Monday, January 27, 2014

Almost 100 Reasons Why I Love My New Home



That there folks is a 96 degree difference in temperature! (almost 100 reasons/degrees)

It's FUCKING cold!

My God, how did I stand it for 50 years!

Pack your bags and head west people!

Save yourselves while you can!

PS I'm not rubbing anything in. I'm extremely grateful for the life we've chosen. I worry about all of you facing that Polar Vortex in Chiberia. 

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Friday, January 24, 2014

“The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!”

 My family received tickets for the performance for sharing this information with you.

To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces eight added performances of its KidSeries production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, a family musical based on the popular children’s book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, with script and lyrics by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (two-time Non-Equity Jeff Award-winning adaptor), music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link.


There are two sides to every story and the long-suppressed account of the Big, Bad Wolf is finally brought to light in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century. Can a lone wolf get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court? And will anyone believe that all the "huffing and puffing" nonsense was just a cover-up for a simple story about a sneeze and a cup of sugar? Enter the jury box and decide the fate of Big ‘n Bad in this hit musical for the entire family.

This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission. The book is on sale in the lobby.


The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! runs through Sunday, March 2 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com. Free parking is available at the designated lot west of the theatre (NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available and Lifeline Theatre is handicapped and CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/busses).

Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! (following the 11 a.m. show, or before the 1 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! Hour. Children will get up-close and personal with the book behind the play with an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $5 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

Lifeline Theatre also offers “Name Your Price” tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request. A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties.

 My family received tickets for the performance for sharing this information with you
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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Disney On Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate

 My family received tickets for promoting this event
This giveaway is now closed

It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends!  Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe.  Come join the party when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! visits your hometown.



Head over to Allstate Arena from January 22nd through 26th or to the United Center from January 29th through February 9th.

Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows using code MOM at Ticketmaster.com

Weekday shows include Thursday evening and Friday matinee shows and weekend includes all shows Friday evening through Sunday evening.

Plan for a snacks!

Take advantage of this special family offer - you can get FREE* concessions meals for four (4), with purchase of four (4) Lower Level tickets.

Get a great family 4 pack of tickets along with 4 hot & 4 sodas!

Savings offer not valid on Front Row, VIP or upper bowl Seating. No Double Discounts. Service Charges and Handling Fees may apply.

TIP: use the interactive seating map to ensure you’ve selected lower bowl seats, then enter the code: family. The ‘Got a code?’ Tab is where you redeem offers when purchasing through Ticketmaster.com


I have FOUR tickets to the 7pm performance at the United Center on January 29th for one lucky reader. Just comment below with your favorite Disney character and an email where I can reach you. Giveaway ends Friday January 24, 2014

Good Luck!

My family received tickets for promoting this event
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Monster Jam February 7-9

 This is a sponsored post. My family received tickets to attend Monster Jam.

Monster Jam is the most exciting form of family motorsports entertainment on the planet. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks!


The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through. The 2014 touring season brings more Monster Jam excitement providing entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

Coming to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. Feb 7-9, 2014

You can purchase tickets online at www.Ticketmaster.com now! Ticket prices may vary. Please refer to www.ticketmaster.com for more details.


Schedule: Friday, Feb 7 – 7:30pm 
                     Saturday, Feb 8 – 2pm & 7:30pm 
                     Sunday, Feb 9 – 2pm & 7:30pm

PIT PARTY 11am – 1pm prior to each 2pm performance.

Walk the track, meet the drivers, grab autographs! Pit Passes available for $10 online and at the Allstate Arena box office.

Special offer: Adults can Save 30% on all performances using code MOM1 at Ticketmaster.com
Discount does not apply to Front Row VIP or Gold Circle seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

All tickets $2 more day of show.

This is a sponsored post. My family received tickets to attend Monster Jam.

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Friday, January 17, 2014

Chalk Paint DIY Night Stand

Greetings from the Valley of the Sun!

I'm typing live from Phoenix, after a very long hiatus. It's been a whirlwind several months and the vortex is still spinning! More on that in a later post, because now I want to share a real honest to goodness, not sponsored, stuff I want to share with you post that has me super excited!

I have a horrible case of  "I want, I want, I want" and our bank account has a horrible case of "being depleted"

So as much as I want a brand spankin new bedroom set from the fancy schmancy furniture store for our guest room, it just ain't happenin. Hashtag sadface

Instead, I'm forced to peruse Craigslist for pieces that have potential.

Enter Exhibit A.
I apologize for the not so wonderful pictures, but trust me, this was an amazing transformation!



That's the drawer from a nightstand I picked up for $15. It's wood people, real wood! And wouldya just look at those brass fixtures! This is genuine 80's Early American. It was all the rage . . . back then.

I've been wanting to try chalk paint for some time and I did the research, so you don't have to! I learned 2 things, a) chalk paint is expensive and b) you can make it yourself for less! 

I found a recipe at Elizabeth and Co that looked simple enough. Three parts paint (any kind of paint will do) one part plaster of Paris and a little water. Be sure to mix the plaster of Paris and water first until it's nice and smooth. NO LUMPS. This is important. I added enough water to make it just a little thicker than the paint itself. Add the paint and stir well.

Then just go to town and paint that furniture! 


I applied 2 coats of chalk paint and it wasn't perfect, but that's the beauty of shabby chic. I let it dry overnight and then lightly sanded the entire nightstand. Nothing fancy, no power sander. Just a sheet of fine sandpaper that I ripped into manageable pieces. Once I was finished lightly sanding the nightstand, I used the sand paper to create that distressed look around the edges. There's no right or wrong here, just go with your gut. When you think it's done, it's done. It doesn't have to be perfect!


Right about now, you're thinking to yourself holy cow that looks like crap. I know, because that's exactly what I thought. Don't worry. I just grabbed an old wash cloth, wet it and wiped down all the dust from sanding. Then I wiped again!

Finally, I was ready to apply wax. Originally I was going to apply paste wax, but that sounded like too much work. I bought MinWax Wipe on Poly in a satin finish instead. Super easy to use. Just apply to a soft, lint free cloth and wipe on all the surfaces. Oh and wear gloves!

Voila!

That $15 nightstand from Craigslist now looks like a million bucks!



I painted right over the brass fixtures and sanded them a little bit as well.

Total cost for my DIY project:

nightstand   $15
paint             $ 9
plaster
of Paris         $ 7
MinWax       $10

Under $50! Plus, I have plenty of plaster of Paris and Min Wax left over for additional projects.

If I could do this, you can do this! Any questions, ask away in the comments below.

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Monday, January 6, 2014

Language Stars Giveaway

 Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

Language Stars is a play-driven foreign language class for kids between the ages of 1 and 10 years old. Utilizing a high-energy, FunImmersion® method of instruction, students learn a foreign language through games, art projects, music and more.

For your convenience, there are 15 locations in Chicago area and each one employs some of the most energetic and enthusiastic teachers from more than 20 countries around the world. Each class has a maximum of 8 students, so your child will receive the attention he or she needs to succeed.


Beginning on January 6 and running through January 18, Language Stars is running a special promotion. During this time, parents can take their children to one free class. Just for attending  they'll receive a $10 iTunes gift card. Plus, if a new family enrolls during the Free Class Weeks, they'll get $100 off their tuition. Language Stars is also hosting a giveaway in which one grand prize winner will win a free month of Language Stars classes.


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/046eae153/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.
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