New Year's Eve at the Mall of America®

Mall of America^® will rock in the New Year with Rock the Universe: New Year’s Eve Celebration 

WHAT: Guests are going to party like it’s 2013 at Mall of America^® on New Year’s Eve with a family friendly party, Rock the Universe: New Year’s Eve Celebration in Nickelodeon Universe^®.

Mall guests are invited to ring in the New Year with the School of Rock Road Crew for a family New Year’s Eve celebration complete with live music, dancing, party favors and a family ball drop at 10 p.m.

Other activities include:

• Rockin’ Red Carpet with free photo, rock hair and airbrush tattoos, make your own music video and Nickelodeon character meet and greets.
• A New Year’s Eve Unlimited Ride Wristband is $29.99. 
• Purchase any ride ticket after 6 p.m. and receive free 2013 glasses – perfect for rocking in the New Year.

WHEN:  Monday, Dec. 31, 2012
              6pm-Midnight

WHERE:  Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe

For official event guidelines, visit www.mallofamerica.com/events

Hallmark Recordable Storybook Review and Giveaway

How often do you read to your children?  How often do your relatives read to your children?  Do you ever wish you (or someone else) could read to them even when you are not around?  You can with Hallmark's Recordable Storybooks!

I wish I would have recorded a book for my girls when I worked the evening shift.  It would have been nice to "read them a bedtime story" even though I wasn't there to put them to bed.  These books are perfect for those times when you can't be there in person!

This year Hallmark introduces two new Disney books to their awesome collection of recordable storybooks!  Lindsi and I were given the opportunity to review them...

Jamie--I reviewed "The Wish My Heart Makes For You".  I have to admit, I thought it was going to be the story of Cinderella because it had Cinderella's name and picture on the front of the book.  I was surprised to see that it was a completely different story line with Cinderella's photos.  My girls didn't seem to notice though.  They just had fun listening to the book and looking at the photos.  Here's their very first look at the book recorded by my Husband for them.
Though it was a bit annoying to listen to the directions every time you record a new page, we understand why they do it that way.  My Husband got nervous recording the book (I don't know why) and had to do a few pages over again!
Overall, my entire family was impressed with the book and it will be a keepsake for years to come.  Now to find some for the Grandparents to record for the girls...!

Lindsi reviewed "You're a Hero! All the Ways You Save the Day!". My boys thought this was a GREAT book. I am pretty sure we've listened to the story a few dozen times already. What I personally liked about this was that I was in control of how the story was read. I really got into it and added some sound effects while I recorded the story for them. I did a quick Google search for sounds related to Batman, Superman and Aquaman (and let me tell you that I didn't even know Aquaman existed). This made the book really fun for my boys and they really got a kick out of it. We've purchased a few Christmas books in the past from Hallmark and done the same thing. My favorite feature of this book was the "lock" button being safely guarded. I always feared that the kids might push the "record" button and mess up the whole thing, but the book comes with a little latch that hides the lock and unlock button behind it and it is secured with a little screw. SMART THINKING!!!

My boys really liked the story line of this book. They loved that they were encouraged to be hero's in their everyday life. What an encouraging and positive thing to share with them! I'd really encourage you to consider gifting one of these books this year. It's worth the time and effort to make a memory like this.

P.S. On a special note- we had my grandma record one of these books for each one of my children a few months before she passed away and it is something we truly treasure! The kids love being able to hear Grandma Glory's voice whenever they want.

One lucky Toys In The Dryer reader will win a Hallmark Recordable Storybook!

You choose between either "The Wish My Heart Makes for You" or "You're A Hero!"

a Rafflecopter giveaway Both Lindsi and I received a book for our review.  We received no other compensation.  The thoughts and opinions in this post are 100% our own.

Macy's Holiday Makeover Event Recap

A few weeks ago we had the fabulous opportunity to co-host a Macy's Holiday Makeover Event with Macy's Southdale and Stacie Sayz So.  We had an awesome turn-out and fun was had by all!  Unfortunately, Lindsi's son fell and hit his head right before the event so she spent the evening in the ER with him getting stitches.  He was ok, but she was totally bummed (and so were Stacie and I) that she missed the event!

Attendees of the Macy's Holiday Makeover Event were treated to 5 minute makeovers where they learned quick ways to do their makeup during the busy Holiday season.  In addition, Blvgari Fragrances provided a mini workshop on finding your perfect fragrance.  Mine happened to be the Jasmin Noir (which my husband also liked when I got home).
Here I am getting my make up done at the Estee Lauder counter.  It was so fun to be treated like a queen and to learn what I'm doing right (and wrong) with my make up.
While attendees waited for their makeovers, they snacked on mini deserts (those little pie things were YUMMY!), socialized, and listened to music provided by a DJ.  It was perfect for a girls night out! After their 5 minute makeovers, guests were given the opportunity to get a professional head shot.  Above is me, Stacie, and the two winners of our walking model contest, Beth and Pam.  Aren't they all beautiful?! I must say, this event was just as much fun to host as it was to attend!  I can't wait till we can host another one!  Thanks so much to Hannah, the cosmetics manager at Macy's Southdale, for giving us the opportunity to co-host the Macy's Holiday Makeover Event!
On a related note, I wanted to do something a little extra special for the hosts and winners to make them stand out from the crowd.  I sent out a tweet asking if any flower shops in the Cities would be willing to make 6 corsages in exchange for social media shout-outs.  Sweet Peas Floral in Woodbury jumped at the opportunity as they are just starting to branch out into the social media world.  They made these beautiful corsages for us to wear (see mine on my shirt and Hannah's on her wrist in the top photo).  Thanks so much Sweet Peas!  
Please check them out on their website, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Photos With Santa at the Mall of America®

A few weeks ago we announced Santa's arrival a the Mall of America®. Have you been there to see him yet?

The opening ceremony was a ton of fun!  Unfortunately my camera ran out of batteries so I had to use my cell phone for photos.  At lease I had my cell phone for back up!

Now it's time to get your annual photos with Santa!

Photos with Santa presented by Columbia

Mall of America has the perfect place to pose for photos with Santa and share a holiday wish list. Mall guests have more ways to visit Santa this year:

1) Schedule an appointment: For busy families, you can schedule an appointment to visit Santa at The Santa Experience! Appointments will be available daily through Dec. 24 and will be located on Level 1, South next to Macy’s. To book an appointment, guests can visit www.professorbellows.com.  Presented by Professor Bellows Specialty Photography

Through Dec. 24

Level 1, West (next to Macy’s)

2) Visit Santa at your convenience: Guests can stop by to visit Santa in the West Entrance to Nickelodeon Universe, through December 24, no appointment necessary. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and purchase great photo packages and other holiday merchandise. Visit http://www.mallofamerica.com/upload/event/pdf/Santa_Hours.pdf for the daily schedule, including breaks.  Presented by Columbia, Country Inn & Suites and Kodak

Through Dec. 24

Level 1, West entrance to Nickelodeon Universe®

Pet Photos with Santa

Guests can bring their pets to Mall of America to have their photo taken with Santa. Pets of all kinds are welcome to take part in this photo opportunity with their loving owners and Santa.

Sunday, December 2 7 – 9:30 p.m.

The Santa Experience (Level 1, Next to Macy’s)

Minnesota Vikings players to host pop-up ticket giveaway at Mall of America®

Have you taken your family to a Minnesota Vikings game yet? If not, here's a fun way to get FREE tickets!! 

WHAT: The Minnesota Vikings and Mall of America® have teamed up to bring Mall guests and Vikings buffs the ultimate fan experience though social media. On Nov. 28 Minnesota Vikings players Chris Kluwe, Blair Walsh and Cullen Loeffler will be at MOA™ to give away 500 Vikings football game tickets to the first 250 fans who find them.  Leading up to the event, Kluwe and Walsh will use their Twitter accounts to give clues to a secret location where they will greet and give away the tickets to lucky fans and followers.

After three successful pop-up giveaways with the Minnesota Vikings this season, Kluwe, Walsh and Loeffler will conclude the promotion with the fourth and final surprise ticket giveaway at MOA. Guests interested in attending can follow Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft), Blair Walsh (@BlairWalsh3), Minnesota Vikings (@VikingsFootball) and Mall of America (@mallofamerica) on Twitter for up-to-date information on the pop-up event.

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 28
             5:30 – 7 p.m.

WHERE: Mall of America – Various locations

Walk to End Hunger at the Mall of America

Give back before giving thanks: Walk to End Hunger at Mall of America^® on Thanksgiving morning

WHAT:  Looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy that second helping of cheesy potato casserole? Get your walking shoes on and head out to Mall of America^® on Thanksgiving morning to the fifth annual Walk to End Hunger. One in five families in the Twin Cities with children is struggling to put food on the table. Give back before you give thanks this year!

Thousands of walkers are expected at Walk to End Hunger, a fun, family-friendly 5K walk presented by Greater Twin Cities United Way and The Mosaic Company. The event’s goal is to raise awareness of hunger issues facing thousands of Twin Cities residents, while raising funds (goal is $325,000) to help support the 12 partner hunger relief organizations that work together to eliminate hunger in the Twin Cities metro area. Since its inception in 2008, the Walk to End Hunger has raised nearly $900,000.

The Walk to End Hunger is a fun non-profit event that has become a Twin Cities Thanksgiving tradition. Register to walk, donate or sponsor a team at www.walktoendhunger.org.

For official event guidelines, visit www.mallofamerica.com/events.

WHEN:  Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012

7:00 a.m. – Registration

7:15 a.m. – Walk Program, remarks by Senator Klobuchar and sponsor representatives

7:30 – 10:00 a.m. The Walk: Courtyard activities, musical entertainment, Santa visits in West Market Square and free Swings and Carousel rides

WHERE:  Mall of America – Level 1

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic--Giveaway!

I don't know about your kids, but mine LOVE Disney movies!!  We went to a Disney on Ice show a few years ago and they thought it was so much fun to see their favorite characters come to life.

This year, Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.  

My girls can't wait to go!  They get to see 65 of their favorite Disney characters from 18 repeatedly seen movies skate around on the ice.  Though they are excited to see Mickey and Minnie, Nemo, The Lion King characters, and Pinocchio, they are most thrilled that they will get to see all the princesses live!

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic will be at the Excel Energy Center on December 6-9, 2012.

Tickets are $18 / $24 / $46 / $69 – With Opening Night Tickets Just $11!

Tickets are available at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone using Ticketmaster TDD/TTY, call 800-359-2525. Certain fees may apply. (Groups 12+ call 651-312-3486)

One lucky Toys In The Dryer reader will win a family 4-pack of tickets to opening night!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway We each received a family 4-pack of tickets to this event in exchange for it's promotion.  All opinions are our own.

The Voice of SongeBob SquarePants at the Mall of America

The voice of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants,

Tom Kenny,

to perform at Mall of America® with live band The Hi-Seas

WHAT:  Tom Kenny, the voice of the iconic and beloved Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants character, will be at Mall of America® Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1:00 p.m. with his band, The Hi-Seas, for a special holiday performance and advance screening of “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” on the Patio. 

SpongeBob and The Hi-Seas band is a high energy full-piece band bringing music from Bikini Bottom to life and delighting audiences with tunes from the Nickelodeon hit animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” holiday album, featuring 11 new songs.

In addition to the musical performance, there will be an advance screening of the new stop-motion animated Christmas special, “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” premiering on Nickelodeon Dec. 9.

In addition to voicing the lead role of SpongeBob in “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Tom Kenny is also familiar to Nick viewers as the voices of Dog on “CatDog” and Heffer on “Rocko’s Modern Life.” 

For official event guidelines, visit www.mallofamerica.com/events.  

WHEN:  Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012
1 – 2:00 p.m. SpongeBob and Patrick photo opportunity                       
2 – 2:30 p.m. Performance by SpongeBob and The Hi-Seas                       
2:30 – 3:00 “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” screening                       

WHERE:  Mall of America – The Patio

IMAX Family Night--Under The Sea in 3D

FREE CHILD ADMISSION TO UNDER THE SEA IN 3D 

IMAX Family Night - Monday, November 19th – Great Clips IMAX Theatre 

WHAT:  The Great Clips IMAX Theatre has teamed up with Las Tortillas in Rosemount, Sam’s Club and Pepsi for Family Night. Guests that purchase one adult admission to the 6:30 p.m. showing of Under the Sea in 3D will receive one free child’s admission to the movie and complimentary snack and beverage (while supplies last) before the show. 

WHEN:  Monday, November 19th Las Tortillas tacos and beverages provided by Sam’s Club and Pepsi will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby (while supplies last).                        
Under the Sea in 3D begins at 6:30 p.m. on Minnesota’s largest screen.

COST:  $9.75 for Adults                       
Free admission for kids with paid adult

WHERE:  The Great Clips IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo – Minnesota’s largest screen                       
12000 Zoo Boulevard in Apple Valley, Minn.                       

ABOUT:  Under The Sea in 3D will transport you to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth including Southern Australia, New Guinea and others in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing you to experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. It offers a uniquely inspirational and entertaining way to explore the impact global climate change has had on ocean wilderness. Be immersed in the underwater world with the Australian Sea Lion, Crocodilefish, Leafy Sea Dragon, the Lionfish and more.

Monster Jam at the Metrodome!--Giveaway

MONSTER JAM^® TO ROLL INTO THE METRODOME DEC. 1

I just want to take a minute to stress this event is a FAMILY show, with nearly 40% of the audience kids between the ages of 2-12 and it’s not just limited to little boys, half the audience is female! I can personally say that I have been to a Monster Jam show (while Hubby and I were dating) and I found it just as fun as he did!

The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®, the world’s premier monster truck series and part of the SUBWAY^® Motorsports Series, will invade the Metrodome on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Monster Jam^® events showcase freestyle and racing competition among custom-designed machines that average 12 feet tall by 12 feet wide, sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds.  Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.  Monster trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

           

Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-745-3000. Coupons for $5 off adult tickets are available at participating Advance Auto Parts locations from Nov. 12 - 30, or while supplies last. Tickets will be available at the Metrodome Box Office beginning November 19, box office purchases are cash only.

           

A SUBWAY^® Party in the Pits will be held from 2 - 5 p.m., prior to the 7 p.m. show on the Metrodome floor.  The pre-show pit party gives fans (with a pit pass and event ticket) the chance to see the monster trucks up close, meet drivers, take pictures and get autographs.  Pit passes will be available for free at all participating SUBWAY^® restaurants from Nov. 12 – Dec. 1, or while supplies last.       

Get up close to these colossal creatures at the Monster Jam Party in the Pits.  This pre-show experience provides event goers with unparallel access by allowing them onto the actual track where they will meet the drivers and collect their autographs, take photo’s with the trucks, walk the ramps these massive machines will jump and explore the obstacles they'll destroy! Truly the ultimate experience for any Monster Jam® fan.   The pit party is free with a pit pass from Subway.  

Monster Jam^®, sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association^®, attracts over 100,000 fans annually in the Twin Cities area and more than 4 million fans each year at arenas and stadiums throughout the world.

For additional information, visit www.MonsterJam.com.

One lucky Toys In The Dryer reader will win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Monster Jam at the Metrodome!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Send Your Kids to the Zoo While you Holiday Shop!

Como Zoo Introduces A New Program For Kids,

But Designed For Parents--

Kids get four hours of fun while parents play Santa!

Como is offering a series of 4-hour fun filled programs that will occupy your little ones while you take care of your holiday business. 

With Har-Mar Mall & Roseville only 5 minutes from Como, you’ll easily be able to put a dent in your…uhmmm, we mean…Santa’s naughty & nice gift giving list, or maybe you’d just like some time for a lunch & movie date! This holiday season send your little elves to Como while you check things off your holiday to-do list.

Como’s three different kids programs between Thanksgiving and Christmas will offer parents a daycare option on Black Friday and select weekends. During these 4 hour programs, kids will tackle a scavenger hunt through the Zoo and Conservatory, meet special animal visitors, and participate in games, crafts, and other wild zoo-themed fun.

Dates and Times 

Friday, November 23 (Black Friday): 9:00am to 1:00pm 

Saturday, December 1: 9:00am to 1:00pm 

Sunday, December 9: 11:30am to 3:30pm 

Drop off and pick up is 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after each program. 

Space is limited & per-registration is required. The cost is $30 per child. Family discounts are available. Children are required to bring a lunch and snack that does not need to be refrigerated or heated. Boxed lunches and snacks are available for an additional $7. Children must be three years of age or older and potty trained.

For more information and to register call 651-487-8272

CHEESECAKE SAMPLING, TOY/FOOD DRIVE, AND HOLIDAY BAZAAR!

JOIN Muddy Paws Cheesecake November 28th FOR THEIR 20TH ANNUAL

CHEESECAKE SAMPLING, TOY/PET FOOD DRIVE and HOLIDAY BAZAAR!!

*4:00-9:00pm At Muddy Paws Cheesecake*

Over 35 kinds of cheesecake to sample!

Free and open to the public with donation of one or both of the following:
* A New Unwrapped Toy (ages 5-14)
* An Unopened Bag of Pet Food (Partner: Pet Project)

DONATED ITEMS WILL SERVE: 

STEP Emergency, The Pet Project and Perspectives Family Services

The Holiday Bazaar: Taste and/or purchase goods from over 25 local vendors, including the culinary talents of the Woman Who Really Cook organization.

Hear Live Music By 3 Local Groups

STOP IN FOR A MINUTE OR STAY ALL NIGHT! Kids welcome!
Cheesecake will also be fully stocked for purchase too!

***************************************************

*Address: 7600 W 27th Street, St Louis Park, 55426. We highly recommend that you use our directions:) They can be located on our website: muddypawscheesecake.com or below.

DIRECTIONS TO BAKERY: From 394, Take Louisiana Ave S (over Cedar Lake Rd) to 27th St (see Post Office). Go right or west on 27th St to end of road (past Napa). Turn right into parking lot by “27 West” sign & go over bike path. Go past 1st buildings to 2nd set of buildings. We are in Building B.          Enter main doors (see signs). Note: This is an industrial park. 

*Suggested: minimum of one donation per adult. 

*****HUGE THANK YOU to their Sponsors*****
Muddy Paws Cheesecake along with: Traveling Photo Booth, Pampered Pooch Playground, Avant Decor, Midway Party Rental, SpyderTrap, Garon Kae Designs, and Studio Laguna Photography

Google Lunar X PRIZE MoonBots competition at Mall of America®

Local team competing in Google Lunar X PRIZE MoonBots competition

at Mall of America^®

WHAT: Science, technology, engineering and math come together in one amazing evening of robotic demonstrations on Friday, Nov. 9 at Mall of America^®. More than 30 robotics teams, including local Team 4140 Fish in the Boat will demonstrate homemade robots. Those visiting the Mall will be able to participate in the fun by driving the robots as a part of the demonstration.

Local team 4140 Fish in the Boat is a Minnesota-based FIRST Tech Challenge team made up of local teenagers competing in the MoonBots competition. MoonBots is a competition open to any team of five students and a coach from around the world. The competition is created by the Google Lunar X PRIZE to get a robot to the moon. As one of 30 MoonBots finalist teams in the world, 4140 Fish in the Boat will complete the final phase of the MoonBots challenge by conducting a live-streamed presentation of their robot in the Rotunda. The grand prize of this worldwide challenge is a trip to Hawaii. The winner will be announced in December.

4140 Fish in the Boat along with more than 30 other FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition teams will demonstrate their own unique robotic inventions in the Rotunda showing families how to get involved with robotics.

FIRST programs are the top robotics competitions for students around the globe to explore science, technology, engineering and math. Yearly challenges featuring robots in a “sports” setting provides fun and excitement that keeps students engaged while exposing them to the engineering community. Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST says these programs are designed "to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders." Learn more at www.fishintheboat.org

VISUALS:  4140 Fish in the Boat team’s MoonBots demonstration Kids driving various robots

WHEN:  Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
6 - 9:00 p.m.
Mall of America – Rotunda

3 Halloween Events at the Mall of America

Nickelodeon Universe^® transforms for

Blackout 2012 at Mall of America^®

  

WHAT:  Blackout will take over Mall of America^®  this month as Nickelodeon Universe^® transforms into a Halloween-themed fortress for guests of all ages to enjoy Oct. 19 – 20 and 26 – 27.  

Unlit rides, black lighting, fog effects and a live DJ will set the atmosphere for the night while guests take part in activities including costume contests, black light t-shirt making, glow in the dark airbrush tattoos, street performers entertaining throughout the evening and more. This year’s event will also include a creature encounters show with live animals Oct. 19 – 20.

The first 1,000 unlimited ride wristband purchases made after 5 p.m. on each night of the event will receive a complimentary treat bag. Guests will also have the option of purchasing light-up wristbands that glow in the dark and flash to the beat of music.

VISUALS:     Nickelodeon Universe with black lighting, unlit rides and fog

                        Street performers and entertainers

                        Live animal show with Creature Encounters

                        Guests in costumes

                        Guests participating in event activities

WHEN:          Friday, Oct. 19 – Saturday, Oct. 20

                        Friday, Oct. 26 – Saturday, Oct. 27

                        5 – 10 p.m.

WHERE:        Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe

TODDLER TUESDAY: WORLD’S BIGGEST PLAYGROUP

Tuesday, OCT. 30

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Rotunda

Join us at the World’s Biggest Playgroup Pumpkins and Potions Halloween party including music, raffles, contest and samples! Additional festivities will include a pre-playgroup fitness class with Baby Boot Camp at 8:45 a.m. and a visit with the beloved children’s book character, Olivia!

WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR TRICK-OR-TREAT

Wednesday, OCT. 31

The Patio

Sears Court

Rotunda

Looking to escape ghosts, goblins and raindrops on Halloween night? Join us at Mall of America® for the World’s Largest Indoor Trick-or-Treat! The evening will begin with a costume contest at 5:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded based on creativity and originality. Please check back for the final entertainment schedule.

Don’t forget your witch’s broom to fly over to The Patio within Nickelodeon Universe® to pick up your treat bag to go trick-or-treating at participating stores in the Mall! Be prepared for a ghoulish time!

Spooky fog, balancing ghosts and hair raising demonstrations! Come to the Allergy-free Zone in Sears Court for Mad Science fun, sponsored by the Anaphylaxis & Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA). The Allergy-free Zone will be a fun area for kids and safe for those with food allergies! AFAA is a statewide organization that educates, advocates and supports those with life-threatening food allergies.

Costume Contest Guidelines

·         Costume contest is open to kids 15-years-old and under

·         Masks are not allowed

·         Toy weapons are not allowed

·         Costumes are to be worn only during event hours

Macy's Holiday Makeover Event!

The invitation pretty much says it all!  

Toys In The Dryer, Macy's, and Stacie Sayz So, 

are proud to co-host a mom's night out 

at the Macy's Holiday Makeover Event!

We promise you will not be disappointed when you join us!  The last time Lindsi and I attended an event similar to this we left with a bag full of make-up and perfume samples!  We also got make-up tips and learned more about our skin than we ever wanted to know!

Please RSVP to attend HERE so that we can keep track of numbers.

One lucky reader will win a spot in our fashion show!

You'll get to come a little early, get your make-up done, and get a consultation to pick out a holiday fashion look to show during our fashion show!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fresh Beat Band at the Mall of America!

Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band appearance 

and autograph signing at Mall of America® 

WHAT:  The Fresh Beat Band has declared Mall of America® one of only two highly anticipated stops to promote their new CD, “The Fresh Beat Band: More Music From the Hit TV Show Vol 2.0” on October 16.                       
The Fresh Beat Band, stars of the Nickelodeon TV series, The Fresh Beat Band, will celebrate the release of their new album at MOA™ by taking over Toddler Tuesday and signing autographs for 500 fans with wristbands. After a screening of an episode of The Fresh Beat Band and kid’s activities, the band will lead a dance-a-long with music from their new CD. Hundreds of children and parents will join in the event to sing, dance and meet the characters of their favorite television show.                       
Guests may obtain a wristband by purchasing The Fresh Beat Band’s new CD, “The Fresh Beat Band: More Music From the Hit TV Show Vol 2.0” from Best Buy at Mall of America beginning Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.

VISUALS:  Children and fans dancing to the Fresh Beat Band sing-a-long                      
The Fresh Beat Band signing autographs and taking photographs with fans

WHEN:  Tuesday, Oct. 16                      
10 a.m. – Screening of a new The Fresh Beat Band episode                      
11 a.m. – Dance-A-Long                    
Noon – Autograph signing

WHERE:  Mall of America – Rotunda – Episode screening and dance-a-long                        Nickelodeon Universe – The Patio – Autograph signing

We received no compensation for this post.  This is a copy of the press release for this event.

Great Clips IMAX Theater Family Night

The Great Clips IMAX Theatre Hosts

Family Movie Night 

on Monday, October 15 

Free Chicken Fingers compliments of Raising Cane’s of Apple Valley, and Free Admission for Kids with a Paid Adult 

WHO:  Families with kids of all ages

WHAT:  The Great Clips IMAX Theatre has teamed up with Raising Cane’s in Apple Valley for Family Movie Night. Guests that purchase one adult admission to the 6:30 p.m. showing of DOLPHINS will receive one free child’s admission to the movie and complimentary chicken fingers (while supplies last) before the show.                                  

WHEN:  Monday, October 15        
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby (while supplies last)                        DOLPHINS begins at 6:30 p.m. on Minnesota’s largest screen

COST:  $9.50 for Adults                      
Free admission for kids, with paid adult

WHERE:  The Great Clips IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo                     
12000 Zoo Blvd.      
Apple Valley, MN                     
www.imax.com/minnesota

MORE:  Plunge into the realm of wild dolphins in this great adventure film MacGillivray Freeman Films, "Dolphins”.  You'll experience the warm, white sand banks of the Bahamas where the inquisitive dolphins live and play. Find out how we are unraveling the mysteries of dolphin communication. Here, you'll also meet a bottlenose dolphin named JoJo who explores the colorful reefs with his human friend Dean. Brimming with details about the complex lives of these fascinating animals, this ocean adventure film takes you into the very heart of the world of Dolphins. Narrated by Pierce Brosnan, music by Sting.

We received no compensation for this post.  This is a copy of the press release for this event.

Noodles and Company Local Band Fundraiser

Noodles & Company for the first time is unveiling pork on their menu. To celebrate this, Noodles is hosting a fundraiser for some local marching bands.

This event will take place at select Noodles restaurants in Minnesota and will act as a fundraiser for some local marching bands. On October 15, the local school bands will gather in front of each of these restaurants to create a spectacle from 5-7 p.m. Each of these bands will earn $200 for showing up, however, for every pork entree that is sold during this time, an additional dollar will be donated to the band.

Restaurant Locations And Band At Each:
- Maplewood Noodles on 2865 White Bear Ave and Beam: North High Polar Band
-Calhoun Noodles on 3040 Excelsior Blvd at Lake: Benilde St. Margaret's Band

The new pork at Noodles is naturally raised, antibiotic free and available on any menu item in the restaurant -- customers can just ask for it. It will also be part of Noodles' new BBQ Mac & Cheese (a new mac & cheese dish that will add to the list of "Grown Up Mac & Cheeses"), as well as a new pork sandwich.

We received no compensation for writing this post.  This is a copy of the press release for this event.  

American Girl--McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Do your girls love American Girl? Mine do! They can't go to sleep at night without Bella and Angel, their American Girl dolls.

McKenna was chosen as 2012's Girl of the Year and when we visited the American Girl store at the Mall of America a few weeks ago, my girls were totally enchanted with her.  "Mommy, that doll does gymnastics just like I want to do!"..."Mommy can we see that movie!?"  Needless to say, I was overjoyed when I was asked to help promote the release of Mckenna Shoots for the Stars!  

Just in time for the summer Olympics, McKenna comes to life on DVD in Universal Home Entertainment's An American Girl: McKenna Shoot for the Stars:

Meet McKenna Brooks, a determined and confident young gymnast, in this all-new, modern-day adventure. McKenna is on track to make the regional competitive gymnastics team, but off track in school, where she’s suddenly struggling to keep up. When her teacher suggests a tutor, she’s embarrassed and desperate to keep it a secret from her friends. Then a bad fall at the gym sidetracks her from her favorite sport. Will she recover in time to make the team? Can she succeed in school, too? McKenna needs to focus on her strengths to overcome her challenges—and, with the help of family and friends, find a way to believe in herself again. Starring Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Ian Ziering (TV’s “Beverly Hills, 90210”), and gymnastics champion Cathy Rigby, this heart-warming story will have the whole family cheering!

Click HERE to see the trailer (movie preview).  Both my girls and I loved this movie and I'm pretty sure your family will too!  Now both my daughters REALLY want to get into gymnastics!  Help!

Enter to win your own Blu-Ray and DVD combo pack of McKenna Shoots for the Stars!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Melaleuca Products- tough and safe

When we were contacted by Carol to try Melaleuca  products I will say this, I thought "well, just another safe, eco-friendly company with their products." This was until I received the box in the mail! I have always been a fan of safe(r) products, green(er) products, eco-friendly(ier) products but quite a few fall short of my standards. (No, not all-I have some amazing "go-to" products that you would never be able to remove from my closet! It has taken a great deal of searching for me to find cleaning products that meet my standards. Melaleuca is a direct sales company founded in 1985, one of the world leaders in quality wellness products.

My standards:
Safe for pets and kids
Green(er)
No-harsh fumes
and the MUST- they must work!

This past weekend was "clean the bathrooms" weekend and I got the chance to test out Melaleuca's Ecosense Tub and Tile Bathroom Cleaner as well as the Tough and Tender Cleaning Wipes. I mixed the Tub and Tile cleaner according to the directions and sprayed it on my clear glass shower doors and waited a few minutes to see if any magic occurred. We don't have terribly hard water but the people that lived here before us must not have been bothered by water stains, calcium build up and lime scale because our glass shower doors showed it. I tried quite a few green and eco friendly products to get the doors sparkling but I will say I resorted to a well known, non-green brand because it did the job I needed. After a few minutes I hopped back in the shower and took my tub scrubber and gently rubbed the glass down and then grabbed a glass and rinsed away the Tub and Tile cleaner. To my surprise and astonishment my glass doors were completely clear and free of water spots. Score 1 for Melaleuca! The only negative I would give about their Tub and Tile cleaner is that it does tend to have a more harsh and strong odor (I started coughing in the shower when I sprayed it on the doors.) But after a crack of the window and a flip of the fan switch I was able to breathe without a care and I will say that it is worth it because my shower doors are SO pretty now!

I finished wiping down the counters, sink, toilet and bench in my bathroom with the Tough and Tender Cleaning Wipes and they worked fantastic too! I am not a fan of wearing rubber gloves when cleaning (my hands get too sweaty) so my hands usually feel like sandpaper when I am done cleaning the bathroom. Not this time! These cleaning wipes were exactly as they said: Safer for your home, highly effective, powered by nature, eco-friendly and a better value. They didn't leave a streaky mess behind either! Score 2 for Melaleuca!

Carol was sweet enough to send a few other products along with the samples! She supplied me my hubby with a Attain nutrition bar in Chocolate Caramel Nut flavor and Sweet and Salty Nut flavor. He also gave a good test run with the On The Go Sustain Sport-Ruby Red Grapefruit performance hydration drink. Why didn't I try them? Well, if I am being honest (and I always am) I don't exercise (insert jaw drop here). And, I know my husband has a REALLY hard to please palate. Well the verdict was in... Score 3 for Melaleuca! He said the Attain bars were awesome! He loves the Sustain sport drink too! He said they didn't have a "diet" taste to them and he really liked that! These products contain no High Fructose Corn Syrup and are low in carbs (which is amazing if you are a diabetic!)

So what is the final score? Ahhhhmazing products! Thanks so much Carol for introducing us to Melaleuca and their products! We hope that all of you will take some time and visit her site by clicking on her ad on the side bar.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Carol of Melaleuca. The opinions and text are all mine.

Free Pizza For a Year at Old Chicago!!

As we mentioned in a previous post, Old Chicago is re-branding themselves.  This means they are getting a whole new look and a whole new menu!  Don't worry, they still have their same great pizzas and their same great beer selection, they are just expanding to make them better!

The Old Chicago in Eden Prairie Minnesota is the first in the nation to undergo this re-branding!  Lindsi and I had a chance to check out the new look and menu this past weekend (more to come later...) but the public re-opening will be on Monday, March 19th at 10:45 am.  The first 100 guests at the public re-opening event will receive free pizza for a year!

In addition, the first Toys In The Dryer reader to find me, and the first Toys In The Dryer reader to find Lindsi at the re-opening event (can not be the same person) will get a swag box containing a $25 gift card and a t-shirt!  How cool is that!?

Can't make the re-opening event?  No need to worry, we are giving away a t-shirt a day plus one more $25 gift card on our Facebook page!  Just head over there every day and answer that day's trivia question to be entered to win.  A random winner will be chosen at 10:00pm Central Time each day from the correct trivia answers.  The day of the re-opening event, we will choose a random winner from all the entries over the past days to win the $25 gift card!

When I think of Old Chicago, I think of a bar/restaurant that is dark and crowded.  Not any more!  The re-design is much more open with vaulted ceilings and lots of light!  There's now plenty of room to have your family and friends eat!  See above?  Yep, that's a baby sling!

In fact, the new Old Chicago now has multiple options to choose from when it comes to accommodating your family!  With 6 children between the 2 of us, that really stood out to Lindsi and me! 

Their new menu has many to-die-for foods!  In addition to their already famous pizzas, they've added new appetizers, sandwiches, salads and more!  We highly recommend the Dippin' Dough appetizer (*drool*) and Italian Beef Panini sandwich (hungry now!)!

The new bar area?  Totally awesome!  Open and airy with a combo of old and contemporary style.  They've added more taps so you can enjoy more fresh beer!

 

They even have this really awesome screen that tells you how fresh the beer is and who's checked in via Foursquare!

So Twin Cities readers...come join Lindsi and me at Old Chicago in Eden Prairie on Monday, March 19th at 10:45 for their grand re-opening and hopefully get free pizza for a year or a $25 gift card and t-shirt!!

One more thing before we end this post:

Lindsi's reaction to a "really beery beer!"

*Lindsi and I received tickets to the VIP event and other promotional items for this post.  All opinions are 100% our own.

VIP Event at Old Chicago!--Giveaway

I don't know about you, but my family loves Old Chicago! My girls like to eat pizza while my husband and I love to try unique beers that we normally wouldn't buy. What's better than pizza for the kids and beer for the adults?!

Old Chicago in Eden Prairie will be the first Old Chicago in the nation to undergo a rebranding for the company. What does this mean? It is getting a new look and a new menu! Don't worry, they will still have a fabulous beer menu, it's just going to be bigger and better! This rebranding for Old Chicago is meant to help the restaurant "stay true to it's roots of handmade pizzas and craft beers while expanding appeal to a wider audience."

 According to the press release,

"The Old Chicago menu has been revamped to shine the spotlight on the restaurant’s commitment to crafted, 'craveable' items. Among the new menu changes, a new tavern-style thin crust will be introduced to complement the existing deep dish pizzas, and the restaurant will nearly double its salad selection with a combination of chopped and tossed salads all with homemade dressings. Eden Prairie residents may also choose from seven new appetizers, three new soups, a line of Panini sandwiches and an expanded pasta section, all cooked to order. The restaurant will also introduce several new healthier items such as a Portobello Fresco Sandwich and Roasted Tomato & Basil Fettuccine."

Can't wait to try some of this new stuff!  Do you think I can get my kids to steer away from the pizza?  Probably not.  Go ahead, get a sneak peak at Old Chicago's awesome new menu!

For mom and dad:

"Similar to the updated food menu, Old Chicago will unveil a new draft system with 36 taps that ensure the highest quality beer delivery system available today. The restaurant also will host exclusive brewery events and pre-release beers. To ensure that everyone get the most out of their beer experience, Old Chicago has put a number of its bartenders though a Cicerone certification program, a program that allows them to take on the role of a beer sommelier. The restaurant has also developed a comprehensive “Beer Guide” that lists all the restaurant’s beer offerings and includes user-friendly icons that describe the flavor components of each beer to help guests make the perfect selection every time."

Here's Old Chicago's updated beer menu!  I love that they've got symbols to help me decide which one I want to try!

Now for the fun part:   

We're giving away tickets for one of our readers plus a guest to attend Old Chicago's VIP Re-Opening Party!

FYI: Though we encourage you to spend more time with your kids, we realize that sometimes you need some adult time.  Though we can't guarantee there won't be kids at this event, for the purpose of our giveaway, please consider this adults only.

We're doing some fun trivia questions for our giveaway!  To find the answers, look at the food and beer menus.  Answer as many questions as you want for one entry each.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Can't make the VIP event or didn't win tickets? Never fear, next week we're giving away gift cards and t-shirts to celebrate the official ribbon cutting on March 19th at 10:45 am. Did you know the first 100 people to arrive for the ribbon cutting ceremony receive free pizza for a year?!

Lindsi and I were provided tickets to the VIP event in exchange for it's promotion.  All opinions are 100% our own.