Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with the stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story in their new touring show Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! The irresistible lineup of performers, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie; are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session fit for the entire family! You can’t resist dancing, singing, playing your air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Come join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime.
I’m certain your little Disney fans will be excited about this high energy show with Mickey and friends. The dancing and music is perfect for sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and friends – definitely something for the whole family!

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival will be live on stage at the Rosemont Theater this weekend, March 15-17  (Friday – 7:00pm; Saturday – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm; Sunday – 11:00am, 2:00pm, 5:00pm).  Click HERE for ticket information and purchasing.  Use code MOM to get $5off each ticket (Discounts not valid on VIP $70 seating or $35 seating. No double discounts.)

**GIVEAWAY** We have a family 4pack of tickets to giveaway to the opening night performance.  Comment here to enter.  Share on FB or twitter and leave an extra comment if you do for an extra entry.  This is a quick turn around so I’ll choose a winner tomorrow night and e-mail you right away.  Please make sure I have an e-mail address so I can contact you.

Dsiclaimer: I have been provided with complimentary tickets to the Disney Live! show in exchange for helping them promote the event.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

It’s that time again… time to say I love you with the sound of revving engines and spinning tires!  Monster Jam 2013!! 

Come join us to celebrate Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® Monster Jam’s 30th anniversary of Grave Digger! While at the show, you will be captivated by an incredibly family-friendly experience starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!  Monster Jam provides a massive night’s entertainment tailored perfectly for your family’s budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

Coming now to the Allstate Arena February 8-10th. There are 5 performances (Fri 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 2pm and 7:30pm) and a Pit party on Sat and Sun from 11-1 (extra fee).

Save 33% on adult tickets to all shows Feb. 9-10 with code MOM.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/dr1gv7

Kids tickets are always just $10.

BRING EAR PLUGS … they’re big and they’re loud so bring ear plugs for the family.

Pit Passes are limited so make sure you buy your pit pass in advance.  Don’t wait until the day of the show!

Check out MonsterJam.com for Advance Auto Parts truck display locations.  There are 3 in Chicago the Thursday before the show.

Offer Not valid on Opening Night.  Discount does not apply to VIP or Gold Circle seats.  No double discounts.  Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply. All tickets $2 more day of show.

**GIVEAWAY** I have a 4pack of tickets to opening night (Friday, Feb. 8th) available to giveaway!  Comment here to enter and share with your friends for more entries.  I will choose a winner Saturday Feb 2nd at midnight. 

Disclaimer: I have been given complimentary tickets in exchange for promotion of this event by Feld Entertainment.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

How can we possibly make healthy meals, exercise, get our work done, pick up the house, help with homework or bedtime stories if we are booked from morning until 10pm?  This is the reality for many people.

How do you free up your time for yourself or simply relaxing or sleep?  Set boundaries by saying, “No thank you.” It’s that simple.  You know you want to.  You think about the stuff on your plate all the time and wish you could unload some of it, or maybe all of it, right?

Know your priorities and then knowing when to say no will be easier.  Here are several ways to say no without sounding like a bad guy.

• Would you like to volunteer?
  “I would like to but I can’t. I have other priorities right now.”
  “I’m not sure if I can commit to that. Let me think about it and get back to you.” (No need to feel like you have to answer on the spot. This strategy buys you some time to consider how the activity fits into your priorities and calendar.)
  “I’d like to volunteer but can’t do it until next month.”
• Can you coach the soccer team this season?
  “No thank you, but I’m happy to help you find another qualified person.” (Maybe a friend wants to get involved but is a little reluctant and needs your nudge.)
• I would like you to get this report done before the end of the day.
  “I’m happy to get this done for you.  Can you help me prioritize my other work so I can make your report my top priority?”  (This one is sneaky because you didn’t even say, “no”!)
• Would you like my kids’ hand-me-down toys?
  “Thank you for thinking of me. We are so fortunate to have more than enough so please donate them to someone who really needs them.”
• Can you help me with this project?
  “I’d love to help you but I am booked until next week.  Can we discuss it then?”

Try one of these soon! You’ll find out how liberating it is to say “no” sometimes.  It’s a great way to set boundaries with those around you.

I challenge you to say “No thank you” at least 5 times this week.  Share your “NO” successes with us!  Once you’ve started saying, “no”, you’ll have a better handle on your time.

With Rapunzel and Merida and Belle and Ariel being the stars of this show (besides Mickey and Minnie of course!), they do a really good job of presenting the stories and hitting all the high points of the movies without letting each one drag on too long.  The stories are all told within the context of Mickey and crew putting on a talent show.  And while I thought that part of it kinda fell apart and didn’t really add much to the show, they didn’t really need it.  They princesses and their acts speak for themselves.

My favorite parts were definitely the lanterns being released during the Tangled segment and the Brave part of the show was AMAZING!  Merida shoots a sparkling arrow and the special effects of the part are pretty cool.  Another highlight was the mermaids and Sebastian from “Little Mermaid” dancing to Vogue and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- fun for both parents and kids!

The whole show overall is very fun and entertaining.  My boys loved it, my husband and I loved it, and I totally recommend it to y’all too!

Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After will be at Allstate Arena until Jan.

27 and then will be at the United Center from Jan. 31 to Feb. 10.  PARKING IS FREE in all official Allstate Arena and United Center lots.  Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays. Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Click here to Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows with code MOM!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/245562

“Be Our Guest” with Belle

Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

The sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out! DJ Lance Rock and everyone’s favorite cast of colorful characters are calling all fans in Chicagoland to get ready to jump, shake and shimmy them out at the new live tour Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out!. Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get The Sillies Out! tour will visit more than 50 cities across the U.S. in 2013.  Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! is touring in support of their first national beverage launch, a new line of toys, a new line of kids sportswear and a DVD/ CD collectors’ edition.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! will have four performances in Rosemont at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on Sat., January 19th/ Sun. January 20th. CLICK HERE for ticket information for the shows (2:00PM and 5:00pm both days). Tickets start at $23.00. VIP Party packages are available as well which include a ticket in the first 15 Rows, a pass to “Get the Sillies Out” in the private VIP room featuring a super fun party with the Gabba Gang (costumed characters) and more. Children under 1 year old do not require a paid ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.

*GIVEAWAY* DupageMamas has 4 tickets to the 5pm performance on Sunday January20th to giveaway to one lucky winner.  This is a quick turn around since the performance is next weekend so the giveaway will close Tuesday night the 15th and I have to give them the winner’s name and e-mail on Wednesday the 16th.  So comment below to enter to win and as always leave an extra comment if you share on FB or Twitter.

 Yo Gabba Gabba! is an award-winning, live-action television series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base, making it one of the most popular entertainment properties among preschoolers, parents and indie music lovers alike. The television show, now in its fourth season, airs several times a day on Nick Jr.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get the Sillies Out! marks the third tour for the successful Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! concert series. The first tour, Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: There’s a Party in My City!, launched with a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a performance at the White House in 2010.  Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! 2010 tour played to sold out venues in 60 cities. Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: It’s Time to Dance! enjoyed repeat success in 2011, energizing audiences across North America at over 120 shows.

For a complete list of tour dates, cities and show times, and a preview of the show, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com

Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel.  A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to your hometown!

Rockin’ Ever After is a talent show! Be prepared to see Mickey and all his friends leading you through these Rockin’ sing offs and performances!

Click here to Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows with code MOM!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/245562

PARKING IS FREE in all official Allstate Arena and United Center lots.  Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee. Discount does not apply to Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

**GIVEAWAY ALERT**

I have a family 4 pack of tickets to giveaway to the opening night performance at either location (Jan 23rd at Allstate or Jan 30th at United Center).  Please leave a comment here with your name and contact info and your favorite Disney princess.  If you share this contest on FB or Twitter, leave another comment to let me know you did for another entry.  Contest will close on Jan. 13th at midnight.  I have to give your name and preferred date to the Feld PR people ASAP so make sure I can get in contact with you if you are the winner.

This show is gonna be “Rockin’” for sure!!  Don’t miss it!!

Looking for one more special gift but don’t have time for shopping? Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After is coming to the Chicagoland area, playing Allstate Arena Jan. 23 – 27 and United Center Jan. 31 – Feb. 10.  Tickets make great gifts that provide a memorable experience for the whole family.  And, the best part is you don’t have to wait in lines or even leave the house! 

Get your little one extra excited with a special presentation linked to the show … download a Rockin’ Ever After gift tag or one of these great ticket crafts:

o   Increase the excitement by creating a lotto ticket scratch off

o   Provide an Beauty and Beast ticket rose bouquet

o   Special Merida arrow delivery … shot right into a stocking or tree

The fun presentation creates an exciting moment when opening the gift.  Then there’s the fun anticipation of attending the show together. You’ll rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel.  A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to Chicago!

Click here to Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows with code MOM!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/245562

PARKING IS FREE in all official Allstate Arena and United Center lots.  Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Bossy Baby Chronicles is a series of personalized books created by Chicago-based mom, Alexis Stein Tande in an effort to help parents and young children reach major milestones such as potty training, attending preschool, and making good behavior choices. Her product line features 3 different books plus reward charts with stickers that will help us as parents to encourage positive behaviors and give the kids ownership of the process.

We got the “Likes to Behave” book for my 4yr. old.  The character in the book is just a nondescript, faceless, hair-less kid who finds himself in situations where it is difficult to behave.  Mommy or Daddy or Grandma remind him of the good behavior choice in that situation and the kid has to remind himself, “C**** Likes to Behave.”  I kinda thought the kid in the book looked funky at first.  But it is cool that no matter who is reading it, the kid can imagine themselves as the character in the story.  And all kids love to see THEIR name in the book and hear THEIR name read as part of the story.  They print your child’s name on almost every page and my son’s face just lights up when he hears it.  My favorite part of the book is the end, where it says that accidents happen and we all make mistakes but that we have to remind ourselves that behaving is a choice and that lots of good things happen when we remember to make the right choice. When I read that the first time, I thought “yes!  That is what I have been trying to say!”

Bossy Baby Chronicles has two other books featuring potty training and going to school for the first time, addressing common concerns that kids going through those big life events may have and giving us tools as parents to help them through it.

Bossy Baby Chronicles is only available online and in select specialty toy stores around the area.  What a great gift for the special little one in your life this holiday season.  My kids love to read their book and I love reading it to them…  2 for 1!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents DRAGONS!!  Now playing at the Allstate Arena  Nov 1-11 and then moves to the United Center Nov 14-25. The show is fantastic, filled with more “how-do-they-do-that” moments than I have ever seen in one show!  There are the  Shaolin Warriors who perform powerful feats of strength, bending steel rods with their necks and balancing their bodies on the tips of swords.  When one of the warriors dove through a ring of swords on fire, it truthfully made me a little nervous.  But thankfully I had my 4yr old there to assure me that “he has done this lots of times, Mom!”

Along with the cool robotic dragon and the other specialty acts, there are the normal circus acts that still wow and amaze the audience everytime.  This year in particular, my boys (ages 6 and 4) LOVED the clowns, belly-laughing at their skits and antics.  And who doesn’t love to see their kids have a good belly-laugh!

It was an awesome evening for all of us, good ol’ fashion family fun! 

You can still get tickets for either venue at this link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/i89mql

Use code MOM for 40% off weekday shows and 20% off weekend shows.  [Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving.  Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats.  No double discounts.  Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply. ]

But this is the perfect time of year for a hearty, warm feel-good breakfast.  And I’ve got just the thing:

Crockpot Pumpkin Oatmeal

2 cups steel cut oats

1 15oz. can pumpkin

1 12oz can evap milk

5 1/2 cups water

1 cup brown sugar/splenda/sweetener of choice

2tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup maple syrup

1tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all ingrediants in the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

FYI:  I actually don’t add the sugar before cooking.  I usually just wait and sweeten to taste once we eat it.  Also, 5hours seems to be about perfect.  Otherwise, the bottom starts to stick to the crockpot.  I usually put all the ingredients in and then set my crockpot to start around midnight so that the oatmeal is ready and the house is smelling delicious when we wake up.  If you don’t have a crockpot with a timer,  make it the night/day before and just warm it in the morning.  Still amazing!