Wimpy Kid Winner

Winner of the Wimpy Kid book was picked via Random.org....

Congratulations to Kim C. I'll be contacting you today! Hope you enjoy it and thanks to everyone for coming over for the giveaway!

A Wimpy Review and Giveaway

The only way you wouldn't know about the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is if you are:

A. Living under a rock
B. Living in North Korea
C. Dead

Seeing as how you are reading my blog on the internet which isn't available under rocks, in North Korea, or in the afterlife; you MUST know what I am talking about!

Evan and I had the amazing chance to get one of his own Wimpy Kid books signed by the author, Jeff Kinney, yesterday. Even more spectacular was the opportunity for us to board Jeff's tour bus for an intimate interview with a few other blogger children!

These are the kinds of opportunities that turn me from "Mommy" into ROCK STAR.

Man, I love my job.

 Evan was initially a little bummed that he didn't have the newest of the series: The Third Wheel.

"Mama, can we buy the new one so that Jeff Kinney can sign that one, too?"

Well, that just SPOILED the surprise that there was a review copy of the newest book in the mail!

Read on below to see how you can win one of the Wimpy Kid books, too!

 With Mr. Kinney! How cool!

 In shock after the signing...

 Waiting to board the tour bus with Vanessa's and Emily's kids...

Evan:  "Where did you get the idea for Rodrick?"

Jeff Kinney: "A little bit is modeled after my older brother, but mostly Rodrick is just what I think a lot of teenage boys are like."

True dat, Jeff...

 Even Greg was there!

And really? Despite all of his flaws; who doesn't love Greg Heffley?

Want to win the newest book?

Don't own any of them and want to start your own collection for a cool kid in your life?

Missing one of the series and need to complete the set?

All you have to do is enter a comment below, telling me which of the 7 Diary of a Wimpy Kid books you would choose if your name is chosen! THAT'S IT!

To receive an extra entry, Tweet the following statement and comment again with your twitter handle:

"I would love to win a @wimpykid book from @justanothermom at: ow.ly/fnmTg "

Winner will be chosen via Random.org on Dec 2nd.
Open only to US residents over 18 years of age. (Sorry, Canada...)

Piles and Piles of Books for Your Kids!

 So, um, I got on Harper Collins Publishers mailing list for book reviews...

 ...and I have never been quite so honored. As a homeschooling mom of 3, books are always in high demand in our home. I will try to keep on top of as many of the books as I possibly can, but holy moly, there are so many that we love! I will be breaking the books into groups of reviews. I hope you find something that appeals to one of your children as my own family has benefited greatly!

 First up is Invisible Inkling - Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins. This was perfect for my first grader who has a reading comprehension well above her average age range. Do you know how hard it is to find engaging chapter books for a 7 year old that are age-appropriate? This is the second story about Inkling, an invisible pet that gets his boy into all sorts of trouble (as invisible pets tend to do).

We give this story an A. It is appropriate as a read-aloud for your kindergarten through 5th graders (my own 5th grader enjoyed the story, too!)

 The Turning by Francine Prose is nowhere near as spooky as the jacket cover leads you to believe. It's marketed towards the teen age bracket, but I would say that most teens would find it a little slow. However, a 10-12 year old might enjoy the idea that they were reading a "teen book" and their parents would appreciate that it's not too scary and has nothing inappropriate for their ages. (i.e. no sex, violence, etc.). It tells the story of a junior in high school who goes away for a summer job on a strange island. Through a series of letters he writes to his girlfriend and father, we learn how the story unfolds.

I read this book in about 2 hours while waiting for gymnastics to be over. It was a decent story, but not my absolute favorite.

I'd give it a B-...

 Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon really intrigued me. It has a complicated storyline about a runaway foster child and a neglected "rich kid" who find themselves enmeshed in a fast-paced, modern-day political and technological thriller. Best part of this? It's TOTALLY appropriate for teens! All of the intrigue of an adult mystery without ever going above a kid's head (or delving into sex or adult activities). THANK YOU, Ms. Gagnon. I loved this book, though the ending left me wanting more... I suppose that is an author's prerogative, eh?

I give Don't Turn Around an A-. 

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard was AWE.SOME. I was captivated from the first few pages and didn't put it down for 2 days. It follows Eleanor Fitt, a young woman in high society of the late 1800's whose family has fallen into financial distress. To further complicate matters, the dead folks in the world just won't stay, well, DEAD. Especially in her hometown of Philadelphia. Between the zombies and World Fair and forbidden romance, I fell in love with the story and characters and was REALLY TICKED OFF when it was over. I mean, seriously? Hoping for a second book, Ms. Dennard!

I give this book an A!

Fang Girl by Helen Keeble initially turned me off because I instantly thought "Another vampire teen book? Blech." But it was SO funny and interesting! Seriously. In fact, part of the ironic theme is that the main character is a teen who was fascinated with the vampire culture of the 21st century becomes a vampire herself. :) I love that Ms. Keeble acknowledges that vampires may be a bit overdone in 2012, but that she still found a way to write a fresh and intriguing story. I'd totally recommend this one for any teen or pre-teen girl who is looking for a new book for Christmas.

I give Fang Girl a B+.

Dark Eden, parts 1 and 2 by Patrick Carman spins the tale of 7 teens who are sent to a facility in the deep woods to help combat their various psychological fears. Through a series of questionable methods, they are "cured" but find that they now have new and strange physical ailments, often associated with old age. Twists and turns explain the unusual psychological issue that the main character, Will Besting, is facing. But what of the weird "doctor"?

Though book 1 held my attention and had me interested, book 2, in my opinion, fell very short of my expectations. I recommend the first for the reluctant teen who is looking for a new story but suggest checking the second book from the library first to see if it appeals to you before you purchase.

I give Book 1 a B.
I give Book 2 a C.

The Greatest Show in Chicago!

If you haven't had a chance to get tickets to the Ringling Brothers Circus in Chicago, there's still time! My kids and I had a BLAST and enjoyed the entire experience. See my previous post for information on how to save money at either venue and please enjoy these photos from our time at the opening night show!

Always October - A Fun Review

When my 10 year old son becomes engrossed in a book, ANY book, I take notice. I take notice and read alongside and encourage and silently clap my hands and do the happy dance when he isn’t paying attention.

Harper Collins Publishing sent me a pile of Halloween themed books for the kids to peruse and review. The first book that grabbed Evan’s attention was “Always October” by Bruce Coville. Evan became so entranced with this spooky pre-teen novel that we felt we absolutely MUST share it with you all!

Mom: So Evan, you kinda like Always October, eh?

Evan: Yes. KIND OF?!? (sarcasm)

Mom: You mean a lot?

Evan: Mm hmm.

Mom: Elaborate.

Evan: What does that mean?

Mom: "Elaborate" means to describe using more words.

Evan: Ohhhh. Ok. Best. Book. EVER.

Mom: So it’s the best book ever? Why?

Evan: I like the storyline. It’s really detailed. 

Mom: Gimme more.

Evan: These are not the kinds of questions I thought you’d ask. Ask me different questions.

Mom: Like what? What questions should I ask you?

Evan: Ask me what my favorite characters are.

Mom: Oookay. Who are your favorite characters?

Evan: Mrs. McSweeney! She has cool weapons. She has a glowing sewing needle that shoots beams of energy.

Mom: That is cool.

Evan: I know, RIGHT? Read me what you’ve written so far, Mama.

(I read it all)

Evan: Why did you write it like that? Let me see!! Heeeeyy!!

Mom: Get your hands off of my computer!!

(We calm down)

(He sighs….) I like all of the monsters because they’re cool. 

Mom: Ok. “cool.” Again. 

Evan: Mommy, these are not good questions.

Mom: Don’t touch my computer! Stop it!

Evan: No! Gaarrrrggghh!!!!

(a scuffle ensues)

Mom: Ok. Forget it. This interview is over.

Evan: No! Ask me different questions!

Mom: FINE. Ummmm….. Do you think other kids would like this book?

Evan: YES! It’s a REALLY good book! It’s exciting.

Mom: Do you wish there was another book in the series?

Evan: YES. VERY BADLY! 

Mom: Should we send this interview to the publishers and hope they send your request to Mr. Coville?

Evan: YESSSSS!!!!

Mom: You only have a few chapters left. How do you think it will end?

Evan: I think a couple important characters will die but that they will get the baby back.

Mom: Ah! You’re giving away the story! Spoiler alert!

Evan: You asked me, Mama!!

Mom: Good point... All right. Interview’s over. I love you.

Evan: Love you too.

2012 Chicago Toy and Game Fair - giveaway and discount!

Every year it's the same thing. Well, not really. In fact, every year it's something NEW and exciting when it comes to the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTag for the uninformed!). 

Never been? IT'S A BLAST. All of the newest and most innovative toys and games of the year (and dozens of classics that you may have missed) are presented in the enormous exhibition hall at Chicago's Navy Pier. My family has attended for 3 years now and it has become a much-looked-forward-to fall tradition.

Patrick and Evan playing Stratego in 2011

“We’re so excited about this year’s Fair,” said Mary Couzin, founder and CEO of the Chicago Toy & Game Group which hosts the Fair as the culmination of an entire week of industry conferences and playful events. “For our 10th anniversary we’re pulling out all of the stops with more toys, giant-sized games, awesome tournaments and contests, specialty programming and much, much more. It’s like a giant interactive and bottomless toy box!”

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair will be held at Navy Pier in Festival Hall A on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th. Highlights include:
ALL WEEKEND
- Giant-sized games such as: Bananagrams, Perplexus, Doggie Doo, Word on the Street, Pajaggle, and more
- Settlers of Catan North American Catan Championship
- Meet the Moshi Monsters
- Autographs from renowned toy and game inventors
- Free contests and game tournaments
- Speed Stacks sport stacking demonstrations and tournaments

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17: (10AM-6PM)
Stars Wars Lunch (12 Noon – 1PM): Kids and adults alike can dress up as their favorite characters for an interactive lunch and playtime that features a Star Wars-themed Top Trumps tournament. $30/$36 kids under 12/adults. Tickets will sell out, but are available for purchase now at www.ChiTagFair.com

Official Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest (10AM-4PM): A dynamic performance competition (featuring ladder climbs) that will be judged by former Illinois and World Champions as well as a quarter-finalist from the hit TV shot “America’s Got Talent.” Hands-on tips for all skill levels; online and day-of registration available. Sponsored by Cat ‘n Mouse Toy Store.

Top Trumps Guinness Book of World Records Attempt (3PM): Girl Scouts from all across the Midwest will join together in an attempt to break the world record for the most people playing a single card game at one time.

Young Inventor Challenge (10AM-2PM): Nearly 200 young inventors in two age groups (6-11, 12-18) will display their original inventions of toys and games to be voted on by the public as well as professionals from the United Inventors Association of America. Previous participants have had their inventions licensed by major toy companies. Sponsored by PlaSmart.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18: (10AM-5PM)
Stage Performances from Radio Disney, Blues Clues LIVE! presented by Naperville’s Center Stage Players, Elan Dance Company, Music from 4 A.M., as seen on Fox-TV’s The X-Factor, Ben’s Bubble Show, Lil’ Buds Theater and more.
Boy Scouts Top Trump Tournament (9AM): Boy Scouts are admitted into the Fair an hour early.

TICKETS & REGISTRATION
FREE ADMISSION FOR: Teachers, librarians, members of the military, Boy/Girl Scouts in uniform, children under 3 years of age. On Sunday, grandparents accompanied by kids admitted free of charge.
$10: ages 14+
$5: ages 3-13


Click here for ticket info and a $2 off coupon

You can win a 4 pack of tickets for your family to attend! In fact, FIVE FAMILIES will win as I have 5 sets to give away! I KNOW, RIGHT? All you have to do is enter a comment below stating who you would like to take with you to the ChiTag and you will have 5 chances to win a set of 4 tickets. (One winner per family, please).

Drawing dates are every Friday from 10/12 to 11/9. I must have an email address to contact you with as that will be my only form of communication with you!!

Good luck and hope to see you at the Fair!

LIST OF WINNERS:
10/12/12 - #1, Newhere 
10/19/12 - #3, Journeytowardelysium 
10/26/12 - #2, Tony G. I DO NOT HAVE YOUR EMAIL.I'm sorry. I  will have to pass your tickets onto someone else. 

NEW winner for week 10/26 is Meg39 Mommy
11/6/12 #5 Stephanie Kush is winner! YAY.

StraightTalk and Make A Wish

My 13 year has been deprived. He has no cell phone.

I KNOW! First world problems run rampant in my household.

So when I was contacted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation to participate in their cell phone collaboration with WalMart and Straight Talk to raise money for Make-A-Wish.

If you don't already know, the Make A Wish Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of children with life-threatening conditions. They literally make wishes come true for little ones who have medical issues which severely hinder their ability to live "normal lives".

From now until October 13, Straight Talk will donate $1 for every demonstration completed at select WalMart locations with a minimum of $500,000 to a maximum of $1,000,000 donated to Make a Wish.

ONE MILLION DOLLARS. All it takes to help contribute to that amount is to stop by a participating WalMart's cell phone area and ask for a demo. It takes ONE minute to help contribute one dollar. Think of all of the suffering children that will benefit from this!

I stopped by our WalMart this past week. A short and simple demo from the friendly staff and I was done. I really didn't need much information because we received a Straight Talk phone and 3 months of pre-paid cards for a review. And now my teenaged son? LOVES ME. I have made this phone the "kid phone" so that all 3 of my children can help me review it. There were some problems getting it turned on and getting in touch with customer service, but once we got them on the line, the Straight Talk rep talked me through all of my technology ignorance. The phone came to life and I was instantly in love. It's a GREAT phone. We are reviewing the LG Optimus Zip. For $45 a month (pay as you go), we get unlimited phone/text/data on our Android phone.

So far? So good. No connectivity issues and the battery life seems decent. My 6 year old came to me yesterday, bopping to a song on YouTube that she found on the phone while showing me the new wallpaper she installed on it. So it's obviously child-friendly, too. :)

I will definitely update more once we've had more time to adequately test this phone out, but for now, please go visit your WalMart and share the word about this awesome collaboration so that Make a Wish can receive the $1,000,000!

Help on Twitter by using the hashtag: #straightalkwish

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus giveaway in Chicago

~Updated with winner at bottom of post~

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros.^® Presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. Dragons is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth^®!

 FREE PARKING in all official Allstate Arena and United Center parking lots.  Visit arena website for more information.

Circus Celebrity seats sell out fast, as they include more than 20 minutes where you and your family become a part of the show on the Arena floor.  Get these tickets EARLY if you're interested!
The shows on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 5 pm and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 5 pm include post show Hispanic concerts.  Ticket prices for these shows are $5 more for each price level.

Opening night tickets on Thurs., Nov. 1 at 7 pm at Allstate Arena and Weds., Nov. 14 at 7 pm at United Center are just $12!

You can use the code MOM at the Ticketmaster checkout to save 40% on all weekday shows and 20% on all 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.)

Your family can win a 4 pack of tickets to see the circus on either Nov 1, 2(10:30 show) or 14. Just enter a comment below telling me what your favorite part of the circus is! I'll pick the winner on 10/21/12 via Random.org.

Good Luck and enjoy the circus!!
Edited to Add Winner:

Congratulations to Garima! I hope you enjoy the circus! You will be contacted via email by a rep for Ringling with instructions on how to select and enjoy your tickets.

Thanks to everyone for entering and don't forget about the discount code to save BIG money on purchasing tickets for this year's show.

Sweet Tomatoes Giveaway

Ever eat at Sweet Tomatoes? If not, it's a chain of restaurants with some of the most delicious salads, breads and soups around. Served buffet style, but with a cafe' decor, I consider Sweet Tomatoes to be a great spot for a casual date night or a family dinner location that has something for everyone. Check out their Taste The World specials they have going on at the Sweet Tomatoes near me. Greek food for 2 weeks and then Mexican! I may have to go again... I love some Mexican food!

If you are interested in trying out Sweet Tomatoes or Souplantation (same yummy food; different name), enter a comment below telling which menu item you're interested in and you could be picked to receive a 4 pack of complimentary meals!* 1 entry per person and all entries must be entered before 12 pm CST, Sep 23.

I will use Random.org to pick the winner on Wednesday, Sep 26.

Edited with the winner:

The winner is #1, Lisa Noel. Congrats, Lisa! Hope you and your family enjoy your meals! Thanks to everyone for entering and remember to check back again for new giveaways!

*does not include drinks. Some restrictions may apply
*I received complimentary meal vouchers for my family but all opinions remain my own.

Cedar Point Halloweekends Ticket Giveaway - Winner at bottom!

In case you're new here, Cedar Point is one of my family's favorite vacation spots. Between the excellent rides, super clean facility and helpful staff, it has earned our undying loyalty as our favorite amusement park.Thankfully, Ohio is just an easy day-trip away so that we Illinois residents can still enjoy the park over the weekend.

And weekends are where it's AT each fall! Halloweekends are Cedar Point's fall-time special weekends during which the employees deck the "Halls" with all things SPOOKY. Family-friendly fall decorations line the paths and drape the rides while several more "intense" haunted houses are available for those more suited for the spookier side of Halloween.

Interested? Sound like a blast? You can win a family 4-pack of tickets for the 2012 Cedar Point Halloweekends! All you have to do is enter a comment below, being sure to include your email address. Tell me if you've been to Cedar Point in the fall, if you love or hate Halloween, who you'd take or just say "Pick me" and you'll be entered into the drawing. The giveaway ends on Tuesday, Sep 25 at 12 pm CST. I will use Random.org to pick a winner.

EDITED TO ADD WINNER:

Congratulations to #4, Mom24! Enjoy your time at Cedar Point! I will be emailing you today with the information to contact Cedar Point. Thanks to all for entering!

*1 entry per person, please. 
*If I cannot find your email address or if you do not respond within 48 hours, I will have to pick another winner to enjoy these tickets.
*Some restrictions may apply. 
*I received nothing in return for this post. No money, no tickets, nada. I just want you to have the opportunity to go to the park and Cedar Point agreed with me!

Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove!

Disney on Ice is coming back to the Chicago Allstate Arena! From September 13 through September 16, you can be a part of the magic and fun for an incredible discount! Use the code MOM at the Ticketmaster checkout and receive 20% savings on weekend and 40% savings on weekday shows!!

Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lion King and many other Disney favorites will amaze you on the ice. My children always enjoy the Disney on Ice shows and I am thrilled to bring them to this year's newest! If you have any little ones in your life, this is a fabulous outing for the entire group.

Be sure to check out all of the details on the Ticketmaster site and don't forget to use the code MOM at checkout for some awesome savings!!

*disclaimer: I will receive tickets for my family to see this show in exchange for this post, but all opinions remain my own.

Vegan Indian Cooking - a review

Sometimes, I receive products to review that just don't motivate me. Either the item isn't my style or the product itself is just kind of... meh.

And sometimes I receive products that positively speak to me! Sometimes, they unexpectedly excite and inspire me!

The Vegan Indian Cooking book by Anupy Singla arrived at my house this morning. After cautiously opening the wrapping, my daughter and I just about drooled for 2 hours straight, plotting and planning the recipes we are going to test out.

Chickpea Poppers

I KNOW! Vegan? And Indian, to boot? Can I pull this off? Especially when many of the ingredients are, to be honest, foreign to my shopping list? Well, after watching a documentary on the amounts of meat that our bodies ingest in comparison to the amounts of meat that we actually require to be healthy individuals, I am committed to giving this "Less Meat is More" idea a proper amount of attention and dedication. And with our upcoming date night to Standard Market and Grill on Saturday night (yes, we're going to a "grocery store" for our date night. But you haven't seen a grocery store like THIS before. It is truly a unique experience!), I shall have ample opportunity to purchase ingredients for some of the easier recipes like the Chickpea Poppers, South Indian Stew and Lemon Brown Rice.

My only concern with this cookbook is that not all of the recipes have pictures to show me exactly what it is I'll be concocting. And when one is cooking a totally new recipe, it helps to know if the end product is supposed to be green and lumpy or brown and smooth... :)

The Happiest Veggies in the Fridge...

Aren't you just in love with the colors from my garden? Don't you just wish that you could be partaking in the pasta sauces and salsa and other delectable concoctions I have been whipping up this summer?

And all of my delicious fresh veggies and herbs have been lasting and lasting and LASTING in my new Whirlpool refrigerator. I am totally confident when I put a bowl full of freshly picked produce into my fridge that is armed with the FreshFlow Filter, that they will stay that way until I need them.

I know I've said it before, but I do so adore my lovely new fridge! Have you checked out the Whirlpool site to see if they have any items that may appeal to you?

*Disclaimer: I will be reviewing this Whirlpool refrigerator for the next year. Though these posts will be sponsored, all opinions and words will be my own.

How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular hits Chicago!

Edited to add:

We SAW it and it was AWESOME! If you have the chance, you really must go and see this live show. It's unlike anything you've ever seen and the dragons were BEAUTIFUL and thrilling and SO realistic!


Have you seen the commercials for this amazing show? Have you watched the trailers for the live action creation based on the hit movie from Dreamworks?

With 23 different dragons of varying wing spans of up to 46 feet, the massiveness of this production is one that is sure to impress even the most critical of live show-goers. In fact, Toothless (the main dragon character) flies a total of 1.2 miles through the duration of the show. I find that AMAZING. The technology and precision involved in configuring that must be so specific!

It's been a hit in Australia and New Zealand and it's sure to be a hit across the United States. With effects and action like the snippets I've seen, I imagine it will be a fanTAStic experience!

Details on the Chicago show are below, but if you are located elsewhere in the States, be sure to check out their home page for information on your nearest city's shows!

We can't wait! 

 ~ ~ ~ ~ 

DREAMWORKS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR will appear at the United Center on Wednesday, July 25 at 7:00 PM; Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 PM; Friday, July 27 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, July 28 at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Sunday, July 29 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM with free parking at official United Center parking lots for all performances.

Photo credit: Jeff Busby

Across the nation, for all shows on Monday through Thursday, you can save 25% off all tickets by using the code MOM at the checkout through Ticketmaster (see the promotions and special offers box).*

*certain restrictions may apply.  

* disclaimer: I will be receiving complimentary tickets for my family in exchange for reviewing the show and spreading the word but all opinions remain, as always, my own.