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.

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.

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.

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.