Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker ~ Review

Disclosure:  I was provided with tickets in order to write this review.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to attend the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker when it came to Chicago.  I have never been to a ballet before and it has always been a bucket list item of mine.  The fact that it was the Great Russian Nutcracker had me even more intrigued.  I grabbed my bestie for a girls afternoon.

I have to say I was very impressed.  Not knowing what to expect it was fabulous.  The music was beautiful with one of my favorite songs being the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.  The dancing was spectacular.  This being my first time seeing a ballet I was amazed by their footwork and flexibility.  It was so beautiful to watch and flowed well with the music.  I loved how they had so many children incorporated into the show as well.



Although Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker has left Chicago for this year there are still tickets available at many venues across the country.  If you live in Chicago I say add this to your to do list for next year.  The little girls were twirling down the aisles during intermission.  It is a must do and you never know it may become a family tradition.  You can use the code JOY for up to $30 off your ticket order.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK FOR SHOWS & TICKETS!

Tickets are on sale now for Moscow Ballet’s celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker on most cities on the 2015 North American tour! Families love Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker! It's the ultimate holiday tradition and creates memories for a lifetime. The production includes over 200 romantic costumes and 10' tall playful animal puppets; shimmering colorful, backdrops splashed with 3-D effects; life-sized Matrushka (Nesting) Dolls and a puppet show for shadowing the Nutcracker Story at the opening Christmas Party. During the battle with Nutcracker Prince and the 3-headed Rat King, a golden cannon shoots roses! In the Magical Snow Forest an authentic Russian style Troika Sleigh, known as the fastest sleigh in the world, is escorted by Father Christmas (Ded Moroz) and Snow Maiden (Snegurochka) on their way to Act II. The Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its dedication to world peace with Act II named the "Land of Peace and Harmony." The first scene of Act II features a stunning "Dove of Peace" with a 20' wingspan and danced by 2 dancers each with one feathered wing. All ages feel the spirit of the season at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker!

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is Coming to Chicago!

The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is coming to Rosemont Dec. 6! My Readers Can Save on Tickets Now with this exclusive offer from US Family Guide 

It's the ultimate holiday tradition and creates memories for a lifetime. The production includes over 200 romantic costumes and 10' tall playful animal puppets; shimmering colorful, backdrops splashed with 3-D effects; life-sized Matrushka (Nesting) Dolls and a puppet show for shadowing the Nutcracker Story at the opening Christmas Party. During the battle with Nutcracker Prince and the 3-headed Rat King, a golden cannon shoots roses! In the Magical Snow Forest an authentic Russian style Troika Sleigh, known as the fastest sleigh in the world, is escorted by Father Christmas (Ded Moroz) and Snow Maiden (Snegurochka) on their way to Act II. The Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its dedication to world peace with Act II named the "Land of Peace and Harmony." The first scene of Act II features a stunning "Dove of Peace" with a 20' wingspan and danced by 2 dancers each with one feathered wing. All ages feel the spirit of the season at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker! Use the code JOY to get the biggest discount of the season for your family.

Save on the Moscow Ballet's celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker 2015 North American Tour. USE PROMO CODE: JOY
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=12165&dealid=2024 .@moscowballet .@usfg

Store Brand Formula Unique Baby Sweepstakes ~ Giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with compensation in exchange for my honest opinions.

From the moment you meet your precious little baby you know that that little person is special and unique in their very own way.  Every single baby is unique with their smiles, laughs, crazy faces, and those wacky baby hair-dos.  

I love seeing how my son gets so excited by the smallest things.  when he was little you could blow in his face and he would just laugh hysterically. I have always wanted to show him the world and provide him with the best life possible.  

While raising children is expensive, formula doesn't have to be which is why a majority of the time I chose Store brand formula.  Sometimes it would be Up & Up from Target.  Other days it would be Well Beginnings from Walgreens.  No matter which brand of store formula I chose I still had one happy, smiley, little baby.  

So dig through your computer and swipe through your phone to find your unique photos showcasing your baby for the chance to win some awesome prizes!!

                               

Store Brand Formula’s Unique Baby Sweepstakes

When it comes to infant formula, many factors will help make the decision of what’s best for your baby, but the name on the container should not be one of them! 

What most moms don’t know is that the FDA strictly regulates infant formula to keep little ones safe, so store brand infant formulas, like Walmart’s Parent’s Choice and Target’s Up and Up, are nutritionally comparable to national brands like Enfamil® and Similac® and meet FDA standards, at a much lower cost to your family.

So essentially, the brand of formula you use is not unique, but of course your baby is unique.

To shine the spotlight on the most important part of the formula equation: your baby, Store Brand Formula is launching a “Unique Baby” Photo Sweepstakes in which the winner will receive $5,000 AND a year supply of Store Brand Formula.

Every baby is unique. Show us how YOUR baby is unique.  We’re looking for funny, silly, odd, crazy unique baby photos.

Is your baby making a really bizarre expression?

Perhaps your baby is making an angry face?

Or maybe your baby’s hair is sticking up in a funny way.

Whatever it is, we’d love to see it.

How to Enter

To enter the Store Brand Formula Unique Baby Sweepstakes, simply visit http://bit.ly/1Fd2i6y and follow the photo submission guidelines and the on-screen instructions to complete the online entry form. All entries must be submitted between September 28, 2015 – November 5, 2015.

Limit one (1) entry per person, per day for the duration of the Sweepstakes

  

One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 and a one (1) year supply of the winner’s choice of Store Brand Baby Formula. Five (5) First Prize winners will receive $200 and a one (1) year supply of the winner’s c choice of Store Brand Baby Formula.

For official rules click here!  

I also have the chance for you to win a $30 Visa gift card for taking the time to come and read about this awesome sweepstakes, (which I hope you entered!).Just remember while every baby is unique, baby formulas are not!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kandoo Potty Training Party & Giveaway!

I'm teaming up with Kandoo to share a fun way to celebrate the potty training process, plus a chance to win one of 50 Potty Training Prize Packs. Scroll to the bottom of this post to enter to win one of 50 Potty Prize Kits from Kandoo!

 

Hosting your own potty training party is easy! Whether you're getting your little one excited to start using the potty or you're celebrating a big success, a potty training party can add some fun and excitement to the potty training experience.

1. Invite Your Friends

A party is always better with friends. Invite all of your potty training (or soon-to-be potty training) buddies, and get ready to have some fun.

2. Download our Toolkit

Our Potty Training Toolkit offers great potty training tips and tools to make using the potty a huge success in your house. Click here to download your free toolkit.

3. Play Potty Games

Ditch those dirty diapers with a game of Diaper Toss. Kids can take turns tossing diapers into a trash can. While they toss, they can SAY GOODBYE to those yucky old diapers and HELLO to big kid
underpants.

 

Another fun game? Pull out your potty seats and have kids play I KANDOO IT. It's a lot like Duck, Duck Goose, but instead have the kids say: I Can, I Can, I KANDOO IT!

4. Don't forget the Sweet Treats

Every good party includes some sweet treats. And every kid on the potty would like some potty treats to help celebrate their wins.

5. Stock up on Kandoo Flushable Wipes - and Other Swag

Don't send your guests home empty handed. Party favors can include Kandoo Flushable Cleansing Wipes, their own copy of the Kandoo Potty Training Toolkit, Kandoo hand soap and a bag of potty treats. Kandoo Flushable Cleansing Wipes clean up to 30% better than toilet paper, and our hand soap with BRIGHTFOAM® colors lets your child know when his/her hands are covered in soap. If your child likes to be independent, Kandoo products can help!

 
Click here to download a coupon and save on Kandoo products.

Enter to Win: 50 winners!

Complete the form below to enter to win one of 50 Kandoo Potty Training Prize Packs.

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm ET on Friday, October 9, 2015. Entrants must be residents of the United States or Canada. Promotion is void in Quebec.

AdoramaPix Photo Books ~ Discount!

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. Their custom photo books display your captured memories in rich color and vibrant detail. Thick, durable, professional grade photo paper resists fading and ensures that your photos will be just as colorful for future generations. The binding is lay-flat, so even panoramic images can splash across two pages without any separation. Your memories deserve to live in a stylish, archival home with AdoramaPix photo books.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE: http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/

25% off our square photo books (6x6,8x8,10x10,12x12). Use code: pxusfam25 ends 09/30/2015 11:59 pm EST

Getting Closer with a Family Vacation

My absolute favorite thing to do in the world is to get away with my family.  Vacation is the perfect time to bond and get closer with everyone.  I think it is important to try and get away from home on a vacation because it makes that time even more special.  No work, no school, no chores, no grocery shopping.  Just quality family time 24/7.

My boys even tell us they love vacation so much because mommy and daddy don't have to go to work.  Time with each other is so valuable so if you are able, then take advantage of these few short years.  Since our boys are still young we usually go to Florida every year.  Its not to far and there is always tons to do and miles of beaches.



In May we went to Hollywood, Florida and I am thrilled to be heading to Orlando with them in two weeks for #FamilyForward.  Two trips is a real luxury and I am looking forward to having a super fun time with my boys before they head back to school, and my husband too of course.

When I found out we would be staying at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort I was ecstatic and I plan on surprising my dinosaur obsessed boys with a Jurassic Park suite.  It is a bit out of our normal price range but I figure this is a once in lifetime experience that I want them to remember forever.  I cannot wait to see the looks on their faces when we walk into our room.

#FamilyForward is 5 days of family activities with the fun of Universal Studios.  We have never been to Loews Resorts or Universal Studios so I am sure it will be a great family adventure we will remember forever.  The resort has beautiful pools and is walking distance to the theme park.  

So as we count down the days, (TEN more sleeps!!), I hope you are busy planning a vacation with your family or had a fabulous journey this summer.  You never truly know your family until you spend a week with them in a hotel room.  #TravelforReal

Digital Media Academy Special!

Students at Digital Media Academy summer camps had an amazing time this summer! To say "Thank you," 
DMA would like to extend their biggest savings of the year to all DMA alumni - the Alumni Special. 

Take advantage of special discounted pricing and save hundreds when you purchase an Alumni Special Voucher for 2016 summer camps and DMA Online courses. Purchase an Alumni Special voucher and cancel anytime before February 1st, 2016 for a full refund - no questions asked.

Hurry, Alumni Special ends September 1, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.!

Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked the world's best technology camp.
Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more. 
Girl Power! Made by Girls is a new program dedicated to empowering female learners through community and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.
Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child's confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy! Alumni Special ends September 1, 2015 at 11:59 p.m..

Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the Alumni Special Offer.

Magic Waters Waterpark!

With everyone talking about back to school, and even sharing Halloween costume ideas, I just want to say STOP!!!  We still have an entire month of summer left before school starts so I highly suggest you take a break on planning for the future and plan a fun day with the kiddos.  Winter is going to be here soon enough so a day at Magic Waters waterpark is a perfect activity to end your summer with.

Magic Waters is just an hour outside of Chicago near beautiful Rockford, IL.  It was an easy drive from the city and well worth it.  They have something for everyone.  My 3 year old is not into slides but he loved playing in the Children's Tiki area.  He also loved the wave pool and told me it was just like the beach in Florida.

Well my 3 year old and I hung around the wave pool my husband and my 5 year old went on every single water slide for the majority of the day.  There were only 2 slides my 5 year old was too little for but he loved all the rest.  His favorite was the Splash Blaster which is basically like a roller coaster water slide.  Tons of fun!

One attraction our entire family enjoyed was the Splash Magic River.  We went around it at least 5 times and had a blast relaxing and racing along the river.  I did manage to sneak away and ride one of the bigger water slides myself called the Double Dare Drop.  I was terrified!!  It was so much fun though and my 5 year old loved watching me go down the huge drop.

It was a fabulous day and My entire family and I can wait to head back to Magic Waters waterpark.  We went on a Sunday and there was not much of a wait for any of the slides and there was plenty of chairs and picnic tables.  We were able to find a nice area in the shade to leave our towels and come back to for lunch.  They also allow you to bring a cooler so feel free to bring any food you want with you!  

Right now if you purchase tickets on their website they are only $13!  If you do buy food in the park I have to say everything is very reasonably priced and tasty.  Parking is FREE.  So drop what you are doing, grab the kids and have a relaxing day at Magic Waters waterpark.  

A huge thank you to USFamilyGuide.com & Magic Waters for giving us tickets for such an exciting day :)

Fresh Families Back to School Giveaway!

Back to School is coming fast, and I’m teaming up with some of my favorite brands and bloggers to offer a huge back to school giveaway!

 

 Three winners will take home a backpack loaded with school supplies - including Boogie Wipes. Plus a mommy clutch - full of everything mom needs to make the start of the school year as easy as possible - including a $25 Target gift card, a $25 Starbucks gift card, Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus, a Dreft Stain Stick and Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator.

Make Back to School Simple with Fresh Families Brands

Bracing yourself for the back to school sniffles that seem inevitable this time of year? Boogie Wipes to the rescue! Click here to grab a coupon, and be sure to stack your savings at Target to save an additional 5% with the Cartwheel app. Dreading having to iron those school uniforms and T-shirts every morning? Meet your new iron - Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus. You're going to love it! Click here for a coupon. Have no doubt that your kids will slop some lunch on their brand new school clothes? Arm them with the Dreft To-Go Instant Stain Remover Pen! Click here for a coupon. Already gagging when you think about having to wash those smelly gym clothes? You'll be shouting #BringtheStink with the new Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator. Click here for a $2 coupon. Complete the form below for a chance to win all of these products - plus more!

Enter to Win!

Complete the form below to enter to win!

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Entrants must be residents of the United States or Canada. Promotion is void in Quebec. Backpacks, mommy clutch and contents will vary from those pictured.

Magic Waters Waterpark in Rockford ~ Family Fun

Find your fun at Magic Waters Waterpark near Rockford, IL. Magic Waters features 10 attractions such as the Typhoon Terror, The Double Dare Drop Speed Slide or Tsunami Bay-Illinois' largest wave pool!

Experience the thrill of Splash Blaster Water Coaster Ride or just relax on the Splash Magic River! Don't miss Tiki Island-a water paradise for kids! There's fun for the entire family!
 

  

I am super excited to have the opportunity to take my family here.  Chris, my older son, is currently obsessed with water slides.  So stay tuned to hear all about our adventure!

Xlear Care Kit ~ Review

Disclosure: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

I am always trying to find healthier products for my family.  Small changes here and there to help us feel better, and hopefully live longer.  One of my main ways of doing this is by choosing products that are more natural and less artificial.  Xlear is a brand that makes this easy and the Xlear Care Kit is a great place to start.

They have everything you need for a great oral care routine and I really enjoyed using the toothpaste and mouthwash.  It left my mouth feeling fresh and clean.  My favorite items though were the Spry gum and gems.  I have to have something to ease my stress while driving so gum and mints are my go to items.  I love that the Spry gum and mints satisfied my cravings and at the same time were helping keep my mouth clean and fresh.

Spry Gum

• Xlear Spry Gum has a flavor profile that exceeds regular chewing gum with the added benefit of xylitol.

• Spry Gum is available in four natural flavors:  Spearmint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, and Peppermint.

• 12 pieces of Spry Gum retails for $2.29. 

Spry Gems

• Xlear Spry Gems are naturally sweetened with 100% xylitol.

• Spry Gems combine the benefits of xylitol with natural flavorings and calcium to create a pHbalanced formula for advanced oral health.

• Spry Gems are available in Berry, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Spearmint, and Lemon Cream varieties.

• 40 count Spry Gems retail for $2.19.

Spry Toothpaste Non-Fluoride

• The use of Spry Toothpaste can significantly improve oral health, when combined with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.

• Spry Toothpaste consists of 1/3 xylitol, which provides 20-25% of the recommended dosage per day.

• Xylitol also increases mineral absorption into the enamel of the teeth, resulting in greater protection with a clean, fresh feeling that really lasts.

• Spry Toothpaste retails for $5.99 each.

Spry Oral Rinse

• Spry Oral Rinse takes a more natural approach tooral health by using a xylitol-rich, low-alcohol, and pH-neutral formula.

• It also uses a mix of natural flavorings and herbal extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile, and echinacea to help soothe irritated mouth tissues.

• Spry Oral Rinse is available in Cool Mint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, and Cinnamon flavors.

• Spry Oral Rinse retails for $6.99 each.

Xlear also has their very own nasal sprays.  For me nasal sprays are phenomenal.  The spring is filled with tons of pollen, dust and I think just the air overall drives my allergies into overdrive and my sinuses are so uncomfortable.  Using a nasal spray when I wake up and when I come home I notice a huge difference in how much better I feel overall.  Finding a more natural option when it comes to a nasal spray is very difficult so Xlear is a perfect choice.  

Xlear Nasal Spray

• Xlear is a soothing nasal spray that helps to alleviate congestion due to allergies, cold, flu, and sinusitis. It does this by being much more hyperosmotic than a traditional saline nasal spray and also by incorporating xylitol, a natural product that has been shown to decrease bacterial adherence in the nose.

• When used twice a day, Xlear nasal spray not only hydrates the sinuses and nasal passages but it also helps to wash away airborne contaminants and pollutants that lead to many common upper respiratory problems.

• Unlike many prescription or medicated sprays with unwanted side effects, daily usage of Xlear Nasal Spray is non-addictive and will not damage tissues.

• One 1.5 oz. container of Xlear Nasal Spray retails for $14.99 and will last 2-3 months with daily use.

• The Xlear Nasal Spray Economy Pack contains three .75 oz. squeeze bottles and retails for $18.99.

If you are wondering what makes the Xlear line of products so different it is because they contain xylitol.  Never heard of xylitol?  Don't worry, I didn't either until I tried this great line of products. 

 "The addition of xylitol to saline nasal sprays, neti pots, and positive pressure bottles has been shown to make them more effective at helping to prevent ear infections in children, sinus infections in adults, and asthma and allergies in people of all ages. Xylitol helps the body’s natural cleansing process to clear away allergens, asthmatic triggers and other harmful bacteria. Xylitol is also one of the newest, easiest and tastiest ways that people can improve oral health. Research done in widely different conditions confirms that xylitol use may reduce tooth decay."

And if you would like to try out the entire Xlear Care Kit pictured above, thanks to Moms Meet & Xlear you can get the entire Xlear Care Kit (valued at $65) for only $25 by using the code SAVE50.

Be sure to check out Xlear on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Easy Chili Dinner ~ Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try a few of the products from Olde Westport Spice & Trading Co.  They were all things I had never tried before which I love.  I received their Mesquite Seasoning, a package of Chili, Chicken Enchilada Soup, and Chili Verde  I really loved all four items but my favorite was their chili seasoning which was just delicious.

It was so easy to make and with the Chili Mix you only need a couple other ingredients which is great.  I actually had everything on hand already.  You need 2 lbs of ground meat.  I choose ground beef.  A can of tomato sauce and a can of beans.  I love to use Spicy chili beans.

The recipe comes right on the back of the package and was super easy to make while watching my two boys.  I am a huge fan of one pot meals.  You just brown your meat and drain the grease.  

Then you add the Olde Westport Chili Chili Mix, tomato sauce, and a can of water.  Let that cook for ten minutes.  Next, drain and rinse your beans, add them to the mixture and cook another ten minutes.  I use my timer on my stove because as a mom at home I am easily distracted and it keeps me on track.  

That's it!  You have a delicious satisfying meal.  I only cook dinner when I am not working so it is a special treat for the hubby to come home to a meal waiting and he was thrilled.  We gobbled up our bowls of Chili.  They were so yummy.  I added a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the top as a garnish.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI SPICE BLEND - This championship spice has helped chili creators win 12 state and national championships throughout the years and all over the US! But what is most important to us about our Olde Westport Chili Spice Blend is that our customers love to use it in their chili whether it's for a national championship cook-off challenge or simply for their own family in their cozy kitchen on a cold winter's night. We've heard from countless customers that our attention to detail and quality is what makes this chili spice blend stand out above the competitors. We know you might put beans in your chili or maybe you add apples and sausage or perhaps you have a special recipe that is top secret but starts with thick-cut bacon... however you concoct your chili we hope you'll try our chili spice blend

Get 10% off your order!!

Digital Media Academy ~ Discount

There is still time to register!!

Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by June 30th to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!


Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more. 

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child's confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigous colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by June 30th to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!