US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information and giveaway to share with my readers. I am getting tickets for free in return for posting this information.
Bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. SpreadGame is what the Harlem Globetrotters do best; it's what they've done best for 95 years. Bringing light, laughter and love on the court that extends off the court in the smiles families bring home or the stories fans tell their friends. SpreadGame is excellence shown through basketball wizardry night after night, and demonstrated through years of commitment to unsurpassed entertainment. The Globetrotters SpreadGame through every slam dunk, killer pass and magic fadeaway; and through every smile for a child and every achievement within the communities they visit.
Light, laughter, love. Hope. SpreadGame.
I can't wait until they come to Portland, Oregon on January 22nd to the Moda Center! We love to watch the Harlem Globetrotters play ball.
Don't miss out - Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Harlem Globetrotters I am getting 4 free ticket vouchers for my family to go to the Harlem Globetrotters next showing. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.
I received two tickets free to facilitate this review.
If you haven't seen Cirque du Soleil you should definitely see at least one of their shows when it comes close to your town. Cirque du Soleil, French for Circus of the Sun, is a Canadian entertainment company that features an acrobatic all human circus. It was founded in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix. It now has 20 productions worldwide in over in over 400 cities, in 60 countries, on 6 continents. These shows are comprised of live musicians, theatrical performers, acrobats, clowns, gymnasts, jugglers, etc.
Cirque du Soleil Crystal is a brand new show that is touring around the globe. Right now Crystal is showing at the Moda Center in Portland Oregon from April 4-8. This is Cirque du Soleil's first ever show on ice which pushes the limits of the performances even further! World class ice skaters along with acrobats do never before seen stunts on their new frozen environment. You will see figure skaters, pair skaters, freelance skaters, and solo skaters all doing what they love and sometimes even more on the ice. Both acrobats and ice skaters had to learn some of each others skills to perform this show.
Crystal is a show about a girl, also named Crystal (played by Nobahar Dadui), that after being ridiculed by her family and friends tries to escape to an icy pond to skate only to fall through the thin ice. As she descends further into the frozen depths she goes into a cold induced dream state and this pushes her into her own self-discovery. In her dream state we see her discovering a newfound ability - writing - and blossoming with her use of it. She explores the new talent and seems to find her voice with both pen and typewriter through the power of her own words.
My husband and I got some pictures taken in front of Cirque backdrops.
My Thoughts:
This was mine and my husband's very first Cirque du Soleil show. We went together to the Moda Center on opening day. We arrived and got our tickets from the box office. There was pretty much no line and it we easily got into the vendor area before finding our seats. We were a little early so we took a bit of time getting some pictures taken in front of the fun backdrops that were provided. Then we found our seats and waited for the show to start.
The pre-show before the first scene was lighthearted and fun. One of Cirque's clowns has a snowball fight with some of the audience. His antics are quite amusing and make us laugh. Also some of the skaters warmed up on the ice doing a few tricks and interacting as if they were on a outdoor ice rink. A live band made up of a violin, guitar, accordion, wind instruments, and tambourine/bells was also playing music nearby the ice. We were glad that we showed up early just to catch this.
The set and ice arena before the program started.
The set was amazing all by itself. It had a kind of ice castle looking structure in the background. I noticed a small train on top that choo-choos by subtly in the beginning of the pre-show. This building structure serves as Crystal's "home" in the show as well as entry and exit points for performers. It also has ramps that looked like skateboard ramps down it on both sides. The ice rink arena came out from this in a half-oval in front. At first they had large metal trees, a park bench that they could sit and put on their skates, and a metal trash can with designs carved out of it that glowed from the inside. The "stage" changed from scene to scene, not only with different props being brought on and off by choreographed performers, but also through intricate lighting that projected onto both the ice surface and facade of the building.
Camilo Motta and Stepan Grytsay play with the music.
The music was fantastic too. Maxim Lepage’s klezmer-infused score is wonderful! The live band playing some along with some parts of the music was a very nice addition. I particularly savored Stepan Grytsay and his violin! He was fabulous! There were different types of music throughout depending upon the mood and theme. They also incorporate some covers of some familiar pop songs that appropriately help set the mood. I especially loved the second act Aerial Strap Pas de Deux routine that was done to Beyoncé's "Halo".
Act One, Tempest Scene: Falling through the ice.
Each scene was told by Crystal's perspective. Act one starts out with Crystal getting chastised by her family, feeling very alone, isolated, and misunderstood she runs off to the ice. The ice fractures and engulfs her. I love the way they show this scene. The cracks and gaping hole are projected onto the ice and when Crystal falls in she is whisked away and lifted into water and bubbles projected onto the building facade. Even though she is actually being brought into the air with tethers, Crystal looks as though she is being drawn into the depths of the water.
Act One, A Day in the Life Scene: flashbacks.
Then we see her watching her life: at home, at school, at play, and in the city flash before her in a distorted, disconnected way. She finally takes control of her self and catches up to her reflection (Madeline Stammen) which helps her navigate through her dream world. I like this scene because of the spinning and twirling of the two together on skates, in instances mirroring one another. Next Crystal finds her talent and celebrates with the juggler, Jorge Petit, in a scene that is high spirited and a lot of fun.
Act One, Reflection Scene.
Act One, Home Swing Scene: Swinging Trapeze.
After this there was a scene with swinging trapeze that I couldn't get over because Crystal was still wearing her ice skates while swinging, flinging her body out up so high, and hanging upside down from it. She was attached with a tether, but no net was below. It was awe inspiring!
Act One, School Playground Scene: Hockey Ramps
I also loved the speed skating hockey players doing crazy jumps, flips, twists, and twirls off of ramps. Then act one was over and it was intermission and we took a break from sitting and bought some mint chocolate Dippin' Dots out in the foyer.
Intermission: We bought some Dippin' Dots ice cream.
Act Two, Poles Scene
In act two we saw the big city in Crystal's imagination. There are a maze of transparent panels that are brought out onto the ice that Crystal skates through to catch up with her alter-ego reflection. Some of the Cirque performers do a pole act that is brand new to Cirque. They swing their bodies around them, jumping from pole to pole, and dismounting with flair. In this act there is also a tap dance on ice skates that I think is pretty impressive. The tap dancers have mics in their skates which amplify the sound while dancing. The fast paced typewriter scene is very well choreographed. I love how they incorporate the sound of the typing with the music.
Act Two, At the Office Scene: Chair balancing act.
There was a dramatic scene with acrobat, Lkhagva-Ochir, that stacks one chair after the other high on a platform and then he does hand stands, balancing on them from the very top.
Act Two, Courtship/Ballroom Scene: Glowing Grand Piano
They also brought out a glowing grand piano that Crystal skated upon while it was played and rolled across the ice. A gorgeous, romantic ballroom scene is after this that features Jérôme Sordillon doing Aerial Strap Pas de Deux with Crystal.
Act Two, Ballroom: Aerial Strap Pas de Deux.
Then the reflection returns and Crystal finally comes to reality. The
contortionist, Emily McCarthy, performs the breathtaking hand-to-trapeze
number with Jack Atherton making us gasp as he takes her and balances
her on just his feet or flips her up into the air from his grasp to
catch the trapeze once again. She is seemingly pulled to the surface by
his hand. Crystal finally breaks through the ice and finds her breath. She is met with her family and people in the community. At the conclusion of the show Crystal skates the words "The End", the projected lines that form the letters follow her skates while she skates across the rink.
The End written in the ice.
This show was exquisite! I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend you seeing it. I am so glad to have been able to share this experience with my husband. It was a much needed date away from everything. I hope to be able to see other Cirque du Soleil shows when they come to town.
Crystal Video:
What: Cirque du Soleil’s “Crystal”
When: Opens 7:30 pm Wednesday, April 4, and continues 7:30 pm April 5-8, at 4 pm April 7, and at 1:30 and 5 pm April 8.
Where: Portland Oregon, Rose Quarter, Moda Center, 1 Center Court.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received two tickets for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this
post. Thank you for your support of this blog!
US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information and giveaway to
share with my readers. I am getting something for free in return for posting this information.
With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm - plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green - the Harlem Globetrotters' show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Their 2018 World Tour will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.
I can't wait until they come to Portland, Oregon on December 27th to the Moda Center!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Harlem
Globetrotters I am getting 4 free ticket vouchers for my family to go to
the Harlem Globetrotters next showing. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com
for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My
thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered
by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting
this promo.
I have a fun giveaway for my local readers! The Oregon Zoo has provided me with 4 tickets for one of my local readers to visit the Oregon Zoo's annual winter festival, ZooLights, with their family!!
The ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo opens at 5:00 pm nightly from November 25th through January 1st (with the exception of Dec. 24th and 25th!), and runs until 8 or 9 pm, depending on the day. This year, ZooLights visitors will receive reduced admission on Mondays through Thursdays through December 15 (although these value nights end at 8pm instead of 9pm.
This event is a lot of fun and features some really cool light displays for the holiday and winter season. The Zoo is transformed into a fantastic winter wonderland of over a million and a half twinkling lights. You can walk through about 95% of the ZooLights. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this experience!
They also have a great train ride that goes through the park so you can see light displays that you would not be able to see otherwise. Trains begin running at 4:45 pm and tickets for the ride are $3.50 for members and $4 for all others per person.
Penguins in lights reflected in a fountain during ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo.
Besides your camera, don't forget to bundle up and dress warmly. I would recommend bringing: clothing with layers, warm coats/jackets, gloves/mittens, hats, scarves, thick insulated socks, and comfortable boots/shoes. I am going to be bringing my favorite reusable hand warmers and an umbrella in case it rains the next time I go with my family! You can purchase food, snacks, and drink while you are there and they have hot chocolate to warm you up as well!
ZooLights Admission
Members: Free
Adults (12–64): $14.95, $9.95 on value nights
Seniors (65 and up): $12.95, $7.95 on value nights
Children (3–11): $9.95, $4.95 on value nights
2 and under: Free
Train Admission
Members: an additional $3.50 per person
Others: an additional $4 per person
Schedule
Monday through Thursday through Dec. 15th: gates open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
All other nights from Nov. 25th through Jan.1st: gates open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WIN IT Prize: Win 4 Oregon Zoo ZooLights Tickets. (please don't enter unless you know you will be able to go)
Winner will be notified via Crystal of Eccentric Eclectic Woman. Upon
confirmation, tickets will be placed in will call at the zoo under the
winner’s name. Tickets are valid for one-time use from completion of
contest through the last night of ZooLights (January 1, 2017). Value of
four tickets is $59.80.
I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I have been given an opportunity to giveaway 4 free tickets to the Oregon Zoo ZooLights. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this post.
In life I believe we need good role models to motivate and inspire us to do great things. Having good role models are important in a young person's life especially. When we are young we look to these people to help us blueprint our own lives. The obvious role models for children are their parents, followed by other family members, and teachers. As a parent, this is why I feel it so important to be good role models for my children. Family should always protect and support each other and make sure the role models that your children look up to are good ones.
The Young Messiah is not just a story about Jesus. It’s the story about Jesus and his family. Heading into this film the producers knew this was a fresh take on Jesus and the Holy family. The filmmakers quickly realized Mary and Joseph faced many of the same problems as parents today.
As parents we are always face with difficult decisions on what's best for our children. Share with your readers a personal parenting story from your family of a difficult decision you made that was in your child's best interest. Share the importance of doing the right thing rather than the easy thing.
The Young Messiah - IN THEATERS MARCH 11TH
Watch the official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EynFdirgmY
Inspired by Scripture and rooted in history, this story imagines a year in the boyhood of Jesus.
Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, The Young Messiah is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family.
When the mystery of Jesus’ divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you?
Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the extraordinary journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem – where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed.
The Young Messiah “Parenting” Featurette Blog App:
Family is there to support and protect you. Watch The Young Messiah “Parenting” featurette and find out why the film-makers feel the importance of connecting with the holy family and why they are
relatable in today’s parenting world.
The Young Messiah opens in theaters March 11! Find out which theater near you has a showing on opening weekend.
Tweet using the #TheYoungMessiah hashtag and mention me, @finamoon, on Twitter.
Share the giveaway on Facebook
WIN IT Prize: Win a pair of AMC movie tickets to see The Young Messiah!
I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the The Young Messiah Movie Ticket Giveaway & Blog App I am getting 2 free AMC movie tickets to see The Young Messiah and an additional two for my readers as a giveaway. Thanks to TetherGroup, formerly PartnersHub, for providing me this promotion information and free product. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this blog app and giveaway.
US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information and giveaway to
share with my readers. I am getting something for free in return for posting this information.
Looking for an awesome event the whole family will enjoy? Bring your family to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "Fans Rule" tour. The Globetrotters had so much fun letting fans vote for what they wanted to see in the game last year that they're doing it again! Only with brand new exciting rules like the Trick Shot Challenge and Hot Hand Jersey. Take your kids to harlemglobetrotters.com/vote and vote for which rule sounds the most fun to you. After the game, come down to the court for pictures and autographs with the Globetrotter stars! The only thing better than finding an event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it and I've got a special discount code for you.
You can get your tickets here http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket!
*Discount available on select seating levels "
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Harlem Globetrotters I am getting free tickets for my whole family to go. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com
for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My
thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered
by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting
this promo.
All Aboard! THE POLAR EXPRESS comes to life this holiday season as the Mt Hood Railroad rolls out of the station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively-decorated vintage train cars. Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from the Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child’s ticket.
Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book. With the station far away, THE POLAR EXPRESS magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train! As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat, Santa and his helper elf board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip.
For those wanting the magic to last or to do a little Christmas shopping, visit our gift shop in the station for special POLAR EXPRESS gifts and merchandise. Oh, one last thing, children are encouraged to wear their PJ’s; adults who still believe have been known to wear them, too! So, are you coming? All Aboard!
Dates and Times
Nov 9-10, 16-17, 22-24, 27, 29-30
Dec 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 26-29
11:30am, 2:00pm, 4:30pm, 7:00pm
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER:
For my participation in this US Family Guide Promotion I will receive FOUR FREE coach seats valid weekdays in November.
Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free product. My
thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered
by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting
this promo.
We received free media passes from US Family Guide and free product from Bissell to facilitate this review and post.
We got to go to LEGO® Kids Fest 2013 in Portland on Friday, October 11, 2013 as a family. We are huge LEGO® fans and so it didn't surprise us when our kids loved going.
There are tons of hands on activities and things to look at while you are there. There are also activities your kids can participate in to win free LEGO® prizes. As you come into the convention center you will see a Lost Parent Zone off to the right where you can tell your kids and other family members to meet in case they loose track of you. Also they have a lost and found there in case you loose something other than kids. My daughter, Zari, misplaced her rain jacket and we found it there moments later.
LEGO® Model Museum: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks. Here is Superman with my good friend (of 16 years) and fellow Cascadia Connect Blogger, Erin of Connected2Christ, and her daughter with me and my daughters (taken by Erin's husband).
When you look straight ahead you will see the Model Museum, where life-size models of characters and other things from movies and TV are completely made out of LEGO® bricks! My favorite was a life size model of Iron Man! His eyes and arc light reactor even glowed. I wanted to get a picture of my son, Jaedan (the Iron Man fan), with him, but he is camera shy, so it never happened. There were all kinds of others though too: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Sponge Bob, Batman, Lightning McQueen, Superman, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, LEGO, Toy Story characters, etc.
One of the many Construction Zones at LEGO® KidsFest
My kids had the most fun at the Construction Zones where they could build anything their minds could fathom with LEGO® bricks that were provided in bins and on tables. My husband and my kids spent the most time there.
Creation Nation: My boys both added their LEGO® creations to the huge map of the USA
Zari in the Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment.
Jaedan raced against others to build something space related at the Challenge Zone and got a LEGO® Batmobile from the LEGO® DC Universe SuperHeroes as a participation prize to take home.
Zari and Teela loved the LEGO® Friends zone. These LEGO® sets are made especially with girls in mind. Both Zari and Teela loved to build with these bricks and sets in this construction zone. I loved the cute deer, dolphins, and horses that come with some of the sets. I am placing these in the girls' wishlists because they liked them so much. They even had a LEGO® Friends photo booth to get your picture taken in.
Activity Area: Delbin's team built a bridge.
In the Activity Area Delbin competed as a team with other teams to build a bridge with Duplo LEGO® bricks. They then put each of their bridges on pier columns that were spaced apart on either side and placed weights in the middle to see how much stress it could take before it buckled. Delbin's team took a good 20lbs, but a previous competition we watched there was a team that took on almost 50lbs of weight! It was amazing to watch! All the kids who participated got a LEGO® Star Wars fighter to take home.
Delbin trying out the Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo that actually sucks up small LEGO® bricks. WOW! A smile while doing a "chore".
The kids got their hand at trying out the Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo. It actually picks up small LEGO® bricks and has a clear viewing compartment that holds the stuff it picks up. I received one free to review later, so watch out for my post about it!
We visited the Honest Tea booth to get some free Honest Kids drink samples and we also watched as Honest Kids drink pouches were made into friendship bracelets for kids. We tried both the Berry Berry Good Lemonade and the Super Fruit Punch. These USDA organic drinks are sweetened with only fruit juice and don't contain GMOs. I am so glad they were there to quench our thirst along with the drinking water fountains stationed around the floor.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received free tickets for my family to go to LEGO® Kids Fest 2013 in Portland to facilitate this review. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. I also was contacted by Bissell and given a free Perfect Sweep Turbo to review later at my leisure because I went to the event. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.
US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information and provided me with a giveaway and the winner to share with my readers. I am getting something for free in return for posting this information.
Congratulations Susannah Krug, you won (2) tickets to for the opening night session of the Portland LEGO® KidsFest on Friday, October 11, 2013 (4-8:30pm)!! Winner was randomly chosen by USFG on Thursday, Sept 26.
Five identical sessions are available. Tickets are $19 for kids and $21 for adults. This event can sell out fast in all promotions and so I urge you to buy tickets in advance online if you would like to go!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the LEGO® Kids Fest 2013 I am getting free tickets for my family to go and 2 free tickets to giveaway to the winner. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.
US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information and giveaway to
share with my readers. I am getting something for free in return for posting this information.
LEGO® Kids Fest 2013 is coming to Portland Oregon on October 11th!! I cannot wait and neither can my kids! This will be a great hands-on educational learning experience and fun for all ages!! There will be millions of LEGO bricks covering 3 acres of space.
Dates & Sessions:
Friday, October 11, 2013
4 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Session I: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Session I: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 7:30 pm
(Note: Each session offers the same exhibits and activities)
Where:
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Portland, OR 97232
Halls C, D & E
(503) 235-7575
www.oregoncc.org
Activities:
LEGO Model Gallery: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games
Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas
LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
LEGO Friends: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets
And More!!
WIN!!
One of Eccentric Eclectic Woman's followers will win (2) tickets to for the opening night session on Friday, October 11, 2013 (4-8:30pm).
Five identical sessions are available. Tickets are $19 for kids and $21 for adults. This event can sell out fast in all promotions and so I urge you to buy tickets in advance online if you would like to go!
LIKE and Follow LEGOKidsFest on Facebook, Twitter for all the latest ticketing updates!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the LEGO® Kids Fest 2013 I am getting free tickets for my family to go and 2 free tickets to giveaway. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting
this promo.
All Aboard! The Polar Express comes to life this holiday season as the Mount Hood Railroad rolls out of the station bound for the "North Pole!" Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively-decorated vintage train cars. Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from the Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child's ticket. Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book.
With the station far away, The Polar Express magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa's North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train! As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat, Santa and his helper elf board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip. For those wanting the magic to last or to do a little Christmas shopping, visit our gift shop in the station for special Polar Express gifts and merchandise. Oh, one last thing, children are encouraged to wear their PJ's; adults who still believe have been known to wear them, too! So, are you coming? All Aboard!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER:
For my participation in this US Family Guide Promotion I will receive FOUR FREE coach seats valid weekdays in November.
Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free product. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.
Hey fellow bloggers! USFamilyGuide.com has a great opportunity for you with the Harlem Globetrotters. They would like to give you and your family free tickets for a game this season! They have a family four pack voucher for you and your family to see a future Globetrotter game this season if you can help spread the word about their new Basketball Clinics. This is a new program and they are excited to get the word out. Your family's tickets would be valid for any game all season. In order to take part of this opportunity though you need to sign up to become a *USFamilyGuide.com blogger. When USFamilyGuide.com accepts your blog you will get an email and then they will send you information to fill out to get the free tickets.
About Harlem Globetrotter's New Basketball Clinics:
This Summer the famous team will be hosting a series of Basketball Clinics in 11 cities. Kids will actually learn from the players! The 2012/2013 Harlem Globetrotters Schedule will be published soon. The season opens up Dec. 26 in Pittsburgh.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Harlem Globetrotters I am getting free tickets for my whole family to go. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.
*USFamilyGuide is a nationwide network of over 500 online family guides generating over 600,000 visitors each month. Your blog will be highlighted in their searchable Moms Connect Directory, a primary feature on all of their 500+ sites. Plus as a permanent feature as one of their "featured local bloggers" on the US Family Guide site closest to you. As a member you will be able to take advantage of their national contacts providing you FREE tickets to performances such as Sesame Street Live, Curious George Live, Disney on Ice, Ringling Brothers Circus, family movie screenings and other attractions when they come to your town and will provide updates on a regular basis as FREE opportunities arise in your area.
Last night I "Believe" I was in the presence of angels. Celtic Woman came to Portland for their new Believe Tour to the Keller Auditorium at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.
My husband and I got to go free for reviewing their CD and DVD on my blog previously. We don't usually get these opportunities to go out on dates as just the two of us anymore since having children, so this was quite the treat! This was an awesome early birthday present for me too (My birthday is May 10th).
We arrived there right on time to will call to pick up our tickets and be escorted to our seats. Little did we know that I would be right in the front row! I could touch the stage! Unfortunately the two seats weren't right next to each other they were one in front of the other. Even though we didn't get to hold hands and snuggle as much as we wanted to we both enjoyed the show thoroughly and we clapped til our hands hurt and gave a whole lot of standing ovations. Celtic Woman definitely deserved all of the applause and standing ovations made by the audience that night. They were spectacular! We also picked up a $20 program during intermission because I wanted
something besides the tickets to take home with me as memorabilia.
If you have seen the Believe DVD you know how fantastically decorated and ornate the set on stage and gowns the Celtic Woman wear are. Well they brought all of that to Portland. From the drapery in the background of the scrolling archway to the chandeliers, it was all very lovely. I really enjoyed being so close that I could even see the stagehands up in the scaffolding doing the theatrical lighting. The lighting was grand and there was a scrolling pattern on the raised parts of the stage on either side where the drummers were that when ever was hit by the light it changed that color. They also projected patterns of things on the ceiling of the theater sometimes. The wardrobe of the women was embroidered and ornate as well and made the foursome look very elegant and princess-like.
For the DVD and CD the group is made up of 4 women: vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. For this Believe 2012 tour a new member Susan McFadden joined the group while Lisa Kelly takes pregnancy leave. Even though this was Susan's first tour with Celtic Woman she was awesome and the whole group seemed like they had warmed up to her nicely. Lisa Lambe said this was her very first time in Portland and she was enjoying herself. Chloë Agnew, the veteran member of the group mentioned that usually when they come to Portland it is rainy like Ireland and it reminds them of home because of all the green, but this time they had some sun and it was a nice change. Chloë has been with the group since 2004 when she was age 14. She and Máiréad have been the constants while the rest of the group has changed over time. All these changes to the group really hasn't broken any bonds between all these wonderful woman and you can see how well they get along with each other on stage. They also feature dancers, including champion Irish dancer Craig Ashurst, bagpipers, a six-piece band and the Aontas Choir.
The most memorable song I think for me for this concert was Ave Maria sung by Chloë. She was so breathtaking! I loved her gorgeous voice to this well known song. They also, like they did on the DVD, invited the audience to sing "Green Grow The Rushes" and I sang my heart out :) I absolutely loved seeing Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt leap around the stage like a deer while in heals and playing her violin as she danced, her long flowing dress whipping around her like billowing clouds. Once again my heart ached to play the violin again. My husband joked that if I get another violin that he would expect me to dance with so much high energy while I play like she did. I also loved the bagpipes, even though there was not 16 like on the DVD, they were wonderful. Being so close to the stage makes you wonder if the performers are actually making eye contact and smiling at you some of the time. I thought I caught a glimpse of Máiréad winking at me and smiling as she danced and played, but who knows, it could have been my husband she was winking at, LOL!
After all the fabulous performances by the Celtic Woman were done we stayed after a bit, as people were clearing out, to see the stagehands take the set apart. We also saw people line up for the VIP tour. I would love it if maybe next time we could get VIP passes to see them backstage or have a VIP tour of everything and maybe get to meet them. All in all we had a fantastic time at the concert and definitely would
love to see Celtic Woman again when they are back in town.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to the rep and Celtic Woman for
sending me tickets for free for the concert to review on my blog. My
thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered
by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this
review.
Piccadilly Circus is coming to a town near you performing over the next couple of months! They are celebrating 25 years entertaining families throughout North America and they have put together a grand show. The show includes the: 'Elephant Extravaganza'; 'Motorcycle Madness'; 'Katunga' the giant jungle monster; 'Mongolian Angels' fabulous contortionists; silly comedian circus clowns, a 1923 Model T with a mind of its own; daring aerialists; cirque artists and their special attraction 'The Boxing Kangaroo' where audience participation is granted. It's 1 1/2 hours of excitement and fun at Piccadilly Circus. Special "Buy One Get One Free" tickets are available on-line at their website (limited time offer!!). See site for details and ticket pricing. Use Promo Code: ELEPHANT
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Piccadilly Circus I am getting free tickets for my whole family to go. Thanks to US Family Guide for providing me this promotion information and free tickets. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo.
