Fifth Annual 'Be My Valentine' Family Event

Cupid will fill your hearts once again with the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 5th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event on Sunday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, 160 East Pearson St.

The fun-filled event features a scrumptious family brunch buffet, Valentine’s activities for children and special concert by award-winning children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting up the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events, providing DJ’d entertainment and dancing, and there will be a special performance by PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL, currently playing at the Broadway Playhouse through spring.

Other activities include an appearance from the Chicago Wolves mascot “Skates,” make-over’s from Sweet and Sassy and Sweet Mandy B's cookie decorating. Guests will also have a chance to win fabulous prizes from the silent auction and raffle!

The Be My Valentine Family Event is co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers; all proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets are $85 for adults and $55 for children in advance; and $100 for adults and $70 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or by calling 312-926-7133.

About the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF)
In 1985, the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation was founded in memory of Lynn Sage, who died of breast cancer at the age of 39. Lynn's ability to endure a six-year struggle with her spirit and dignity intact inspired 18 family members and close friends to establish a foundation to help others battling breast cancer. In the last 26 years, the Foundation has raised more than $27 million, and the original group of 18 has grown to 98 members serving on three boards.

Girl's Night Out - 2nd Annual #GoRed for Women Event

WBBM Newsradio, K-HITS, and B96 and Sassy Moms in the City are teaming up to celebrate the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement on Wednesday, February 29, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Alhambra Palace Restaurant, located at 1240 West Randolph Street in Chicago.

The second annual “Girls Night Out –Go Red for Women” event, hosted by some of Chicago’s most fabulous personalities, features a red carpet, Be Bold Go Red Spring 2012 fashion show, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, shopping, complimentary beauty services, over $2,000 in raffle prizes, swag bag and more!

VIP Tickets are $30 and available online, via email sassymoms@metromeg.com or by calling 800-320-2289 x1. Ticket proceeds benefit the American Heart Association Go Red for Women initiatives.

In addition, Sassy Moms in the City is asking attendees to bring a gently worn handbag or professional shoes to help support Dress for Success, a not for profit dedicated to providing career development to low-income Chicagoland women and those who donate will receive a complimentary raffle ticket. Donations will be accepted from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm at Alhambra Palace.

Disclaimer:  I will receive complimentary admission to the event for sharing this information with my readers.

Love, Love Love Monday!

I'm loving this Monday so far.  So much better than Friday or Sunday morning.  Not sure if it's the sunshine or the drugs.  I cleaned the dog run, took the garbage out, made a huge pot of chicken soup for dinner...wow I guess that really isn't that much is it?  Oh well.  Oh yeah, I read the paper and came across this lovely couple.  And just for the record, so that you all don't think I'm being deceptive and mistakenly assume anything, I am not related to these people, although I did once know a couple named Jim and Mary, but they have both since passed away.  I just thought it was a cute story and wanted to share.

Happy Anniversary Jim and Mary!  God Bless You!

By Jaime Angio For Sun-Times Media January 29, 2012 9:46PM

A chance meeting in June of 1941 paved the way of a life spent together for James and Mary McTague.

The 93-year-old couple celebrated 70 years of marriage on Sunday with over fifty friends and family members at the Timbers of Shorewood Assisted Living Center in Shorewood, where they live.

Mary remembers that day in June, like it was yesterday. It was at her sister Edna’s wedding, when she met then 22-year-old James McTague.

The best man was unable to make it to the ceremony, so McTague stepped in, and Mary took notice.

“Oh, I thought he was pretty good looking,” she said. They started dating shortly after that. McTague would write her letters during the week, and on the weekends, he went to Chicago to pick Mary up from her job at a jewelry store on Michigan Avenue and brought her back home to Joliet to spend time together.

McTague courted Mary by taking her out for dinners and dancing. He then planned a memorable date, that would end up solidifying the direction they were heading.

“He told me was going to take me up in an airplane,” she said. “I told him I wasn’t sure I wanted to go, but I didn’t resist, I felt safe with him.”

Mary and James headed to the Joliet airport, where they boarded a Cub plane for a ride in the sky. Shortly after that, the couple became engaged and were married 6 months later. They would have married sooner however, but the couple postponed their original wedding plans following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

They didn’t wait too long. The McTague’s were married on Jan. 31, 1942 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond’s Nonnatus Church in Joliet.

The couple moved into an apartment. McTague worked for Joliet Arsenal and Mary became a homemaker. They started a family, and after five children, the couple needed more living space.

The McTague’s family doctor loaned them $3500 to buy land and build a house. They took residence on Kelly Avenue in Joliet, where they went on to raise five more children.

The couple now have 57 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

With 70 years of marriage together, Mary McTague said what kept them going all the years, was the act of forgiveness and that James was always husband material.

“He just made for a really good husband,” she said. “I felt real secure with him and he took care of me and our family and we’re always forgiving of one another.”

Champions for Kids Abbott Nutrition – My Donation #AbbottCFK #CBias

I was selected to work with Champions for Kids, to create an Abbott themed Snack Pack and then to choose an organization in need to donate the package to.  You can read more details about the service project in my first post here.

I immediately thought of  my local homeless shelter the Daybreak Center.  Daybreak operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides emergency housing and support services to individuals and families who are homeless.

I put together some items purchased at my local Walmart and headed to Daybreak to deliver.

There I met with case manager, Monique Pryor, who was grateful for my donation. She was also happy to answer my questions and give me a quick tour of the shelter.  According to Monique, the shelter is able to provide temporary housing for 60 men, 40 single women and 20 women with children.  The men and single women sleep on mattresses on the floor, dorm style for up to 90 days.  The women and children are housed in a separate area with bunk beds and pack and plays.  The residents are all provided 3 meals a day, which include a continental breakfast and a hot lunch.  Daybreak is also instrumental in feeding members of the community who are hungry and unable to provide for themselves by offering a mid-day meal to approximately 100 people daily. These services are provided to them at no cost, through donations to Catholic Charities of Will County.  Hot dinner is served nightly to shelter residents and that is provided by different area churches.  During their stay at the shelter, residents are encouraged to attend life skill classes and utilize the services of an employment coordinator.

Ninety cents of every dollar donated goes directly to client services and only 10 cents is used for administrative costs.  The Daybreak Center currently employs 20 and relies heavily on volunteers.  In addition to food items, the greatest need is for men's and women's clothing in size 3X and any children's clothing.  For more information on volunteering in the Will County area please contact Marianne Holzhauer at 815-744-4663 ext 3105.

I've added a few more photos on Google+.

Disclaimer:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own.

Hacked and Attacked in the Course of Three Days

Hello Readers!

My computer was hacked on Friday and I've been trying to piece things together on a new laptop.  If you're waiting for a response from me, PLEASE email me to remind me, preferably with the original email attached.

Then as if things couldn't suck anymore, I was attacked in an email early this morning.  I will not be going into the ugly details here, but it wasn't very nice and really had nothing to do with anything other than people can be such douche bags!

For the record, I love my children and am so very proud of them, even if we don't see eye to eye.  I am in no way, shape, or form embarrassed by or ashamed of them. 

So to all the trolling douche bags looking for something where there is nothing...

To the rest of you,

Love you bunches!

Megryansmom

Valentine’s Day Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies Giveaway

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to show those who are near and dear just how much you care with a treat straight from the heart and fresh from the oven! New Valentine’s Day Pillsbury® Ready to Bake!™ Shape® Cookies will fill your home with love and now the magic of Disney®. Whether you bake these cookies for, or with your loved ones, Pillsbury Ready to Bake Shape Cookies are perfect for bringing those you love most together on Valentine’s Day!

Quick and convenient, Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies are ready to enjoy in 8-10 minutes and can be found at your local grocer.

Celebrate the holiday with your family’s favorite Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Disney Princesses Belle, Cinderella and Tiana

Bake your way into your family’s hearts this February with new Valentine’s Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies. To spread the love even further, you can visit this link to download a printable coupon for $1.10 off of the purchase of (1) package of Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies today!

Enter below to win this awesome prize pack

White Out

After the SOPA black out earlier this week, it's only fair that white get's sometime in the spotlight.  So here you go...

A whiteout

Champions for Kids Abbott Nutrition Pack A Snack ( #AbbottCFK #CBias )

Did you know that more than 16 million children under the age of eighteen in the United States do not have access to nutritious food? And that 3 million of those children are under the age of five?

According to the statistics for my school district alone, 36% of the children live below the poverty level and for the state the number increases to near 50%. That's a lot of families in my community that may be struggling to put healthy food on the table.

I'm very proud to partner again with Champions for Kids for this months service project, Abbott Nutrition Pack a Snack.

With the help of Abbott Labs, I'm going to make a difference in my community by following these three easy steps:

LEARN about the hunger needs of children in your community

GATHER your family, friends, and co-workers and ask them to donate nutritional foods such as  Pediasure®, Pediasure SideKicks®, and ZonePerfect® bars.

GIVE the nutritious food an organization in your community that is in need of these items.

Won't you consider doing the same in your community?  It won't take much of your time.  Just grab an extra item or two at the grocery store to donate to children in need and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.  Drop the collected items off at your nearest food pantry and pat yourself on the back for doing a good deed..

Check back to see the items I've purchased and where I've donated them.

Disclaimer:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own.

Disney On Ice - Dare to Dream

 Coming Soon!

Allstate Arena

January 25-29, 2012

United Center

February 1-12, 2012

Get 4 tickets for $44 on weekday shows -- or Save $4 on weekend shows with code MOM. 

 Disclaimer:  Images provide by Feld.  My family will receive tickets to attend the opening night performance.

*Weekday shows include any performance Monday through Thursday. Weekend shows included any performance Friday through Sunday

Potty Training Made Easy with Milk-Bone® - #ILoveMyk9 #CBias

So Santa dropped off an adorable little fur ball at your house and now you're scratching your head, wondering how on Earth are you going to train this pup to be a happy, healthy, well adjusted and well mannered, potty trained dog.  Luckily, you've stumbled upon this post and I the seasoned pet owner am able to give you a few tips to make your job a little easier.

First thing to do is take a big ole swig of patience.  Accidents are going to happen and constantly scolding your pup will make her nervous.  Instead, praise good behavior.  Pet her, tell her she's a good girl and reward her with a healthy treat such as Milk-Bone® dog treats.  Every. single. time.

It wasn't always the case, but now I am a firm believer in crate training.  My first 3 puppies were not crate trained and then the next 4 were.  Using the crate made potty training much easier.  But let me first dispel the myth that dogs will not soil where they sleep.  Puppies pee and poop everywhere.  That said, I'd much rather wash a crate tray, a few towels and a puppy, than purchase new carpeting or couches.

What worked for us was to only let the puppy out of her crate to pee and poop at first.  We did this every hour during the day, a few times at night, as well as immediately after meals.  Woke the puppy up, carried her outside, plopped her in the grass and waited.  And waited some more.  When she was successful, we praised and petted, socialized, and returned her to her crate with a Milk-Bone® treat to enjoy.  If she was not successful, there was no treat waiting in her crate.  After a few days we extended the time between letting her outside as well as the length of time we would play with her before returning her to her crate.  Using this method shortened the potty training for us, but keep in mind each puppy is different and your results may not be the same.

Whatever you do don't confine your puppy to a crate for long periods of time without any attention.  Dogs are very social animals and need companionship.  A responsible pet owner will take good care of their puppy by showering her with lots of love and affection which includes feeding her healthy food and snacks, consistent obedience training and of course having your pet spayed or neutered.

As a result, you will have a faithful companion for many years.

I've put together this gift package filled with Milk-Bone® Treats, Pup-Peroni dog snacks and Milo’s Kitchen home style dog treats for make it easy for Penny's family to reward their new baby with tasty, healthy snacks.  I've also added a few fun toys as well a nail clipper.  Clipping your dogs nails is important to good health too and doing it at home can save you money you can use on other dog necessities.

Now for this cold to go away and the weather to let up, so that Bella, Gracy and I can go for a visit. 

For more shoppertunity photos, please stop by my Google + story and click here to read my 1st Milk-Bone® #CBias #iLoveMyK9 blog post.

Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions and photos are my own. #CBias #ILoveMyk9

Re Purpose Your Parmesan Cheese Shaker with Pinterest

My name is Rita and I am a Pinterest addict.

No worries, I don't need pintervention.

I enjoy being hooked on Pinterest.

In addition to being a huge time suck for when I'm bored, I've found many useful ideas.  I've found recipe ideas that I'll never prepare, crafts I'll never make and jewelry I can't afford.  I've even re pinned some great organizing ideas for when I have the urge to get organized.  Every once in a while, I re pin something for the kids that I actually follow through with.

Today I've re purposed a parmesan cheese shaker into a fun fine motor skill activity for TC.

Look at that determination, he is so focused.

The cheese shaker was a $1 store find and I had the spaghetti in my pantry.  You could even use toothpicks (with supervision) or rice for a more challenging activity.

Do you follow me on Pinterest?  Click the button at the top of my sidebar, I'd love to follow you back.

*Original idea can be found at Quirky Momma

General Mills Whole Grain Cereal Giveaway

Ringing in the New Year often means new eating habits.

Did you know whole grain is important to you, and the Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing products with a whole grain listed as the first ingredient?

Now every cereal with the white check has more whole grain than any other single ingredient with the same great taste. You will see “whole grain” as a part of the first ingredient on the ingredient list, indicating that whole grain is the first and most prevalent ingredient.

To help with choosing products with whole grain, General Mills developed “Fast Lane for Whole Grain,” an online educational game. Consumers can navigate virtual grocery store aisles and identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient, with the option to enter a sweepstakes to win one of each of the 50 cereals with the white check*.

Make a commitment to add more whole grain to your diet by simply pouring a bowl of cereal with the white check including Cheerios®, Lucky Charms®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch®, Honey Nut Cheerios® and Total®.

Giveaway:
Enter to win 5 boxes of General Mills cereal with the white check.  This is the 1st time I'm using Rafflecopter and it's being wonky. Scroll down and hit read more to get the full post with the Rafflecoter entry form.  Sorry!  If anyone knows how to fix that, give a holler.

Walgreens Pharmacy Customers Take Note

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Negotiations between Walgreens and Express Script for a new contract were unsuccessful.  Effective January 1, 2012, Walgreens pharmacies nationwide are no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network.
As a result, patients are finding themselves forced to not only change their pharmacists, but are also inconvenienced by having to drive further and adjust to less convenient hours in their already hectic schedules.  This disruption was not necessary and patients are not seeing a lower cost in exchange for the hassle they have to go through to get a prescription filled.  In fact, costs may even go up without Walgreens competitive pricing.

Many patients have used Walgreens pharmacies for years and have a personal relationship with their Walgreens pharmacist. So Walgreens is making every effort to make this transition as smooth as possible for patients who choose to leave in order to use their insurance coverage.
This does not apply to all patients.  Check the back of your insurance card, if it says Express Scripts, then you may be affected. Of course you can also check with your Walgreens pharmacist to find out for sure.
Walgreens is also offering a special discount on annual membership for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. During a special January promotion, an individual can join for only $5, or $10 will cover your entire family.  Included with the plan are savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. And than 400 generics are available  for less than $1 a week.
Support them by following Walgreens on Twitter as well as liking Walgreens on Facebook.

Introduce Your Kids to Some Great Chicago Theater

The next few months are going to be very exciting for young Chicago audiences and their families.  Taking the boys to live theater productions has been such a fantastic experience for all of us.  Theater brings a story to life in a way that nothing can else and the lessons continue long after the curtain goes down.  The action on stage is so vivid that children tend to remember the story better.

A few recommendations for you:

Emerald City Theatre continues its 16th season with the opening of Snow White as Performed by Professor TJ Barker's Troupe of Theatricals written and directed by Producing Artistic Director Ernie Nolan. Playing at the Apollo Theater, located at 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., from January 21-May 20, 2012  Tickets start at $13 for kids and $16 for adults.  Purchase tickets online.

Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves: The Magic of Shakespeare runs ONE WEEKEND ONLY.  Saturday and Sunday, January 21 & 22 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier.  Featuring The Chicago Chamber Musicians and CST actors, this hour long musical is a journey through Shakespeare's most magical stories.  Enter to win tickets here or purchase online here.

Named one of the 10 most anticipated theatrical events of the season by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Children's Theatre presents The Houdini Box.  Based on the children’s book “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” by Brian Selznick this brand-new musical tells the story of a boy who receives a mysterious box that may unlock the secrets of Harry Houdini.  Playing January 24th - March 4th at The Mercury Theater located at  3745 N. Southport Avenue.  Save 15% on early-bird tickets until January 15th.

Another not terrible nor horrible production at Emerald City Theatre Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day will explore how families can practice fairness, particularly when unfair things sometimes happen. Coming to the Apollo Theatre, located at 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., on February 18 through June 17, 2012.  Tickets starting at $13 for kids and $16 for adults can be purchased here.

One last fun filled family event that we're looking forward to this month is the hilarious hair-raising escapade, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream.  Coming to the Allstate Arena, Wednesday, January 25th through Sunday, January 29th and the United Center from Wednesday, February 1st through Sunday, February 12th. Get 4 tickets for $44 on Weekday Shows or Save $4 on weekend shows with code MOM when you visit Ticketmaster through this link http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/rz25sx or enter to win tickets here.

Disclaimer:  My family received tickets for the above mentioned performances.  All opinions remain my own.

Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater

For one weekend only, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present the enchanting show Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves: The Magic of Shakespeare and I've got your free tickets right here.

This hour-long musical journey through Shakespeare's most magical stories, featuring The Chicago Chamber Musicians and CST actors, gives children the opportunity to discover, up close, the excitement of a live performance.  Young and old will delight in this interactive combination of theater and classical music.

Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves: The Magic of Shakespeare runs ONE WEEKEND ONLY.  Saturday and Sunday, January 21 & 22 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Plus, at 11:00 a.m. on both days, performers are available for autographs and pictures in the lobby, while young musicians demonstrate and answer questions about their instruments.

I've had the pleasure of attending performances at The Chicago Shakepeare Theater and if you go, I guarantee you'll love it. The theater is child friendly and each seat provides a great view of the action.

Tickets are only $15 for children 12 and under and $18 for adults. The show is recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Today is your lucky Friday the 13th!  You can win a family 4 pack of tickets good for any performance by leaving a comment telling me you'd like to go.  Please include your email address so I can easily get in touch with you.  Contest ends Sunday January 15 and the winner will be notified by email.

Disclaimer:  CST provided the tickets for this giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

*CST patrons save 40% on parking at Navy Pier!

Begin Shopping Your Way

I'm sure you've done a little online shopping at one time or another.  I certainly have.  I often find myself frustrated with websites that don't offer many style options or choices, or websites that are difficult to navigate.  I prefer to enter a link, find what I'm looking for and head to the checkout without having to jump through hoops.

Whether I'm shopping for a furniture console cabinet mirror or a low profile table for my family room, it's good to know that there is an easier way to let your fingers search for the best price online.

I just hope this recent snap of cold and snow doesn't cause me to search for a lowes generators sale.

Disclaimer:  This was a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

Purex Crystals and Jockey Work Great Together - Giveaway

I've been a Purex user for years now.  Ever since someone asked me why I spent all that extra money on detergent when Purex worked just as well.  I tried it for myself and haven't looked back.  It's effective, it's inexpensive, even more so when it's on sale and I have a coupon. 

As a Purex Insider, I was recently introduced to the new fabric softener, Purex Crystals.  Made up of 92% natural crystals that go in at the start of the wash cycle, Purex Crystals is perfect for someone like me, who often forgets to add the softener during the rinse cycle.

 

I knew that you shouldn't use fabric softener when washing towels, because it will lessen the absorbency of the towels.  But I had no idea that it mattered when you washed athletic wear. It does!  Jockey sports bra has moisture wicking technology to keep you dry and your body cool while you workout.  The oils in fabric softeners prevent this wicking process.  Purex Crystals don't contain oils so they're safe to use on your athletic wear, towels and children's sleepwear.  Plus, because the crystals spend more time with your laundry the smell is infused with a longer lasting freshness.

Right now Purex and Jockey are offering a coupon to save 20% off on a sports bra.  But even better, you can win a great prize package right here.

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a 2012 Jockey® Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra with

• Moisture-wicking sports bra helps keep you cool & dry
• Convenient key pocket so you can take your workouts anywhere!
• Reflective logo at the back
• Breathable mesh panels
• Soft bottom band for comfortable support

PLUS

a bottle of Purex Crystals-Tropical Splash. 


Just leave me a comment below saying you'd like to win with your complete email address in the comment.

For extra entries:

Follow me on GFC
Subscribe to my RSS feed
Like Look It's Megryansmom on FaceBook.
Like Purex on Facebook.
Like Jockey on Facebook
Follow Megryansmom on Twitter.
Share this post on Facebook, by clicking the easy button directly below this post.
Tweet this post the same way.
Give this post a Google +1, also with that easy button below.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and a valid email address in your comment for the entry to count.  Contest ends January 25, 2012.

Disclaimer:  Purex and Jockey provided me with samples of the products mentioned, for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own.

The Fat Boy Chronicles

"The Fat Boy Chronicles," is a film inspired by a true story of an obese teen and his emotionally painful tribulations going through High School in the face of a thin-obsessed society..

At age fourteen. 5'5 Jimmy weighs 187 pounds. Outside the comfort of his family and church, life for Jimmy is a constant struggle. The cruel taunts of his classmates make going to school or playing sports a humiliating experience. Yet, he still manages to focus on his goals -- to lose weight and win over the girl of his dreams.



What I thought:

As someone who endured teasing and bullying as a child, I can relate to Jimmy.  There are a lot of great lessons to be learned here and it's important for parents to share this movie and the related conversations with their children.  Words do hurt and hurting is not acceptable.  I also highly recommend that teachers and administrators view the film and take a step towards doing something more about bullying in the school system.

Starring: 

Christopher Rivera
Kelly Washington
Ron Lester
Cole Carson
Chris Bert
Benjamin Taylor

Directed By:

Jason Winn

Screenplay By:

Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of the DVD for the purpose of review, all opinions are my own.

Disney On Ice Presents Dare to Dream - #Giveaway Fit for a Princess #ChiDisneyOnIce

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney's hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths!

Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!

Experience the beauty, sparkle and spirit when Disney On Ice Presents Dare to Dream comes to the Allstate Arena, Wednesday, January 25th through Sunday, January 29th and the United Center from Wednesday, February 1st through Sunday, February 12th.

Special Savings Offer:

Get 4 tickets for $44 on Weekday Shows or Save $4 on weekend shows with code MOM when you visit Ticketmaster through this link http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/rz25sx

Giveaway:

One winner will receive 4 tickets to Opening Night of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream at Allstate Arena or the United Center.  Please leave a comment below telling me who your favorite Disney couple is and your email address.

Disney On Ice and Hair Cuttery have teamed up to bring you an enchanting offer in Chicago. The Disney On Ice Princess Package includes a shampoo, blow dry, updo and special princess finish with a tiara at your local Hair Cuttery salon. Also receive a savings coupon for Disney On Ice merchandise ($5 value). You can add the Princess Package to your order on Ticketmaster when purchasing tickets to Disney On Ice Presents Dare to Dream in Chicago or Rosemont.  Or win a $40 gift card to Hair Cuttery here – which you can use to purchase a Princess Package, the services of your choice, or both at your nearby Hair Cuttery!

A second winner will have the chance to win this Princess Package by telling me the first name of the Princess you'll be sharing this prize package with.

For extra entries:

Follow me on GFC
Subscribe to my RSS feed
Like Look It's Megryansmom on FaceBook.
Follow Megryansmom on Twitter.
Share this post on Facebook, by clicking the easy button directly below this post.
Tweet this post the same way.
Give this post a Google +1, also with that easy button below.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and a valid email address in your comment for the entry to count.  Contest ends January 18, 2012.  Prizes will be awarded randomly and no substitutions can be made.

Disclaimer:  Tickets and gift card for the giveaway, as well as tickets for myself and my family were provided by Feld Entertainment.

(Weekday shows include any performance Monday through Thursday. Weekend shows included any performance Friday through Sunday.)

Restocking the Milk-Bone® Treats - #CBias #iLoveMyK9

The New Year has a house divided here on The Avenue.  Two of us are watching what we eat and two aren't.  Whynot and I have decided to cut back on the treats and snacks a little.  But Bella and Gracy, well the poor girls' treat container was just about empty.

Bella

Gracy

Just look at those sad eyes.  Poor deprived pups!  Cheer up girls, Mama's on the way to Walmart to make it all better.  While I'm there I'm going to pick up a few extra treats for another lucky pup who is getting a permanent home this week.  I have a soft spot in my heart for shelter pups.  Bella was a shelter pup and January 2 was the 2nd anniversary of her Gotcha Day.  And Gracy was living on the streets until one of Whynot's customers took her into his shop but couldn't keep her.  So Whynot put her in a pumpkin shell....wait no, not at all...he sent me a picture and I said ok, fine what's one more?  So naturally, when I hear someone is saving another pup I get all warm and fuzzy and ohhhh another puppy, awww, nom nom nom, gootchie goo and all sort of other nonsensical gobbly gook.  It's exactly the same reaction I have when baby is born.  I just can't resist the cuteness!

Sorry I was distracted...

Luckily Walmart isn't far and I headed straight to the Pet Center.

I had no trouble locating the Milk-Bone® Treats.  The Pup-Peroni and Milo’s Kitchen dog treats were nearby as well.  Bella and Gracy really seem to enjoy the Original Dog Treats, but this time for a little change I also picked up the bone shaped variety pack.

 They've never sampled the Pup-Peroni and I thought they might like the bacon flavored treats.

 We've also never tried Milo's Kitchen and to be completely honest, I'd never heard of them before.  They looked interesting and the price was reasonable, so I tossed a few bags into the cart as well.

Enough for Bella and Gracy and some extra to share!

Here's a close up, in case you're not familiar with these dog treats.  I think that the original are the perfect size for little dogs.  I just have to mention TREAT and they come running.  It's a great bribe for when they aren't listening well and won't come in from outside.

The variety pack comes in 5 meaty flavors that I can easily break in half.  Doxie's are chow hounds and can easily become overweight, so I really try not to over feed them.  The Pup-Peroni sticks can be cut up with utility scissors, to make tiny bite sized pieces.

 The Milo's Kitchen Chicken Meatballs look like human food!  They can also be broken up easily, as they are a moist treat.  The smell drove Bella and Gracy absolutely crazy!

 Our treat jar is refilled and the girls are happy once again.

For more shoppertunity photos, please stop by my Google + story and check back soon for the second half of my #CBias #iLoveMyK9 blog post and our visit with Penny.

Register for the Twitter party scheduled for Jan 12 for tips and tric ks for training your pet, there'll be lots of prizes as well.

Disclaimer:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All opinions and photos are my own. #CBias #ILoveMyk9

Emerald City Theatre School Summer Camp

Emerald City Theatre School is proud to offer critically acclaimed summer camps for 3.5 to 13 year olds for summer 2012. Campers step into a world of creative play and imaginative story where they use their imaginations to discover new characters, locations, and write their own dialogue. Emerald City Theatre Summer Camp focuses on ensemble in addition to acting, singing, and dancing-so each camper will become a part of a team to put on a final show on the last day of camp.

 

Emerald City Theatre School Summer Camps are divided up into three age groups: 3.5 to 5 year olds, 5 to 6 year olds, and 7-13 year olds. 3.5 to 5 year old camps are half day camps that run for one week sessions, while the camps for older ages are full day camps that run for two week sessions. Emerald City Theatre School Summer Camp will be in session from June 4 to August 24, 2012.

Each camp is tailored to the age group and to the camp's title theme. For 3.5 to 5 year olds, titles range from Under the Sea to Superheroes to Fairy Tale Magic. For 5 to 6 year olds, Emerald City is offering camps such as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and The Adventures of Junie B. Jones. For the kids aged 7-13, there's Glee, James and the Giant Peach, and The Muppets, among others. All camps include a final presentation on the last day for family and friends.

All camps will be held at the Emerald City Playhouse Theatre, 2933 N Southport Ave, and the Athenaeum Theatre Building, 2936 N Southport Ave. For more information and to register, visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com or call 773.529.2690.

Disclaimer:  This information was provided my Emerald City Theatre and no compensation was received.

Resolutions for 2012...Blah Blah Blah

Did you know that 44% of Americans make a New Year resolution?

Did you also know that 52% of statistics are completely made up?

I see you scratching your head now wondering.  Doesn't matter, I think I got a D in statistics anyway.

Of all these resolutions the most popular are:

1. Spend more time with family.
2. Get fit.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.
6. Quit Drinking.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Learn something new.
9. Help others.
10. Get organized.

When I read those words I hear a voice and it sounds just like the teacher in the Peanuts cartoons.  Blah Blah Blah.  I already spend enough time with my family.  Get fit?  Lose weight?  I'm never gonna weigh 110 pounds again if I live on only water.  Besides I wouldn't be able to enjoy life much without chocolate and pasta.  I don't smoke, and I will not quit drinking.  No way.  Nothing will stand between me and a bottle of wine except maybe the cork screw.  Why get out of debt, what will I have to stress out over?  I already know everything, just ask Whynot.  I'm very eager to help others by sharing my knowledge with them whether they like it or not.  Get organized?  Believe it or not this chaos is organized.  I know where everything is and if I move it, I'll never find it again.

So this year I'm doing things a little differently. 

It's a very big year for me!

I turn nifty fifty!

But I'm OK with it, because 50 is the new 30 and at 30 I weighed about 110 lbs, so it's all good.

I'm ditching the resolutions.

I'm going to treat 2012 as a new chapter.

I'm going to make more time for myself.  Do things I want to do, when I want to do them.  Like maybe regular monthly manicures and pedicures.  Perhaps a massage thrown in here and there.  I want to sew and craft more.  I'm going to stop buying my underwear in bonus packages and start wearing my Vickie's Secret panties everyday and not just on weekends. I'm going to buy new jeans in my size and not wait until I'm down to a smaller size.  Of course I'd love to lose 80 lbs, but if it doesn't happen...well it's not OK, but I want to learn to love myself the way I am.

Did you make any resolutions?

The people behind Trop50 True Resolutions want you to share your resolutions and you’ll earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50.  Whether you submit a resolution or not, while you're there, you can still enter the sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card.

In addition, one lucky person will receive a $25 Visa gift card! (edited at 11:53am 1-6-12, the giveaway is for is for one $25 Visa Gift Card without the Trop50 coupons. So sorry for the confusion)

Leave me a comment telling me what you'd do with a $25 gift card and some time to yourself.

For extra entries:

Follow me on GFC
Subscribe to my RSS feed
Like Look It's Megryansmom on FaceBook.
Follow Megryansmom on Twitter.
Share this post on Facebook, by clicking the easy button directly below this post.
Tweet this post the same way.
Give this post a Google +1, also with that easy button below.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and a valid email address in your comment for the entry to count.  Contest ends January 14, 2012.

Disclaimer:  This post was sponsored by #Trop50 but all opinions are my own.

Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks Giveaway

Looking for a snack your kids will love and that you can feel good about?

Look no further with new Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks!

Available in two delicious varieties, Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks provide kids with the great tasting snacks they crave and parents with the confidence that they come from a good place. Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks are †made with real fruit juice and natural colors* and flavors.  Contain only 80 calories, are gluten free and supply 100% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C.  And as an added bonus for your child's school, they are available with year round Double Box Tops.


Click here to download a printable coupon for $1.10 off of the purchase of (2) Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored snacks!

Now for the giveaway:

Four winners will receive a prize pack containing 6 boxes (3 of each variety) of Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks.

Leave me a comment telling me which of your favorite fruit flavors would you like to see Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks come out with next?

For extra entries:

Like Ocean Spray on Facebook
Like Look It's Megryansmom on FaceBook.

Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave an email so that I can contact you.  I will choose a winner on January 13, 2012.

Disclosure: Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray® through MyBlogSpark

*colors from natural sources


†These Fruit Flavored Snacks are made with apple, pear, and cranberry juice concentrate. See package for a list of complete ingredients. They are not intended to replace fruit in the diet.

Sam's Club Return to School Giveaway

Sam´s Club and Box Tops for Education want to make your life as easy as possible heading into the New Year with return-to-school deals and promotions!

While purchasing some of your favorite General Mills brands you can also earn more cash for your local school with the Sam´s Club "6 Box Tops on a Pack" promotion.  At least 6 Bonus Box Tops will be located on your favorite brands such as Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, Yoplait and Progresso.

To help you with your purchase I'm giving away a $25 Sam´s Club gift card to one of my readers.  To enter please tell me which General Mills products you like to send in your child's lunch box.  Leave your comment below and please leave an email so that I can contact you.  I'll be choosing a winner on January 12, 2012.

Learn more about the Box Tops for Education Program and how you can help contribute to your school here.
Find out more about Sam's Club on Facebook or Twitter.

Disclosure: The Sam´s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.