Lugz Men's Canvas Shoe #Giveaway

Sponsored By Lugz

and

Hosted By Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and More and Joan's 5 Star Reviews

This started out as a back to school event but you can tell by the date that it is a little bit late for that. It is never too late for a pair of new shoes. Men deserve new shoes just as much as women do. Once you discover the Lugz brand, I doubt you will ever chose another as they are superior in quality and styles as well as design. Lugz is celebrating their 20 year anniversary. You can read Tammie's review by going HERE.

I look forward to trying out these shoes. They look so comfortable and I would hope they last a while. I have boys in my home who are excessively hard on shoes! Please be sure to enter the giveaway below. If you click on the top right corner, select open all entries at once. This will remember your setting forever and it makes this a super fast giveaway to enter. Good luck!!!

Onto The Sweepstakes~

• One reader will win a pair of their choice of Lugz Men's Canvas shoes
• This is open to the U.S. only
• This Sweepstakes will end on 10/13 at 7 p.m.
• Must be 18+ to enter
• Only 1 entry per person, per household
• Void where prohibited by law
• All entries will be verified
• Winner will be notified by email
• Full Terms and Conditions are on the entry form below

Enter below and Good Luck to you~

Entry-Form

Disclosure-Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts was not compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions about this giveaway or to have me promote your product, Please email Tammie at info@tpankuch.com .

Masik Collegiate Fragrance #Giveaway

   

Hosted By Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and Moreand
Sponsored By Masik

While I had never heard of Masik Collegiate Fragrance before, I looked through the scents and loved what I saw. Having been at several of the colleges and universities represented, I think their choice of scents to blend is spot on. I wish they had a University of Nebraska scent...but not yet. Is your favorite team one of the scents--and do you think they got the mix right? 

Tammie's Thoughts: How do you show your team spirit? The team that you cheer on the most? The team that you bleed their colors? You can read Tammie's Review of this product by going HERE. It does not matter if you are a guy or a gal, They have the fragrance for you.

Onto The Sweepstakes~

• One reader will win a their choice of either perfume or cologne and their choice of their team to be placed on the bottle
• This sweepstakes will end on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. EST
• This is open to the U.S. only
• Void where prohibited by law
• All entries will be verified
• Winner will be notified by email
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Full Terms and Conditions are on the widget below

Good Luck!!!

Entry-Form

Disclosure--Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts was not compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions about this giveaway or to have me promote your product, Please email Tammie at info@tpankuch.com.

Frozen Soundtrack CD #Giveaway

Disclosure: Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Hosted by: Queen of Savings

Sponsor: Walt Disney Records/Disney Music Group

If you haven't seen Frozen yet, I'm sure the music from the movie would not be unfamiliar to you. Let's face it, this has some of the best music we've gotten out of a Disney film in years. And now you have the chance to win the soundtrack of the movie on CD. Christmas is coming and most people on your list would not turn down this gift. I know I wouldn't!!!

Featuring original songs from Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Winnie the Pooh”) and Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”), and an original score by Christophe Beck (“The Muppets,” Oscar®-winning short “Paperman”), “Frozen” won two Academy Awards® (best animated film and best original song with “Let It Go”) and a Golden Globe® (best animated feature film). It is the fifth highest grossing film of all time and the highest grossing animated film earning more than $1.27 billion globally. See the full track list here.

Prize: Frozen - The Songs Soundtrack CD

Dates: 9/25-10/3

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Plank Seafood Provisions Omaha Twitter Party and #Prizes from #BlogOmaha

Table set and ready for bloggers.

One of our place settings. 

I've been having a ball with my #BlogOmaha peeps. We have been working with local businesses to expand our presence and help businesses understand what a blogger can do to help you and your business out. Earlier this week, our group went to Plank Seafood Provisions (Old Market location) to sample some food and finalize our big event coming Monday--the Plank Twitter Party. It's the don't miss event of the week as there will be lots of prizes given away during the party. (Details and registration below.)

Oysters on the half shell--$1 during happy hour.

During our event, we were able to sample items from the Happy Hour menu. The food was beyond amazing. And I must admit that the Baked Mac & Cheese was the best Mac and Cheese I've ever had. Here's the description: cast iron baked, cheddar, bechamel, cavatappi pasta, parmesan breadcrumbs, paprika, chives. It's one not to miss!

Baked Mac & Cheese

Here's a few more facts about Plank Seafood Provisions:

• Eco-Friendly Water: We offer Vivreau environmentally-friendly water at Plank as part of our sustainability program. It's filtered, purified and chilled, bottled on-site, and you have your choice of still or sparkling. The service is just $2 per table with unlimited refills.

• Tap Wines: Another part of our sustainability efforts is our eco-friendly tap wine system. Choose from 8 wines, stored in reusable steel kegs, eliminating waste from cardboard and glass packaging. Our kegs are vacuum-sealed and temperature-controlled to ensure every glass is fresh and served at its optimum temperature. 

• Happy Hour: Enjoy fresh shucked oysters on the half shell for just $1 during Happy Hour! No minimum, no maximum. Slurp to your heart's desire! You'll find soups, sandwiches and several hot starters with favorites like Braised Beef Flatbread, Scottish Salmon Crostini, Poutine and Potato Crusted Calamari. Pair these tasty dishes with $6 spiked lemonades, $4 select cocktails, $3 house wines and more. 

• Our Happy Hour is offered Monday through Saturday 3-6:30pm and Sunday noon-8pm.

DESSERT!! (Chocolate Torte)

For dessert, I got the Chocolate Torte. It had chocolate ganache, coffee flavored ice cream and raspberries with the torte. I normally don't like coffee ice cream, but this really worked to balance out the incredibly sweet torte.

Plank Seafood Provisions Twitter Party
When: September 29th at 9:00-10:00 PM CST
Hosts: Follow @AMomOnTheSide and @PlankSeafood
Follow me: Follow @coolestmommy
Panelists: Follow @momsgoodeats @momsavesmoney @herheartlandsoul@livingsunnylife @mrsbrich26
Hashtag: #PlankSeafood
Prizes: (6) $15 Plank Seafood Provisions Gift Cards and (2) $50 Plank Seafood Provisions Gift Cards
What: Join us on Twitter to learn more about Plank Seafood Provisions and answer fun questions to randomly win prizes! The more you tweet with the hashtag #PlankSeafood during the party the more chances you have to win. You must RSVP at this website and be present during the Twitter Party to win.
RSVP: RSVP HERE in order to be entered to win. 

If you haven't been to Plank Seafood Provisions yet, and want a sneak peek at the Happy Hour Menu, checkout #PlankSeafoodHH on Twitter and Instagram for some yumminess! Now go on, RSVP below and mark your calendar for the Plank Seafood Provisions Twitter Party on September 29th!


Twitter Party Rules: Winner must RSVP and be present to win. Winner must be able to go to Plank Seafood Provisions in Omaha, Nebraska to redeem Gift Card. Winners will be drawn randomly from RSVP list and announced during the Twitter Party if they are present. Any information obtained is solely used for the Twitter Party and Prizes.

Would you like to know what the other bloggers thought? Check out these #BlogOmaha bloggers and their Plank Seafood Provisions posts:

• http://www.ohmyomaha.com/2014/09/plank-seafood-provisions-twitter-party/
• http://www.mardrasikora.com/sharing-love-plank-seafood-provisions-omaha/
• http://momsavesmoney.net/2014/09/plank-seafood-twitter-party-omaha.html
• http://www.thebaubleblog.com/plank-seafood-provisions/
• http://mommyworksalot.com/2014/09/25/out-about-in-omaha-happy-hour-at-plank-seafood/
• http://www.midwestmammas.com/2014/09/5-reasons-to-dine-at-plank-seafood.html
• http://bakesinslippers.com/plank-seafood-omaha/

Papa Murphy's Omaha Area #Giveaway and Behind the Counter Tour

Disclosure: As a Papa Murphy's Mom, I was provided a behind the counter tour in exchange for a review. 

What is better than pizza for dinner? 
Pizza that was made fresh before your eyes. You know its quality when you watch it being made! And where do you get this sort of quality? At Papa Murphy's of course. (Be sure to keep reading for a giveaway of a Papa Murphy's Meal Deal.)

By the "Always Fresh Oven" at the Papa Murphy's
store and the pizza that I got to make. 

Our family has been eating at Papa Murphy's for about two years now. When I discovered their pizza--and pricing--and tried it out, I was hooked. So was my family. We tend to stick to the 'Faves' line of pizzas. They are pre-made and ready to purchase. Most markets sell for $5 per Fave which is what Omaha sells for, but please check your local location as some markets are lower or higher. A Fave is a cheese, pepperoni or sausage pizza at a low price. You buy, take home and bake. (And for Omaha folks, it's less money than the other hot and ready pizza location and baked fresh in your oven.)

I was able to tour the Samson Way location in Bellevue last week and I was truly impressed. Dan, the district manager, took us on a Behind the Counter Tour and gave us access to everything in the store. I took the tour with Nicole who blogs at MomSavesMoney.net and we had a blast. I learned all sorts of things I never knew about Papa Murphy's.

A few 'tastes' of what I learned:

• There are no freezers in any Papa Murphy's location. This guarantees you receive fresh product since there is only a walk in cooler.
• Papa Murphy's is an international chain.
• The s'mores dessert pizza (absolutely delicious) was created in Council Bluffs, IA
• Cheese arrives in blocks and is freshly shredded in house.
• Veggies arrive whole and are cut in store.
• Papa Murphy's takes pride in their customer interaction. 
• Gluten Free pizza now available. It comes premade and is wrapped before arrival to cut down on cross-contamination.
• The new Gourmet Delite pizzas are now available: Angus Steak and Roasted Garlic or Spicy Fennel Sausage

Guess what else I learned?!?! If you don't want to heat your oven, did you know you can grill your pizza? Instructions are online. (Nicole taught me to stop thinking of the grill as 'just' a grill. It's an outdoor oven.)

Please pop over to Nicole's post at MomSavesMoney.net.

Here's a few photos of the prep area.

Time to make the dough...

Mikey showing his freshly made crusts
as he puts them in the cooler. 

Green peppers getting washed and then chopped
(I used these on my pizza)

Nicole and I both had the opportunity while we were "behind the counter" to make a pizza for our families. I chose a Murphy's Combo (no mushrooms and no black olives) on a pan pizza crust. I hadn't tried pan pizza there before. I don't know if I'll ever go back to regular crust! There's a butter and garlic sauce on the bottom that is divine. I can't describe how delicious it was. My finished pizza is in the first picture at the beginning of this post. It was DELICIOUS!!! I also tried the 'pink sauce' and loved it, too. If you want to get daring at Papa Murphy's, go pink. It's 1/2 red and 1/2 alfredo sauce mixed together (hence the pink name). Although they really use about 2/3 red and 1/3 alfredo because the alfredo is so rich. It really brings out the flavor of both quite nicely and adds richness to the pizza.


Not to be left out, my little ones got to make their own Mini Murph at home. They loved it! Rebekah's pepperonis were decoratively arranged in a happy face design. Nathan took the remaining pepperoni's from her plus his own to totally cover his pizza from end to end. They agreed they are the best pizza chef's in town. A Mini Murph is only $4 for the first one and $3 for each additional pizza. That's less than I spend on individual pizzas elsewhere and they have such a sense of pride in making their own food. It's an easy way to give them some kitchen training and I find they eat a lot more of the pizza when they made it.


A few more points of interest. I'm involved in a lot of groups...three kids in three schools means 3 PTO groups. And that's just the beginning. Papa Murphy’s has a program called Peel-A-Deal® fundraising cards. It’s a plastic card with eight great offers on their most popular items. Each offer is a plastic sticker that can be easily removed and used at Papa Murphy’s just like a coupon. If your group would be interested in these cards, please contact your local Papa Murphy's. They will also work with your group to have a fundraiser night where a portion of the sales from the evening goes to your group. And, if you are a part of a scout troop, preschool, or similar group, your group can have a tour similar to mine at no charge. (Please note if you add pizzas to your tour, a pizza charge would apply.)

Who would like to try Papa Murphy's now? 
If you live in the Omaha Metro area, enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Papa Murphy's Meal Deal. Please note the locations where this deal can be redeemed.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ESSIO Shower Aromotherapy Review and Givewaway

Disclosure: I was provided a free ESSIO in order to facilitate my review. All thoughts are my own. 

Some of you know I've been getting more and more in touch with my inner hippie. I call it my granola side. I've been really looking into and learning a lot about essential oils and how they can help us in our daily life. There's a lot of research out there and what I'm finding is that once again, combining some old world medicine with modern treatment is a win-win. (Keep reading and be sure to enter to win an ESSIO for your home as well.)

Essio Kit in the Box -
comes with THREE pods to start you off.

Why aromatherapy and do essential oils matter? The benefits to mind and body are being proven over and over by science. Certain smells can help improve our mood, help our behavior and even help us think better. Essential oils (and I will only consider oils that are all natural with no synthetics in them) are the best way to get the aromas and essential oils are absorbed quickly into your body and bloodstream to carry their healing powers throughout your body. 

So the ESSIO combines the best of both worlds. All of their essential oils are all natural. There are no chemicals or synthetics and the bonus is their oils are also certified organic. You quickly attach the arm onto your existing shower head (no tools required and VERY simple). Takes under a minute. Once the arm is in place, you attach the pod of whatever scent you will use and start your shower. You can even adjust the strength of the scent by raising and lowering the scent pod. Each pod lasts 4-5 showers, but depending on how strong you like your showers, it can last even longer if you are tilting it out of the way. 

Essio installed in my shower. 

A few things I want to touch on about what ESSIO is and is not:

• IS - a kit made from fully recyclable materials so it's a green product
• IS - made with 100% natural oils. NO synthetics or chemicals and the oils are Certified Organic.
• IS NOT - Something that sprays into the shower. The oil is slowly diffused to get a consistent aroma experience throughout your entire shower. 
• IS NOT - going to leave oily residue on skin, hair or bath. It's aromatherapy (that means scent...not stuff). 

Just turn on the shower, put the pod at your preferred scent release position and take a moment to allow the water to run over your head and body and breathe in the scent you have chosen. The benefits are almost immediate and if you've never tried essential oils, you will be (happily) surprised at how awesome this is. 

Here's a quick video to give you more information:



I'm excited to announce ESSIO is giving away an ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower Kit to a lucky winner. Enter on their website for your chance to win. (Ends 9/25/14)

Make sure you enter to give it a try. Essio is a unique and one of a kind item that transforms the everyday shower into a personal spa. It's an affordable lucury and a great gift. It makes your shower amazing. 

Rebekah's Student Council Speech 2014

Rebekah answered five essay questions and from that, was selected to go onto the speech round in Student Council selections. She wrote a speech and gave it to several teachers before school. Four students per class were selected to give a speech. From there, two will be selected to represent their class (and the school) on Student Council. 



Rebekah's Speech:

Hi, I’m Rebekah and this is my speech for Student Council. I think I can make school a better place, and I think I am a good leader. I also think that Citizenship is very important in me and that’s why I should be a leader on Student Council.

I will make school a better place by putting away the books in the library so that the librarians have more time and they can relax instead of having to organize books. I put them away spine out. The librarians really appreciate that because then they don’t have to do it and they can teach their class sooner. I will listen and obey the rules that my teacher asks. I try to never get on yellow or down.

I think I’m a good leader because leaders help out with many things. They help raise money for our school to purchase things the school needs. Leaders are great role models to different people. I want to be a leader because I can help raise money for the school and make it a better place.

I think the most important character trait in a leader is citizenship because that’s what a great leader is. I try to show citizenship by picking up trash, even if it’s not mine. I also help Mr. M with trays in the lunch room. I help out at the children's theater by selling toys at the gift stand and it raises money so schools can go see a show like we got to see “Big Nate” in second grade. You have to obey the rules to be a good leader and if you don’t; that’s not being a good leader. And that’s how you can be a good citizen.

The three most important things about being a leader are Citizenship, making school a better place and being a leader who puts others first. I want to make my school the best it can be. So please elect me for Student Council. Thank you.  

NutriBullet #Review and #Giveaway

Hosted By Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and More, Queen of Savings, Vegetarian Mama, A Little Bit of Everything, Just Plum Crazy,

Michigan Saving and More and Craved Raves.

Sponsored By NutriBullet

You can read Tammie's review of the NutriBullet by going HERE to read it. Everyone I know loves making a smoothie and all sorts of healthy drinks but that is just about to get easier as the NutriBullet is a must have product to do it easier, make it easier and drink it easier.

Robyn's thoughts: I have only had the opportunity to try out a Baby Bullet, but I'd love to have a NutriBullet. Not just for making smoothies and shakes, but also for making homemade salsa and guacamole. I would love to give this a whirl and see how many things I could use it for in my kitchen. I hope you'll enter and that you win! And if you are looking for an excellent source of recipes for the NutriBullet, be sure to check out http://www.nutribulletrecipes.org. 

And Now for the Sweepstakes~

• One reader will win a NutriBullet
• This sweepstakes will end on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. EST
• This is open to the U.S. only
• Void where prohibited by law
• All entries will be verified
• Winner will be notified by email
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Terms and Conditions are on the widget below

Good Luck to you~

  NutriBullet Sweepstakes

Disclosure- Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts was not compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions about this giveaway or to have me promote your product, Please email Tammie at info@tpankuch.com.

9/11 Never Forget

The Sounds of Restaurants #SensoryBlogHop

When you think of dining out, what phrases come to mind? For me it's a break, a night off cooking, relaxing, fun, family time. For Nathan, it can mean overwhelming, too loud, confusion, too many colors, smells and sounds.

I'm once again spending a Sensory Bloggers Blog Hop focusing on restaurants. Why? Because it was the #1 place where we would experience a meltdown when Nathan was younger. You could almost set your watch by it. It's also the one thing I hear repeated over and over by families with a special needs (SN) child. "We don't go out to eat as a family--it's just too hard."

That attitude gets me every time. I guess I've learned that as a SN mom, I'm prone to meeting the challenge head on, like a bull in a ring. When we knew Nathan would melt down in restaurants, we made the conscious decision as a husband and wife that we would NOT allow this 'whatever it is' (nobody would give us an autism diagnosis back then) to get in the way of our family tradition. Our tradition has been in place since I was a young girl. We go to church on Sunday morning and go out to eat afterwards. That has been the one thing I could count on to never change in my life. I kept it going on my own throughout college and as a married couple, Sean and I did the same. I'll admit in the early married years there were weeks when we could barely scrape a couple of bucks together, but we'd go to the $0.39 hamburger place and get two burgers and one fries to share and take it home to eat. But we went out. Child number 1 is born and we continue to eat out on Sundays. Then along comes #2 and when he's about 2 years old, he starts this frantic meltdown.

If you read my post last month, you know Sean and I took turns being the 'fast eater' who would take Nathan out at the first sign of meltdown. Now, fast forward 10 years and as a 12 year old, he sits with us in restaurants for the whole meal. Loud places, quiet places, smelly places, places with weird lighting--he handles all of them like a champ. When he agreed to wear earplugs at different times, the meltdowns in places like restaurants immediately slowed down. If we forgot his custom earplugs, we learned that no car and no purse was ever without a box of wax earplugs. We still keep them in all gloveboxes...just in case.

We learned at a birthday party that multiple conversations at tables or many tables of conversation going on around us was overwhelming to Nathan. He hears so well that he couldn't figure out which conversation to follow...so he tried to follow all of them in the room. (This party had about 50 people sitting at 6 tables.) The party happened to be at Dave & Busters in a private room. Nathan asked if he could just go back into the gameroom to relax. What?!?! That place is decibels higher volume than the private room...but we finally realized the number of conversations what overwhelming. In a game room, none of the noise is anything you have to pay attention to.

It took time, and patience, to get Nathan to be able to stay in a restaurant. To this day, he's often done much sooner than the rest of us, but he's learned coping skills. So for all the SN families hiding at home, I urge you to give it a try. Maybe eat early (or late) when you can avoid a rush so the restaurant is emptier. We mainly ate fast food so we could pack it up and go at the drop of a hat. Don't give up!!! The result is worth the challenge.

An InLinkz Link-up

Dreams do come true -- Rockettes Will Perform in Omaha

Do you have a bucket list? I do...and I've been able to check one item off of my list. Meet the Rockettes. I'm truly blessed to have been a part of a meet and greet with two Rockettes this week. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes will be at Omaha's Orpheum Theater from November 13-30. Tickets are on sale now at TicketOmaha.com and if you want to go, I'd suggest you get your tickets soon. My prediction is that it will be a sold-out show. 

Rachel (L) and Karilyn (R)

I got to meet two of the Rockettes. Rachel Borgman, a Rockette for 10 years. She is a Nebraska native from Norfolk. I also met Karilyn Surratt who grew up in St. Louis but is from Oklahoma. She has also been a Rockette for 10 years. The requirements to be a Rockette are:
1. You must be a minimum of 18 years of age
2. You must be between 5' 6" and 5' 10.5" in bare feet. 

The Rockettes hold auditions twice each year in a couple cities around the country. It is expected that 500+ women will show up to audition in each city. You learn routines for about 6 hours and if you are called back to the second day, you'd better remember what you learned and look better than the day before because each day you should be better than you were before. If you make it through the entire audition, they take all of your measurements and then you wait to find out if you made the final cut. If you are asked to become a Rockette, your training will be dancing for 6 hours a day, 6 days a week for about 6 weeks. These women are truly top-notch athletes to be able to keep up that pace. Once they hit performances, the girls can dance up to four shows a day, six days a week. And, if you don't see a Rockette on stage dancing, it's only because she's changing costume. All dancers are on deck during the entire show. 
  

Parade of the Wooden Soldiers (dates back to 1933)

The Rockettes have been doing their eye-high kicks for over 85 years. Two of the dances in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular are from the original show in 1933. "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity" are the two numbers still performed at every performance of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. And do you go looking for the world-famous precision high kicks? You won't be disappointed. There are 300 eye-high kicks per show. If it's a four show day, that's 1,200 kicks in a day.

Rachel & Karilyn's favorite outfit -
over 3,000 crystals sewn into each one.
It is featured in the finale, Shine.

I learned so many fun facts that I could geek out and share with you all day. I'd love to spend another 12 hours talking to and learning from these wonderful women. I will let you know that on the high kicks, they do NOT touch each other. Keep in mind they have been dancing for up to 11 minutes before the high kicks take place. They can't touch because they could pull their neighbor out of sync or weight her down and they are pretty sweaty by then. The dancers all wear a signature French Twist hairstyle. And, at the end of each day, they all take an ice bath to pull the lactic acid from their muscles so they can dance again the next day. 

I have a degree in theatre. I've worked with countless famous (and infamous) performers, musicians and shows. I will tell you I'm fairly jaded and rarely get 'star struck' by anyone. They are all just people. They put on their pants one leg at a time. And yet, I can admit that the Rockettes still leave me star-struck. They truly have such a high quality of precision and excellence that is unparalleled in most of the theatrical world. So this night was one I want to hold close to my heart and cherish forever. I got to meet two Rockettes. It's a lifelong dream of mine that has come true. 

So I hope you'll join me in welcoming the Rockettes to Omaha by attending one of their shows. I've seen this before and I'll be seeing it again. I promise you won't be sorry you bought the tickets. Head over to Ticket Omaha and get your tickets now. 

Bucket List Item Achieved

Let me leave you with my favorite quote from the meet and greet. When asked how the Rockettes can keep the same show year after year and still stay popular, Karilyn said, "Class and grace are always on point--that's the epitome of the Rockettes." She's right. Precision, class, grace, style and elegance will never get old. Make a memory for yourself and be sure to see The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes. 

Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City #Review and #Discount

Disclosure: I was provided free tickets to Legoland Discovery Center in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and no other compensation was given.

Work of the Master Builder

Have you heard of the Legoland Discovery Center in Kansas City? It's across the street from the Crown Center Shopping Mall in downtown Kansas City, KS. We recently had the opportunity to go there and spend an afternoon. My quote from the day was, "Wow!" It was a fun and fantastic time in Legoland. You begin by taking an elevator ride to a Lego Factory informational room. You learn how Legos are made, you can watch a Master Builder at work and there are some fun interactive things to do. (Like see how many Lego bricks tall you are.)

From there, you take a ride to enter Legoland (there is a bypass for those who can't/won't ride). It reminds me of some rides from Disney. You shoot laser guns at objects and enemies to earn points. Everyone in your cart participates and you see who racks up the most points. We rode it once to get in, but went back for five more rides before we left. We got one amazing photo that has to be shared.

Here's my "normal" family. 

There's another ride similar to the Dumbo ride. You pedal bikes to go up and stop to come down. You're helping Merlin the Wizard with a spell. We also enjoyed the Star Wars room and the model of Kansas City's downtown. You have to see it to believe it!

KC skyline daytime

KC skyline at night

There's lots for the kids to do. Build your own creation spots are everywhere. For the little ones, there's even a playplace (be sure to bring or wear socks--or you will purchase to play). Make a racecar and race it on the track. Even a kareoke section in the "My Friends" rooms. And a 4D movie theater showing four movies each hour. New show every 15 minutes. 

Rebekah and Batman

A couple of important pieces of information. It took us about 5 hours before we were done. The kids might have stayed longer, but we had a long drive ahead of us. There is NO readmission to Legoland. When you leave, you are done for the day unless you purchase a new admission ticket. 

They do have a snack bar area with food you can purchase, but be aware that you will pay theme park prices. We ate a large lunch and then went to Legoland. It worked well for our family. The themed sandwich box for kids ($15) has a sandwich, chips or fruit, juicebox and it comes in a Lego brick container that you get to keep as a souvenir. There were other choices--including hot food such as hamburgers and hot dogs. Muffins, cookies, other cold sandwiches, salads and more were available. We were glad we ate across the street at the Crown Center Shopping Mall before going to Legoland Discovery Center. 

Finally - if you park at the Crown Center Shopping Mall (which almost everyone does), DO NOT get your parking validated in the mall. They can only give a max of 3 hours free parking. Legoland Discovery Center validates for 6 hours. That saves you a fortune in parking fees. 

If you are thinking of going to Legoland Discovery Center, make sure you download this discount coupon for $3 off of each admission. It is good through 12/31/14 so you can still take advantage of the savings. Enjoy a fun fall trip with your family!

Wordless Wednesday - Go Big Red "N" Hair

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments

that take our breath away.

You may have seen this hairstyle before--I know I have. It's a Pinterest thing. But my delightful daughter was absolutely determined to have "N" hair for the first Cornhusker Football game of the season.

Enter Daddy & his mad braiding skills...

I think he did an awesome job. She wanted to use her hair paints to paint it red and white, but we ran out of time this round. 

Everyone please give my husband, Sean, a big round of applause for making this really happen!!!

Junkapolooza in Oakland, Iowa #Giveaway

Oakland Junkapolooza 2014

Grab the phone, the calendar, the master schedule of football games, and SAVE THIS DATE: 

Saturday and Sunday, September 13-14, 2014!

Where will you be:  Oakland, Iowa

To be more exact:  Main Street Oakland, Iowa

When:  9am – 7pm Saturday and 9am – 4pm on Sunday

Cost:  $4 for Adults, $2 for kids 12 and under and free for 2 and under

(coupons will be available prior to the weekend for discounted rates)

Are you missing that one little thing that would make your room design better? 

Are you looking for ideas for Christmas gifts for those hard-to-buy types? 

Are you one of those people that doesn’t know what they want till they see it? 

Are you coveting people’s projects on Pinterest? 

Or are you just interested in supporting the town of Oakland and the new West Nishna Heritage Museum agricultural garden? 

If any of those apply, you need to check out Junkapolooza September 13 and 14^th.

What is it all about?  Junkapolooza is where Pinterest and supplies meet. Lol.  It is all things retro, vintage, antique, or new and never seen before, crafty, well-crafted, repurposed, unique, or gems ready to be transformed.  Basically, a little of everything from vintage water coolers to gourds to license plate art. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure as they say, and it will all be waiting in Oakland for you to purchase and take home!  

Great news for Omaha area readers - keep reading, I'm giving away tickets to Junkapolooza - but Oakland is only about 30 minutes from Omaha AND they have timed it so you can also attend Antique Days in Walnut. All in one fun filled weekend! 

For me, I hope everyone I know can attend. Oakland was hit with tornadoes and straight line winds and they could use this boost to the town morale. Also, I love the idea of repurposing items instead of filling a landfill. I also think we have all sorts of things that we think are junk or that we are tired of--but it's new to someone else and that might be the one thing they were looking for to.... (fill in that blank for yourself)

Now for the giveaway. 
I made it very simple and easy. I hope you will enter to win and plan to attend the Junkapolooza on September 13 and 14. 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts an opinions are my own.