Saturday, April 26, 2014

In Review: JBF '14

This week I was able to attend the Just Between Friends Spring Sale. I will tell you, I'm such a big fan of these mega sales. Where else can you find any possible kid-related product, in one place, at 50-70% off retail?! I know there are problems and challenges with coordinating this many thousands of items and hundreds of people involved, but I think each year they continue to work out kinks to streamline and make the process better for everyone.
We have loved the bargains we've gotten there and this year was no exception! I did have a very small budget that I could use, so I made a very strategic list (a must!) I was able to check off each item very happily. :) 
Rain boots are always on my radar because my kids use them constantly to save from ruining their shoes whether it's a muddy backyard or post-rain walk.  I was happy to score 2 fantastic pairs!
Hunters kids boots retail for $75. My bargain: $5. YES. 
Gymboree boots for $6 / dress for $3 / backpack $1
The shoe table is always one of my favorite places to check.
This girl has been carrying around her brother's backpack for months, so when I found a little pink one for $1, I knew a very good home for it. :) She has rarely taken it off in the past few days! Like-new sandals: $4.
Also snagged a few more clothing items and brand-new Dr. Suess books!
But whatever you're in the market for...baby items, toys, bikes, strollers, + much, much more, you are sure to find something good! 
The sale is still going...so go check it out!
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Saturday, April 26th
8am-5pm:  Public Sale & NEW Merchandise!
Admission is FREE!
Sunday, April 27th
8am-5pm:  50% OFF PublicSale! 
All Items WITHOUT a STAR on the tag are 50% off and admission is FREE!
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Any additional info can be found here.
#jbfpgh #ilovejbf

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Giveaway: tickets for the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival

A few weeks ago I attended a preview for the EQT Pittsburgh International Children's Festival and it is going to be another great festival this year. We got to hear Temujin, a gifted storyteller, and he is so good! Kids will definitely love his unique & captivating presentation. My son & I also were able to see a preview show of Pinocchio at the Byham this past winter and it is really sweet and well done. Suggested for kids ages 5-10.
I highly recommend both of these for sure!
 
Bringing extraordinary and unique experiences to young people, the EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival is dedicated to continuing the tradition of theater for your children. Live performances engage people from different cultures and perspectives, showing them different ways to express ideas. This year the 28th Festival moves to downtown Pittsburgh’s vibrant Cultural District, showcasing classic Festival experiences as well as new adventures, performances and theater.
BIG change for this year: it's moving DOWNTOWN!
Ample paid parking for vehicles and public transportation bus stops are available throughout the Cultural District. You can find real-time parking availability in participating parking lots (visit ParkPGH.org). You can also reserve parking at Theater Square Parking Garage. A limited number of spots will be held for Festival visitors each day. To purchase, call (412) 456-6666 or visit the Box Office at Theater Square.
Building in an exciting ride on the bus or T will add to your family adventure! :) 
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In addition to theater, the Festival activities include:
  • 30+ FREE hands-on educational and cultural activities
  • A FREE outdoor community stage
  • Roving artists
  • Festival food
Be sure to check out their great line-up of free activities here My kids are definitely looking forward to the Giant Sandbox! Dates open:
 Wed / Thurs, May 14 - 15 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | LilyPad Park | 8th and Penn
Fri / Sat / Sun, May 16 - 18 | 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | LilyPad Park | 8th and Penn 
Our very own popular Pittsburgh magician Al Mazing will be on the community stage as well!
Friday, May 16 | 4:00 pm | LilyPad Park | 8th and Penn 

Groups are coming from all over the world to share their artistry, here are some of the events to anticipate:

  • Animals by El Retablo

An array of animals come to life, made of recycled materials & everyday objects.

  • Hands Up by Lejo

A cast of thousands in one pair of hands.

  • Invisi'BALL by Nadine Animato Theater Dance Company

An exhibit of soccer like you've never seen before!

  • Little Steps

The story of a small child in a big world.

  • Pinocchio 

  • Temujin the Storyteller / Tales of Folklore & Fantasy

Do you remember Exxopolis? This year will be a similar exhibit called Miracoco, can't wait! 
This colossal, inflatable structure uses natural light to create a world immersed in vibrant hues of color. Visitors experience a sense of wonder and tranquility while exploring its mesmerizing domes and tunnels.
Tickets are only $5 and already selling out for certain slots, so reserve yours here today. 
 
Tickets for all events on sale here

Other exciting activities to watch for:
  • Pop-up LilyPad Park at Festival Central
  • Frog Stop Cultural District Scavenger Hunt
GIVEAWAY:
We have a family 4-pack of ticket vouchers (for the show of your choice!) to give away! You will be mailed the vouchers and they must be exchanged for tickets (by phone) prior to show date. Instructions for redeeming will come with your vouchers. The full line-up of your choice of shows is here.

 Enter to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway  

So mark your calendars, it's going to be a great family weekend!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

10% off at Label Daddy

This post sponsored by Label Daddy & U.S.Family. 
*******************
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I'm sure, like me, your kiddos have "stuff" that goes with them everywhere.....school, church, playdates, ect....I have found these stick-on labels to be fantastic. They stay on through the dishwasher & washer/dryer and make their belongings easy to find. Read the customer comments below for other great suggestions as well!
 Remember to label all the clothing, sports equipment and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep your belongings from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! 

 Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! . . . Pick from many colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. 

 Save 10% on your entire Label Daddy order. 
Use code USFAMILY10 at checkout.
http://www.usfamily10.labeldaddy.com

 

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"No camp label sewing for me....LabelDaddy.com stick on labels for clothes! YEAH!"
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"I love your labels. They are amazing and I tell everyone I know about them. Your labels have made it through a summer of camp (and their laundry) and well as this past school year (and my laundry)."


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Monday, April 21, 2014

Ticket giveaway for Fiddlesticks Family Concert by PSO

Fiddlesticks Family Concerts presented by Macy's

One of the things I LOVE about the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is their commitment to making orchestra fun & accessible for kids all around our area. Both their free Tiny Tots concerts and their Saturday family Fiddlesticks Concerts are valuable assets to our community!
Meet Fiddlesticks

Introduce your children to music at these special Saturday morning concerts with your world-class Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra! The next Fiddlesticks concert will be the finale of the 2013-2014 season. Lawrence Loh will be conducting this concert and he always does a fantastic job engaging with the kids in the audience!
Saturday, May 17
11:15 a.m. 
Heinz Hall  
 At this concert,  audience members will join Fiddlesticks the Cat and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in A Salute to America, including the heart-pounding “Stars and Stripes Forever” and a sing along to “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag.” 
For more information on the concert and to purchase tickets, click here.
Enhance your child's musical journey with DISCOVERY TIME ADVENTURES beginning at 10AM before every Fiddlesticks concert!  (Free to all ticket holders.)  During the pre-concert, DISCOVERY TIME ADVENTURES, children may meet and listen to PSO musicians, create a take-home craft and experience a variety of other musical and educational explorations unique to each concert. 
 These concerts are recommended for children ages three to eight. 
GIVEAWAY:
I am thrilled that PSO has offered to give one family 4 free tickets to attend the final Fiddlesticks concert on May 17th!  
 (As always, a reminder that insufficient info for name & contact info will disqualify your entry. TY!)
 Go here to enter:

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Kid Mania Consignment Sale

 Get ready Washington County - you have not been missed for the big consignment sales!
Spring Sale
 Friday May 2 - Sunday, May 4, 2014
Washington County Fair & Expo Center in Hall 1 and Hall 4.
KID MANIA LLC Kids Seasonal Consignment Event is an established event for over 10 years, not a franchise, which keeps our fees and prices LOW! Follow them on facebook for up-to-date info.
 Washington County Fair & Expo Center Hall 1 & 4
9am-6pm May 2 FRI (Restocking at Night)
9am-6pm May 3 SAT (Added Inventory)
9am-2pm May 4 SUN (1/2 Price Day)
 
FREE PARKING, FREE ADMISSION, FREE GIVEAWAYS
Selling over 50,000 New and Gently Used Items at 75-90% off retail! Selling Maternity & Kids Clothes (Newborn - 12), Baby items, Furniture, Toys, Books, Movies, Video Games/Systems and More! Lowest Prices Around!
RESTROOMS, CHANGING ROOMS, FOOD COURT & OTHER VENDORS - On hand will  be several consultants marketing their business with lots of cash and carry (see their website for a list of vendors here).
Accepting Cash, Visa, Master Card, Discover (NO CHECKS), Prices are Firm and NO RETURNS as items are sold as is and is not warranted or guaranteed by KID MANIA LLC.

Washington County Fairgrounds
2151 North Main Street, Washington, PA 15301
LARGEST HALL - BLDG# 1 and BLDG #4 - www.washingtonfair.org
I79 Exit 41 for the Casino and Outlet Mall

Make extra money for the Holidays with their upcoming fall sale in October ...
follow on Facebook  or Twitter @Kidmaniasale or join their mailing list for all the latest info!

My followers SAVE $5 on Sat 5/3! Show or bring the coupon here.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Drumroll please......

We have come to the end of another Momtourage Spring Challenge and have winners to announce!
 First, congrats to Ashley Gross who won a $25 gift card to 97 Design Inc - all she had to do was share about our contest! Thanks to everyone who shared!
We had 2 categories, one for larger projects, one for smaller. Here was the challenge: pick a place in your home that either a) needs a major re-do or b) just some serious re-organizing.
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Our grand prize winner for "Bam, now that's an upgrade" was Gloria Burns!
What a big difference this spring cleaning project made! And don't you love that vintage couch?!
Gloria won a $50 gift card to Lily Noelle Jewelry. Congrats Gloria on a job well done!
 1st place for "Ka-chow, little things that make a big difference" was Shannon Rizzo!
Shannon won a $50 prize pack from Pick Your Plum! Congrats on a space that is probably much easier to use now!
 In both projects our judges said, They used organizing tools to improve their situation for now and in the future.
Thanks to our great judges, Laura Miller & Denise Platte! They are the moms of teens & grown kids and know a thing or two about organizing. :) 
Thanks to everyone who entered - I know you'll all enjoy your re-done spaces! I hope you enjoyed having a little fun motivation. :)