Friday, October 31, 2014

Sweet holiday cards from Minted

Anyone thinking of Christmas cards yet? While I don't love to push the holidays on us any faster, I do love the concept of sending cards to friends and family each year at Christmas. And the earlier I start working on them, the less stress it is! Although our biggest challenge is getting a photo of a family of 6 all looking at the camera and smiling, for sure the second hurdle is finding the perfect card. I have heard many friends rave about the quality & selection from Minted and I am excited to try them for our family's Christmas card this year! Minted is a design marketplace that uses a community of independent artists and designers who are located in 48 states and 43 countries. Because of this, they have a beautiful, creative and diverse product selection.

Here are some of my favorite designs for this year.....






Love these adorable holiday ornament cards!



Postcards are also a great option, a little lower in cost for cards and postage as well!


Getting them addressed for free? Love that!


Minted also contains beautiful choices of Art, gorgeous fabrics,  and a cool selection of children's art! Be sure to check out the current coupon codes they have running on their website as well.

Cheers to stress-free card sending. :)

This post sponsored by Minted.com. All opinions remain my own.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Guest Post: Covey App for connecting moms

A few weeks ago, I got the chance to sit in on a meeting with some of the Covey moms and I am very excited about what this app is going to do! Created by moms and for moms, here is one of the co-founders to share more about the Covey App.


Finding My Flock
By Sarah Aerni of coveymom.com

I fell in love all over again when I had my third son, Ben, this September, but part of me also felt like I was starting over again.  I’m not talking about learning to be a parent which was so difficult as a first-time mother, but rather a challenge I’ve faced with the birth of each of my children:  how do I find mom friends who are in the same boat as me?

Based on my own experience as a new mother (and continuing even now), I find that my day improves when I’m able to spend some time with another mom.  We just get each other right away on a level where we usually are.  Need to laugh about the amount of poop you dealt with last night?  She’s there.  Dying to share the latest anecdote in your toddler’s language development?  She’s got a laugh and another story to match it.  Looking for someone to help with something big or small?  My mom friends are my preferred source for help these days and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.

I've lucked out twice finding mom friends. During my first pregnancy, a neighbor introduced me to another mom-to-be and during my second, I reconnected with one of my former ultimate frisbee teammates who was also expecting. But it is too important to the mental well-being of a mom to leave this important step up to chance.  

Some of my Pittsburgh mom-friends and I have teamed up to make it easier for moms and caregivers of small children to connect. We want to facilitate new friendships, as well as make it easier to get in touch with people you already know.  We want to increase the strength of the  Community of Mothers in Pittsburgh. Kelly’s Momtourage has already been doing this through the playdates, but we want to help you meet up again easily with someone from one of those playdates or with someone else you find in the course of daily life.
My friends and I have created a free mobile app called Covey that helps you connect with nearby moms both online and in the real world.  We just released the Android version a month ago and the community is growing fast!  Please join us by downloading the app and spread the word. After you join, come find me (Sarah A.) and my fellow Covey team members: Vanessa, Jess, Julie, Julika and Sarah G. on Covey! We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Covey, go to www.coveymom.com or download the app at the Google Play Store .

Thanks, Sarah, for taking the time to share with us. We hope to continue to see great connections made through the mothers of Pittsburgh!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Spa Giveaway with #Esspa!

I was recently invited to be a part of a #pamperedpress event at Esspa Kozmetika. EsspaKozmetika is a Hungarian Day Spa, with the only certified organic skin care in Pittsburgh. I had not been to Esspa before, but it is on one the cutest streets in Pittsburgh - Brilliant Avenue in Aspinwall - on which there are tucked so many fantastic shops. It was fun to take my daughter for her first spa experience. She is as girly as they come and she loved it. :)

 
Love the charm and elegance of this spa!

 
Esspa  Kozmetika has 7 full-time Certified Massage Therapists on staff! So whether you're looking for Hot Stone, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Maternity, Hungarian Honey + more, they have what you need to feel your best!
 
 
Owner Eva, a Hungarian Skin Care Expert, is widely known for her incredible facials! Skin analysis, cleansing, toning, rejuvenating steam, exfoliation, extractions, amazingly effective face, hand, arm, foot and leg massage, a series of firming / detoxifying / rejuvenating masks, luxurious moisturizers, serums and special attention to the orbital (eye), brow and lip area are included.
I was grateful to have the chance to have one of these beautiful facials and it is an awesome and relaxing experience. My skin felt & looked incredible afterward - I highly recommend!
*
Do you like coffee and want to lost weight? Eva lost 30 lbs. in 2 months with her new all-natural, great-tasting, weight-loss coffee. She is holding an event on Nov. 3rd to share about it AND she will give you a $30 gift card for sharing your opinion with her. Go here to find out more details.
 
 
ESSpa Kozmetika is the very first spa in Pennsylvania to offer the MicroSilk Oxygen Hydrotherapy Bath Treatment. MicroSilk® hydrotherapy oxygenates bath water up to 70% more than regular tap water with microbubbles approximately 50 microns in diameter. At such a small size, these microbubbles are able to enter the skin’s pores, removing impurities, carrying oxygen for improved metabolism, lightly caressing skin for exfoliation, and improving hydration for dry skin.


Our first mommy & me mani / pedi!
 



As we were finishing a group of young girls came in for a birthday party, what a fun idea! Head over to Esspa Kozmetica and check out their full range of spa offerings.
 *
And to get you started, we have a giveaway for a $30 gift card! Go here to enter:
 
 
We left as some happy girls!
 

Monday, October 20, 2014

$100 giveaway for the AIRMALL® at PIT

I was recently invited to be a part of the unveiling of the $10 million newly renovated AIRMALL® at PIT in the Pittsburgh International Airport.  It was so fun to take off my "mom hat" for a few hours and enjoy hanging out & shopping with some awesome fellow Pittsburgh gal bloggers. #stylemavens

Photo credit: Kristi Jan Hoover

Anyone that has spent any time waiting in airports, knows how wonderful it is to have great places to browse & shop through as you wait. Shops at Pittsburgh's AIRMALL include (stores in orange are brand new):
  • Armani Jeans
  • Best Buy Express
  • Bottega dei Sapori
  • Brighton Collectibles
  • Brooks Brothers
  • Brookstone
  • Collezioni-The Beauty Gallery
  • Creative Kidstuff
  • Crocs
  • Desigual
  • Erwin Pearl
  • Furla
  • GNC
  • Hudson Booksellers
  • Hudson News
  • Hudson News CNN
  • Hugo Boss
  • InMotion Entertainment
  • Johnston & Murphy
  • Lacoste
  • Lids Kids/Lids
  • L’Occitane en Provence
  • Metalsmiths Sterling
  • Nine West
  • Paradise CNBC
  • Paradise Travel Mart
  • PGA Tour Shop
  • Pinko
  • Radio Road
  • Rite Aid
  • Spirit of the Red Horse
  • Sportzburgh
  • Sue Venir
  • Sunglass Hut
  • Tech Interaction
  • Tumi 
  • Three Rivers Harley-Davidson
  • Zozo

  • These lovely Candy Bags from Furla certainly caught my attention. What mom doesn't need a bag that easily wipes clean, but looks amazing in the process? :)

     
    We loved getting to meet and chat with Carmindy (TLC) who flew in just for this exciting event. She demonstrated to us the 5 minute face, perfect for busy moms who barely have time to shower, let alone put on make-up! Her latest book, Bloom, is all about helping girls know that they are growing up gorgeous. It's not about using expensive products or fulfilling a certain image. Carmindy shares both make-up tips as well as inspiring advice for dealing with a wide range of self-esteem and image issues: from zits and glasses to bullying and peer pressure. It might be a great gift for the teen or tween in your life!
    With my pal, Nicole, (Champagne to Crayons) who also got the awesome chance to have a makeover with Carmindy!
     
     
    A gorgeous fashion show gave us ideas for all the fall outfits you can put together from the AIRMALL® at PIT stores.
     
     
    Creative Kidstuff was one of my favorite stops of the day as I crossed quite a few Christmas gifts off my list!  *   *
  • An award winning "Hands-on-do-touch" toy store
  • Toys for wonderful, whimsical, wildly imaginative fun
  • Fun games and activities for families
  • Unique art, science & building toys to inspire creativity
  • Travel games and activities to take on the plane

  • Definitely a place to occupy your kiddos next time you're waiting it out!
     
     
    My favorite Fall finds were aviator sunglasses and Ferocity Lace-Up Booties from Nine West. #9WWeDoShoe
     
    Photo-bombed by my 3yo and photographed by my 5yo...it's a group effort!
     
     
    Maybe your hubby will be the one passing through the airport....Armani Jeans, Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, Johnston & Murphy, PGA Tour Shop + more, give him plenty of shopping options as well.
     
     
     
    Thank you to the AIRMALL® at PIT for a wonderful event and your generous gifts to us.
    I am also thrilled that they are extending their gift and I have $100 in gift cards to give away to one lucky winner! Gift cards expire September 17, 2015. To enter, please be sure that you intend to fly through the PIT airport in the next year. (The Airmall is only open to those who have been cleared to fly.)
     
     
    Go here to enter:
      
     
    Good luck!
     
    Photo credit: Kristi Jan Hoover
    *
    *
    This post sponsored by AIRMALL® at PIT. All opinions remain by own.

    Saturday, October 18, 2014

    Help us raise free funds for our t-shirts!

    The Pgh Momtourage was originally formed as a playdate venue to connect moms, kids, & families together. We believe strongly in the power of community and want to connect with others around our city. And we have the awesome opportunity to explore a ton of kid-friendly venues in the process!
    I was recently contacted about the concept of Pear which creates a sponsorship opportunity for the Momtourage. And what a fantastic program! I created a Pear to raise money for new Pgh Momtourage t-shirts. T-shirts allow our group to easily recognize each other when we are out at playdates in more public & busy venues.
    It's SO easy to help us raise money! All you have to do is go here to our Pear sponsorship page and it will give you a choice of actions to complete which gives us free money! Some are as easy as answering the question, "What do you like to eat alongside your Johnsonville sausage?" No one has to contribute money of any kind! 
     
    Do you have a group that you would like to raise money for? Family reunion, school group, baseball team, church event, missions trip, scout group....you can create your own Pear for your event or group!  Share your Pear in the comments to get support from other readers. 
     
     
     
    Moms, aunts and girlfriends whose friends are like family. If you are in the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Baltimore areas, your social network can help raise $1,000 or more toward custom apparel! How? By getting sponsored by Johnsonville on Pear! Not a part of a group but your child is? You still qualify! To get started, create a sponsorship page on Pear & invite friends to join in. The more people who join, the more money your group can earn toward apparel and merchandise!
     
    So please join us in this easy raising of funds - we only have 8 days left! Go here to support our group. And THANK YOU for your help!
     
     
     
    #JohnsonvilleSponsors
    This post sponsored & compensated by Global Influence.

    Tuesday, October 14, 2014

    Halloween Candy Buy Back

    Do you love for your kids to enjoy the fun and tradition of trick-or-treating, but hate the mounds of candy that takes up residence in your house? It's literally begging you to eat it, right? This is why I love the Halloween Candy Buy Back program! I'm already prepping my kids for the excitement of exchanging their candy. :)


    Kids can trade in their candy to participating dentists for CA$H & PRIZES and it will be shipped it to our military troops serving overseas. This organization has partnered with Operation Gratitude by shipping all the candy donated, along with toothbrushes, so troops abroad can receive goodies in their Operation Gratitude care packages.
    Since the program began in 2005, they have shipped more than 130 tons of candy and last year they celebrated with Operation Gratitude sending out their 1,000,000th care package!



    Here are some of the participating locations around Pittsburgh:

    My Best Smile
    518 Myoma Rd. Ste 200, Mars, PA 16046
    Mars, PA, 16046
    Phone: 724-779-7645
    Email: generalinfo@mybestsmilenorth.com
    mybestsmilenorth.comb

    My Best Smile
    1624 State St. West
    Baden, PA, 15005
    Phone: 724-869-0446
    Email: mybestsmilepc@yahoo.com
    mybestsmilenorth.com

    Henry J. Windle, DMD
    5060 Tuscarawas Road
    Beaver, PA, 15009
    Phone: 724-495-3350
    Email: drwindle@hotmail.com
    www.drhenrywindle.com

    Moon Family and Cosmetic Dental
    960 Beaver Grade Road, Lower level
    Moon Township, PA, 15108
    Phone: 412-262-3190
    Email: mollylukedds@gmail.com

    Verona Dental Care
    625 Allegheny River Blvd
    Pittsburgh, PA, 15147
    Phone: (412) 828-1920
    Email: veronadentalcare@gmail.com
    veronadentalcare.com

    Hayner Dental
    411 Seventh Ave, Suite 1207
    Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
    Phone: 412-281-3955
    Email: dentistpgh@gmail.com
    www.haynerdental.com

    Polished Dental
    355 Fifth Ave, Suite 1500
    Pittsburgh, Pa, 15222
    Phone: 412-281-3546
    Email: polisheddental@gmail.com
    www.mypittsburghdental.com

    Moon Family and Cosmetic Dental
    960 Beaver Grade Road
    Moon, PA, 15108
    Phone: 412-262-3190
    Email: mollylukedds@gmail.com
    www.mooncosmeticdentist.com

    Go here to put in your zip code for the location closest to you. 
    Each dental office will be holding it's own Buy Back Day, so be sure to contact them for specific details. 


    For questions regarding this year's Halloween Candy Buyback, please email hcbb13@gmail.com or post your question to the Halloween Candy Buyback's Facebook page. For questions involving operation gratitude and their organization, please email info@operationgratitude.com.

    Thursday, October 9, 2014

    Skippyjon Jones comes to Pittsburgh

    Skippyjon Jones will be playing at 6 different venues in Pittsburgh - October 19-26. Get ready for a fun and exciting musical production that will keep parents and children entertained!


    Skippyjon Jones is a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams! Sometimes he pretends to be a bird, sometimes he pretends to be a llama, and sometimes he pretends to be a whale – anything BUT a cat! Based on the book by Judy Schachner and from the creators of Theatreworks USA’s Junie B. Jones, Skippyjon Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams


    I recently had a chance to chat with Josh Adam Ramos, who plays Jilly Boo/Don Diego, and he shared some more details about this fun production.

    Can you expand on the storyline of the show?
    JAR: Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese cat with a crazy imagination who is convinced that he is a Chihuahua.  So he goes to Mexico where he meets up with a pack of Chihuahuas who are convinced that he was meant to be their savior from the evil bumblebee!

    Who is your character?
    JAR: My main character is Don Diego, who is the leader of the pack of Chihuahuas. But there are also only 5 cast mates, so everyone plays several characters throughout the show.   

    What will kids enjoy most about the show?
    JAR: Kids love the physicality of the show! There is a lot of action (Skippyjon IS known for literally bouncing off the walls), and kids love the adventures of the characters. There are also 6-8 songs throughout the performance and they are all catchy and fun, kids enjoy singing along.

    What will parents enjoy about the show?
    JAR: We know the parents are there for their kids. But we don't want it to be a painful hour for them, as we know some kids shows can be. So there is quite a bit of clever and witty humor sprinkled throughout the show that will keep parents engaged as well.

    How does this production help build a child's education?
    JAR:
    TheatreWorksUSA is the leading producer of youth productions that use children's literature to create theatre & musicals. These shows are also an excellent intro for more sophisticated musical theatre.

    Thank you, Josh, for taking the time to share about the show. We can't wait to see it!

    SHOW SCHEDULE
    • Sunday, October 19 2pm | Byham Theater
    • Wednesday, October 22 7pm | Penn Hills High School
    • Thursday, October 23 5:30pm & 7:30pm | Marshall Middle School
    • Friday, October 24 7pm | Moon High School
    • Saturday, October 25 11am & 2pm | Upper St. Clair High School
    • Sunday, October 26 2pm | Seneca Valley Intermediate High School

    SINGLE TICKETS ONLY $9.50 IN ADVANCE!

    Tickets are on sale now! Purchase Tickets:

    • Online at TrustArts.org
    • Call 412-456-6666
    • Box Office at Theater Square
    • Groups 10+ Call 412-471-6930


    theatreworksusa.org
    Recommended for ages 4-10
    60 minutes

    Wednesday, October 8, 2014

    FREE admission days for this week #RADicalDays

    I have to highlight a few of the free venues this week as this is the final full week of free admissions and there are some great ones! You can view the complete list here.

    Saturday, October 11

    Frick Art & Historical Center
    Free admission 10am-5pm
    Experience the Frick's new Orientation Center; explore Clayton, the restored Frick family mansion, by taking free, self-guided tours; and enjoy a beautiful display of fine and decorative art at The Frick Art Museum. FREE family activities, including scavenger hunts, games, and art activities!
    7227 Reynolds Street (Point Breeze)

    Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History
    Free admission: 10am-5pm
    Come explore the history of life on Earth, then visit what is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, all in one dynamic destination!  Enjoy hands-on activities for kids and grown-ups, and see some of the most exciting collections of art and science anywhere on Earth.
    4400 Forbes Avenue (Oakland) • carnegiemuseums.org

    Pittsburgh Opera: Brown Bag Concert
    Free admission Noon-1:00 PM
    Free and open to the public, these one-hour concerts feature our Resident Artists and our arts partners in the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters. No reservations are required; doors open at 11:30. Bring your lunch!
    2425 Liberty Avenue (Strip District)

    Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: Ghost Stories
    Free admission:  noon-1pm
    Gather the whole family in the Trust Arts Education Center to hear storyteller Alison K. Babusci share her most popular program featuring spine-tingling tales as well as hauntingly funny ones.  This program will delight all ages.  Bring your PJs and a pillow if you’d like.  Recommended for ages five and older; children must be accompanied by an adult.
    805/807 Liberty Ave. (Cultural District)

    Squonk Opera: Pneumatica
    Free admission for performances at noon, 2pm and 4pm
    Pneumatica is aperformance evnet about air, made of air and pwoered by air.  The Squonkers pupmp up the volume with live original music that permeates the air, while inflatables pump up and immerse the audience. A 30-minute children's workshop on STEM technology will follow the noon performance, and a 30-minute interdisciplinary artist talkback for teens and college students interested in theatre arts will take place aft erh the 2pm performance.
    Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)

    Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hazelwood: Ballet FUNdamentals
    Free admission: 2 pm
    Get an insider’s look at the story, dancing and magic of the upcoming Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performance of The Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy a special storytime and learn about ballet from a ballerina. Recommended for children age 3 to 11.
    5006 Second Avenue (Hazelwood)

    Sunday, October 12

    Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western PA Sports Museum
    Free admission: 10am-5pm
    Relive a few classic battles at the Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.  Enjoy all six floors of this Smithsonian-affiliated museum, presenting American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection.  Feel the pride of our region by exploring the lives of Pittsburghers who have changed the world through a variety of engaging exhibitions. Performances by Allegheny Brass Band (1:30), Children’s Festival Chorus (2:30) and South Hills Chorale (3pm).  (Photo: RAD/Julie Goetz)
    1212 Smallman Street (Strip District) • www.heinzhistorycenter.org

    THE MATTRESS FACTORY
    Free admission: 1-5pm
    A contemporary art museum + experimental lab featuring site-specific installations created by artists in residence from around the world. Located in the Mexican War Streets of Pittsburgh's North Side since 1977, the Mattress Factory is hailed as the best facility for installation art in the United States. Accessibility: The Mattress Factory's facility at 500 Sampsonia Way is fully accessible; enter from free parking lot at 505 Jacksonia Street. Facilities at 516 Sampsonia Way and 1414 Monterey Street are partially accessible. Wheelchairs are available upon request at 500 Sampsonia Way.
    500 Sampsonia Way (North Side)

    The Andy Warhol Museum
    Free admission 10am-5pm
    Provocative, challenging, energizing and exploring all that art can and should be.
    At The Warhol you have the chance to truly experience art. Whether you see the permanent collection, a performance, a visiting artist’s work, or just have lunch, you’ll find something to talk about, chuckle over, delight in, or ponder for days.
    117 Sandusky Street (North Shore)

    And mark your calendars for this final RADical Days event.....

    Sunday, November 9

    Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
    Free admission: 9am-5pm (gates close at 4pm)
    Combine learning, fun and exploration!  Thousands of wild animals, including sea lions, leopards, elephants, polar bears, giraffes and penguins, representing every continent offer a stunning view of our world.  Sponsored by PPG Industries. Performances by Pittsburgh CLO Mini-Stars (12:30pm) and Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra (3:30pm).  Please note: the Zoo entrance is next to major construction on Butler Street at the Highland Park Bridge - delays are possible if construction continues past October.  Check back here as the date gets closer for updated information.
    One Wild Place (Highland Park) • pittsburghzoo.org

    RADical Days is an annual event celebrating the assets with free admission, musical and dance performances and family activities offered by arts and culture organizations, parks and recreation, and sports and regional attractions that are funded by RAD. The year, RAD and its funded assets are celebrating 20 RADical Days, beginning on September 24th and concluding on November 9th.   Join the email alert list for RADical Days 2014, or get text message alerts on your mobile device, by texting RAD to 79797; message and data rates may apply.  You can also follow RAD and RADical Days announcements on Facebook.

    Yo Gabba Gabba! Ticket Giveaway

    Any Yo Gabba Gabba fans out there? Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Music is Awesome! tour is coming to Pittsburgh!


    YO GABBA GABBA! is a fun live-action program for preschoolers and their parents. Yo Gabba Gabba! revolves around the adventures of DJ Lance Rock and five colorful characters who come to life when they hear the magic words, “Yo Gabba Gabba!” Join host DJ Lance Rock as he introduces us to friendly toy monsters in a magical land. They teach simple life lessons through music and dancing that will get you and your children up off the floor to learn and dance along. Just say the magic words... YO GABBA GABBA!

     
    October 19, 2014
    2 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
    Benedum Center
    237 7th Street, downtown Pittsburgh 

    Tickets are on sale now.  Tickets range in price from $28.75-$128.75 and can be purchased online at www.TrustArts.org, by calling 412-456-6666, or in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue.  VIP ticket packages are available for $128.75.  This event is presented by S2BN, Opus One and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

    GIVEAWAY:
    We have 4 tickets to giveaway for the show on October 19th! Winner's choice of either the 2pm or 5pm show. Tickets will be held at the Will Call office at the Benedum.
    Go here to enter:


    Photos: Courtesy of the Tour - Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Music is Awesome!

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yogabbagabbaTwitter: http://twitter.com/yogabbagabbaInstagram: instagram.com/ yogabbagabba
    Pinterest: pinterest.com/ yogabbagabba
    YouTube: youtube.com/ yogabbagabba

    Connecting at The Mom Con + giveaway

    5 years ago I started the Pgh Momtourage to plan city-wide playdates for the specific purpose of connecting with moms around the city. Sure, our kids have fun at the many great events we enjoy, but a big part of why we exist is for moms to meet and build friendships with each other. Sometimes moms find themselves struggling or wondering how to navigate this mom-world they exist within, but we are all stronger within a community of friends.
    This is exactly why I am honored & grateful to be a part of the Mom Con team! 2 years ago, a local mom named Natalie Kavacic, had a vision of creating a conference in Pittsburgh specifically for moms. The Mom Con was a result of her vision, a conference by moms & for moms! We encourage moms in Pittsburgh and all the surrounding areas to come join us for this special event to not only take a break from your typical day-to-day, but to meet & be encouraged by connecting with moms from around the city. I am honored to be a speaker and will be sharing tips for connecting with moms & building friendships. I would love to meet you there!

    One of the featured speakers that I am very excited to hear is Rachel Martin, who writes at her website Finding Joy. She focuses on intentional joy-filled living and motherhood. If you find yourself feeling down or discouraged, her Dear Mom letters are excellent reads.

    Do you ever find yourself struggling to be joyful in the midst of what can be the mundane days of motherhood? Shaping, molding, & investing in these little lives can be some of our most rewarding work as well as the most pull-out-your-hair moments! It does take a village of encouragement, listening ears, and advice. So, come, join us at The Mom Con and we hope you walk away refreshed & inspired!

    Details for The Mom Con:

    Held at Pittsburgh Marriott North

    November 14th / Friday night kick-off party / 6pm / $25                    
    Drinks + networking + appetizers in a relaxed atmosphere, with a few surprises. Great for those staying overnight or who live close by!
     
    November 15th / Saturday conference / 9am-5pm / $59 
    Full conference ticket includes free parking, loads of content, lunch, networking, swag + giveaways.
     
    So I have good news & bad news.....
    The bad news is that your chances of getting into The Mom Con are getting smaller as it is almost completely sold out! The good news is that I have a ticket to give away! The ticket winner will also be given a promo code for a friend to get $10 off her ticket. Enter to win here:
     
    a Rafflecopter giveaway
     
     I also have a promo code to offer you! Purchase your tickets today and use  PROMO code: momcon5off. This promo code will give you $5 off registration!

    A few weeks ago we had a Mama Maven Meet Up with a lot of the speakers as well as bloggers who are covering the event. These are all fun & talented moms and just a few of the moms who you will be able to interact with at The Mom Con! You can view the complete line up of speakers here.
     
     
    Follow The Mom Con on facebook & twitter.

    This content has been sponsored by the Mom Con.  However, all opinions remain my own. 

    #momswhorock #themomcon

    Monday, October 6, 2014

    Ringling Bros. / Barnum & Bailey Circus - Ticket Giveaway

    It is one of my kids favorite time of year again - circus time! We have been to the Ringling Bros. Circus several years in a row and my kids absolutely love it. This year, Ringling Bros.® Presents Built To Amaze! a Circus Spectacular Extraordinarily Engineered by The Greatest Show On Earth®.


    CONSOL Energy Center
    November 5-9

    Built To Amaze! opens with the All-Access Pre-show where everyone is invited to join the fun and meet the Built To Amaze! international cast of performers as they prepare for the show. The Ringling Bros.® Ringling Girls and Barnum B-Boys encourage kids to participate in a tug-of- war and kick off what will soon become an insane battle of girl power versus boy power in Built To Amaze! Audiences also can pick up some hip dance moves during the dance party, try on custom designed costumes, learn circus skills like juggling from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and even have the opportunity to witness and win a one of a kind masterpiece created by Asia, Ringling Bros. very own painting pachyderm!


    Performance Schedule: 

    * Wednesday, November 5: 7:00 p.m.

    * Thursday, November 6: 7:00 p.m.

    * Friday, November 7: 7:00 p.m.

    * Saturday, November 8: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

    * Sunday, November 9: 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.

    Andre McClain, Ringmaster and America’s favorite cowboy takes the Ringling Bros. reins and accompanied by his horse Comanche, leads his Built To Amaze! funny and mischievous super circus supervisors, to construct The Greatest Show On Earth. A fantastic design with more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals will be assembled, creating never-before-seen heart pounding performances. Ringling Bros. is thrilled to introduce nine-time international award winning comedic animal presenting duo Alex and Irina Emelin of Russia.  Also new to Ringling Bros. is the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine who launch themselves from trampolines to scale, repel and pass through a three-story high translucent tower. Ringling Bros. brings a spirited and fiery competition of basketball with the next generation of whirling unicyclists, the legendary King Charles Troupe hailing from New York City!  



    For more information, go to Ringling.com and visit us at www.facebook.com/RinglingBros

    Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey PRESENTS Built To Amaze start at just $21.55. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or in person at the CONSOL Energy Center Box Office. For group rates and information, call 412-804-7904. 

    GIVEAWAY:
    I have 4 ticket vouchers to give away! The winner will be mailed the vouchers and need to exchange for tickets at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at the CONSOL Energy Center as soon as possible. The vouchers are good for performances on Wednesday and Thursday evening only.

    Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information on Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

    About Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation
    Ringling Bros. is a world leader in the care and conservation of the endangered Asian elephant. In 1995, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation®, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the reproduction, research and retirement of Asian elephants, was created on a 200-acre site in Florida. Information on the Center is available online at www.elephantcenter.com.

    Sunday, October 5, 2014

    Idlewild Hallowboo + Promo Code Deal


    HallowBoo! is back for its 10th consecutive year at Idlewild Park, the “Best Kids’ Park in the World” voted by Amusement today.  Park-goers and families looking for a fun and friendly alternative to the more frightening events of the season will love Hallowboo!

     
    From shaking your bones to classic dance hits to not-so-frightening puppet adventures, HallowBoo! is geared with four spooktacular shows. Shows include: Rock the Graveyard - deceased “graveyard ghouls” come out to sing the hottest hair raising hits of all time; The Boo Files -  a kid-friendly puppet adventure; Jack-O-Lantern Jive -  a dance party where families can jive the night away; and Spooktacular Celebration – a character celebration after the 6:00pm Rock the Graveyard show. 
    Popular rides and attractions in Olde Idlewild, Jumpin' Jungle, Hootin' Holler, Raccoon Lagoon and Story Book Forest will be open and dressed in fun fall and Halloween décor with plenty of pumpkins, cornstalks and scarecrows. To add more Halloween fun, Ricky Raccoon, Duke the Dragon and other characters will be dressed in their Halloween costume, and tasty fall favorites will be available at the concessions. 


    HallowBoo! runs for four consecutive weekends:
    October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26
    12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
    Gates will open at 11:30 a.m., and Story Book Forest will close at 5:00 p.m.

    Special Events include:
    o Trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest
    o Cornfusing Hay Maze o Little Ghouls & Boos Hay Maze (for younger children)
    o Four Halloween-themed shows: The Boo Files / Rock the Graveyard / Jack-o-Lantern Jive / Spooktacular Celebration 
    o Halloween / Fall decor throughout the park 
    o Specially themed rides and attractions, including the HALLOWBOO Express Train Ride
    o Ricky Raccoon & other costumed characters


    We have a promo code for $5 off! Use code HALLOWBOO14 and order your tickets here. The promo code is valid for $24.99 Regular HALLOWBOO Tickets (Original online price = $29.99 / Gate price = $33.99)  Regular HALLOWBOO tickets include gate admission, valid any HALLOWBOO operating date. Active September 26 – October 26. 

    2014 Premium and V.I.P. Season Pass holders enjoy free admission throughout HallowBoo! weekends, and Basic Season Pass holders pay just $5.00 admission.  Regular HallowBoo! admission (ages 3+)  is $33.99 plus tax,  Senior HallowBoo! admission (age 60+) is $29.99 plus tax, and children age two and under receive free admission. Valuable $5.00 discount coupons are available at participating Giant Eagle locations.  HallowBoo! tickets can also be purchased online for a savings of up to $8, or  purchase a 2015 Gold Season Pass for $85.99 and receive FREE admission to all 2014 HallowBoo! dates.  Visit Idlewild.com for more details.  


    ABOUT IDLEWILD & SOAKZONE - Founded in 1878 as a picnic ground along the Ligonier Valley Rail Road, Idlewild & SoakZone (Idlewild.com) is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and third-oldest in America. Idlewild is recognized as the world’s best amusement park for children per Amusement Today magazine (http://www.amusementtoday.com). Featuring several theme areas, Idlewild is part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks. Palace Entertainment is one of the leading leisure park operators in the United States with parks located in 10 states, greeting over 13 million visitors annually.  For more information, call 724.238.3666 or visit http://www.idlewild.com and http://www.palaceentertainment.com.
    Editors Note: The SoakZone, Wild Mouse, and Loggin’ Toboggan do not operate during Hallowboo! 

    Twitter: @Idlewildpark
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/IdlewildPark
    Instagram: @Idlewildpark
    #HALLOWBOO