Archive for the ‘Guides’ Category

I Went to Pelvic Floor Therapy in Greenville

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Have you heard of Pelvic Floor Therapy? This form of physical therapy address pelvic floor disorders, including those that occur from pregnancy and child birth. Kidding Around’s Kristina went to pelvic floor therapy at Zoan Physical Therapy and learned all about how this kind of therapy is helping women. Read on to find out what to expect at a pelvic floor therapy session.

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Don’t Miss Promoting Your Birthday Party!

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Be listed on the Upstate’s top Birthday Party Guides. Parents are looking ONLINE for birthday parties and Kidding Around is where they are landing. Try searching for birthday party options yourself to see what we mean.

See our Birthday Party Guide.

Why Our Guide is a BIG Deal!

In 2019, the Kidding Around Greenville Birthday Party Guide had 15,919 pageviews on the main birthday party page and over 1,000 additional pageviews on birthday party subpages and listings. The Spartanburg Birthday Party Guide had over 5,500 pageviews.

86% of these pageviews were from Google search from people looking for birthday party options in our area. 

People looking at the guide are people looking for birthday party options, not paging through a magazine or website randomly

In our recent Kidding Around survey, 40.5% of our readers said that they find our Birthday Party Guide to be one of our most useful guides!


Free and Paid Options Available

Need help making a decision? Fill out your name and email/phone number on the form or email Bethany@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.

Rates available in PDF format by request.

Kayla Blood: Mom, Military Veteran, Monster Truck Driver

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Kayla Blood, a 29-year-old mom who lives in Louisiana, is fierce. She was in the Louisiana National Guard for six years and now drives a huge Monster Truck called Soldier Fortune on weekends. Oh, and she competes against her husband, Blake Granger, who drives Maximum Destruction in Monster Jam Triple Threat Series®.

Kayla is nothing but ordinary yet deals with the same challenges that most of us moms face just trying to do our best for our kids and family. She’s had to overcome vast obstacles to get where she is now, choosing to never let an opportunity pass her by where she didn’t make the most of it. Now she’s the first female National Guard veteran driver for Monster Jam, crashing through the glass ceiling with Solider Fortune.

Woman wearing camo driving suit in front of a camo monster truck
Photo courtesy of Monster Jam

You can cheer for Kayla at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena at the Monster Jam Triple Threat Series® shows on Friday, February 7th at 7 pm and Saturday, February 8th at 1 pm and 7 pm. We got a chance to chat with her about her son, how she got started as a Monster Truck driver, and what it feels like to leave all the boys in the dust. 

Wondering what a Monster Jam show is like? See our Review of Monster Jam.

Kidding Around Greenville: How did you start your career as a Monster Truck driver?

Kayla Blood: Before Monster Jam, I raced ATVs competitively. My husband and I were asked to do Quad Wars during a local Monster Jam show, which we just did for the fun of it.  After doing New Orleans Monster Jam, I got a phone call from one of the guys that got the Quad Wars together and asked for the redhead who drove the ATV. They were looking for people who were athletically fit and capable who could compete. I fit that bracket! I trained at Monster Jam University in Illinois for about six months, learning every aspect of the Monster Jam Triple Threat show from driving to media training to gym training. 

KAG: Tell us about your son. What does he think of your career? Does he come with you to shows?

Kayla: Austin is 7-years-old and I have a 9-year-old stepdaughter, Riley. They love coming to the show and it’s a definite plus when they come. Sometimes shows don’t go the way you want but it’s so nice to have their hugs and kisses. Learning the balance being away from them is hard. When I’m home, my kids are my focus. Austin is really humble so it’s almost like he’s just shy about what I do. I’m the same way and like to fly under the radar. 

KAG: What’s it like being a mom while working for Monster Jam?

Kayla: It’s hard to balance – from being in a show trying to whoop these boys to transitioning to mom mode. My husband is on tour with me all year [Blake Granger who drives Maximum Destruction] and his mom is our saving grace at home. Between her and his sister, they help us so much while we are on tour. 

Person in driving suit and helmet doing a push up on top of a monster truck.
Photo courtesy of Monster Jam

KAG: Wow, your husband is a driver, too! What’s the dynamic like of competing against him?

Kayla: I’m the only female on the floor and I want the guys to treat me equally. I want to win fair and square. There are times when Blake and I have gone head-to-head and I’ve beat him. I love it. It doesn’t happen often but when it does, it feels great. When it comes to ATVs, he’s ridden them all his life and usually leaves all of us in the dust. It makes me so mad! 

Going into the Washington, DC competition we were tied in points and it was so much pressure. It was a tough weekend and now I’m in third place but not far behind. I plan on giving everything I have in Greenville. He’s standing in the way of a champion. He better get out of the way. 

KAG: Were you ever deployed when you were in the Louisiana National Guard?

Kayla: I was in the Louisiana National Guard for six years and worked full-time in Force Protection, which is like military police. Then I did administrative work for my colonel. My unit had orders to deploy to Afghanistan – which is when I found out I was pregnant with my son so I couldn’t go. I wanted to do a tour but I’m so blessed with my son and everything I learned from that experience literally led me to the next one. 

KAG: How do you drive normally? Are you aggressive and think you’re driving your truck and wonder why people don’t get out of the way?

Kayla: After driving my Monster Truck all weekend and coming home and getting into my car, I have to tell myself to be gentle. I can’t go all over and hit things! It’s definitely a transition. My husband says he gets so sick driving with me. 

KAG: What do you hope some little girl watching you at the show takes home from the experience?

Kayla: I had to grow up at a young age and if I wanted to make anything of myself, I had to do it myself. Anything worth having in life isn’t going to be given to you – you’ll have to work for it. When you do that, you have to put yourself out there and you’ll fail. But everything that goes bad, it’s teaching you a lesson. 

I was a track star in high school and went to college on a track scholarship out of state and it just didn’t work out for me. I got depressed and down on myself. I thought I was going to be this Olympic track star and it didn’t happen. When I was down, I got up and decided to join the military and do something with my life. So that’s what I did; I went to the recruiting office and before I knew it, I was in boot camp and going through crazy and amazing things that made me into the person I am now. I didn’t want to skip a beat in life, I wanted to take advantage of everything that came my way. 

Never give up. When you’re a mom and working and taking care of your family, you’re doing enough. Don’t ever feel like you’re stuck – you can do something about it. Anything is possible. 

Want to go to the show?

Want to see Kayla drive Soldier Fortune in Greenville? Grab tickets to the Monster Jam shows in Greenville here or at the Bon Secours Wellness Center Box Office. 

Shows are at 7 pm on Friday, February 7th and at 1 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, February 8th. Tickets start at $15. The Pit Party is on Saturday from 10:30 am – Noon and costs $15. 

Have you been to a Monster Jam show?

This LEGO Themed Park In Central Florida Will Help You Build The Perfect Vacation

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Looking for an exciting family vacation spot? LEGOLAND Florida is the perfect destination! Located in Winter Haven, just an hour outside of Orlando, this unique theme park is designed for children ages 2 to 12, offering a fun mix of rides, attractions, and interactive exhibits that are guaranteed to thrill both LEGO fans and families…and maybe even those who don’t consider themselves a big LEGO fan.

Santa decided to treat our family to a Christmas at LEGOLAND Amusment Park in Florida, and we are so glad he did! And of course we want to share our experience with you!

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Christmas at the Biltmore

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Have you visited the Biltmore at Christmas?  KAG Contributor, Anna Artz, visited the Biltmore during Christmastime and found the popular mansion decked out with 55 Christmas trees, seemingly endless lights and garland, and a greenhouse full of poinsettia plants. Read on to find her review of Christmas at Biltmore, and plan your visit before the festivities end January 10, 2021.

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Dollywood at Christmas Time is Just Magical

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Looking for something new this Christmas season? We sent KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez to Pigeon Forge to check out Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. You’ll find reindeer games, a live nativity, 5 million lights, and so much more Christmas cheer! Read on to find out all about Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood and add it to your list of things to do this Christmas season! 

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Pigtails & Crewcuts Is a Pro at Kids’ Haircuts, Ear Piercing, and even Birthday Parties!

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Thank you to Pigtails & Crewcuts for sponsoring this giveaway.

Bringing your child for a haircut can be really fun if they not only enjoy it because of the atmosphere but if the hair stylist is fun and engaging. Pigtails & Crewcuts in Greenville is that place. The salons are adorable and have plenty of entertainment for kids and the staff is very kind, thoughtful, and accommodating for any child. Plus, the stylists at Pigtails & Crewcuts are all knowledgeable about lice and the salon has a multitude of products to prevent the dreaded infestation.

Fun Stuff– Haircuts, Birthday Parties, Nail Polish & Up-Dos

Pigtails & Crewcuts is first and foremost a place for kids to feel comfortable getting their hair cut or trimmed. The salon is super kid-friendly, with a train table, bright colors, televisions playing cute cartoons, and adorable seats that look like cars. The stylists are fun and engaging and help any child feel comfortable, whether it’s their first or fifth time getting their hair cut.

I went with my daughter for her second haircut ever. She has really long hair and the stylist, Aaron, was great about talking to her about what she doing and helping my daughter feel okay about doing something she hasn’t done often in the past.

A child’s (or dad’s!) haircut is $18.95. And if mom needs a haircut too, they do those for just $23.95.  They also do bang trims for $6.95. Shampoo and hair cleaning is an extra add-on service. The stylists can also do cool braids.

Pigtails & Crewcuts is a walk-in only salon but does offer a 15 minute call ahead service.

Birthday Parties

An easy and fun birthday party for kids is definitely right up the alley of Pigtails & Crewcuts. For girls, they host a diva party, a princess party or a spa party, complete with spa robes. For boys, they have an awesome pirate party or a superhero-themed bash. For up to 10 children, parties are $300. Additional guests are $15 per person, with a 15 child maximum.

Parents can bring in cakes or snacks for the kids and have fun instead of worrying about entertainment. Totally stress-free.

Read about local mom, Elizabeth, and her daughter’s super fun birthday party at Pigtails and Crewcuts!

Up-Dos

For those special occasions, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers up-dos for girls. This is perfect for homecoming or daddy daughter dates and dances. What little girl wouldn’t want to look amazing for her night out? Pigtails & Crewcuts can help. Up-dos start at $19.95. They can also do flat ironing or curls.

Nail Polish and Ear Piercing

For an extra treat, the salon will do the nails of a child for $6.95 during their visit. They also offer an array of nail polishes that parents can purchase for home spa day. And ear piercing is also offered (seriously, girls can get an entire makeover walking through those doors) for $40 in a safe and sterile environment.

Lice Prevention and Treatment

The four-letter word no parent wants to hear when their child is in school is lice. It’s fear-inducing. I’ve heard complete horror stories and get itchy at the mere mention of the word. Pigtails & Crewcuts has an entire line of products for lice prevention that include mint, rosemary, citronella and tea tree oil – all-natural oils that help keep lice away.

The stylists will also do a check for lice during a haircut just to be sure nothing is lurking on the scalp o f your child. For prevention, it’s key for parents to do a few things:

Avoid hair-to-hair/head-to-head contact during play and other activities.

Don’t share items like hats/caps, scarves, coats, hair accessories, etc.

Don’t share brushes, combs, or towels.

Avoid contact with items like beds, couches, carpets, pillows, and stuffed animals if they have recently been in contact with an infested person.

Vacuum the floors and furniture, especially where an infested person sat or lay.

Teach kids to avoid activities that spread head lice

Parents can also purchase a lice prevention spray, which the salon sells. As a parent, I’d buy almost anything to prevent lice in my home!

Overall, going to Pigtails & Crewcuts was a blast for my daughter and me. She loved it and had fun and I felt comfortable as a parent knowing she was in good hands.

Pigtails & Crewcuts-Greenville
2222 Augusta Street, Suite 10, Greenville
864.248.4844
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Pigtails & Crewcuts-Five Forks
2815 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville (in the Lowes Foods shopping plaza)
864.626.3338
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Pigtails & Crewcuts Anderson
3321 N Main Street
Anderson, SC

Have you ever taken your child to Pigtails & Crewcuts?

25 Things Your Child Should Do in Greenville Before They Grow Up

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In a city chock full of play, it’s easy to find dozens upon dozens of things to do with your children over the years. But what about the absolutely MUST-do activities? Some things are simply not to be missed before your kiddos reach adulthood, and if you’ve got #familygoal ambitions, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find a bucket list unique to growing up in Greenville, where you can check off what you’ve already experienced and discover what must be added to your future line-up.

Growing Up Greenville Bucket List

Plunge down a Sliding Rock

With several to choose from and just a scenic drive away, the thrill is waiting!

Sliding Rock Waterfall

Have a Picnic at Falls Park

Grab a blanket and pick a pretty spot on the lawn.

Survive a local Haunted House

Scream alongside your teen and laugh about it for years to come. We survived Denver Downs’ Harvest of Horror!

Check out the Greenville Zoo

Lions, leopards, and giraffes! Oh my!

Greenville Zoo Giraffe

Catch a show at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

Don’t miss this venue created just for them.

Visit The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

If it isn’t already, it’s sure to be their favorite place.

Shop at O.P. Taylors Toy Store

Let ‘em bring their birthday money to the coolest toy store around.

Complete a Park Hop Scavenger Hunt

Hunt for clues in parks all around Greenville County. Now offered year-round!

Unity Park playground

Experience the Greenville Drive

Take them out to the ballgame!

Let your kids pick their own Fresh Fruit

The Upstate is home to orchards and farms aplenty – peaches and berries are a favorite.

picking blackberries near Greenville, SC

Cut down your own Christmas tree in the mountains

Greenville has the luxury of tree farms just a scenic mountain drive away. Here’s our list of reader recommended Christmas tree farms.

Find all of the Mice on Main

Visit Mast General Store on Main St. to grab a map and join in the iconic hunt.

Splash at the Greenville Rec Water Parks

Discover a favorite or visit them all.

Discovery Island Water Slides

Visit the Roper Mountain Science Center

Explore the Upstate’s very own planetarium.

Observatory at RMSC

Check out the Upcountry History Museum

Let your kids delve into the local history of the Upstate at the Upcountry History Museum.

Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, SC

Skate the Ice on Main

A winter treat in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a Swamp Rabbit Hockey Game

Take them to see a hockey game on the big ice!

Experience the Greenville Symphony Orchestra

Their rendition of Star Wars is sure to steal the hearts of kids everywhere.

Explore all the trails of Paris Mountain

Local hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, geocaching, biking, and more. Ranger led hikes are just one of the fun hikes your kids will love.

Bike all of the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Miles and miles of paved trails to explore, and yummy stops to boot! Adventure awaits for your family on the trail!

Climb to the top of Table Rock

A feat for the troopers, but with great reward of accomplishment and views.

Find all of the downtown Geocaches

Geocaching in the city is more difficult than on the trail. Attempt this with the big kids.

Lake Jocassee

Don’t miss one of National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places.” Be sure to read our Guide to Visiting Lake Jocassee with Kids before you go!

Break Out of an Escape Room

Test the will and cunning of your older kids as you all race the clock to break free.

Take the Tour

Sign up for a local historical/heritage tour to broaden your child’s view of our city.

Do you have something to add to our bucket list for kids in Greenville?

Your Kids Will Love This Train Themed Restaurant

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It’s no secret.  Travelers Rest is the place to be. This little town has made its way into the hearts of families in the Upstate, with good reason.  Take an afternoon, better yet a Saturday, and see for yourself.

Our visit to The Whistle Stop in Travelers Rest

One of my favorite places to visit (and stuff my face) is The Whistle Stop at the American Café.  Have you been? If not, you’re missing out.  Now is the perfect time to go.  In addition to the warm, cozy atmosphere, the food is amazing.  I had the opportunity to stop in recently.

I ordered the classic American burger with a side of fries and savored every bite.

burger at Whistle Stop at American Cafe

Is your mouth watering?  The picture doesn’t do it justice. The meat was cooked to perfection but what impressed me most was the bread.  And please do not get me started on the sweet tea. (If you do not drink sweet tea, I am not sure we can be friends).  Being from the South, tea is an essential part of my day.  The Whistle Stop gets two thumbs up!  We just so happened to visit while they were serving their children’s meal in Santa’s sleigh.

Clearly I am excited about the restaurant, but the children’s meal is the reason for this review.  Drumroll please.

whistle stop kids Christmas meal

Move over McDonald’s, you didn’t have to open this box to find your prize. The box was the prize!  I’m not sure who was more excited – the kids or ME.  That’s not all.  Inside the sleigh was a collectible Christmas duck. Each little friend in the series was dressed in a different holiday disguise. Can you say cute?!  I am hoping these little treasures land on the menu next season.

During non-holiday season, they serve kids meals in a train box. It’s adorable.

In addition to the delicious burger and southern sweet tea, I can’t say enough about the service. More than once the manager checked on our table to make sure everything was perfect. Our young waitress kept all five glasses full and met every other request (in record time, I might add) all while wearing a friendly smile.

Plan your own trip to Whistle Stop

Whistle Stop at the American Cafe is located at 109 Main Street Travelers Rest, SC.  They are open Monday – Thursday from 11 am – 8:30 pm and Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm. They are closed on Sunday. I cannot wait to go back.  Next time, however, I plan to dine on the roof. They have live music on the weekends.

whistle stop at the American Cafe

Would your kids like to visit The Whistle Stop at the American Cafe as much as mine did?

RELATED: Where to Find All the Trains in Greenville, Kids Eat Free

Capture Those Precious Moments With E Mc B Photography

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Thank you to E Mc B Photography for sponsoring this giveaway. We think that you will love her adorable Easter bunny photos, birthday photos, and spring mini-sessions!

Bunnies + Kids

Bunnies are some of the cutest animals ever. I had three bunnies as pets – Coco, Fudge and Oreo – they were as cute as they sound. And we just adored taking photos with them. Springtime is the perfect time for bunny pictures too, as Erin Dyer of E Mc B Photography would say. Do you know what else is cute? Your kiddos. Bunnies + kiddos = super cute photos. (more…)

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