Friday, July 29, 2011

Local.com

Local.com is a local search engine made up of a partnership of websites such as Citysearch.com, Yelp.com, Yellowpages.com, Superages.com.  Whether you're looking for places near your own neighborhood or searching for places at your next travel destination, a visit to just one site will provide you with information accumulated from all of those sites.

In my opinion it's far more useful than the local yellowpages,  because it provides reviews as well as directions to local restaurants, events, shops, and services in cities across the US.

By visiting Local.com, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Margie's Candies in Chicago was not only still around, but it continued to serve up the same yummy ice cream that I remember from my childhood.  They've been around forever and the ice cream creations are huge.  I can't wait to visit again and enjoy the delicious hot fudge.

Links were provided, opinions are my own.
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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Optimized Cable

I remember back a few years when we bought our HDTV the big box store sales person tried to sell us a very expensive cable to go with our new purchase.  Whynot and I politely told him no thank you.  I came home and searched online for a better deal.

I learned that HDMI has become the standard audio and video connection for high-definition home theater gear. I also read that gold plated connectors resist corrosion 100 times better then non-gold plated connectors.  Corrosion which may result in signal loss.

We found a much better deal on HDMI cable elsewhere and have been happy with our purchase.

Optimized Cable Company specializes in state-of-the-art home theater cables and accessories for hi-def plasma and LCD monitors, HD Blu-Ray and DVD players, stereo receivers, projectors and more.

The links were provided, the opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Thomas & Friends Sodor Search and Rescue

As summer starts to wind down you may be hearing the dreaded I'm bored, coming from your children.  Here on The Avenue we are not immune to it either.  TOF has given up naps and TC is still napping.  I hate to plop TOF in front of the TV for that two hours but it's hard to keep him quiet while his brother sleeps and playing outside really isn't an option.  It's been really hot here this summer and between heat and storms, we've spent a considerable amount of time indoors.

Today I could see the sad look on TOF's face as I put TC down for his nap.  We've already played every board game we have seventy eleven times and then Thomas came to our rescue!



 From the Mega Blocks Website:

Enter the world of Thomas and Friends with this great buildable playset from Mega Bloks! When trouble happens on the Island of Sodor, The Sodor Search and Rescue team is called in to help. With the help of Thomas, Harold's watchful eye stretches from Vicarstown to Knapford and everywhere in between, keeping things safe on The Island of Sodor. Build the Sodor Search and Rescue playset in any way you wish, building to new heights and winding lows as buildable Thomas and Harold characters patrol the area. Use the hardworking crane to load and unload new cargo, land Harold on the Helipad to give him a break between patrols and turn trains on the track switcher to get them going towards new adventures!

Thomas & Friends Sodor Search and Rescue ($29.99), for children ages 3 and up, available at Walmart, Target, Toys "R" Us and Amazon.com

Features:

  • Build and rebuild Sodor Search and Rescue the way you see it!
  • Literally take your builds and rebuilds high up into the Island of Sodor for a truly dynamic adventure!
  • Includes Thomas and Harold buildable characters
  • Included container doubles as a building platform for dynamic building possibilities and ensures pieces remain safe and secure when stored away
  • Includes different accessories like opening doors, track switcher and working crane - have a different Sodor Search and Rescue Adventure every time!
 What we thought:

Just like his uncles, TOF's loves to spend hours building with blocks and his frown turned upside down.  He quickly followed the directions and assembled the playset and characters.  With a little help from me, he applied the stickers and the adventures began.

There was an emergency on the Island of Sodor and Harold the helicopter had to help Thomas.  There was a fire and Thomas couldn't get across the track.  With help from the working crane, Harold airlifted Thomas over the fire and back to safety.  The fire department was called to extinguish the fire and everyone cheered for Harold.



TOF hardly even noticed the rain clouds rolling in again.

Be sure to sign up for Mega Blocks Family Club to print a $5 coupon as well as other exclusive offers and promotions, and articles on the benefits of contruction toys.

Disclaimer: We were sent the Mega Bloks toy for the purpose of review, all opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
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Ease the Stress of Moving

Moving can be so exciting and yet it is definitely one of the most stressful times in a person's life.  Just the thought of all those boxes and packing and unpacking, all while trying to keep up with your day to day routine might find you breaking out in hives and breathing into a paper bag.  Hiring a professional mover can make the whole process much easier.

If you're only moving across town, you can talk to your neighbors and friends about their experience with local movers.  They will be honest with you about what they liked and didn't like.  You can also check online to get local moving quotes.

If you're relocating to another state or perhaps across the country you can research long distance movers to compare their services.  Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees, so it's best to get a few moving estimates from different movers.

And above all else, breathe.  This is the beginning of a new adventure for you!

Disclaimer:  This was a paid post.
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Sam’s Club and Box Tops for Education Giveaway


As the hustle and bustle of back-to-school quickly approaches, Sam’s Club wants to remind you that it’s never too early to start collecting Box Tops. This year, Sam’s Club and Box Tops for Education can help you prepare for the fall when you shop their back-to-school event.

Earn more cash for your local school at Sam’s Club this August with the 6 Box Tops on a Pack promotion.

When you purchase participating Box Top items, you can collect even more Box Tops on some of your favorite General Mills brands such as Honey Nut Cheerios, Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, Totino’s Pizza Rolls, and more!

Sam’s Club has your favorite back to school items from computers to clothing, and at the best values.

Plan ahead and take advantage of the savings made simple at Sam’s Club. Your wallet - and your local school - will be thanking you! To learn more about Sam's Club visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

To help you out I have one $25 Sam’s Club gift card to give away.

To Enter:  Leave me a comment telling me which General Mills’ product you are most likely to purchase at Sam’s Club including an email for me to reach you at.

Contest runs through August 5th and the winner will be notified via email.

Disclosure: The Sam’s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.
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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Saturday Social Blog Hop

Grab a cup of joe and join the Saturday Social Blog Hop.






The rules are super easy, head over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, link up your blog and follow whoever you want to follow.  I'd really love it if you followed me on GFC before you left.  NO ADULT CONTENT....FAMILY FRIENDLY SITES ONLY.
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Friday, July 22, 2011

Welcome to My Garden

I took pictures of my garden so that the boys and I could look back at them in January when we had 25 thousand million feet of snow and remember it's beauty.

I thought I'd share it here with you so that you could admire as well.

Last year I really didn't have time for gardening, with TC still being a needy infant.  And my flower beds really suffered.  I wish I had taken before pictures, they were so over grown with weeds. I never thought I'd ever finish pulling weeds.  Whynot and I spent a few weekends clearing weeds, digging fresh trenches and spreading new mulch.  Even muh strappin boys were a big help in the yard.  They helped pick out flowers, drove back and forth to the store with me to buy mulch, they helped move rocks and plant some of the flowers.

Our hard work has really paid off and now every time I look outside I smile.

As you're watching the slide show, I'd like to mention that the stones for the borders were gathered when the ground was broken at the new hospice several years back.  Sadly, once construction was complete, my dear MIL was one of the first occupants.  I think of her so often and it makes me feel good knowing her connection to those stones.  That beautiful petunia on the cover is from Proven Winners and IMO is the best swag I received last Saturday at the BBSummit11.  I purchase Proven Winners whenever I can, because they are hardier plants and do really well with little or no pampering.  The 10 gallon crock that holds the mandevilla on my front stoop is a garage sale find.  I paid a whopping $1 for it.  I love those kinds of garage sale finds!  The galvanized buckets I snatched from a neighbors garbage pile one day.  It's true what they say, "One woman's trash is another woman's treasure."

Enjoy the slideshow!

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We have one more project I'd like to conquer and that's a stone fire pit.  Well that and a shed, but Whynot is not too receptive of the shed idea.  Anyone want to come help me with it? 

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Hot Water Heaters Need Love Too!

Every fan of the splashy, cheery fare on HGTV knows that a few brightly painted walls, some throw-pillows and a granite countertop or two can make a home look brand new. But what about the unsung heroes of your home: the furnace and the hot water heater. If your system is past its prime, you may want to call your Chicago appliance removal specialist, as an outdated hot water heater or furnace could spell disaster.

A new hot water heater costs less than repainting a basement but could save you thousands in future headaches. With a lifespan of 8-10 years, its not a labor-intensive job. A few simple attachments and your new hot water heater will prevent floods, leaks and cold showers for years to come. But if your water heater starts to leak, it won't stop. Make sure you are cognizant of the age of these systems before you buy a home as one small leak could leave you with a call to the appliance removal company and a big, new bill.

The furnace only needs to be replaced every 20-25 years but, without proper maintenance, it may need parts work like a new chimney, new filters or a new fan belt. Each winter, the local heating company should inspect your furnace to ensure all parts are working as normal, ventilation remains clear and the chimney has not been corroded or damaged. If you need to have parts hauled away, don't hesitate to call a Chicago appliance removal team.

Chicago is known for a lot of things: deep dish pizza, blues music, Mike Ditka and freezing cold winters. The last thing you want to take a chance with is your heating systems. Don't put it off any longer.

Disclaimer:  This was a paid guest post.
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Thursday, July 21, 2011

An Urgent Update Regarding Mr Rooter

Take a room full of 100+ women at the BBSummit11 and it's easy to see why Mr. Rooter was such a big hit.

He was attentive and extremely entertaining.

He was every bit a gentleman when he accompanied a few unescorted ladies on a little sight seeing tour of Chicago, during an afternoon break.


Here he is with Kris Cain, Sidney and myself, in awe of Chicago's latest attraction, a larger than life statue of Marilyn Monroe


Being a wedding crasher.


Helping Sidney and myself conquer our fear of bridges.


Mr. Rooter had to be discouraged from hopping aboard this fancy bus.


If you look very closely, you can see his reflection in The Bean.


Admiring a beautiful Chicago sunset, high atop the John Hancock Observatory.

It was all so exciting and wonderful.  When it was over, Mr. Rooter came home with me and then, due to an untimely encounter with Bella's jaws, he was forced into early retirement.  I hope he has a good disability plan.


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I Do Love Me Some Wall Tile

When we moved from our crowded 2 bedroom 900 square foot condo to our cozy home here on The Avenue, it was our intent to upgrade to something larger within a short time.  Here we are almost 18 years later and now, as empty nesters, there is really no point for us to move to something bigger.

I remember when we moved in how excited I was to be decorating my kitchen with wallpaper.  Well, now wallpaper is so 1993.  I would love to replace the wallpaper with a mosaic tile backsplash.

I just can't seem to make up my mind whether to use a metal mosaic wall tile that features a large brick pattern which can be mounted vertically or horizontally depending on the effect I want to achieve.  Or, do I want to be a little more bold and choose glass mosaic tiles which are available in a limitless range of colors, hues, textures, shapes and thicknesses.

Oh the decisions!  What's your opinion?

Disclaimer:  This was a paid post.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

National Lollypop Day

Celebrate National Lollypop Day with See’s Candies! Stop by a See's shop today (Wed July 20th) for a FREE lollypop!

See's Lollypop is gourmet candy-on-a-stick that's fun to eat, lasts longer than regular chocolates and is every bit as rich and tasty. Candy fanciers of all ages love these unique square lollypops made from heavy cream, butter, and flavors of real vanilla, Colombian coffee, smooth chocolate and rich butterscotch.

Plus, be sure to enter the National Lollypop Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP Tour of the See's San Francisco Lollypop and Chocolate Factories (includes tour and roundtrip airfare for two from within the 50 States to San Francisco and 4 nights hotel accommodation in downtown San Francisco).  Or win a First Prize of one of ten $50 See's Gift Cards.

Don't miss this special one day lollypop tasting event!

Disclaimer:  This was a paid post.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Credit Card Debt

Stand up, turn around, and leave now if you have no credit card debt.  Boy do I know how to clear a room!  Am I the only one with a hefty credit card balance?  Oh wait I see someone wayyy back there.  Hello!  Don't be shy come closer.  It's OK.  I have good news for people like us.

You can consolidate debt with sensible balance transfers.  Balance transfer credit card offers are designed to help people consolidate their credit card debt onto one card, thus saving money on interest charges. Some credit cards offers might even feature a low introductory 0% APR interest rate on credit card balance transfers for a limited time.

Use this handy balance transfer tool to see just how much money you can save.  Then search through the offers to determine which credit card is best for you.  Finally, apply for the credit card of your choice by filling out a secure online application.

Disclaimer:  This is a paid post and is merely a suggestion on ways to lessen your credit card debt.  Consult your financial adviser for more information or to ask if a plan like this would benefit you.
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affiliate network

Blue Global Media is an affiliate network that specializes in financial products like loans and credit reports.  An affiliate network makes it easy for website publishers of all sizes to connect with quality advertisers and earn more revenue.  Publishers can find top retail brands and get access to offers and promotions. So basically, an affiliate network acts as a mediator between publishers and merchant programs. It allows website publishers to easily find and participate in affiliate programs which are a good match for their website and allows websites offering affiliate programs to reach a larger audience by promoting their programs to all of the publishers participating in the network.

Website Publishers are generally able to join affiliate networks for free, whereas there is generally a fee for merchants to participate. Traditional affiliate networks might charge an initial setup fee and/or a recurring membership fee. It is also common for affiliate networks to charge merchants a percentage of the commissions paid to affiliates.

If you’re interesting in joining a payday affiliate program, Blue Global Media has the tools and expertise you need to maximize your earnings.  They specialize in payday loans and know what it takes to succeed.

Disclaimer:  This was a paid post.
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Late Night Randomness

Welcome to Late Night Randomness, with your host Megryansmom! Guests today include...well there are no guests, because everyone in their right mind is sound asleep at 2:15 am. Everyone in their right mind being only the left handed folks. Because Whynot is left handed and he is...ASLEEP.  The dogs must be left handed too...because they are...ASLEEP!  Therefore I conclude that you are a) right handed or b) you are reading later in the day.

Now on with the randomness:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Right now I feel like I'm living that Twilight Zone episode where the world keeps getting hotter and hotter.

Costco or Sam's Club?

Speaking of which, do they offer those buffet lunches only on the weekends?  I was thinking of taking the boys later today.

Please accept my apologies for all the paid posts, the credit card bill for all the stuff I've been buying at Menard's is due this week.  If anyone is willing to throw cash my way, who am I to say no thank you?

I had a whole bunch of randomness in my head as I tossed and turned, some of it must have fallen out as I walked down the stairs.

Speaking of tossing and turning, why does Whynot's breathing sound so damn loud when I'm laying awake next to him?  It's not snoring, just loud obnoxious breathing.  The kind that before I was medicated would leave me with a strong desire to a) punch him in the ribs and/or b) cover his head with a pillow.

That same medication that takes away the urge to seriously hurt someone makes me have bat $hit crazy dreams.  For example, I had this dream the other night about giving birth to triplets...we named them Thomas and Olivia.  Did you catch that?  Two names for triplets.  Thomas and Olivia.  Someone has been watching too much kids' TV!

Seriously, where the heck is all that stuff that I was convinced would make a great blog post?

Now my friend Tracey, she's got a great blog post up today.  It's an inside look at what Mommy Bloggers really do at a conference. Go over there and check it out!

Disclaimer:  This was not a paid post.
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Monday, July 18, 2011

Custom Scrubs

Have you ever had the experience of stepping into a medical professional office and seeing some very unprofessional attire? 

Recently all the employees in my dentist's office began wearing the same colored custom scrubs and it really does make the staff look more professional.  Everything that should be covered is and I imagine that the scrubs are as comfortable as being in pajamas all day.

If your job requires you to wear scrubs (lucky you) check out  http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/  they are a great choice if you are a nurse, doctor, or anyone in the field of medicine or beyond.

Disclaimer:  This is a paid post
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Home Security

What if you're sitting at home, all alone, watching  DirectTV and you hear strange noises outside your home?  Heavy footsteps and then the sound of breaking glass.  There's an intruder forcing their way through your door.

A home security system from Home Security Semmes can help protect you and your family 24/7, and it's more affordable than you think.

Through a network of interconnected Monitoring Centers with trained professionals who monitor your home 24/7. 'Always There' technical and customer support will keep your system up and running. They help you protect your home and family and give you peace of mind.

There is absolutely no obligation in scheduling a security evaluation - just a lot of valuable security information.
So why not call now and find out the peace of mind and sense of safety an ADT Monitored Security System can bring to your family!

Disclaimer:  This was a paid post.
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Saturday, July 16, 2011

#BBsummit11

Have you ever been so excited about something that you couldn't sleep?

Yeah, me neither.

Snort.

I tossed and turned since 1am.

Got up to pee at 3:15.

Whynot must be excited for me too, he tossed and turned and groaned when I got out of bed.

Gracy is sleeping upside down on her back.

When she does that, her one jowls flips up and makes THE most annoying snapping sound.

Who can sleep through all that?

I can't turn my brain off.

I am so excited to be attending the Midwest Moms Media Brands & Bloggers Summit! ( on Twitter)

Got my ticket printed, camera and not so smart phone all charged.  Business cards a plenty.

Old school pen and paper.  Is it bad that I don't even know if my laptop has wi-fi?  Is it bad that I don't even know how to check that?

I can't turn my brain off!

So much running through my mind.

I think I have everything I need.  Big smile..CHECK  Carmex...CHECK  Check check and double check.

And that party crasher Aunt Flo, who's coming without a ticket.....I hope the b@%&h comes down with Legionnaires' disease
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Friday, July 15, 2011

Enjoying our whale watching boat ride

Guest post written by Tim Clarkson

One of the best parts of going on vacation is trying things out that you never would in your normal life. It's not a big deal if you try something out and end up not liking it. It's not like anyone's going to force you to try it again next week because you'll be back at home then. Well, I never even considered going whale watching before. I didn't care about seeing whales and I didn't think that I ever would. But I thought that I was on vacation and I could try out something different for a change. So that's exactly what I worked on doing.

Before we left to go on vacation, I did a little bit of research on some other attractions in the area where we stayed. As I was looking up some information, I ran across the website http://hearingaids.miracle-ear.com/hearing-locations/north-carolina/g/greensboro/. After I looked through it a little bit I decided to go in for a hearing test. So I did that afterwards I got fitted with some hearing aids.

I thought since I tried that out as a new thing, I could try out some new things on my vacation too. That's how I ended up whale watching, which I'm surprised to say that I really enjoyed.

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post.
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Sunny Patch Sand Toys Review and Giveaway

I've always said that you can't be too rich, nor too thin, and that you can't have too many sand box toys.  Especially when the sand toys are as adorable as the new Sunny Patch line from Melissa and Doug.  If that name sounds familiar to you, it's because it's a series of children's books by David Kirk, adapted to a Nick Jr children's television show called Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends .


I was very impressed by the sturdy construction of these sand toys, they should stand up very well to the rough and rugged play of TOF and TC.  The boys had a great time 'cooking' sand treats and 'baking' sand cupcakes.  

The 7 piece baking set has a whisk, spoon and nesting measuring cups that store neatly in the pot and the lid is sifter.  The 12 piece cupcake set comes with 4 cupcake molds and 4 cupcake toppers in a tray, an icing tool, and a cupcake molder.  The entire set stores neatly in the included mesh bag.  The 5 piece sand-molding set includes a brightly colored turtle, goldfish, crab, starfish and seahorse that nest for easy storage.  The pail and shovel are equally lovable with their animated faces.

The three of us gave these toys 6 thumbs up!
      
Melissa and Doug want to make your summer more fun with a prize pack of Sunny Patch Sand Play sets.

To Enter: Visit the Melissa and Doug website and tell me which other Sunny Patch Sand Play set not listed above you would love to take along to the beach with you.

For Additional Entries:  Subscribe to me RSS feed

Sign up for the Treasured Toy and Birthday Club to receive exclusive offers

Like Melissa and Doug on Facebook

Follow Melissa and Doug on Twitter

Like Look it's Megryansmom on Facebook

Follow Megryansmom on Twitter

Leave a separate comment for each entry.


This contest ends July 29th and the winner will be notified via email so be sure to leave one in your comment.

Disclaimer:  I received the Sunny Patch play sets pictured above for the purpose of reviewing them.  I received no other compensation and my opinions were not influenced by anyone.
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Thursday, July 14, 2011

NETworks Presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast


The romantic Broadway musical for all generations, NETworks presentation of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, returns to Chicago! Based on the Academy Award- winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide.

Hey GlitterGurl, do you want to go see Beauty and the Beast with me?

Momba, don't we have it on video?

No, not the movie, the musical!  Downtown.

For real?

Yup, I have 2 tickets.

And so GlitterGurl and I headed to the big city to see our very first ever Broadway musical, where we were wisked away to a French town where the love story of Belle and the Beast unfolded before us.

The music, conducted by Carolyn Viola, whom we had the pleasure of meeting after the performance, was spectacular.  I found myself humming and singing along to the very familiar tunes.  The action was lively and colorful and left us both smiling the way a beautifully told fairy tale should. This is definitely a show that the whole family will love.

Hailed by the Chicago SunTimes as “warm and winning performances, a tuneful score, and real heart,” the classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!

The production will continue at The Ford Center for Performing Arts,Oriental Theatre located at 24 W. Randolph Street through August 7th.

Ticket prices are $18 to $85.

To purchase your tickets visit any of the Broadway in Chicago Theater box offices, call the Broadway In Chicago Ticket line 800-775-2000, visit any Ticketmaster outlet or online visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to the production, all opinions are my own and I received no other compensation.
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Spot Gold

Of all the precious metals, gold is the most popular as an investment. Investors generally buy gold as a hedge or harbor against economic crises.

Like most commodities, the price of gold is driven by supply and demand as well as speculation.  It is generally accepted that interest rates are closely related to the price of gold. As interest rates rise, the general tendency is for the gold price to fall, and as rates dip, for gold price to rise.

Gold has survived every economy history has ever witnessed, and preserved investors’ purchasing power over a span of some 5000 years.


Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post brought to you by your friends at Gold Coins Again, where you can learn more about gold prices and spot gold.
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

On the 4th of July we left J-town and drove for what seemed like eleventy-seven hours to Whynot's niece's home in Caledonia.  She lives on a hill, next to cows, in a cozy log cabin with acres and acres of land and one amazing play set for the kiddos that I sadly did not take a picture of.


A rare picture of Whynot  and me.


My motley crew.  Obviously someone forgot to tell Durwood the dress code of the day.
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Bébé Paluzza-Chicago



Bébé Paluzza, the largest Maternity, Baby and Toddler Show in the USA is coming to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. This family event will showcase some of the best maternity, baby and toddler exhibitors such as BUY BUY BABY, Costco, Language Stars, Mabel’s Labels, Miracle Cord, My Gofer and many more. Parents, grandparents and caregivers can expect live entertainment, expert speakers, and activities for the little ones. Eddie and Jobo of K-Hits 104.3 will be hosting Bébé Boogie, a dance party for toddlers on Saturday, so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Tickets to the event are $10 each and include all-day access!

WHERE: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Dr. Schaumburg, IL 60173

WHEN: Saturday July 30, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2011, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

I just happen to have 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway to two lucky winners. Tickets will be held at will call for the winners.

To Enter:

Tweet this: “I want to win tickets to #BebeFaire #Chicago from @Megryansmom and @Bebe_Paluzza!” and leave me a link to your tweet.

No Twitter? No Problem! Just leave me a comment telling me you want to win!

Be sure to leave a valid email address so I can contact you.

Visit the Bebe Paluzza website to purchase tickets and be sure to check them out on Facebook for more information.

Disclosure: Winner will be chosen via Random.org on July 18th, and notified by email. Must be 18 years of age and a Chicago area Resident.  I was provided tickets to attend Bebe Paluzza and also tickets to facilitate this giveaway.  I received no other compensation.
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Friday, July 8, 2011

Parents Magazine for Just $4!

Purex is partnering with Parents Magazine to offer a one year subscription for only $4.  That is only 33 cents an issue!  Click on the magazine cover to order and enter the code PX0493.

Offer valid July 8th until midnight PST on July 22nd.

Disclaimer:  I was entered into a contest by posting this information.  I received no compensation.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Adventures of Pinocchio Ticket Giveaway

Next week, Chicago Shakespeare Theater continues its commitment to the development of new musicals with the world premiere of the family musical, The Adventures of Pinocchio.

The traditional Italian story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy springs to life with inventive and awe-inspiring puppetry, transforming CST's Courtyard Theater into a larger-than-life, European marionette stage. Carved out of wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio tumbles from one disastrous situation to another in search of adventure-only to discover that, in the end, all he really needs is an unselfish heart and the love of his father.


 Commissioned by Chicago Shakespeare, Neil Bartram (music/lyrics) and Brian Hill (book) have created an inventive puppet-infused family musical based on Carlo Collodi's classic tale.  The production is directed by Rachel Rockwell, who returns to Chicago Shakespeare after staging the CST-commissioned world premiere family musical The Emperor's New Clothes last summer. This CST Family musical illuminates the bond between parents and children in a magical performance that is sure to enchant audiences of all ages!

The show runs from July 13 to August 28, 2011.  Tickets are $18–$25, with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% parking discount at Navy Pier garages. TOF and I already have our tickets in hand, and we'll be attending on Sunday July 17th.  To purchase your tickets for The Adventures of Pinocchio in CST's Courtyard Theater contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Now here's the best part...one lucky winner will receive a family 4 pack of tickets to see the performance of your choice!  Just leave me a comment telling me about a whopper of a lie (or just a little white lie) you told someone or perhaps someone told you.

This contest runs through Wednesday July 20th and the winner will be notified by email, so be sure to leave one in your comment.

Disclaimer:  I received tickets for my family and also a Family 4pack of tickets to facilitate this giveaway.
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