Summer Fun At Magic Waters

May 20, 2013 By 2 Comments
magic waters collage

(Disclosure: I am receiving a family pack of tickets for posting about Magic Waters.)

Hey, Chicago! Looking for something fun to do on a hot summer day this summer? Visit one of the largest water parks in Illinois! Magic Waters is located just off I-90 near Rockford. Experience the Double Dare Drop 75 ft. Speed Slides, Tsunami Bay Wave Pool, Typhoon Terror Adventure Ride and the thrill a minute Splash Blaster Water Coaster Ride. Enter the dark tunnel of the Abyss for lots of twists and turns or relax on the 1,200 ft. Splash Magic River. Have tons of fun at Tiki Island where a 1,000 gallon pineapple water bucket spills to the delight of guests! Coolers welcome or grab lunch at the new Ocho’s Cantina! Luxury cabanas available. Free Parking. Visit magicwaterswaterpark.com for more information.

Water park opens June 8th 2013. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Mon & Fri 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Special Offers & Events

$12 Buck Bargain Days: Tues, Wed, Thurs during the 2013 season.

Friday Family Fun Nights: June 14 through August 16.

Meet & Greet: Sunday July 14th. Disney band IM5 will be at the park for a Meet and Greet. Go to magicwaterswaterpark.com for details.

Get your season passes now!

This is an exclusive offer brought to you by WindyCityKidsGuide!

Filed Under: Chicago, Summer Tagged With: , , ,

Zoos Go Blue

March 30, 2013 By 2 Comments
zoos go blue

I recently learned about “Zoos Go Blue” and am really excited to share about this with you all. Through a national partnership with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, member Zoos & Aquariums from across North America will be participating in the inaugural “ZOOS GO BLUE” event in April to support Autism Awareness Month. Find out if your zoo is participating here. You can register for up to 6 people for free basic admission and parking.

If you live in the Chicago area, Brookfield Zoo’s special event is April 28th. The Zoo is also going blue that day so I’m really excited to visit with my family and see everything lit up blue.

In addition, there is a toolkit for families who want to visit the zoo that will help them prepare their child for the visit. Lucas is a little young for this but I think it’s a great resource for families with older children. (The toolkit can be found at the link provided above.)

(Disclosure: Like most of my Autism related posts this is not sponsored and I’m not affiliated with any Zoo, other than having a membership to one that I paid for with my own money.)

 

Filed Under: Autism, Chicago, Events Tagged With: , ,

Girls Night Out: Be Bold. Go Red. {Ticket Giveaway}

February 14, 2013 By
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Be Bold. Go Red and join B96, 104.3 K-HITS and Bath & Body Works to celebrate the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement on Thursday, February 28, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Alhambra Palace Restaurant, located at 1240 West Randolph Street in Chicago.

Treat yourself to a Girls Night Out! Get the red carpet treatment, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beauty services, consultations and more when you Go Red!

Plus, VIP Attendees will receive a beverage ticket and a Girls Night Out Swag Bag packed full of fun goodies including Bath & Body Works Forever Red fragrance mist, Garrett Popcorn, cosmetic and hair care samples, sweets, treats and more!

Top off the night with a high style Spring fashion show, previewing collections from Chicago Fashion Incubator’s top designers.

You can purchase VIP and general tickets on Eventbrite here.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive 2 VIP tickets to the Be Bold. Go Red. event

HOW TO ENTER

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Leave a comment telling me why you want to attend this event

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

4) Follow @SassyMomChicago on Twitter

Giveaway ends February 17, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. Winners must be 18 or over. This giveaway only includes tickets to the event. Transportation, parking, and any other fees will not be covered. Since this is a dated event, the winner will have only 24 hours to respond to my email or I will have to choose another winner.

(Disclosure: Be Bold. Go Red and join B96, 104.3 K-HITS and Bath & Body Works for a fun and charitable event on Thursday, February 28th, at the “Girls Night Out Benefiting Go Red for Women” at Alhambra Palace Restaurant. I was selected to host this giveaway by Sassy Moms in the City. This is not a compensated post…just sharing for a great cause!)

Filed Under: Causes/ Charities, Chicago, Events, Giveaways Tagged With: , , , ,

Butternut Squash Tortelloni {Recipe}

February 13, 2013 By 3 Comments
Photo by Tim Turner

 

Photo by Tim Turner

Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 312-626-2444) is featuring a delicious Butternut Squash Tortelloni on its menu in celebration of National Tortellini Day, February 13. Tortelloni is simply a larger version of tortellini. The sweet yet nutty flavor of butternut squash creates a comforting dish, perfect for a cold winter’s day.

Here’s the recipe if you want to try making your own to celebrate National Tortellini Day :)

Pasta Dough

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 8 oz ap flour
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp whole milk

Combine ingredients into a mixer with a dough hook on medium speed and mix until dough is smooth and elastic. 10 to 15 minutes. Remove dough from mixing bowl, wrap in plastic wrap and place in fridge for 30 minutes

Pasta Filling

  • 1 pound butternut squash
  • ¼ cup cream cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmigiano -Reggiano
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and white pepper taste

Dice Squash into 2 inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Roast in an over (350°) until tender for 30+ minutes. While the squash is still warm, fold in the cream cheese, olive oil, Parmesan and salt/pepper. Let the mixture cool.

Roll out pasta dough into sheets, you should be able to see through the pasta. Cut pasta into 4 inch diameter squares. Place squash/Parmesan mixture in the center of each square. Egg wash the corners of the pasta. Make a triangle out of the square and then bring the two corners together to make the tortelloni. Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks very quickly.

Sauce

  • 1 oz. butter
  • 4 oz. heavy cream
  • 1 oz. fresh sage
  • Salt and white pepper to taste

Melt butter in pan over medium-high heat. When butter is brown, add cream and sage. Reduce by half and check seasoning. Add cooked pasta to the sauce – gentle – to lightly coat pasta and serve.
Garnish with fresh sage

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post but Benny’s Chop House provided the recipe and image for me to share.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Recipes Tagged With: , , ,

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! Tour {Recap}

January 24, 2013 By 2 Comments
yo gabba gabba

This past weekend the boys and I went to see Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: Get The Sillies Out. I didn’t know how Lucas would do since he doesn’t like to sit still but he was mesmerized by the show. It was also nice that children were encouraged to get up and dance so if he had decided to get up he wouldn’t have been the only one. The show was so fun that even the parents and grandparents were up on their feet dancing along with the kids!

The music was upbeat and full of good lessons like the importance of eating fruits and veggies. The well-known brightly colored characters kept children involved in the show. Even Biz Markie, the famous beatboxer, was on the stage doing his thing and teaching kids to beatbox.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the show:

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My tip for going to the show: make sure you bring cash! All theaters won’t have the same parking rules but the one we went to in Chicago had a “cash only” parking lot with no signs about it until you had pulled up to the ticket booth. Needless to say it was a huge hassle and there was a line at the ATM across the street. {It should be noted that the licensed Yo Gabba Gabba! items being sold inside could be purchased with a debit/credit card.} Thankfully the parking issue didn’t ruin the experience for us and we still greatly enjoyed the show and our night out.

Wondering if the tour will be at a location near you? See the tour dates here. Tickets start at $23.00. VIP Party packages are available as well which include a ticket in the first 15 Rows, a pass to “Get the Sillies Out” in the private VIP room featuring a super fun party with the Gabba Gang (costumed characters) and more. Children under 1 year old do not require a paid ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.

(Disclosure: We received tickets to the show but all thoughts are my own.)

Filed Under: Blogging & Events, Chicago, Television shows Tagged With: , ,

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! Tour

January 11, 2013 By 1 Comment
Tour Logo

The sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out! DJ Lance Rock and everyone’s favorite cast of colorful characters are calling all fans in to get ready to jump, shake and shimmy them out at the new live tour Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out!. The tour will visit more than 50 cities across the U.S. in 2013.  For a complete list of tour dates, cities and show times, and a preview of the show, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com

CHICAGO SHOWS:

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! will have four performances in Rosemont at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on Sat., January 19th/ Sun. January 20th. CLICK HERE for ticket information for the shows (2:00PM and 5:00pm both days). Tickets start at $23.00. VIP Party packages are available as well which include a ticket in the first 15 Rows, a pass to “Get the Sillies Out” in the private VIP room featuring a super fun party with the Gabba Gang (costumed characters) and more. Children under 1 year old do not require a paid ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.

I’m so excited to take my boys to get their sillies out with the Yo Gabba Gabba crew! Will you be there with your little ones?

(Disclosure: I am receiving tickets to this show but all thoughts are my own.)

 

Filed Under: Chicago, Events, Television shows Tagged With: , , ,

Parental Guidance Movie Pre-Screening {Free Tickets}

December 7, 2012 By 1 Comment
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If you are in the Chicago area I have a special treat for you! I get to offer 20 of my readers a pair of tickets to the pre-screening of this movie. I’ve seen the previews for it and it looks like it’s going to be a hit. Here’s the synopsis of the movie:

Old school grandfather Artie (Billy Crystal), who is accustomed to calling the shots, meets his match when he and his eager-to-please wife Diane (Bette Midler) agree to babysit their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) go away for work. But when 21st century problems collide with Artie and Diane’s old-school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old-fashioned games, it’s learning to bend–and not holding your ground–that binds a family together.

This movie opens in theaters Tuesday, December 25, 2012 and is rated PG.

Want to see it early? Here are the details:

Event Info:
December 13, 2012 at 6:30PM
Chicago, IL

Get your pair of tickets here:

https://www.gofobo.com/rsvp/promotion/dafeed2920b3ad631797da6b460911ed

Hurry because there are only 20 sets!

*Please note that the screening is overbooked and seating is first come, first serve*

(Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I am happy to offer this special treat to my readers.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Freebies, Movies Tagged With: , ,

Energizer’s “Power The Creativity” Event With Crayola

November 26, 2012 By 3 Comments
power the creativity
Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

{Sorry for the blurry picture. He was scribbling so fast I couldn’t get a good shot!}

A couple of weeks ago the boys and I had the opportunity to go to an event sponsored by Energizer and Crayola. While I networked with other Chicago bloggers and learned about some of Energizer’s new products the boys had a chance to play and try out new Crayola toys. We had a great time and it was fun to attend an event with the boys since they love seeing what mommy does when she goes to “acago” {aka Chicago}.

The first product I learned about was the Energizer Flameless candle. I had received one previously from Energizer and loved it because it had the look of a burning candle but was safe enough to have around children and pets. What I did learn at the event though was that there was a timer on it so I could set it to go on and off. I currently have my candle sitting on a high shelf in my entryway and it turns on in the early evening and offers a nice flickering of light in an otherwise dark area.

The other product I learned about were the Energizer Max Batteries with Power Seal Technology. These batteries can hold their power up to 10 years on the shelf! Wow! They’d be great for an emergency kit because they last so long.

Energizer currently has a great promotion going on with Crayola. Here are the details:

I am excited to get some of the Crayola products the kids tried out, especially the Color Wonder Light-Up Paint Pallete. Here’s what the Crayola website says about our favorite product: “Create like a real artist in a magical mess-free way! The Magic Light Paint Palette lights up to match the color of whatever paint you use. Dip the brush in blue, it lights up blue – in red it blushes red and so on!”

(Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Energizer. I attended an event and received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.)

 


Filed Under: Arts and Crafts, Blogging & Events, Brand events, Chicago, Events Tagged With: , ,

iPad Mini {Giveaway}

November 23, 2012 By 20 Comments
evzdrop

I’m back with a new site design and an amazing giveaway to start your Holiday season! I’ve told you all about Evzdrop before but if you missed the post I’ll give you a refresher… Evzdrop is a location-based interest network that lets people stay connected to what’s happening at places in real time. Sinisa and I tried it earlier in the month and we loved being able to get suggestions about places we were at or were going to.

Evzdrop is currently hosting a Holiday contest on their blog. Between November 23rd and December 21st, they are asking users to “drop” at all their shopping, dining and holiday preparation locations. Using the Holiday Drop Quest list (found on their blog) users will need to mention one of the items in their Drop and then they will be entered to win a number of great prizes. Each Drop, every uploaded picture, and every Drop shared on Facebook and Twitter will earn people another entry. You can find all of the details on their blog.

In addition to the great prizes available from their Holiday contest they are offering an iPad Mini as a special prize for my readers and the readers of a few other local Chicago blogs. You can enter that giveaway on the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway ends on December 29, 2012 and is open to US readers only. Good luck!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Chicago, Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Batman Live {Chicago}

November 12, 2012 By 1 Comment
728X90-BATMAN-LIVE-WEB

For the first time in DC Comics history, Batman – the worlds most popular DC Super Hero – is now an all-new, live-action arena spectacular which is taking the world by storm. BATMAN LIVE is a 15 million dollar stage production with an original story featuring a 43 strong cast of actors and circus trained acrobats, a 3D Gotham City landscape, a bespoke symphonic score, custom-built state-of-the-art stage, a 100 foot bat-shaped LED video wall, pyrotechnics and the impressive Batmobile, designed especially for the show by legendary racing car designer Professor Gordon Murray.

Faithfully adapted from the DC Comics characters and stories, BATMAN LIVE focuses on Robins quest for justice, which leads him to follow in the footsteps of his hero the mysterious vigilante known as Batman, much to the dismay of his protective guardian, billionaire Bruce Wayne, whom the audience knows is secretly Batman. This dynamic triangle resolves itself in a non-stop thrill-ride across Gotham City that transforms Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson into the legendary crime-fighters, Batman and Robin. The adventure transports the audience from the Big Top of Haly’s Circus to the depths of Arkham Asylum, and from the glittering peaks of the Penguins Iceberg Lounge to the subterranean wonders that await inside the Batcave.

Batman Live is coming to Rockford November 30th to December 2nd!  Save $10 use promo code: BATMAN  http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=460&bid=10937&dealid=1033

(Disclosure: I am receiving a family pack of tickets to go see Batman Live.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Events Tagged With: ,

New Exhibit At Kohl Children’s Museum: The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz

November 3, 2012 By 1 Comment
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On Exhibit: Now – January 6, 2013

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit features larger than life pop-up books that dazzle the eyes and stimulates the mind. Each section of this exhibit, based on the book published in 1900 by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow, is an oversized three-dimensional page from the original story. Experience science, art and history through the magic of this timeless story and instill a love of reading and storytelling in young children. My readers receive $1 Off Child admission with this coupon.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was developed by the Great Explorations Children’s Museum.
(Disclosure: I am receiving tickets to the museum to take my children to the new exhibit.)
Filed Under: Chicago, Events Tagged With: , ,

Introducing Evzdrop, A Location-Based Interest Network

October 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
parenting(1)


Sinisa and I have spent the past couple days trying out a new iPhone app for a location-based interest network called Evzdrop. Evzdrop lets people stay connected to what’s happening at places in real time. The free mobile app and Web platform allow users to “evzdrop” to get an inside look at any place they’re interested in through the people who are present and posting about what’s going on at any given moment.

Here’s what makes Evzdrop different from other location-based networks:

Evzdrop lets users “listen in” from nearby or afar. Was the referee correct on that controversial call? Use Evzdrop to see what people at the game have to say. How does the band sound from the front row? Check out the comments and photos on Evzdrop, either via the mobile app or Web platform. Thinking about visiting a certain bar on your business trip next month? See what people at the venue right now are saying about their experience on Evzdrop.

Evzdrop gives consumers a voice. Even if you have 10,000 Twitter followers, chances are they are only interested in a small portion of your tweets because the content can vary so widely. Evzdrop gives people a large network with a targeted following by providing them a microphone through which to broadcast their experience at that point in time. The platform allows you to be heard where and when it matters most: in the moment

Evzdrop’s geo-fencing technology allows users to Drop anonymously while still maintaining credibility. Mobile users often want to be heard but don’t necessarily want to be found, and Evzdrop’s Stealth mode lets users contribute while still protecting individual privacy. By design, all Drops are location-verified, but consumers are able to use the Stealth function to post anonymously if they choose, and location makes their insights valid.

Evzdrop allows consumers to influence change. When a user Drops, it sends a ripple effect through the app, reaching other users who are tuned in to Radar or that particular place. Evzdrop’s common connection – location – means that users are able to reach a constantly changing set of people who share similar interests. But consumers aren’t the only people listening; businesses are too. In many ways, Evzdrop serves as a digital comment box that’s open to the public.

Evzdrop brings focus and relevance to the overwhelming amount of content being created on social media. Evzdrop employs the interest graph as the thread that ties its network together, letting you listen in to the places you care about. The app provides a collective snapshot of a location at any given time and opens up a lens of insight well beyond one’s social network.

We’ve been asked to use the app as we go about the week so we can give my readers and followers and the members of the Chicago Blogger Network a peek into the lives of a busy mom and dad on the go. You can follow us as we “drop” our locations around the suburbs of Chicago by following us on Twitter. My handle is @aliciamarie112 and Sinisa’s is @DADofJAKEnLUKE :)

We will be back this weekend with a full review of the app and the network!

(Disclosure: I am being compensated for being an Evzdrop Ambassador for the week.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Smartphone applications, Social Media, Social Media & Business Tagged With: , ,

Supporting Hesed House, A Chicago Area Ministry To The Poor & Homeless

October 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Jacob in front of the Hesed House

As you all know, I have been sharing about making this an “others” focused holiday season instead of a “gift” focused season. I’ve shared about many issues lately that are focused on other countries but I wanted to show Jacob that there are people near us that need help, too. We talked about how some people in our town and towns around us don’t have any homes and sometimes stay at a place called a homeless shelter. We found one near us, called Hesed House, and looked at the list of items they were in need of.

Knowing that we could easily provide some needed items, Jacob, Lucas, and I headed to our local Walmart and shopped the health and beauty aisles.

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We bought soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant to donate to the shelter.

We put everything into bags and headed to the shelter. Once there I told Jacob to hop out of the car and help me with the bags. It wasn’t until we were standing outside in front of the shelter that I had noticed Jacob hadn’t put his shoes on and was standing in his socks outside the homeless shelter office.

Once we were let inside we dropped off our bags full of toiletries and briefly learned more about the mission.

Hesed House’s mission is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and give people the chance to hope again. Today, Hesed House is a national model for ending homelessness – one person, one family at a time. It is the culmination of nearly three decades of strategic evolution from a formerly acceptable model of “eats and sheets” to a Comprehensive Homeless Resource Center – a campus of centralized highly skilled professionals collaborating to provide the tools necessary to help individuals and families break free of the shackles binding them to homelessness.

I think it’s a great ministry and one that I plan to be more involved with in the future as a volunteer. We’ve also already started a donation basket for our next visit to the shelter and will be shopping off of their Christmas wish list as well.

If you live in the Chicago area and would like to donate to this shelter please leave a comment and I’d be happy to meet and pick up donation items from you. :)

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This post is part of a #DialCFK Simple Service Project with Champions For Kids. They believe that no child should ever go to school hungry, cold or without the resources they need to thrive and as a mother I am thrilled to support them. You can connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook.

See my Google+ story for more pictures!

(Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Dial Soaps  #DialCFK  #CBias #SocialFabric )

Filed Under: Causes/ Charities, Chicago, Collective Bias Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Chicago Toy & Game Fair {Giveaway}

October 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
ChiTagLogo_Hi_Res

The North Pole might as well be in Chicago the week before Thanksgiving, as over 25,000 visitors will head to Navy Pier to shop and play with thousands of toys and games on display from over 250 exhibitors. The 10th anniversary Chicago Toy & Game Fair, the largest public toy and game show in the nation, features the holiday season’s newest offerings from some of the bestselling brands in the world, as well as critically acclaimed, award-winning games from independent retailers.

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair will be held at Navy Pier in Festival Hall A on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th.

Highlights include:

All Weekend:

- Giant-sized games such as: Bananagrams, Perplexus, Doggie Doo, Word on the Street, Pajaggle, and more
- Settlers of Catan North American Catan Championship
- Meet the Moshi Monsters
- Autographs from renowned toy and game inventors
- Free contests and game tournaments
- Speed Stacks sport stacking demonstrations and tournaments

Saturday:

-Young Inventor Challenge
-Stars Wars Lunch (Additional Cost)
-Official Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest
-Top Trumps Guinness Book of World Records Attempt

Sunday:

-Stage Performances from Radio Disney, Blues Clues LIVE! presented by Naperville’s Center Stage Players, Elan Dance
Company, Ben’s Bubble Show, Lil’ Buds Theater and more.
-Boy Scouts Top Trump Tournament ((Boy Scouts are admitted into the Fair an hour early)
-Pony Royale Princess Party (Free pony to each girl, while supplies last.)

Tickets:

FREE ADMISSION FOR: Teachers, librarians, members of the military, Boy/Girl Scouts in uniform, children under 3 years of age. On Sunday, grandparents accompanied by kids admitted free of charge.
$10: ages 14+
$5: ages 3-13
(Click here for ticket info and a $2 off coupon)

Win Tickets!!

I will be giving one weekend Family pack away each week!

Winners Chosen: 11/1, 11/8, 11/15

How To Enter:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me what your favorite game or toy was as a child

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow me on Pinterest

6) Comment on another one of my posts

Giveaway ends November 15, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time.

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for posting this information. I received tickets last year and it was a lot of fun so I wanted to offer tickets to my readers this year even though I can’t attend. This giveaway is only for tickets to get into the fair and doesn’t include travel, parking, or any other expenses. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

How Sweet the Sound Gospel Celebration {Ticket Giveaway For Chicago Event}

September 5, 2012 By
how sweet the sound

Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ Gospel Celebration unites communities and cities across America in celebration and song.  The tour pays tribute to gospel music and provides local choirs a platform to showcase their talent with a broader community. Choirs rejoice in song and praise; sing in front of gospel greats and fans; and compete for a chance to win up to $50,000 in cash and prizes.

 This year, regional events will take place in the following cities:

·         Dallas – Sept. 6 at Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie

·         Atlanta – Sept. 10 at Philips Arena

·         Washington, DC – Sept. 12 at Verizon Center

·         Newark – Sept. 13 at Prudential Center

·         Detroit – Sept. 15 at Joe Louis Arena

·         Chicago – Sept. 17 at United Center

·         Los Angeles – Sept. 21 at Staples Center

·         Finale – New York – Nov. 4 at Barclays Center

GRAMMY® award-winning, songwriter, producer, arranger and music director Donald Lawrence will return as host and be joined by GRAMMY® award-winning entertainer, producer, author and syndicated radio host Yolanda Adams. In addition, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and CeCe Winans will serve as resident judges for this year’s competition, which will feature each region’s top six choirs.

Tickets to the 2012 Verizon How Sweet the Sound™ tour are on sale now.  For more details about Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ including video content, judging criteria, ticket sales information, and official rules, please visit www.HowSweettheSound.com.

TICKET GIVEAWAY:

I have one pair of tickets to give away to the Chicago stop of this tour.
The event is September 17th at the United Center.

{Giveaway does not cover transportation to the event, parking or any other costs}

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me why you want to win!

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on a social network :)

Giveaway ends September 11, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. Winner will have 24 hours to respond due to the timely nature of this giveaway.

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.)

Filed Under: Brand Ambassador, Chicago, Events, Faith, Giveaways, music Tagged With: , , ,

My On The Field Experience With The Chicago Cubs {And How YOU Can Have A “Priceless” Experience Too!}

August 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
priceless mastercard

As a blogger in a big city I get to do a lot of fun things but there is nothing I like more than being able to involve my friends and loved ones in my blogging events. When I was invited to enjoy a day at Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs courtesy of MasterCard and allowed to bring a guest I knew exactly who I wanted to bring. My little brother is a huge Cubs fan and I knew he’d really have a lot of fun during this once in a lifetime experience. {Make sure to read below to find out how YOU can have a unique experience in Chicago, too!}

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:

Love that they promote their social media channels here!

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My little brother, Brock, right after he stepped onto the field :)

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Brock playing catch on the field.

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Brock standing in front of the ivy wall at Wrigley Field.

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ME! Enjoying a relaxing morning on the field

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Hope of Digital Megaphone {she’s the one who invited us along!}

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Me and my little bro :)

During this experience we also enjoyed batting practice in the Chicago Cubs batting cages, got to take souvenir balls, and went to a private party at the Captain Morgan’s Club where we had lunch.

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Do you want to have a once in a lifetime experience like this? YOU CAN!!

This event was part of MasterCard’s Priceless Chicago promotion. MasterCard offers priceless experiences to their cardholders. You can find out more details on MasterCard’s website but here are a few experiences that may interest you or your family members:

Pre-Game VIP Party at Wrigley Field

Brunch at the American Girl Doll Place with Author Valerie Tripp

A day of beauty at Neiman Marcus’s Michigan Avenue store

Private 15 Course Meal with Top Chef Richie Farina

(Disclosure: I attended this event courtesy of MasterCard and Digital Megaphone free of charge. All thoughts are my own.)

Filed Under: Brand events, Chicago Tagged With: , , , , , ,

My Little Bears Fans!

August 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
bears

Image Courtesy of JcPenney Portraits

Love this shot we got at JcPenney Portraits today!

And the pictures were only $4 a sheet! At that price I got one of every pose I liked :)

{Disclosure: This is not sponsored. I paid for these pictures myself.}

Filed Under: Chicago, Photography Tagged With: , ,

Santa’s Village Ticket Giveaway {Family Pack For 2 Winners}

August 2, 2012 By
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As the last few weeks of summer are upon us I wanted to share about a fun place to take the family, Santa’s Village AZoosment Park in East Dundee, Illinois. This park is ideal for families with young children. The park features 16 rides, over 5 animal exhibits, sleigh and pony rides, and live entertainment. My family will be visiting there later this month and I will share a review of the park then but I wanted to run my giveaway now so the winners could enjoy the park while the weather was still nice (though they are open through October).

GIVEAWAY:

2 winners will each win a family 4 pack of tickets to Santa’s Village

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me who you would bring with you if you won the tickets

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Like Santa’s Village on Facebook

4) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

5) Enter another one of my giveaways {found here}

6) Subscribe to my blog via email {look in upper right corner}

Giveaway ends August 16, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US only. This giveaway is for tickets only, no transportation to the park is included.

(Disclosure: I received tickets to bring my family to Santa’s Village and they have provided the tickets to giveaway.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Giveaways Tagged With: ,

How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular {Discount Code}

July 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR is coming to Chicago! It will be at the United Center this weekend. The first show is on Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 PM. Other showtimes are Friday, July 27 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, July 28 at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Sunday, July 29 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. All shows have free parking at official United Center parking lots for all performances.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR was created by DreamWorks Animation, producers of the Academy Award®-nominated film, How to Train Your Dragon, which opened as the #1 film in more than 30 countries, and Global Creatures, the masterminds behind the international phenomenon Walking with Dinosaurs, the #1-grossing world tour of 2010. 

The live production rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and heartfelt laughter into an original captivating story set in the mythical world of Vikings and wild dragons.  Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, it centers on Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers.  Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view.

Find more information about the show at www.dreamworksdragonslive.com.

Ticket Prices:

Tickets are on sale now and start at $26.50 plus applicable facility fees and service charges.

Discount Code:

Save 25% nationwide on select seats for weekday performances (including Fridays)

with code MOM on ticketmaster.com

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(Disclosure: I received a family pack of tickets to attend the show in exchange for posting about the show and sharing my honest opinions afterwards.)

Filed Under: Chicago, Events Tagged With: , , ,

Free Vision Screenings At The Taste Of Chicago

July 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Chicago is a beautiful city. I love walking along the lake and staring out into the water and watching as the boats bob up and down. I love walking down the streets and seeing all of the intricate details of the buildings as I peer up into the sky and see buildings disappear into the clouds. I love seeing nature in the city and walking among flowers in the various gardens that offer green space in between all of the brick and concrete. I love learning about history, science, and more at our many museums. If parking costs weren’t an issue I’d be bringing my children into the city every weekend to introduce them to everything Chicago has to offer. The few times they have been downtown they just stand in awe of the city, especially when they stand next to the skyscrapers!

Transitions Optical is hosting a sightseeing tour and will be listing the 10 top sightseeing spots in Chicago. You can check out their website in the coming weeks as they unveil their list. I’m interested to see if some of my favorites made the list. If I were making it I would include the Sears Tower {yes I know it has a new name but I refuse to call it anything other than it’s “real” name}, Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, Michigan Avenue, and the lakefront.

The Taste of Chicago is in town through the 15th and that brings a whole new variety of things to see. I love going to the Taste and trying new foods. I also love “people watching”. So many people crowded into one area makes for an interesting experience but it’s a lot of fun regardless of the crowds.

If you are headed to the Taste of Chicago make sure to look for the tent to get your vision screened compliments of Vision Works. I think it’s great that these screenings are being offered because I know that when we are all busy it’s not something we think to get done but getting your vision, and your children’s vision, tested is so important. You wouldn’t want to walk around the city of Chicago and not be able to see it’s beauty clearly!

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Learn more about Transitions Optical, the official sponsor of sightseeing at http://seemoresights.com/

Connect with Transitions Lenses on Facebook

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Ways to give back:

I wanted to share about My Eye Promise. According to Transitions Lenses, nearly 50 percent of vision loss can be prevented with an eye exam. If you make a promise to take care of your eyes, Transitions Optical will donate a brand new book to a mobile literacy initiative. Sounds like a win-win for everyone! Find out more details at myeyepromise.com.

There is also a  “Sight of the Day” photo contestwhere people can enter to win an amazing getaway. For every photo uploaded a quarter will be donated to Optometry Giving Sight.

(Disclosure: I received compensation to participate in a SocialMoms and Transitions Optical blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.)

Filed Under: Causes/ Charities, Chicago, Health Tagged With: , , , ,