Tuesday, April 26, 2011

GIVE-A-WAY!!! Cirque du Soleil TOTEM!

Thanks to Cirque du Soleil TOTEM , PGH Momtourage has
4 TICKETS to give away to the WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH, 8 PM performance! A fantastic fun night!

To enter: (3 comments equals 3 chances to win!)
1) tell us who you will take to the show if you win!
For a second entry:
2) "like" us on facebook and leave a comment stating you did so (here on this post, not on fb!). Or, if you are already a fb fan, leave a comment stating that you are!
For a third entry:
3) Become a follower of our blog and leave a comment stating you are. Or, if you already follow, leave a comment stating you are a follower.
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Don't want to wait to win tickets? You can celebrate Mom with a thrilling Cirque du Soleil experience on your own!
Treat your mother to a memorable Cirque du Soleil experience by taking advantage of our special offers on show tickets—bring your family of four to a show for only $131! CLICK HERE to take advantage of this Mother's Day Offer!

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that it will open in Pittsburgh with its big top touring production of TOTEM, starting Thursday, May 12. TOTEM will perform for a limited engagement under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at 20th & A.V.R.R. in the Strip District.

Entrys open until Monday, May 2nd, 7pm!
Good Luck!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Mothering

Mother's Day is just a few short weeks away.
Shutterfly is working with bloggers to help celebrate moms!
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How do we sum up motherhood? Being a {mostly!} mom's group, we know this topic is very close to our hearts. Many of us exchanged promising careers to instead spend our days wiping noses, changing diapers, filling sippy cups, teaching manners and obedience, planning playdates and a myriad of tasks to numerous to name. Others of us still spend many hours at the office or jobfront and, without a chance to put our feet up, come home to the mountains of laundry, dinner to get on the table, and busy little ones who want our undivided attention. Whichever path is yours, the bottom line is that motherhood is the one task that never sleeps, never takes a vacation, never gives you a paycheck or remembers that you're supposed to sleep in on Saturday mornings. :-)
Even as I write this, my 2 year old has climbed over me in every possible way. See a typo? Maybe you can guess why. :-D
But would we trade it for anything?? NEVER in a million years. Nothing could ever take the place of the smiles, the hugs, the cuddles, the "I luv u mom"'s, the pride, the joy, the un-describable emotions that come with everything that is "MOM".
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Shutterfly has some great products to celebrate Mom's day this year.
These mugs are super cute, especially with your munchkins picture on it!

These books are beautiful for capturing your little one's year!

These birthday invitations are perfect for personalizing!

Are you a blogger? Click here to sign up for a chance at 50 free cards from Shutterfly.

I am so thankful for our Momtourage! It allows me to have conversations with someone older than two, interaction with people who "get it", and a little sanity saver from the same routine. Thanks to our many moms & dads who come to our playdates, bring meals to new mamas, share tips & ideas, and band together under this banner called "motherhood".

Hope you all have a fantastic Mom's Day! 


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Mother's Day is just around the corner!
Celebrate Mom with a thrilling Cirque du Soleil experience!

Treat your mother to a memorable Cirque du Soleil experience by taking advantage of our special offers on show tickets—bring your family of four to a show for only $131!

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that it will open in Pittsburgh with its big top touring production of TOTEM, starting Thursday, May 12. TOTEM will perform for a limited engagement under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at 20th & A.V.R.R. in the Strip District.

TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

Fun for the whole family!

Go HERE to purchase your discounted tickets!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Great Cloth Diaper Change

Help Put Cloth Diapering in the Record Books!
The Great Cloth Diaper Change will be held on
Saturday, April 23rd at noon EST.
Hosted by: Happy Baby Company
5998-A Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA. 15136

Cloth diapers have come a long way in past 10 years, and it’s time to stand up and be noticed. Celebrate Earth Day by joining the North American and International cloth diaper community while we set the Guinness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously!
Please reserve tickets for every person that will be attending. That means babies and kids, too! There is no obligation to attend once you've made a "reservation", we just need a general idea of how many people will be coming.
Join them on facebook where you can stay on top of all future announcements pertaining to the event.

RULES:
As this is a Guinness Book of World Records attempt, there are rules about participation. Here is everything you need to know:
Arrival Time:
Please arrive by 11:45 a.m. to allow us time to get everyone checked in. If you arrive late, you may not be able to participate.
Forms:
You must bring the two registration forms with you (you'll receive an email with the forms attached once you make the reservation). Please have them completed ahead of time.
Who Is Allowed Inside: The change itself is being held inside a neighboring business (actually, it's a karate dojo, which is super-cool.) Only one parent and the baby being changed will be allowed inside. There will be no room for spectators in the changing area (sorry!) Anyone who comes with you (spouse/partner, friends, family) will not be allowed in the dojo. They are welcome to shop in our store or enjoy the free food (compliments of The Spaghetti Warehouse.) Please do not bring extra children if you do not have another adult to watch them - we are unable to provide childcare and they are not allowed in the changing area.

Once you and your child are inside the area, you may not leave and re-enter. Make sure you have your diaper and changing pad with you and that you have gone to the bathroom/got a drink of water/etc.!

What You Need for the Change Itself:
The parent changing the child must be over 18. The child must be under 39 inches tall. As this is a karate dojo, you will have to take your shoes off in the hall (parent and child.) You must have a changing pad or small blanket to protect the floor under your child. Your child may wear a disposable diaper on the way in, but they must be changed into a commercially-available cloth diaper (that means not a homemade diaper - if it is a WAHM diaper that is available for sale elsewhere, it is okay.)

Raffle/Giveaway/Prizes:
All participants will receive one ticket for our raffle. We have lots of fun prizes from your favorite companies!
Donation to RDA:
We will be accepting optional $1 donations to benefit the Real Diaper Association. This is completely at your discretion. We will make it possible for you to make this donation in person at the event.
Food Drive:
We are holding a food drive for the North Hills Community Outreach. For each item you donate (NO GLASS ITEMS), you can receive one extra ticket for the raffle (up to 10 items.)
Food:
The Spaghetti Warehouse is very kindly providing food free of charge. This will be served outside the store, rain or shine. (No food inside the store, please.)
Weather:
This event is being held rain or shine. The changing area is indoors, but only the one parent and one child will be allowed in the changing area. We are limited to 40 people inside our store, so please plan ahead for your other friends and family who may be stuck outside in the changeable April weather.

They are located on Route 60 in Robinson Township in a building called Chiodo's Plaza. This is just south of Meineke and Midas and the really big church on the hill. It is best to avoid the Parkway West and instead, approach  from exit 60A off of I-79. Go north on Route 60/Steubenville Pike from the exit and they are on the right.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Specialized kiddy photographer!

Did you know one of our very own Momtourage mommies (Danielle) has her own photography business specializing in baby/kid portraits?! She is looking for some new clients and she would like your help! Please take the time to check out her website and take her short survey in order to help her grow her business. And if you're looking to capture your baby's smiles, book your session today!

Momtourage Mommies (and daddies),
As some of you may know, I run a small photography business called Tiny Toes Portraits (amuse me and pretend you've heard of it). I started it back in 2006 but it took a backseat when I started having babies and has been relatively neglected for the past 2.5 years. A month or two ago I decided that I really actively wanted to try to build up my business again but it has not been smooth sailing. I've come to realize that there must be something about my site that is unappealing that I'm not seeing. This is where all of you come in!

Who better to tell me what's wrong (and right) about my site then a bunch of mommies of little ones? So I made up a survey (which is 100% anonymous) of 10 questions. I would REALLY appreciate anybody who is willing to take the time to look at my site and answer the questions. Please be completely honest, even if your opinions aren't particularly nice. I can't fix my site otherwise!


Here is the website:
http://www.tinytoesportraits.com/

And here is the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BFRPX5W

Thank you so much!!

Danielle

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Tyke Hikes

Some of you were with us when we did a wonderful Tyke Hike, led by Ms. Lindsey. We hope to do one of these again as an official playdate, but until then, you may want to check out one of her upcoming hikes.

Tuesday, April 05
Tree Buds & Branches Tyke Hike
We will take a leisurely stroll around Schenley Park looking for new leaf buds while checking out the scars from the old buds. Our little Tykes will see the difference between leaf buds and flower buds on different twigs from the Magnolia and Sassafras Tree. After the hike, we will have a snack and draw our own versions of twigs. Cost is $6.00 per member family (up to 4) and $10.00 per non-member family. $3.00 for each additional person. Advance registration is suggested, but walk-ups are most welcome! Register online or call Tyke Hike Leader Lindsay  to register - 412-973-0633. Payment will be collected onsite.
*Weather pending...check the forecast in the am!
Location: Schenley Park, Tyke Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 non-member / $6.00 member
Organization: Venture Outdoors
Directions: Meet at the Cafe (Visitor Center). Park along Panther Hollow Road & Schenley Drive. Bring quarters!!!

Thursday, April 07, 2011
 Twinkle Twinkle Tyke Hike
Starting at the renovated Wall Garden in Mellon Park, we will learn why there are little "star"s in the garden floor, talk briefly about why stars twinkle and then head off for our nature walk exploring all the beautiful spring flowers and plants in Mellon Park. Cost is $6.00 per member family (up to 4)and $10.00 per non-member family. $3.00 for each additional person. Advance registration is suggested, but walk-ups are most welcome! Register online or call Tyke Hike Leader Lindsay to register - 412-973-0633. Payment will be collected onsite.
Location: Mellon Park, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts parking lot. Bring quarters!!!
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 non-member / $6.00 member

Please download the risk waiver from the web and bring ready to go!

Call to register for our Easter Egg Tyke Hike Saturday April 16!

See you outside!

Lindsay

http://www.tykehikes.com/