:http://gainesvilleballetschool.org/nutcracker. 

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Gainesville Ballet is providing a family 4 pack of tickets.  Leave a comment here that you'd like to go, and we'll randomly select a winner on December 6th, 2012 at 8pm.  Be sure to leave some kind of identifying information (a last name or email address typed "kristina (at) yahoo (dot) com") so that we can get in touch with you. 

Good luck! 

Guest Post: 529 Kids Consign in Old Town Alexandria

                  My daughter knows growing is her business, and business is good. While I love for her to have cute clothes, I also want her to have a college fund, so I shop consignment sales.  The owners of 529Kids Consign, a pair of moms themselves, were also thinking about college funds when they gave their store its ridiculously cute name.   529 Kids Consign in Old Town Alexandria has been on my list to visit for a while, and I’m glad I finally made it by.  

There’s stroller parking in a small alley in front of the store, which is handy; the store has a welcoming, boutique atmosphere. The clothes are nicely curated and displayed, and they’re all from quality brands, from Osh Kosh to Janie and Jack. These are not garage sale prices, certainly, but it’s also a lot more fun shopping here! Upstairs are racks of sale clothes, baby gear including carriers and strollers, and a great selection of maternity clothes.  There are also a few comfy chairs and two dressing rooms, which I appreciated – as a nursing mom, I’m always scoping out friendly places for myself and baby.

 Intermingled with the clothes are adorable, if slightly spendy, new items, great for gifting: organic nursing/teething necklaces, children’s books and games, fabric blocks, minky lovies and bibs, a dazzling array of hair bows, beautifully painted wall clocks… I couldn’t resist picking up baby leg warmers and an adorable wooden monogram for Christmas presents. Really, I wanted one of everything.

                  529 Kids Consign is located at 122 Royal Street, Alexandria, VA – it’s conveniently located a few doors down from Lavender Moon Cupcakes. I think my daughter and I will be making frequent pilgrimages to Old Town for delicious cupcakes and adorable clothes.

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Guinevere Rowell is a Marine turned mama, and a freelance commercial writer. You can also find her on Twitter as @guinevererobin.