Free $20 Sam’s Club Gift Card with New Membership – Valpak Mailers

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If you live in the Chicago-area, check your mailbox! You should soon see a Valpak envelope arriving in it.

In addition to household service and restaurant coupons, Valpak envelopes now contain great grocery savings and coupons for everyday household items. Make sure to look for the coupon for a free $20 gift card with purchase of $45 Sam’s Club membership. This is a fantastic savings!

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Chicago Baby Show Ticket Giveaway

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are our own, honest opinions.

Come out to Navy Pier for the 2017 Chicago Baby Show on August 26 and 27. It will be part of the largest show series for new and expectant parents in the country. Built off the 7 years of success with the New York Baby Show and the inaugural LA Baby Show last year, no other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from Chicagoland, seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top brands, great speakers and seminars, big giveaways, and lots of learning, support, bonding, and fun as you make your way into parenthood!

SPECIAL OFFER:

The normal ticket price is $30 per family (for 2 adults and up to 4 children) and $20 per individual. Save 50% off our tickets when you use this link to purchase them!

Enter to win one a family or an individual ticket to the 2017 Chicago Baby Show! Ten (10) winners will each receive their choice of a family ticket ($30 value) or an individual ticket ($20 value) for August 26 or August 27.

The prize:

Family or Individual Ticket to the 2017 Chicago Baby Show (10 Winners)

Enter to win:

Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or Instagram. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

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Be a Dinner Hero to Your Family

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are our own, honest opinions.

Are you and your family juggling schedules? Are you looking for quick and easy meals to make? Would you like to be a dinner hero to your family? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we have a solution for you!

I was recently invited to find out more about Revolution Foods’ Dinner Hero Cooking Kits. We were treated to a meal made from the ingredients in the Dinner Hero meal kits. Chef Katie used the spices included in the kits to give us some different meal ideas. Our menu included:

My favorites were the Argentinian-Marinated Steak and the Pistachio Coconut Brittle. It really surprised me that you could make brittle using ingredients from the Coconut Curry Dinner Hero Cooking Kit!

 

 

Why You Should Buy the Dinner Hero Kits:

 

– The meal prep is easy (under 30 minutes)
– In just three steps and 30 minutes, you will have a hot and healthy meal for four
– They are healthy with over 40g of whole grains with no artificial colors or flavors
– Introduce new culinary flavors to kids
– It comes in four adult AND kid approved flavors: Sesame Garlic, Coconut Curry, Smoky Tomato and Fiesta Taco
– Just add protein!

 

About Revolution Foods:

 

Revolution Foods was founded 10 years ago by two moms who wanted to change the way that kids eat in America. They are the leading provider of healthy family meals across the nation, serving over 2 million school meals a week over 2 million freshly-prepared meal a week in 1000+ schools nationwide. They have a deep commitment to nutrition, childhood education and sustainable supply chains. They are now bringing their recipe for success to stores too, with convenient, healthy solutions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their Breakfast Hero and Dinner Hero products are a healthy choice for busy parents, but still packed with fun and flavor for the whole family! Revolution Foods also donates 1% of their retail sales to schools to help provide fresh meals to their students every day. Revolution Foods mission is to build life-long healthy eaters by making family-inspired, chef-crafted food accessible to all.

 

Where to Buy It:

 

In the Chicago area, you can find the Dinner Hero meal kits at Jewel-Osco in the same aisle as Mac & Cheese. You can check the Revolution Foods website for more locations outside of Chicago.

 

Dinner Hero Coupon:

 

In the Chicago area, check your Jewel-Osco app for a possible $2 off coupon, good through July 26th! With the cooking kits priced at under $5, this is a great deal!

 

How We’ll Be Using the Dinner Hero Cooking Kits:

 

Since our kids love helping out with cooking meals, we’re excited to see what types of dishes they will come up with using these cooking kits. We have found that when our kids have a hand in making dinner, they are more excited to try new foods and spices. Let us know which kit you’re most looking forward to trying!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Chicago and Suburbs Attractions

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Chicago is a city filled with lots of fun things to do. Whether you grew up in the city or suburbs like us or plan to visit on your next vacation, check out our list – most of them are free or inexpensive!

Museums and Other Attractions:

– Aurora – Blackberry Farm – Illinois residents get free admission on Family Fun Days on May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21, July 6, and August 9.

– Aurora – Red Oak Nature Center – Admission is always free.

– Aurora – Sci-Tech Museum</a – Free admission for everyone on the first Friday of each month from 6 pm to 8 pm. Children 3 years old and younger are always free.

– Bensenville – Fischer Farm – Admission is always free.

– Chicago – Adler Planetarium – Illinois residents get complimentary general admission on June 5 to 9. Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12) and active military personnel receive free general admission which can be applied to any admission pass.

– Chicago – Art Institute of Chicago – Illinois residents get free general admission every Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm. Admission is always free for children under 14. Admission is free for Chicago teens under the age of 18. Active-duty military and their families receive free admission to the museum from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Current Illinois educators, including pre-K–12 teachers, teaching artists working in schools, and homeschool parents.

– Chicago – Chicago Botanic Garden – Admission is always free.

– Chicago – Chicago Children’s Museum</a – Free admission for all visitors during Target Free Family Nights on Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm. Free admission for visitors 15 years old and under on the first Sunday of each month. Veterans and active military receive free admission every day. Teachers, police officers and firefighters receive a discounted admission price of $5.00.

– Chicago – Chicago History Museum – Illinois residents get free admission on July 4 and every Tuesday* from 12:30 to 7:30 pm (excluding December 19 and 26).

– Chicago – The DuSable Museum of African History – Illinois residents get free admission on Tuesdays. All Military Duty Personnel, all Branches, receive complimentary admission. Children under 5 years old are always free.

– Chicago – The Field Museum – Illinois residents receive complimentary basic admission on June 21, 22, and 23.

– Chicago – Garfield Park Conservatory – Admission is always free.

– Chicago – Millenium Park – Always free.

– Chicago – Museum of Contemporary Art – Admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays year round. Admission is free for members of the military, police and fire departments and veterans.

– Chicago – Museum of Science and Industry – Illinois residents receive free admission from June 5 to 9, June 12, September 5 to 8, September 11 to 15, September 18 to 22, September 25 to 29, and October 2 to 5. Active duty military, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) receive free admission.

– Chicago – Navy Pier – Admission is always free. You just have to pay for the activities or meals there.

– Chicago – The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois Residents. Children under 3 years old are always free. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, active duty service members and their families can enjoy free admission.

– Chicago – Shedd Aquarium – Illinois residents receive free general admission or discounted upgraded admission on June 5, 6, 12, 13, August 28, 29, September 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, and November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21. Educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin can receive a complimentary Shedd Pass by registering online. Active-duty military personnel, Chicago police officers and firefighters receive a free Shedd Pass with proper ID. Guests who present a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch ATM, credit, or debit card, along with photo identification, will receive one free general admission on the first full weekend of every month: May 6-7, June 3-4, July 1-2, August 5-6, September 2-3, October 7-8, November 4-5, and December 2-3.

– Elmhurst – Elmhurst Historical Museum – Admission is always free.

– Glenview – Kohl’s Children’s Museum – Children under 3 are always free. Military receive buy one, get one free admission for their entire party.

– Glenview – Wagner Farm

– Libertyville – Lambs Farm

– Naperville – DuPage Children’s Museum – Free admission for children under 1 year old.

– Naperville – Naper Settlement – Free admission for children under 4 years old. Naperville residents get free admission with proof of residency. Active duty military personnel and their families are eligible for free admission to Naper Settlement between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

– Rockford – Discovery Center Museum – Free admission for children 1 year old and younger.

– Wheaton – Cantigny Park

– There are per car parking fees.

* Borrow the Museum Adventure Pass from a participating library and get free admission to select museums and attractions.

Movies:

– Aurora – Movies in the Park – Paramount Theatre – Classic movies on Mondays for only $1 per ticket.

– Aurora – Movies in the Park – Phillips Park – Always free admission.

– Chicago – Movies in the Park – Always free admission.

– West Chicago – Cascade Drive-In – Children under 5 years old and pets are admitted free.

– Everywhere – Marcus Theatres – Two free passes to Kids Dream movies.

– Everywhere – Classic Cinemas – Wednesday Morning Movie Series.

– Everywhere – Regal Entertainment Group – Movies for only $1 per ticket.

Sports:

– Everywhere – Kids Bowl Free – Sign up to receive 2 free bowling passes per day per child.

– Everywhere – Kids Skate Free – Sign up to receive 2 free roller skating passes per week per child.

– Chicago – Chicago Cubs

– Chicago – White Sox Kids Club – Sign up for a free 2017 Kids Club Slugger Membership and receive a voucher to get two free Upper Reserved game tickets to one of select White Sox game dates.

– Geneva – Kane County Cougars

– Schaumburg – Schaumburg Boomers – There is a Family Sunday Deal where you’ll receive 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for only $44.

Water Parks:

– Aurora – Splash Country Water Park – Free admission for hildren under 2 years old. There are Twilight discount admissions.

– Des Plaines – Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center – Free admission for children 2 years old and younger.

– Gurnee – Hurricane Harbor

– Gurnee – Key Lime Cove – There are many special packages, which include waterpark admission.

– Rockford – Magic Waters Waterpark – Free admission for children under 1 year old. Tuesdays all admissions are $12.

– Yorkville – Raging Waves – Free admission for children 2 years old and under.

Zoos:

– Aurora – Phillips Park – Always free admission.

– Brookfield – Brookfield Zoo – Free admission for children under 3 years old. Free admission for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military.

– Chicago – Lincoln Park Zoo – Always free admission.

– Wheaton – Cosley Zoo – Free admission for children 17 years old and younger. Free admission with a Wheaton Park District Universal Resident ID.

* We’ll continue to add more to this list as we find more events and attractions in the Chicago-area to help you have a wonderful vacation or staycation! Check back often for our updates. Leave a comment for us if you have any ideas on what to add to our list.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Meet Joey McIntyre in Chicago

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Back in my high school years, there was a new boy band that emerged and took the world by storm. Their youngest member, Joey McIntyre, became a heartthrob and had many fans swooning at the sound of his voice and at the sight of him on many magazine covers. When my husband and I started dating, our first song was “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” by New Kids on the Block.

Now, Joey McIntyre is back with a new show that will have you laughing.

About Return of the Mac:

A new comedy, Return of the Mac, stars New Kids On The Block’s Joey McIntyre as a version of himself alongside his real-life family. As he embarks on a hilarious quest to be taken seriously as a legit actor, Joey is thrown into the reluctant role of a talk-show host at a fledgling cable network called the Comfy Channel.

Where and When to Watch Return of the Mac:

Return of the Mac premieres Wednesday, April 12 at 8:30P/7:30c on Pop. Learn more about the series and find your channel at poptv.com.

Check out this clip:

Watch Chicagonista LIVE:

Tune in and watch the Chicagonista LIVE Show with Joey McIntyre on Wednesday, March 29 at 4 pm here.

Meet Joey McIntyre:

Here’s the coolest part – you can meet Joey McIntyre IN PERSON! He will be at Studio Xfinity in Chicago on Wednesday, March 29 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, meeting and greeting fans. The event is first come, first served. Availability is subject to time limits. There is a limit of two autographs per person.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Free S.T.E.M. Family Night Event

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Are you looking for something fun (and free) to do with the family next week? Come out to the S.T.E.M. Family Night at St. Paul Lutheran School in Aurora, IL on Tuesday, March 21st.

Location and Time:

This event is open to everyone and is being held at St. Paul Lutheran School, 85 South Constitution Drive, Aurora, IL 60506 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in the school gym.

More Information:

There will be exciting hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for preschool through 8th grade students, their families, and the community.
Some of the activities include:
– Tesla coil robotics
– Egg drop catapult
– Aluminum foil boats
– Mini wind turbine
– Science of energy stations
– Games
– Prizes

Featuring:

Jerry Zimmerman, “Mr. Freeze of Fermilab”

As a mom to kids in a STEM school, I’ve found that events like this really helps kids explore the STEM fields while having fun doing so.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

What Drives Her Luncheon and Panel Highlights

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, honest opinions. #WhatDrivesHer

#WhatDrivesHer

Women make up half of all car buyers. At the What Drives Her luncheon and panel, we listened to a group of experts in the automotive industry, including:
– Candice Crane from Hireology
– Kathy Gilbert from CDK Global
– Jody Hall from Steel Market
– The panel was moderated Bridget Brennan of the Female Factor
– The luncheon and panel was hosted by She Buys Cars

With women driving 70%-80% of consumer household spending and the fact that there are more women drivers than men, they shared with us how automakers are taking this into consideration when designing their cars. The fascinating thing was listening to them share how the industry has changed over the years, both for female employees and female consumers. They shared how there are many opportunities for women in the automotive industry. A key takeaway from Kathy Gilbert is for women to nurture their relationships in their careers.

#WhatDrivesHer Panel

Watch the videos from the panel discussion:

Afterwards, we were invited to check out the #SteelMatters Concept and Technology Garage. There, we were able to test drive some of the newest cars.

#SteelMatters Cars

#SteelMatters Maserati

#SteelMatters Cadillac

Watch our test drive videos:

For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, check out my recap here!

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Chicago Auto Show Recap

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, honest opinions. #HyundaiCAS #GenesisCAS

Chicago Auto Show

It’s Chicago Auto Show time again in the Windy City and every year, it just seems to get better. This year is no exception. I had the opportunity to walk the floor during media preview day (before the large crowds descended) as a guest of She Buys Cars, Hyundai and Genesis. The one thing that really stood out to me is how they’ve really incorporated more family-friendly activities throughout the show floor, so if you’ve hesitated to attend the Chicago Auto Show with your kids – don’t worry, there are things to do and see that will keep them happy and occupied.

CAS Play Area

This play area is part of the Chrysler Pacifica booth.

LEGO Batmobile

This is a lifesized Batmobile made from LEGOs.

Variety of Automobiles:

Another thing worth noting is the variety of vehicles you will see at the Chicago Auto Show. Whether you are interested in compact cars, pickup trucks, speedsters or family vehicles, you’ll find it all there. You can climb into some of the vehicles and see how it would feel to ride in it. You can also take some of the vehicles for a test drive. There are test tracks where you’ll feel how it’s like to be in the car through different driving situations, like up a steep hill or around a sharp curve.

New Technology:

What I noticed the most is how many automakers are including the technology trends in their newest car models. For example, when we visited with Hyundai, they showed us how the new Hyundai Elantra models are able to communicate with your Amazon Alexa. Imagine talking to your Amazon Alexa to start your car and have it set to a certain temperature before you even take a step into your car!

Safety First:

As a busy mom, I also appreciate how safety has become a top priority for many automakers. For example, some have added more cameras around the body of the car so you can see obstructions on the sides and front, not just behind you. Since my oldest will be driving in just a couple of years, it gives me peace of mind that automakers are trying to develop ways to keep drivers safe when either the car senses that you are drifting out of the lane you should be in or someone in the lane next to you is drifting too close to you.

Visit the Toyota Drive Center to take your own ride through this course.

At the Chicago Auto Show, you’ll also have the chance to see luxury car models and concept cars. Some of my favorites are the Genesis G90 and G80.

#GenesisCAS

She Buys Cars:

We were lucky to walk the show with Scotty Reiss of She Buys Cars. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cars, so she shared commentary on the different brands and car models. Check out these Facebook live videos:

While you are at the Chicago Auto Show, make sure to stop by State Farm and check out their tiny roadhouse that is part of a pickup truck. You’ll be amazed at how much they fit into this tiny space.

Buy Tickets:

Visit the Chicago Auto Show’s website to buy tickets. The show runs until Monday, February 20th at McCormick Center.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Hispanic Heritage Month – Parade, Activities & Coupons

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Hispanic Heritage Month

About Hispanic Heritage Month:

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! The observation of Hispanic Heritage started in 1968 with the creation of Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, it was expanded to a month long observation. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th and goes through October 15th. Mexico’s Independence Day is on September 16th. Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Chile and Belize.

Mexican Independence Day Parade:

In Chicago, there’s many ways to celebrate the rich Hispanic culture. The Mexican Independence Day Parade is this Sunday, September 11th, beginning at 11 am at 26th Street and Kostner Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623. According to the current forecasts, the weather should be great for a parade this weekend.

Activities and Coupons:

While you are out celebrating, make sure to find local coupons on Valpak.com. If you are in the Chicago area, check your Valpak envelopes for more information about Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, visit Valpak.com for activities, facts, music and more!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

$75 A-Manda Creation Gift Code Giveaway & 25% Off Coupon Code (Ends 3/28/16 at 11:59 PM CST)

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Disclosure: I was supplied a review item. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own, honest opinions. A-Manda Creation is providing the prize for this giveaway.

A-Manda Creation Giveaway

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to plan and decorate for a party or other special event? A-Manda Creation has many unique printable invitations, decor and favors to make your party a memorable one. Besides parties, you’ll also find gift items perfect for personal or business needs. Since they are printable, once you purchase the design, you can print out as many as you need as often as you need.

For St. Patrick’s Day, check out this cute lip balm holder and card:

aw_lipbalm_stpatsteacher1_01

There are different St. Patrick’s Day lip balm card designs geared towards friends, teachers, and clients.

You’ll love this set when you celebrate Cinco de Mayo:

Cinco de Mayo

An easy way to show teachers that you appreciate them is to use the Super Teacher printables to create a gift basket:

Super Teacher

SPECIAL OFFER:

Use the coupon code ASAVINGSWOW at checkout to save 25% off your purchase at A-Manda Creation (except for custom orders) through March 31, 2016.

The prize is:

$75 Gift Code to A-Manda Creation

Enter to win:

This giveaway is also listed on BigSweeps.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.