The Bluebird Patch

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, has recently unveiled a new blogger ambassador program, in an effort to increase its social media presence and bring awareness about their community events and fund-raising efforts.     Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. (ARMHC) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to serving the needs of children, by providing temporary housing and support services to families of ill and injured children being treated at local hospitals. Since 1979, ARMHC has served more than 42,000 families throughout Georgia, the Southeast and beyond.  McDonald's is ARMHC largest corporate donor. Portions of the annual operating costs are graciously funded by McDonald's and owner operators of local McDonald's restaurants. However, what most people don't understand is that the reminder of the annual operating income comes from the generosity of individuals and corporate donors.  The Gatewood House opened it's door

  Parents and their daughters are invited to A Taste of Rosh Hodesh, a meeting on Sunday, August 4 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), where they will get the chance to ask questions and experience the program firsthand. Rosh Hodesh: It's a Girl Thing!   draws on Jewish teachings to help girls in grades 6th - 7th navigate the complexities of adolescent life. Each Rosh Hodesh gathering will focus on specific life lessons that draw on core Jewish values and practices to explore such issues as body image, friendship, family, assertiveness, and social action. To register for this free community event please visit: http://www.atlantajcc.org/pldb-live/20036/?back=pldb_active

Looking for a family-friendly restaurant to take the kiddies to after Toddler Thursdays at the High Museum or a show at the Center of Puppetry Arts? Our friends at Mi Cocina, a Tex-Mex restaurant located in the heart of Midtown, offers healthy options for kids with its “Para Los Ninos” menu while moms can enjoy two new refreshing and light summer dishes. The Quinceañera Salad combines chopped romaine hearts, tomato, avocado, cucumber, and mango and is topped with almonds and a chile-lime vinaigrette dressing. To take it up a notch, add your choice of chicken, shrimp, steak or salmon.    The Salmon a la Parilla is a grilled-to-perfection salmon fillet with an agave-guajillo glaze served with Mexican slaw. www.micocinarestaurants.com  

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nutrisystem, Inc. for SocialSpark . All opinions are 100% mine. This summer, be happy and healthy, and power up with The Nutrisystem ‪#‎FuelABetterYou‬ Sweepstakes for a chance to fuel your weight loss goals and discover the best you yet.  Nutrisystem, Inc. has been helping America lose weight for over 40 years. Through Nutrisystem’s comprehensive program, they’ve remained at the forefront of the weight loss industry, and became a publicly traded company in October of 1999 (NASDAQ: NTRI), the same year they launched their innovative website, www.nutrisystem.com .  By delivering quality food and meal programs directly to customers’ doorsteps, Nutrisystem provides a convenient way to learn how to lose weight and live healthier. And with over 150 perfectly portioned® entrees and snacks on the menu, you’re sure to find all of your favorites. They also offer vitamins, supplements, cookbooks and a host of other tools

  Pictures don't lie. Suwanee Town Center Park is full of green ogres, meddling kids, and lots of happy people. The reason? The city of Suwanee, one of the nation’s 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle magazine is hosting a free live performance of Shrek The Musical and “Shooby Doo”. The Suwanee performances mark the first amateur production of Shrek The Musical in Georgia. “ We always try to pick something that will appeal to audiences of all ages,” says Director Patty Etherton. “The writing for Shrek is so fresh and wonderful. I laughed out loud and smiled all the way through it.” The 2013 show is the seventh Broadway in the Park performance produced by Suwanee Performing Arts. The production included about 75 mostly high school and middle school cast members, a stage crew of about a dozen, and volunteers.    Cities that provide easy access to cultural and leisure amenities not only promote happiness but creates a feeling of connectedne

What is happiness? Does it matter how old you are? To find out more,  our friends at Soulpancake went and found happiness experts, from ages 1 to 100, to ask them what they think it means to be happy.

  Kudos to World Of Coca-Cola for hosting a blogger panel today. When I started The Bluebird Patch, I had no idea how amazing this journey was going to be, and how many incredible opportunities would come knocking at my door. Never in my life,  I would have guessed that one day, I would be sitting as a panelist with cameras rolling in a room full of Coca-Cola employees waiting to hear my thoughts about how their company can improve their overall guest experience.     Yes, the bloggers did all the talking while the executives listen and took notes.   I think the biggest lesson today is that the best ideas comes from collaboration.    When companies encourage people to share their ideas amazing things happen. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this panel. I'm humbled and grateful for the experience. The home of happiness has never been stronger!