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Helping to #FightHunger as a Hunger Action Month Blogger

September 27, 2011 By 1 Comment

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you know that I am a proud native New Orleanian.  I was born here, survived Katrina, and am so happy to help in any effort to help rebuild and renew my City.

New Orleans is part of my Soul and I am so happy to be giving back to my community as a Hunger Action Month Blogger!  Because September is Hunger Action Month, a national movement to raise awareness and take action to help the 50 million Americans who experience hunger, I am helping encourage citizens to take action! 

I am fortunate.  I cannot remember a day where food was not on the table.  My kids do not worry where their next meal is coming from, but so many do. I was shocked to learn that 1 in every 8 of my fellow Louisianians suffer from hunger and 1 of every 5  of Louisiana’s children are at risk of going hungry.  Hunger not only impacts child development, but health and wellness, education, workforce development – our general welfare as a nation. It is an issue in every community – and food banks work tirelessly to combat hunger and aid those living with the everyday disaster of hunger.

Throughout the month, Feeding America’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including my local Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, is working to get everyone involved in the fight against hunger.  Here in New Orleans, September and October is your opportunity to get involved! 

How can you help?

Host a food drive, volunteer at your local food bank, share hunger facts through social media, prepare food for an elderly neighbor or visit the 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar for more ideas on daily ways you can take action.

Throughout the month of September follow the hashtag #fighthunger to hear how members of our community are taking action and to hear about other ways you can help Second Harvest Food Bank. 

If you are local to New Orleans, you can attend the “Harvest the Music” free concert series every Wednesday through November 2nd in Lafayette Square from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.  Come out and enjoy great music, food and friends!  For more information on the Power to Fight Hunger campaign visit www.no-hunger.org.

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Take a Family Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez in NOLA

August 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most of the time, when I tell people that I am from New Orleans, I get one of two responses:

1.)  Were you flooded in Hurricane Katrina?

2.)  It must be great to party on Bourbon St. every weekend!

Because I love my City, I have no problems answering questions about Katrina or the party atmosphere, but most people are surprised to learn that New Orleans is actually a very family friendly town.  If you visit, make sure you take a moment to step away from the lure of the French Quarter and see all that NOLA has to offer!

New Orleans has a first class zoo, aquarium, insectarium, children’s museum, and amusement park….and I haven’t even started to tell you about the food!  But one of my favorite NOLA activities for the kids is taking them for a ride down the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez!

Steamboat Natchez

“The New Orleans Steamboat Company was founded by Wilbur and Bill Dow after the rebuilding of the Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter in 1974. Less than one year later, the 1600 passenger Steamboat NATCHEZ was christened. New Orleans Steamboat Company is well recognized and regarded for its contribution to the New Orleans cultural landscape and tourism industry. Since 1975, the Steamboat NATCHEZ has sailed daily offering Mississippi River cruises featuring live jazz, wonderful New Orleans cuisine and the best view in town! Take a cruise and experience part of our American Heritage.”

My husband and I have taken our girls on the Natchez and they had a blast, so I am excited to take them again on September 10th at 11:30am CST for the “Cruise with your Crew” event!  This family cruise lasts two hours and includes childrens’ musical entertainment, trivia with prizes and a themed menu complete with non-alcoholic frozen drinks.  Five lucky families will be selected randomly for a free family photo from the NATCHEZ photographer. Tickets can be purchased for $15/adult or $7.50/child 6-12.  Kids 5 and under ride FREE!

For your next family vacation, consider New Orleans!  We would be glad to have you!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  While tickets for the cruise were provided for my family, all opinions remain 100% mine.
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American Girl Honors New Orleans: Cecile and Marie-Grace {Giveaway}

August 16, 2011 By

As the 6th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina draws near, I am reminded of how she tried to rob my City of it’s structures, it’s landscape, it’s culture and it’s music.  Unfortunately, New Orleans did lose a great deal during the Storm of 2005, but we did not lose our pride and desire to come together as a community to rebuild…better than before.

Much in this spirit of coming together, American Girl has released a heart warming six book series set in 1853 New Orleans.  For the first time, the company which encourages girls ages 3-12 to dream, grow, inspire and create is releasing two historical characters at once.  Cecile Ray, an African American girl and Marie-Grace Gardner, a Caucasian girl, illustrate the story of a unique friendship which allows the girls to reach across the boundaries of race and class.  Struggling through the hardships of yellow fever which became rampant in 1853 New Orleans, the girls work together to help a community in need.

I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarity to 2005 New Orleans as the people of New Orleans became one and vowed to make the City better than before.  One such example is the soon to open Ellis Marsalis Center of Music located in the heart of Musician’s Village in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans.  Especially in a time where music programs are being cut from local schools, it is imperative for the people of New Orleans to preserve our music culture.  The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music will host many after school programs in music and dance for local children, many of whom lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.  Providing a safe place for the kids to learn from the very people who are part of New Orleans history is only one aspect of the Center.  This 17,000 square foot facility will also contain a performance hall, recording studios and a gathering place for the community to keep the music alive in post-Katrina New Orleans.

To support the effort, American Girl has teamed up with 13 year old Kate Connick and her father Harry Connick, Jr., a music legend here in New Orleans.  The pair created an original song, “A Lot Like Me” to accompany the new American Girl series which is available for download on iTunes.  The best part?  All proceeds will benefit the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music!

Of course, American Girl is bringing the story to life with two new dolls and fabulous accessories which reflect the time period of 1853 New Orleans.  I am so excited for New Orleans characters to be included in the infamous American Girl collection!  The dolls and accessories can be pre-ordered now (the masquerade ball outfits are adorable!) and will be available in American Girl Outlet stores on August 30th. My daughters are so excited!

GIVEAWAY

In honor of this historic release by American Girl, I have BOTH Cecile Ray and Marie-Grace Gardner dolls for one lucky winner!!

How to Enter:

1. Check out the New Orleans series by American Girl and tell me one accessory you would love to own!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and American Girl (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and American Girl on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on September 6th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While I received the first two books in the series to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
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My Outstandwich: New Orleans French Fry Po-Boy ( and $100 AMEX Giveaway)

June 12, 2011 By

If you are looking for a healthy, low calorie sandwich idea….you are in the wrong place. In fact, avert your eyes and shut your browser because you may just become tempted to make this New Orleans staple.  For those of you here looking for a satisfying, scrumptious and inexpensive meal….look no further!

Recently, I was contacted by KRAFT foods to participate in a virtual sandwich road trip to share my favorite regional sandwich with my readers.  The recipe will be featured on their new site, Outstandwich, and will launch on July 18th.  Now, if you’re a NOLA native like myself, you know that Sandwich=Po-Boy here in New Orleans.  And one Po-Boy on every menu is the “French Fry Po-Boy” which I will share with you today.

Before I begin, what’s a New Orleans recipe without a little history, y’all?  I found this great explanation on FrenchQuarter.com:

“As with most elements of New Orleans history, the origin of the po-boy has competing versions flavored over the years by creative storytellers and self-appointed authorities of dubious veracity. But the most widely accepted story holds that the sandwich was invented by Clovis and Benjamin Martin, brothers and former streetcar drivers who opened a restaurant on St. Claude Avenue in the 1920s. When streetcar drivers went on strike in 1929, the brothers took up their cause and created an inexpensive sandwich of gravy and spare bits of roast beef on French bread they would serve the unemployed workers out of the rear of their restaurant. When a worker came to get one, the cry would go up in the kitchen that “here comes another poor boy!,” and the name was transferred to the sandwich, eventually becoming “po-boy” in common usage.”

The Po-Boy is a tradition and the French Fry version is no exception!  It is generally the most inexpensive po-boy on local menus, but don’t be deceived, it is excellent in taste!

What you Need to Make It:

One loaf of French Bread

Miracle Whip

Frozen French Fried Potatoes

1/4 cup beef drippings

3/4 cup water

Brown Gravy Mix

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (KRAFT Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese)

How to Make It:

If you have the talent, feel free to steak cut potatoes and bake or fry them to your liking.  Or, if you are short on time, frying some frozen french fried potatoes (shoestring is my favorite) will work just fine.  While the potatoes are baking/frying, make the brown gravy according to the packaged directions.  For a beef flavoring add 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of beef pan drippings from a previous meal.  Cut a 12″ piece of French Bread from the loaf and cut horizontally to open the bread.  Slather the bread with Miracle Whip, add french fries and pour on a hearty amount of the prepared brown gravy.  Add cheese.

If you are in New Orleans, you may have the option of ordering your sandwich “dressed.”  No, this doesn’t mean that your sandwich will arrive with a shirt and pants!  If you order your po-boy dressed, it will arrive at your table with mayo, lettuce and tomato.

Finally, press your sandwich closed, slice in half, and enjoy the yummy-ness!  HEAVEN!

Now, it’s your turn!!

Do you have a special “Outstandwich” that represents your Region or City?  Share it with me in the comments!  Make sure you leave the entire recipe so we can try it.  A panel of judges (namely, my two contributing editors Jennifer and Beth) will each select two of their favorite recipes giving us a top four recipe sandwich-off.  My husband and I will make each of the four sandwiches and select a final winner!

What do you win (besides bragging rights of course)?

The winning recipe will be featured on Experimental Mommy as well as the KRAFT Outstandwich website when it launches on July 18th!  And…..a $100 American Express Gift Card!!  If you are the chosen winner, I will need a picture of your homemade sandwich for display in a post on Experimental Mommy.

How to Enter:

1.  Submit your own regional/local recipe for your favorite “Outstandwich” in the comments below. It is not a requirement to use KRAFT products in your sandwich.

Additional Entries:

1.  Because this is not a random drawing, there are no additional entry options.  But, I would love it you would help me spread the word about the contest on Twitter and Facebook!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. While I did receive the same prize pack offered here, all opinions remain 100% mine.  Entries must be submitted by June 18, 2011.  The winner will be announced on June 19 and will be notified by email.  A picture of the winning sandwich will be required no later than June 20, 2011.
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If You Could Live Anywhere….

March 12, 2011 By 1 Comment

……where would it be?

As most of you know, I am a native New Orleanian.  My entire family lives here and my roots are strong in the Crescent City.  I absolutely love living here…. the culture, the food, the people and yes, even the Hurricanes (well, that’s a more love/hate relationship).  However, after Hurricane Katrina when my husband lost his job, we briefly started talking about where we may be able to move and raise our family.  We talked a lot about Nashville, TN and Raleigh, NC because they were close enough to home, employment options were plentiful, we liked the climate and upon recent visits, we could actually picture ourselves living there.

Our discussion soon turned to  fantasy as we talked about all of the “dream” places we could live like Hawaii or NYC.  Not many of you know this, but I have had a secret desire to learn to ice skate and be in the Winter Olympics.  I guess being from New Orleans where there are NO ice rinks, positioned this activity at the top of my bucket list.  Because we were at a major crossroads in our lives, I started thinking that maybe a colder locale would be ideal.  It certainly would afford us many different experiences!  As I started to look at homes in Park City, Utah (I can’t image a better place to train for the Olympics), I had to face a harsh reality……I am old….too old for the Olympics.

But not too old to dream…..

In the end, we decided that New Orleans was in our blood and we had no desire to be from anywhere else.  We returned home and rebuilt our life and are now living happily ever after….even without my ice skates.

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A Happy Birthday at Sip and Paint!

January 30, 2011 By 16 Comments

Tomorrow, my first daughter will turn six years old. How time flies, right?! Now that she is in grade school, a birthday party including both family AND friends is a MUST. After looking over many birthday party venues in New Orleans, we decided on Sip and Paint.

While my Mother works there as an artist and teacher, it is not the only reason we could not wait to host a party at Sip and Paint. For starters, the entire place was decorated with signs and streamers complete with balloons outside to let guests know where they could find the action. When we arrived, little easels were set up on several tables and my Mom was hard at work sketching the design the kids would paint. About a week prior to the party, Lily had decided that she wanted to paint Hello Kitty! We quickly placed our cake and refreshments on the provided table and Lily was ready to welcome her classmates. It really was the easiest set up I have ever done for a birthday party!

When most of our guests had arrived, the kids each chose a spot at the tables and got ready to paint. My Mom did an excellent job leading the class and letting the kids know that there are NO mistakes, just be creative! In no time, our budding artists were each painting their own canvas and the parents were amazed at how well they did. Honestly, I think it was very hard for the parents to resist picking up a brush and painting, too!

While we waited for paint to dry, we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed cake, refreshments and even popcorn (which was included in the party!). Just after putting the finishing touches our their masterpieces, the kids gathered for a group photo with their canvases with big smiles on their faces.

Lily’s Sip and Paint party was a great experience. The kids had an absolute blast and left with the painting they created to hang in their own rooms. And from a parents’ perspective, this party was ridiculously easy. We walked in only fifteen minutes before party time, set down our cake and then were free to enjoy the party with our daughter. Sip and Paint took care of everything and allowed us to have just as much fun as our guests.

In fact, if the parents want to have a little fun of their own, check out the Walk in Wednesdays or even book a party! Don’t miss a thing by “liking” Sip and Paint on Facebook!

Thank you, Sip and Paint, for making my daughter’s 6th birthday a party to remember!  We will definitely be back!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion/experience.  While a discount was given, all opinions remain 100% mine.
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How to Make your Own New Orleans King Cake

January 9, 2011 By 14 Comments

In New Orleans, a lot of our time is measured in seasons….Football season, Advent Season, Crawfish season, and King Cake Season.  Starting January 6th (Twelfth Night) until the day of Mardi Gras, you can typically buy a King Cake anywhere, from the fanciest of bakeries to the regular grocery store.  A few years ago, I decided to get adventurous and make one with the kids.  It was something they enjoyed so much we do it every year.  It’s time consuming but not difficult, and definitely worth the effort.   Now you can get a little NOLA in your kitchen, too!

What you Need:
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees F.)
  • 2 eggs
  • 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

To Decorate the king cake you will also need:

  • Powdered sugar, about 2 cups or so, mixed with a few Tablespoons of milk and stirred until smooth and spreadable (I like mine just thin enough to pour on)
  • Colored sugar (Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold)
  • Small plastic baby (this represents Baby Jesus) or dry bean if you can’t find a baby.
How to Make it:
Cook butter or margarine, sour cream, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until butter melts. Cool mixture to 100 degrees to 110 degrees F.

Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add butter mixture, eggs, and 2 cups flour; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until smooth. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Stir together 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

Punch dough down; divide in half. Turn 1 portion out onto a lightly floured surface; roll to a 28- x 10-inch rectangle. Spread half each of cinnamon mixture and softened butter on dough. Roll dough, jellyroll fashion, starting at long side. Place dough roll, seam side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bring ends together to form an oval ring, moistening and pinching edges together to seal. Repeat with remaining dough, cinnamon mixture, and butter.

Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 20 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Bake at 375 degrees F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Decorate with Frosting and Colored Sugars.   Hide the baby under (or in) one of the slices.  Serve!

Whoever gets the baby has to buy (or make) the next King Cake!

Happy Mardi Gras!

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Top Five Places to Get King Cake in New Orleans

January 5, 2011 By 5 Comments

If you are not from New Orleans, January 6th might just be an ordinary day, or perhaps you know it as the Epiphany or King’s Day.  But for us New Orleanians, January 6th marks the start of something spectacular….CARNIVAL!  The parades, floats, marching bands, traditions and throws are all great fun, but my favorite part of Carnival is the KING CAKE!

King Cake BabyKing’s Day (January 6th) is celebrated as the date the gift-bearing kings visited the baby Jesus. The King Cake is baked in honor of the three kings and the baby (plastic, porcelain or gold) placed inside the cake symbolizes the baby Jesus. Originally, these oval cakes were a simple ring of dough with a small amount of decoration. Today’s King Cakes are much more festive! After the rich Danish dough is braided and baked, the “baby” is inserted. The top of the ring or oval cake is then covered with delicious sugar toppings in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple, green and gold.

In New Orleans, King Cake parties are held throughout the Carnival Season (generally on Friday). The person who receives the slice of cake with the baby inside is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party.

If you are looking to be a part of this NOLA tradition, I thought I would help you find some of the BEST places to buy King Cake (and I should know because over the course of my 36 years, I have tasted a LOT of King Cake!).

5.  Tastee Donuts:  While MacKenzie’s Bakery no longer exists in NOLA, Tastee’s bought their King Cake recipe and now offers the traditional MacKenzie’s King Cake.  This is the only kind of King Cake my Grandmother used to buy when I was little, so this particular recipe brings back memories!

4.  Gambino’s:  While Gambino’s is known for their Doberche Cakes, they make a mean King Cake, too! These King Cakes can be stuffed with cream cheese, pecan praline, raspberry, peach, pineapple, blueberry, strawberry, lemon, apple, cherry or chocolate brownie!  I recommend the cream cheese!  Gambino’s offers some great packages to give out-of-towners a real Carnival experience.

3. Haydel’s:  In September, Haydel’s created a World’s Record for the largest King Cake ever made… it actually circled the New Orleans SuperDome! This Carnival, they are celebrating by offering the World Record King Cake Care Package which includes one large Traditional or Filled King Cake plus Haydel’s own Mambo Beat Mardi Gras Magazine, a king cake history scroll, one pack of Haydel’s Coffee and Chicory, Haydel’s Specialty Bead Pack, this year’s handcrafted Porcelain Collectible (while supplies last), Mardi Gras CD, Mardi Gras poster and a World Record Edition Mardi Gras cup.  Follow Haydel’s on Twitter so you don’t miss any special deals!

sucre king cake

Sucre King Cake...sooo pretty!

3. (tie) Mandeville Bake Shop (Krummel’s):  Not on the Southshore?  No problem!  Try out this Northshore favorite!

2.  Randazzo’s:  Making King Cakes since 1965, Randazzo’s is the favorite of many locals.  The line remains out of the door, through the parking lot and down the street which means they are doing something right! From now through Mardi Gras Eve (known as Lundi Gras), you can have a King Cake shipped just about anywhere!

1.  Sucre:  Even though I was born and raised in New Orleans, I was just introduced to the Sucre King Cake last year for a product review.  This is by far the prettiest King Cake I have ever seen….and the tastiest.  For only $20, you can own a slice of heaven! I absolutely cannot wait to get one this year.  In fact, I loved it so much, I shipped a few of these to friends last year so I wouldn’t be the only one to love Sucre!

Happy King’s Day!  Where are you going to get your King Cake?

Where is the BEST place to get a King Cake?

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It’s a Sucre Holiday! {Macaroon Giveaway}

December 15, 2010 By

My Christmas wish list goes a little something like this:

1. Drinking Chocolate from Sucre
2. Salted Caramel cupcake from Sucre
3. Gift card to Sucre

See a theme here? If you are not lucky enough to live here in New Orleans, you may not have had the chance to sample Sucre confections. However, did you know they ship?!? During Mardi Gras 2010, I had the opportunity to try the King Cake which was heavenly. I loved it so much that I had one shipped to Cecelia at Cool Baby Kid to give her a taste of New Orleans.

Now, this holiday season, I was given the opportunity to try the Sucre Macaroons. They arrived in perfect condition and in the cutest striped box with a gold ribbon. About the holiday macaroons:

“Filled with rich chocolate mousseline or cool peppermint cream, these delicate cookies make for a very merry holiday season.”

Sucre Macaroons

When I opened the box, I couldn’t wait to dive in to the Double Dark Chocolate and Candy Cane Macaroons, but they were so pretty!  Being a lover of chocolate, I couldn’t hold out too long and tried the chocolate ones first.  The macaroons are very light and delicate but full of flavor.  Very tasty!  This box of 15 Macaroons sells for $24 making it a great gift for a party hostess or school teacher.

Sucre New Orleans also has an array of confections for any palette.  I definitely want to try some of the drinking chocolate, marshmallows and caramel cookies.  But, my absolute favorite is the salted caramel cupcakes (which I don’t think are available online), so if you are ever in New Orleans, it is a must taste experience!

GIVEAWAY

Are you drooling yet?  One lucky reader will win a set of these yummy holiday macaroons from Sucre New Orleans!

How to enter:

1. Visit Sucre New Orleans and tell me what makes your mouth water?!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Sucre (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @SucreNewOrleans on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Sucre New Orleans on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 22nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience. Sucre New Orleans supplied me with a sample for review, but all opinions are 100% mine.
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Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea

December 15, 2010 By 4 Comments

PhotobucketWhile my family is still young, my husband and I are trying hard to form some lasting holiday traditions that we will carry on for years to come.  One thing I have begun is taking my oldest daughter to a holiday tea with my Mom.  This year, we chose the Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea at the Hotel Monteleone.  About the event:

“Some of the season’s favorite Christmas characters including, Santa, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s elves, will all be in attendance sharing in the festivities. Mrs. Claus will be reading classic Christmas tales and a trumpeter will lead special guests in a musical parade. Savory treats, games and caroling will fill the air with joy. Monte the Lion will close the day by presenting each of his new friends with a Monte stuffed animal.”

Photobucket

When we arrived the hotel, my daughter was in awe of the gorgeous tree in the lobby (and I was speechless, too!).  We quickly made our way to the banquet room and took a picture with Monte the Lion and a few of Santa’s elves.  We were escorted to our beautifully decorated table and almost instantly, we were served tea, milk or coffee.  The food was presented on beautiful trays and was truely a work of art in itself. 

After we ate, my daughter got the chance to make her own cupcake (nothing says Christmas like gummy worms on a buttercream cupcake, right?).  While Santa was available for pictures ($10), Mrs. Claus led the kids in a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” followed by some fun reindeer games including Bingo and Rudolph Says. 

We had an amazing time and I beleive we created some wonderful holiday memories.  Everyone in my party agreed that the event was very child friendly (they even served peanut butter and jelly wraps and pizza for the kids!).  We would definitely consider attening again next year!

If you are looking to start a holiday tradition with your kids, there is another seating of Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea on December 18th at both 10:00am and 2:00pm.  Tickets can be purchased for $36 for kids and $49 for adults.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Tickets for the holiday tea were purchased by me at a discounted rate.  All opinions are 100% mine and I was not otherwise compensated for this post.
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