Dinner at Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room - Niagara Falls

Who can resist a meal with an amazing view? We ended our Canadian vacation by spending our final evening visiting Niagara Falls. We arrived hungry around 4 p.m., just in time to take advantage of the early dinner special at the Skylon Tower's Revolving Dining Room.

Centennial Beach and Park - Barrie, Ontario, Canada

After enjoying an awesome lunch at THE WORKS, Gourmet Burger Bistro, we headed down to Centennial Park and Beach in the heart of downtown Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

Up to 70% Off Outlet Shopping Deals!

Bargain Swag Deals

This beautiful fall weather made me want to be outdoors, but I needed to do a little shopping, so I decided to hit up my favorite outlet mall. Those of you who follow my blog know that I love a deal and I basically don't get out of bed for less then 50 percent off. This is a great time to outlet shop because I like to snag awesome clearance deals on summer clothes for next year, start early holiday shopping and grab fall or winter clothes sales.

Pottery Barn Outlet

THE WORKS, Gourmet Burger Bistro - Barrie, Ontario, Canada

My family and I had a blast visiting Toronto, Canada this summer. After exploring the city and some of its great attractions using the Toronto CityPASS, we were ready to slow down a bit. We wanted to go a little deeper into Canada and spend the day touring Barrie, Ontario.

Visiting Toronto's CN Tower

After spending the afternoon at the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada we headed next door to the CN Tower for our next Toronto CityPASS.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada was our next stop using the Toronto CityPASS. With little kids we were excited to see short lines, which allowed us to walk right in and begin enjoying a great aquatic experience.

Visiting the Ontario Science Centre

One of the coolest places we visited with our Toronto CityPASS was the Ontario Science Centre. It was a great experience for our entire family with interactive science shows, hands-on experiments and mind blowing demonstrations.

Visiting Casa Loma in Toronto, Canada

Casa Loma, which means house on the hill in Spanish, was our first stop using our Toronto CityPASS on our recent Canadian family vacation.

A River Runs Through It - Ellijay, Georgia

'A River Runs Through It' was our home away from home for our recent family vacation to Ellijay, Georgia. This sweet cabin is a North Georgia hidden gem in the foothills of the Chattahoochee National Forest. It was a beautiful, peaceful and serene private oasis with it's natural and melodic water sounds coming from the stream below.

Panorama Farm Market - Ellijay, Georgia

While sipping wine at Engelheim Vineyards in Ellijay, Georgia we decided to go looking for these fried pies I had heard so many good things about. We asked our server at the vineyard where we could find the best fried pies in town and without hesitation, she suggested Panorama Orchards Farm Market.

Engelheim Vineyards - Ellijay, GA

The North Georgia winery is located at 127 Lakeview Rd., Ellijay, GA 30540, in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The wide open tasting room with it's vaulted ceilings and large stone fireplace is beautifully decorated and offers a comfortable setting for relaxing and sipping some vino.

Review: Belly Up Smokehouse & Saloon

We were looking for a restaurant that served great barbeque during our trip to Chicago and the concierge at our hotel recommended Belly Up Smokehouse and Saloon, located in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood at 1132 S Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605.

Review: Museum of Science + Industry Chicago

There are so many amazing museums to choose from in the Chicago area, so it was hard deciding which one to select during our most recent visit. Our kids love a hands-on, interactive museum, so the Museum of Science + Industry Chicago was a great choice.

Review: The Lincoln Park Zoo In Chicago

Since childhood I have always loved a trip to the zoo, so when we travel with our children we often look for a local zoo to explore. While in Chicago we visited the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago has two zoos, but the Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public 365 days a year.

Visiting Navy Pier - Chicago

After lunch at Dylan's Candy Bar, we were off to the Navy Pier for a late afternoon walk. The pier has changed a lot since the last time I visited as a young adult, with lots of new restaurants, shops and attractions. The children had never been to the pier, and it was exciting for me to show them the iconic Chicago landmark.

Review: Devil Dawgs - Chicago

What is a Chicago Dog...that's what my son asked after seeing it on the menu at Dylan's Candy Bar. Instantly I felt bad, he doesn't know what a Chicago dog is? How had I not introduce them before?  Well, I had to rectify that situation immediately.

Review: Dylan's Candy Bar - Chicago!

                                   

Does this look like a sweet place to spend an afternoon or what?

Hanging out in Chicago has been quite a treat, so I decided to make it a delicious outing by surprising the kids with lunch and sugar at Dylan's Candy Bar, 445 N. Michigan Avenue 60611.

American Girl Place - Chicago

Welcome to every little girls baby doll wonderland, American Girl Place - Chicago. With two daughters and a couple nieces, I've visited this store more times then I would like to admit. Besides the small fortune I've spend here it's always exciting and fun for myself and the girls. 

Garrett's Popcorn Shop, Chicago

If I'm in Chicago, you'll catch me at Garrett's Popcorn Shop, it's a must! I love their Chicago mix popcorn, and I won't leave the city without it! 

Review: Chigago Waffles

Waffles Best - $9.95

While in the Windy City we wanted to try out Chicago Waffles! We were excited to fuel our bodies with a traditional American breakfast favorite, decked out with some untraditional flavors.

Atlanta, Georgia: Budget and Family Friendly

Welcome to Atlanta...

We took a family road trip to Atlanta, Georgia and used the CityPASS to visit some of the ATL's great attractions. Atlanta has a special place in my heart because my husband attended college at Georgia Tech and we have family and friends in the area. Although, we've been to the city many times, we wanted to make it a priority to visit attractions and do some sightseeing as a family.

First things first, I had to do some research and find deals so my family could enjoy the city while sticking to our budget. We used discount tickets to attractions as well as hotel points and dollar promotions. We eat well on our budget at inexpensive local favorites.

Review: Fat Matt's Rib Shack, Atlanta, Georgia

Fat Matt's Rib Shack is my husbands favorite place to eat in Atlanta and the reason's are plentiful. The food is the bomb and perfectly priced for a college student or families. Go for the food and stay for the music. Featuring live bands nightly, located at 1811 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30324.

Center For Civil and Human Rights!

 For the last stop of our family vacation we visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA, using our Atlanta CityPASS.

Review: Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta.

 

How We Saved:

 

As Starwood Preferred Guess members, we were able to book our suite using SPG points and cash, allowing us to use 3,500 points and only $55 a night...steal!

 

CNN Studio Tours

Anyone who knows me knows I watch way too much cable television news. I can't help it, I worked at a newspaper for six years, so I guess I'm a bit of a news junkie. Needless to say, I was excited to visit and tour the CNN World Headquarters while in Atlanta with our CityPASS.

College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-Fil-A Fan Experience

College Football Hall of Fame

Each day of our Atlanta vacation, we visited a different attraction with our CityPASS. On this particular day we surprised our son, who is a bit of a football fan, with a day at the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-Fil-A Fan Experience. Come along and I'll highlight some of my family's favorite galleries and experiences at the Hall.

Atlanta: World of Coca-Cola

Thirsty? If so, this should be a sweet refreshing read....Cheers!

Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium in Pictures

Our first attraction using our Atlanta CityPASS was the Georgia Aquarium. I may have been more excited than the kids, since the aquarium has been featured in many movies and I've wanted to visit up close and in person since it opened. This isn't a full-on aquarium review, but more of a peak into our visit through pictures.

Clearance Deals Roundup

Did you find any great deals while shopping this week? Well, I did! Come check out how I spend less and get more at Walmart, Sears, Target, Payless and JCPenney.

Walmart: Clearance Outerwear

Walmart: Kids Clearance Outerwear

This week I had to run into Walmart for a few things and ended up with a whole lot more. Of course, while I was there I had to walk through the store and checkout the clearance sections.

Check Out What We Purchased:

 

Sears: Clearance Clothes Deals

For all you clearance shoppers, Sears has school uniforms, winter clothes, outerwear and accessories marked down. Including Lands' End brand winter clearance items, which are an additional 50 percent off already reduce prices.

What We Bought:

 

JCPenney: Columbia Clearance Deals

What We Purchased:

Payless Shoesource: Clearance Shoe Deals

The kiddos were in need of new slippers, and I guess I waited too late into the season, so I was having a hard time finding cute options for everyone. I decided to peek into Payless and found slippers, sandals and ballet flats for my girls all on clearance.

What We Purchased:

Target: Winter Shoes Clearance

I love Target clearance, how bout you? I saw lots of great deals on shoes and clothes for the whole family, but couldn't pass up these cute little booties at Target this week

What We Purchased:

$100 Overnight Family Excursion, Cocoa Beach Florida

Day dreaming about the sun on my face and the sand under my feet as the temperature drops and the snow falls here in Michigan. This summer after our Disney vacation, we headed to Cocoa Beach. I'll share how my family had an awesome overnight trip to the beach for $100.