family friendly

Leave a comment Posted on August 24, 2014August 24, 2014 Nostalgia, parenting, Uncategorized

6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (Includes Secret Giveway For World Of Coca-Cola Tickets)

I assume that because I am from Alabama, a decent amount my readers are from there was well, and maybe more specifically, are also Crimson Tide fans. Therefore, I also assume there may be some readers who will be making the trip to Atlanta to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Mountaineers in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on August 30.

So, courtesy of the World of Coca-Cola, I am able to giveaway 4 tickets to World of Coca-Cola to readers traveling to Atlanta for the game. The tickets are good for a visit the attraction, so one lucky reader can take 3 friends or family members along. (Also, they are valid through the end of this year.)

Here’s what to do to try to win:

Be the first person to go to the Facebook page for Family Friendly Daddy Blog and ask, “Did I just win the World of Coca-Cola tickets for this weekend?”

If you truly are the 1st, I will personally respond to confirm that you are the sole winner of all 4 tickets. (Then I’ll follow up privately to confirm your mailng address to give to World of Coca-Cola to send the tickets.)

Update: It took 48 minutes… then this happened:

Charles Van Dyke

Today at 9:49pm

Did I just win the World of Coca Cola tickets for this weekend?

Like ·

Family Friendly Daddy Blog Yes sir, you did. In fact, you came in like a wrecking ball! You are the sole winner. Send me your mailing address and I’ll have Coca-Cola mail you the tickets in the morning!

Like · Reply · a few seconds ago

So it’s official, Charles Van Dyke is the winner! Thanks for reading and for playing, Charles.

Also, there are a lot of big events going on in Atlanta that weekend – specifically for the Kickoff Game, and otherwise – and you might be interested in checking out this list of the family-friendly things going on if you’re in town for the game. Included below is World of Coca-Cola‘s list of the top 6 things to do in Atlanta the weekend of August 30th, 2014.

6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Presented By World Of Coca-Cola

1) Fan Days at the World of Coca-Cola are August 26 through September 2. Buy your tickets here and receive $3 off general admission to get a glimpse inside the world’s #1 brand and see what the fizz is all about.

2) As a football fan, how could you not visit the new College Football Hall of Fame? The attraction is going all out for its Grand Opening on August 23. Celebrate the rich history of the game and make memories of your own with historic and contemporary artifacts, interactive multimedia displays, children’s activities and more.

3) For some free fun, grab your fellow fans and hit up Tailgate Town on the West Plaza. How can you resist food sampling, games, giveaways and a BBQ cook-off?

4) If you want to take your tailgating up a notch, purchase tickets for the Bama Bash Team Tailgate at the Georgia World Congress Center. Yes, that’s an air-conditioned tailgate featuring pregame entertainment and a delicious buffet.

5) Refresh yourself with an ice-cold drink and cheer on your favorite team at its Pep Rally when you visit the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola Zero. Don’t miss out on the dozens of interactive games and sponsor attractions.

6) While walking down the Atlanta streets, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself in the middle of a science-fiction scene. That’s because Dragon Con is returning to Atlanta this Labor Day weekend. For some fantastical fun – and lots of Storm Troopers – check out the annual parade.

1 Comment Posted on July 12, 2014July 13, 2014 car reviews, parenting, reviews

2014 Lexus 9040A ES 300h Sedan: Family Friendly Car Review

I guess the idea of the existence of a hybrid electric luxury car had never crossed my mind…

But this week’s featured family friendly car review is on the 2014 Lexus 9040A ES 300h Sedan.

The concept is pretty simple: If you liked the Toyota Prius which I reviewed a month ago, but have a larger budget and taste for the finer things in life, the 2014 Lexus 9040A ES 300h is probably what you’re looking for.

It gets an average of 40 miles per gallon, as compared to the Prius which averages 50. But still, I’ve driven the Lexus for nearly a week and the gas hand is just now finally beginning to budge off the “F” for full on the gas gauge.

Unsurprisingly, the Lexus 9040A ES 300h drives very smoothly and has plenty of power for a sedan: 200 horsepower. Like the Toyota Avalon Hybrid which I reviewed last Christmas, you wouldn’t know it’s a hybrid except for the lack of the sound of an engine.

I’ll never complain about the size of any car I review because I recognize that people have different tastes and I don’t want my opinion getting in the way of that. With that being said, I love the size of the Lexus 9040A ES 300h and the way it handles.

By the way, ever heard of a “knee airbag”? I surely had not. But the 2014 Lexus 9040A ES 300h has it; as seen in the picture collage above.

As far as the “family friendly aspect” of it, this car fits our family perfectly. I can’t say that for every car I’ve reviewed, but I can easily say it for this one.

So let me sum it up for you: Are you planning on purchasing a luxury sedan? Would you like one that is a hybrid electric vehicle that gets 40 miles per gallon?

If you answered yes to both questions, then I think it’s safe to say you will not be disappointed in the 2014 Lexus 9040A ES 300h.

Let me close with some stats for you:

Total price, as featured: $48,542.00.

2.5L Dual Cam In-Line 4-cylinder Engine with High Output Permanent Magnet Electric Drive Motor/200 Total System Horsepower

40 MPG combined/40 city/39 highway

Annual fuel cost: $1,300

Thanks for checking out this week’s family friendly car review. Please come back next week to see which car I’m reviewing next; I never know what it’s going to be either!

1 Comment Posted on July 12, 2014 parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

To My Readers, Why I Chose The Name “Family Friendly Daddy Blog”

First off, I want to thank you personally for being one of the readers I am referencing in the title. You don’t have to be spending your time reading what I sayright now; but you are, and I truly appreciate that. You actually linked the link and found yourself here, off the mainstream path.

I will admit I was at least curious as to see if I’d lose any followers on Facebook and Twitter after I left Parents.com 2 weeks ago.

Gratefully, I’ve am still gaining followers since the departure, so I’ll take it that people can still appreciate my writing even without the glory of the Parents magazine name in my header. That means a lot to me.

Whereas I’ve been writing directly to my son Jack over the past couple of years, don’t be surprised if you start seeing more “To My Readers” segments; in which I show you what’s going on backstage and behind the scenes here.

Today I thought it would be a good idea to explain why I chose the name “Family Friendly Daddy Blog” now that I’ve returned back to my original site; as opposed to “The Dadabase.”

I admit I only spent about 47 seconds coming up with the name “Family Friendly Daddy Blog.” It was the first thing to came to mind when trying to figure out how to make myself easily “Google-able” as a daddy blogger and as one who keeps things PG rated.

The phrase “family friendly” also indicates that my blog is not simply a daddy blog, but more of a blog for parents and families.

So “Family Friendly Daddy Blog” is my way of saying when you come to my site, you should expect something family oriented, but specifically written from a male, fatherly perspective.

Another thing you can expect is for my material to be positive.

But also real at the same time… but not too real…

I say that because Facebook can be a bipolar place. I want “Family Friendly Daddy Blog” to be a welcoming exit when you see me pop up while scrolling through your Facebook home page.

Well, that’s it. That’s what “Family Friendly Daddy Blog” is all about and that’s why I felt the new name was a good way to sum it all up.

Again, thanks for being a part of it.

Sincerely,

Nick Shell

2 Comments Posted on June 11, 2014 Uncategorized

2014 Toyota Avalon: Family Friendly Car Review

I am very excited to get to do a review on a Toyota Avalon again this week! Last year I reviewed the 2013 Avalon Hybrid, so I already knew how much I was going to love the 2014 version.

Before becoming familiar with the Avalon myself, I never realized what an “easy to love” kind of car it really is. There’s no thinking required in regards to “How does it handle?” or anything like that.

You just get in it and you drive. And you don’t think about the car. You just become one with the Avalon.

If you’re considering test driving a full-size car, I would recommend starting with the Avalon. I have test driven and reviewed many cars by now, and I can tell you, there’s something special about the way this car drives; incredibly smooth and natural.

And I’m not the only one to rave about the Avalon. If you’ve got the budget for a car like this, and you’re looking for a car this size, I would say start with Avalon- let it be the car to beat.

I would like to close with some stats on the car.

Standard Equipment:

3.5L 268 HP DOHC 24V w/Dual VVT -i

6-Speed ECT -i A/T w/Paddle Shifters

Government 5-Star Star Safety Ratings:

Overall Vehicle Score: 5

Frontal Crash Driver: 4

Frontal Crash Passenger: 5

Side Crash Front Seat: 5

Side Crash Rear Seat: 5

Rollover: 4

Fuel Economy and Price:

24 MPG combined (21 city, 31 highway)

Annual fuel cost: $2,200.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $39,650.00

Fully Loaded, As Seen: $42,785.00.

So there’s a sneak peak at one of my favorite Toyotas: the 2014 Avalon.

My next family friendly car review will be on the 2014 Toyota Highlander, as I will be travelling from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe and back.

I’m guessing it will be pretty cool…

Family Friendly Daddy Blog

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