TikTok trending recipes of 2021
Have you tried any of the trending recipes on TikTok? These are the ones that sparked our interest and have us wanting to get it the kitchen to try them all.
Photo source: Nature’s Cereal, sugarandsoul.co
Netflix & chill
Netflix and chill took on a whole new meaning in 2020. With most movie theaters still not re-opening, we’ve compiled a list of the top movies to stream this spring!
New Releases
Godzilla vs. Kong | HBO Max on March 31
Coming 2 America | Amazon Prime on March 5
Concrete Cowboy | Netflix on April 2
Jack Snyder’s Justice League | HBO Max on March 18
Mortal Kombat | HBO Max on April 23
For the Family
Raya | Disney+ on March 5
Tom & Jerry | HBO Max on March 5
Cruella | Disney+ on May 28
The Kid Who Would be King | Disney+ on April 16
Oldies but Goodies
The Color Purple | Hulu on April 1
Legally Blonde | Netflix on April 2
Night at the Museum | Disney+ on April 1
Mad Max | Amazon Prime on April 1
Madea’s Big Happy Family | Netflix on April 1
Napoleon Dynamite | Hulu on April 1
5 things to do during spring in Atlanta
It’s finally spring, which means it’s the return of (mostly) sunny days, warmth, and all the ventures that come with it. Tired of being cooped up? Here are five ways to end the winter woes and enjoy spring in Atlanta:
Dine on a patio
Springtime is prime patio weather. Atlanta offers some of the best patios to choose from, and nearly every neighborhood has a restaurant with a patio—some with skyline views. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a relaxed environment, there’s something for every palate. Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall is one of our favorites. The camp-themed eatery, self-nicknamed “home of the three-day weekend,” is located on the Beltline, so it’s the perfect way to start—or end—your trek. The patio has fire pits, lounge chairs, and tents for private parties. Empire State South in Midtown is another fan-favorite, boasting a massive covered patio equipped with a bocce ball court—perfect for spring days. Or, take in sweeping skyline views at Nine Mile Station on the Ponce City Market roof. All three Atlanta staples have incredible food, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Picnic in the park
Nothing is more serene and nostalgic than relaxing in a park with a picnic basket in hand. With dozens of places to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a classic picnic during spring in Atlanta. Some of our favorite parks include Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, and Historic Fourth Ward Park—so there’s plenty of room to find the perfect, shady spot. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even head up to North Georgia, where there are plenty of hiking and picnic spots.
Unleash your adrenaline
Six Flags Over Georgia offers thrills to unleash your adrenaline with heart-stopping, stomach-dropping roller coasters and other thrill rides to test your limits. Not into roller coasters? There are several family-friendly rides! With single-day tickets as low as $34.99, you’ll have guaranteed fun for the whole family. The park is open on weekends through May and opens fully after Memorial Day.
Visit the Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is quintessential when it comes to celebrating the start of spring in Atlanta. It’s the perfect way to view exquisite, blooming flowers and embrace the warmer weather. There are numerous events held each month that cater to everyone’s interests. Whether it’s an orchid care course, an art class, or a garden party, the Botanical Garden offers something for people of all ages. If you want to stroll through the gardens, you can do that too! Admission is only $21.95 for adults, so it won’t break the bank.
Ride a bike
Riding a bike is a fantastic, environmentally friendly way to get out and explore. If you want to experience the city, the Beltline is your best bet. Biking along the Beltline is a fantastic way to view street art, enjoy local eateries, or switch up your exercise routine. Don’t have a bike? No problem! There are various bike rental shops near the Beltline, with some charging as little as $5 per hour. If you’re looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle, the Silver Comet Trail is a terrific option. The trail is 61 miles long, beginning in Smyrna and ending at the Georgia/Alabama state line, so it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Georgia’s natural beauty.
We’re eager for spring’s return and everything that it brings. Grab a group of friends or your brunch buddy and get out and enjoy Atlanta’s most incredible season.
5 ways to celebrate the holidays in Atlanta
The holiday season is in full swing, and for most people, celebrating everything merry and bright is the best annual tradition. While many large-scale events are canceled because of the ongoing pandemic, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience Yuletide cheer. Ready to have a holly, jolly holiday? Keep reading below for five ways to safely celebrate the holiday season in Atlanta.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Kick off the most wonderful time of the year by visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Thousands of lights illuminate the gardens and sculptures from their new exhibition, Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined. While the characters twinkle throughout the night, you can bask in the holiday glow. Plus, enjoy Nature’s Wonders, the world’s largest curtain of choreographed lights and sound. Their prized Ice Goddess also returns with all-new colors. This dazzling exhibit is sure to wow everyone of all ages, and it’s the ultimate way to commemorate the holidays. Tickets are available online only and start at $21.95 for children ages 3-11 and $24.95 for adults.
Holidays on the Roof at Ponce City Market
What better way to celebrate the holidays than on a rooftop overlooking the city? Ponce City Market’s Holidays on the Roof is back and better than ever. Whether you’re with your significant other, your family, or friends, there’s something for everyone to love. Atlanta may not have the classic frozen pond to skate on, but a rooftop with bounding views is a close second—the Roof becomes a winter wonderland with a full ice rink so you can become the figure skater of your dreams. For only $30 per person, you’ll receive access to the Roof plus re-entry, skating for 50 minutes, skate rental, and unlimited gameplay at Skyline Park. There’s even a live DJ on the weekends so you can skate the night away. If ice skating isn’t your thing, reserve a private igloo and take in extraordinary views of the Atlanta skyline. There’s plenty of fun for the family, too. Family-friendly igloos are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, plus performances by the resident Ice Queen.
Stone Mountain Christmas
Stone Mountain is transformed into a Christmas village straight from a Hallmark® movie during the annual Stone Mountain Christmas. Lights and trees decorate the park while you partake in magical moments with your family—marvel at the Snow Angel as she floats through the park in their Christmas parade, or enjoy the new Christmas laser show. And, there’s one thing you don’t want to miss: Santa himself flying above in his sleigh during the nightly Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony. Plus, tune into the renowned Tinseltone Carolers as they sing classic holiday favorites—or, experience the wonder of The Polar Express in a thrilling, 4D film format. Tickets start at $29.95 for children ages 3-11 and $31.95 for adults.
Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park
Looking to bring out your adventurous side? Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park is the perfect way to commemorate the holidays, all while experiencing an adrenaline rush. Feel the joys of the holiday season with dozens of trees, millions of lights, and garland adorning the park. Experience the most popular, thrilling rides the park has to offer while simultaneously taking part in holiday festivities. If rides aren’t your thing, there are plenty of shows, tasty treats, and more. Tickets start at $34.99 per person.
License to Chill Snow Island at Lake Lanier
While a white Christmas isn’t always guaranteed here in Georgia, there’s no shortage of snow at License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville® Lanier Islands. There’s plenty of fun to be had with snow tubing, snowball fights, and more. Home to one of the longest snow rides in North America, Parrot Mountain is a 575-foot-long, eight-story snow slide that is perfect for snow tubing pros and beginners alike. Or, play in the snow, challenge your friends to a snowball fight, and make snow angels at Snowball Alley. And although Lake Lanier’s Magical Nights of Light is no more, you can enjoy the new Lakeside Lights, allowing you to walk through thousands of brilliant lights—with plenty of photo ops. Ticket prices vary.
12 ways to make distance learning a success for your family
Distance learning has been an adventure for parents, students, and teachers alike as they work to maintain the high quality of in-person learning through a digital platform. This is new territory for a lot of people, and we have some ideas on how you can make the digital days a little more manageable.
1. Plan, Plan, Plan
There are so many unknowns that come with digital learning, so taking care of the known obstacles will help you free up some time. For instance, you might go ahead and plan and prep your meals for the week over the weekend, or arrange for work calls to be taken during school breaks if you are working from home.
2. Make a Schedule
You may think you can keep everything organized in your head, because that’s what you do as a parent anyway. But for distance learning, consider making a schedule that everyone can see. If your children aren’t reading yet, you can use pictures instead of words to give everyone an idea of how the day will go.
3. Set the Scene
If possible, create a space that is exclusively for digital learning. That way, you can keep your school materials organized, while also giving your kids the chance to leave school behind at the end of the day, just like they would if they were there in person.
4. Be Flexible
There will be a day where nothing works right. The laptop won’t turn on. A rogue tree limb will knock out the power. Your internet connection will be spotty. These days will be frustrating, but it’s important to go with the flow as much as you can. Distance learning is new to everyone, so keep an open mind and do some deep breathing to get through the tough times.
5. Communicate Often
The only way to get answers to your questions is to ask them! If you or your child are struggling to navigate the distance learning world due to a lack of understanding or communication, reach out for help, either to other parents or the teacher. Your question may be shared by other people, and working together will allow you to find a solution more quickly.
6. Take Breaks
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that many people, and especially kids, do not love being trapped inside their houses for months at a time. Be intentional in planning and taking breaks with your family, whether that means taking a walk around the yard or having a movie night together. School will be waiting for you when you return, so go ahead and take five minutes to relax.
7. Get School Supplies
Just because you’re learning from home doesn’t mean you won’t need those glue sticks! Many schools have released modified supply lists that will allow your child to thrive from home. You can even let your kids be part of the fun and pick out some supplies of their own, like a hot pink pencil box or some neon markers.
8. Create a Local Group
If you have some neighbors or local friends who have children, why not create a group where you can all get together for distance learning? This will allow you to reach out to other parents who are in the same boat and give you some much-needed mental and emotional support. Meanwhile, your kids can benefit from having older kids to help them understand more difficult concepts.
9. Prepare for Video Calls
Many teachers are doing live lessons over video platforms to teach new material. This means your child will need to be able to access video calls – and it also means you need to remember that you may be on camera. It’s up to you to determine what that means for your family, but if your child decides not to wear pants that day, odds are high that his teacher and class will know.
10. Pretend Everyone is at School
No, we are not suggesting you leave your six-year-old at home and head to the store alone. But you and your children should act like a typical school day is in session. This means making appointments for after-school hours as much as possible, eliminating other distractions, and showing up on time and prepared to learn.
11. Set Expectations
When your child is on a computer or tablet most of the day, they will eventually find their way to Minecraft. Talk with your child ahead of time about what they need to be doing during school hours, and set up a time in your schedule for them to have some free time. This is a win-win – they get the information they need while still having the freedom to do what they love later in the day.
12. Find a Balance
While it is important to treat distance learning like a regular day, it’s also important to remember that some days will be harder than others. Don’t be afraid to skip a lesson and come back to it later if it’s causing your child to stress. You’re their caregiver and you know better than anyone what will help them thrive and learn.
Distance learning has been an interesting turn of events for everyone, but you can make it work! Prepare as much as possible and team up with others to handle the unique aspects that will make this school year a memorable one.
Where to learn if you have time on your hands
You’re stuck at home with nothing to do, and you’ve watched every season of The Crown on Netflix twice already. How you will pass the rest of your free time without going absolutely insane? This could be just the opportunity you have been looking for to learn a new skill – and we have ideas on where to get started.
Learn to code with Treehouse
Coding is a useful skill, even if you don’t have to use it for your job. Knowing a little bit about coding can you take you far in both hobbies and your professional life alike. So why not try out Treehouse? You can sign up for a week’s worth of classes to see if it suits you, and go from there. Do it alone or try it with a friend to encourage each other as you both learn a new skill.
Fine tune your fine motor skills with crocheting or knitting
A lot of people enjoy crocheting or knitting, both as a stress reliever and as a way to occupy their time. If this is a skill you are interested in honing, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube – and you can even watch Emily Blunt teach you how to make snakes from finger weaving. This is an activity that even young kids can learn, and it’s a great way to keep those fine motor skills fresh.
Learn some new lingo
Have you always dreamed of being bilingual? This is the perfect time to get a head start. Sign up with a program like Duolingo to begin learning Spanish, or to tune up that rusty French you remember from high school. Or check out this list from Mashable that gives you great tips and resources for learning American Sign Language. By the time life goes back to normal, you will be a true expert.
Start a project – and finish it
Organize your pantry. Clean out your linen closet. Get rid of the pile of clothes that you have been meaning to throw out for months. You can even take it a step further and repaint an old room, or spice up your décor with some new pillows. You have been given a unique opportunity to devote extra time to all of the house projects you started and never completed, so make a list and get moving.
Become a famous chef… or at least learn to make dessert
If you’re going to have to cook at home all the time, why not branch out and try some new dishes? This tutorial features over 40 recipes that take only three ingredients to make – sounds doable, right? Take a look and then see if you can recreate some of these delicious snacks for your family. Don’t worry – they’ll let you know if you get it wrong.
Get certified
At many workplaces, employees are required to complete continuing education credits, or to take courses that allow them to be certified in a skill or become licensed through a manufacturer. Even if it isn’t a requirement, this is an ideal circumstance for you to seek out information on how to get certified, and to complete the steps necessary.
You can even ask your HR department for ideas, and once you’ve done the work, you will have gained some knowledge and will be in a great position to find a new job later down the road.
Go back to school
You probably can’t complete an entire semester before things begin to go back to normal, but you can certainly get a head start on working towards a new degree. Do some research on online schooling options and figure out how you could continue your education once everything is back in full swing. This is your chance to get that degree that no one said you would ever use but that you always wished you had.
Improve your mile time
Running isn’t everyone’s favorite pastime, but why not see how fast you can go? You can try out apps like Couch to 5K to ease yourself into a new running routine, and, before you know it, you’ll be unstoppable. Even if you don’t want to enter a marathon anytime soon, getting outside and taking a brisk walk will do wonders for your body and your mind.
You may be ready to rejoin the world, but it’s important to take advantage of the extra time on our hands. You’re stuck at home, so you may as well make the most of it and come out on the other side with a brand new skill to brag about. Happy learning!