New Year’s Eve bash in Nickelodeon Universe

Circus themed New Year’s Eve bash in Nickelodeon Universe at

Mall of America^®

WHAT:  The ball will drop at Mall of America^® with a Moonlight Circus New Year’s Eve bash in Nickelodeon Universe® on Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

Party goers will enjoy classic circus treats like peanuts and cotton candy while watching live performances by the Twin Cities Circus Juventas, the largest youth performing arts Circus in the country.

Additional entertainment under the big top will include the Universe of Light show, tightrope walkers, balloon sculptors, a bearded lady and more.

A Ringmaster will lead guests in a family New Year’s countdown complete with a ball drop at 10 p.m. The evening will commence with a midnight countdown and ball drop.         

For more information on the New Year’s Eve event, click here.

WHEN:  Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013
             6 p.m. – Midnight

WHERE:  Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe

Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience coming soon to Mall of America

Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience™ coming soon to Mall of America^®

Fans of All Ages Are Invited to Step into Barbie^® Doll’s World

Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience™ is coming to Mall of America^®. The larger-than-life interactive Barbie™ Dreamhouse^™ experience is set to open its doors in early spring 2014 as part of a new 65,000-square-foot EMS Entertainment Center located on level 3 in the Southeast corner of the Mall that will feature three spaces for rotating exhibits. 

The 30,000 square-foot Barbie^™ Dreamhouse^™ interactive experience will consist of a life-sized house, complete with her iconic pink elevators and endless closet displaying outfits from some of her 130+ inspirational careers.   Designed with more than 20 pounds of glitter and 100 gallons of her signature pink paint, the Barbie^™ Dreamhouse^™ showcases 350 Barbie^® collector dolls on display as well as Barbie^® doll’s best friends, family and pets in unexpected ways with animation, photography and interactive games.  

Additionally, fans can purchase Barbie^® dolls and items onsite at the Barbie^™ Dreamhouse^™ boutique including the exclusive Barbie^®Dreamhouse^® Doll only available at the Dreamhouse Experience™. 

Barbie^™ The Dreamhouse Experience^™ was inspired by the house in the popular web series, "Barbie^™ Life in the Dreamhouse." It was designed, developed and built by EMS Entertainment, a global leader in the live exhibition community.

“Together with Mattel, we created an unforgettable experience for Barbie fans around the world,” says Christoph Rahofer, president and CEO of EMS Entertainment. “Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience gives fans the opportunity to engage with Barbie world like never before while spending time with their families and friends.”

Beginning November 25, an exclusive holiday package will be available at Mall of America that will include two tickets to the Barbie^™ Dreamhouse^™Experience and an exclusive Barbie^® Dreamhouse^® doll for $72.99. General admission tickets for this one-of-a-kind experience will be available at Mall of America beginning December 2 for $23.99. 

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Corn Maze

It's MEA weekend and I'm sure at some point in time you'll hear your kids say "I'm bored...".  We've got the perfect solution!  The Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Corn Maze is happening this weekend and next weekend.

Located on the S.E. corner of Hwy 169 and 109th ave in Brooklyn Park, the 20 acre maze is the largest corn maze in Minnesota.  Plan on spending the day there to see the other attractions as well which include:

• corn pit
• straw bale maze
• kid's play area
• live music
• petting zoo
• hayride

All that is included in your $10 ticket!  Plus, children under 36" are FREE!

For additional costs you can participate in:

• climbing wall
• pumpkin slinging
• food vendors
• pony rides
• gunny sack slide
• helicopter rides
• buy pumpkins

Did you know a portion of the proceeds from this celebration go to Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota?!  Have some family fun while donating to a great cause!

What are you waiting for?  Our families are going this weekend.  Will we see you there?

*We received 4 tickets each for helping to spread the word about the Twin Cities Harvest Fest and Corn Maze.

National Eating Disorders Association Walk returns to Mall of America®

Thirty million Americans will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder in their lifetime. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) will host the 2nd annual Twin Cities NEDA Walk at Mall of America^® on Sunday, Sept. 15.

The goal of the NEDA walk is to help raise awareness and funds in the fight against eating disorders. Funds raised from the walk will be used to support NEDA’s education and advocacy programs to campaign for prevention, improved access to quality treatment and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders.

Since 2009, NEDA Walks have grown to more than 50 walks across the nation each year, raising more than 2 million dollars for the cause since their inception.

For more information on the NEDA Walk, click here.

When:  Sunday, September 15, 2013
             8-10 am

Where:  Mall of America--The Patio (Southwest corner of Nickelodeon Universe)  

Kids' Yoga Classes

In an effort to help families and kiddos and parents de-stress during the school year Moksha Yoga, located in Calhoun Square in Minneapolis, will be kicking off Kids' Yoga classes. 

The first demo class is free for everyone – Saturday, September 7th from 4-4:45pm. Due to space you need to sign up online before hand. They'd love to have you and your family sign up for the premiere free class. 

The classes officially start October 2:

Monday and Wednesdays:

@ 4:30 - ages 6-9

@ 6:00pm - ages 10-13

Saturday: 

@ 11:30am - ages 3-5

We received no compensation for helping to promote this event.  We just think it's cool.

Kemps® Hometown Favorites Contest at the MN State Fair

Back in May we introduced you to the Kemps® Hometown Favorites Contest.  We're reminding you that the contest is not quite over yet!  In fact, the best part is still to come!  First, let's recap...

From May 16-June 7, more than 260 flavors were submitted to Kemps® in hopes of becoming the next Hometown Favorite flavor.

From June 14-30, nearly 3,000 votes were cast on top 10 finalists on the Kemps® Faceboook Fan Page.

On August 1, the top 3 finalists were announced on the Kemps® Facebook Fan page.  You can head on over there right now and vote for your favorite of these three:

• Funnel Cake A-Fair
• Pistachio Fruit Party
• MinneAppleLicks

Better yet, from August 22-28, head on over to the Kemps® booth on Machinery Hill at the Minnesota State Fair from 1-2 pm daily to taste the flavors for yourself and cast a vote!  

On August 28, a local celebrity judging panel will taste the flavors, cast their votes, and the winner will be announced live at the Fair!

Don't miss out on this fun, local contest and your chance to help choose the next Kemps® Hometown Favorites flavor!  

Creative Kidstuff's Annual Lego Contest

I don't know who loves Legos more, me or my girls.  That's why this contest is PERFECT!

Creative Kidstuff is holding their annual Lego Contest

Sunday, August 18, 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Galleria in Edina

Register online HERE or visit your nearest Creative Kidstuff Store to register.

Come show off your LEGO skills at this FREE event with builders of all ages!  Enter your pre-completed LEGO creations to compete in your age category.

The age categories are:

• 2-4 years old 
• 5-7 years old 
• 8-10 years old 
• 11-13 years old 
• 14+ years old and CKS employees 

First, Second, and Third place prizes will be awarded for each age category which will be determined by popular vote, judges choice and random drawing. Grand Prize winners will be selected randomly from a full list of the day’s participants.

Official Contest Rules

• Attendants will be allowed one vote per ballot and one ballot per age category 
• Entries must fit into a 2’x2’ tabletop area 
• Non-LEGO bases are acceptable, but creations must be made entirely of LEGO or DUPLO 
• Entries must be made by contestants ONLY (no parental assistance) 
• Contestants do not need to be present to win 
• All entries must be removed by 4:00 pm on the day of the contest 
• Creative Kidstuff and the Galleria are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken pieces or entries 

Pianos On Parade

Have you seen (or maybe heard) random, weirdly decorated pianos around Minneapolis and St. Paul?  Then you've seen (or heard) Pianos On Parade!

Pianos On Parade takes artistically transformed pianos to the streets of St. Paul and Minneapolis for the public to play and enjoy. These pianos will play host to both spontaneous and planned events and concerts. Other pianos will be on tour and will pop up at various outdoor fairs, festivals, restaurant patios and sporting events throughout the summer.  All proceeds from the work done by Keys 4/4 Kids and Pianos on Parade helps fund art and music programs for under privileged youth.

As of now, they have 17 amazing pianos placed throughout St. Paul at various locations (Mears Park, Café Latte, Red Balloon Bookstore, Glockenspiel, etc.).  They also have a few “traveling” pianos that are set aside for special events and pop-up locations.  Check out the events page on the Pianos On Parade website to see when and where you'll be able to see the pop-up pianos.  You can also check out the map below to find the "permanent" pianos.  I say "permanent" because the program runs through the end of August.  You only have a month left to piano hunt!

(click to enlarge)

If you are walking around the Twin Cities this summer, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for pianos!

Find Waldo on (or near) Grand Ave

Waldo, from the famous children's book series "Where's Waldo" will be visiting 25 different local businesses along the avenue throughout the month of July as part of the 

FIND WALDO ON (or near) GRAND AVE event.

Where’s Waldo? In St. Paul, of course.  The famous children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting twenty-five different local businesses throughout our community this July to support the Shop Local movement.  Those who spot him can win prizes, including stickers, book coupons and more.

From Landmark Center to Pizza Luce, from Wet Paint to Salut, Waldo figures will be well hidden in local business establishments.  Find Waldo is a great summer vacation activity, and a wonderful way for residents to support local business and the Shop Local movement. 

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo Local on (or near) Grand Ave!” passport with the names of all the participating sites, and get their passport stamped or signed for each Waldo they spot.

The first 100 Waldo seekers to get their passports stamped or signed at ten or more sites can bring their passports back to Red Balloon Bookshop to collect prizes. Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers to entry in a grand prize drawing on July 31, with the top prize being a 6-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.

There is no charge to participate, and the hunt lasts for the entire month of July. For more information about hunting for Waldo on (or near) Grand Ave, call Red Balloon Bookshop at 651-224-8320, or visit www.redballoonbookshop.com/findwaldo.

Where’s Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in 1987. Since then, the Where’s Waldo books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over. There are now over 58 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they’ve been translated into eighteen languages. An entire generation has grown up searching for Waldo and his cast of wandering companions.

In celebration of Waldo's longevity and popularity, his American publisher, Candlewick Press, is once again teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 265 independent bookstores all across the country, including Red Balloon Bookshop here in St. Paul, MN, for some hide and seek fun as well as to encourage communities to patronize their local businesses. 

FREE Summer Camps at the Microsoft Store MOA

Did you know that the Microsoft Store at the Mall of America® offers FREE summer camps for you kids? Yes, I said FREE!!

The next camp, Digital Art Smarts, starts on Monday, July 8th so hurry up and register. 

It's perfect for your budding photographer. Here's what the website says:

Develop the craft of your future photographer with skills used by pros to take great pictures, change color tone, add special effects, or even change the background. Your little shutterbug will learn how to fix red-eye, erase t-shirt stains, and organize pictures into a collage or make them into a 3D view for display around the house or refrigerator. A parent/guardian must be in the store for the duration of camp each day. Registration is required for this 5 day cumulative camp that runs every day Monday, July 8th through Friday, July 12th; each day is from 10:00a-12:00p for kids ages 8-13.

Don't worry, there's plenty of things for you to do around the store while your child is in class (think a store full of computers and other electronic gadgets).  

To register your child for class visit: MicrosoftStore.com/Bloomington

We received no compensation for sharing this information with you.  We just thought this was a neat opportunity.

Mall of America® brings ride-goers the ultimate photo sharing experience!

Mall of America^® and Colorvision International Inc. unite to bring ride-goers the ultimate photo sharing experience

In an ongoing effort to enhance guest experience, Mall of America^® has partnered with Colorvision International Inc, also known as Amazing Pictures^®, to install state-of-the-art imaging in Nickelodeon Universe^®, the seven acre amusement park that resides within the Mall.  Colorvision’s Amazing Pictures technology provides guests a photo experience beyond traditional souvenir prints and creates a convenient way for guests to capture their entire Nickelodeon Universe experience.

The Colorvision Product Interface platform allows guests to purchase photo packages with the ability to create Photo gifts onto a variety of products such as coffee mugs or plush blankets. The souvenir photos can also be delivered and uploaded to any of the Amazing Pictures Photo locations within the Park or online for guests to view and order custom printed merchandise. Additionally, the Amazing Pictures system is fully integrated with social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter for guests to share their digital prints with friends and family.

“Colorvision is thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon Universe and Mall of America to further enhance guest’s experience” said Colorvision President Mark Simmons, “Colorvision has been providing high end digital products that memorialize the guest’s experience forever while generating superior results for our partners for the last 35 years, and we are extremely proud of this partnership.”

This summer, Nickelodeon Universe guests can purchase Amazing Pictures photo passes to effortlessly save, organize and share their memories online. A local annual photo pass is available to local residents and is limited based on the address of guests. The pass includes a 5x7 print at the time of purchase and free digital files from all photo locations for 365 days from the date of purchase. A one day pass is also available for out of town guests and includes a 5x7 print as well as free digitals from all photo locations on the date the pass is purchased. Guests can purchase each pass for $24.95 *.

Nickelodeon Universe rides that offer Amazing Pictures capabilities include the Log Chute, Spongebob Square Pants Rock Bottom Plunge, Pepsi Orange Streak, Back at the Barnyard Hayride and multiple spots throughout the Park where guests can take photographs with their favorite Nickelodeon characters.

For more information, visit https://presale.amazingpictures.com/MoA.aspx.

About Mall of America®

Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation’s largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.

About Colorvision International Inc. – Amazing Pictures

Colorvision International Inc. more commonly known as Amazing Pictures is a creator of innovative, state-of-the-art imaging systems featured at attractions across the globe. Our signature product, and the ultimate souvenir photo allows our partner’s guests to become stars and part of the movies and their favorite shows with amazing images from our extensive collection of licensed brands. We are the world leaders in tailored ride capture solutions, operating digital photo systems and video productions in a wide array of theme parks and attractions all over the world. Colorvision also offers individual, team and action photographs delivered by our experienced staff of sports and tournament photographers, as well as proprietary isolation systems that can place guests in locations wherever their imagination can take them. Theme park and attractions photography from the front gate to dining creates memories guests and their families will treasure forever. All with the added benefit to our valued partners of photo marketing and data harvesting, that allows them to ask questions they need answered in a way not possible before, all while our shared customers have a smile on their face.

* PRICE AND PRODUCT SUBJECT TO CHANGE

We received no compensation for sharing this information with you.

Despicable Me 2 Advanced Screening Ticket #Giveaway!!

Despicable Me 2 comes to theaters on July 3rd 

and my family can't wait!!  We loved the first one and it looks like the second one might be just as good if not better.

Here's the synopsis from the press release:

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history.  In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. 

Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed film making team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters. 

Check out the official trailer below and tell me that you won't laugh  ton during this movie!

 


Can't get enough? Visit http://despicableme.com for more clips, behind the scenes info, and fan fun.

Fortunately, my family doesn't have to wait till July 3rd to see Despicable Me 2.  We've got advanced screening tickets!!

If you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area you can enter to win tickets too!  You must be 18 years of age or older to enter and you must be able to see the movie on Thursday June 27 at 7:00 pm at the Southdale Theaters.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Big Time Rush at the Mall of America

Big Time Rush to sign copies of new album, “24/seven,” at Mall of America^® 

WHAT:  Nickelodeon and Columbia Records international music sensation and TV superstars, Big Time Rush (BTR), will sign copies of their new album, “24/seven,” at Mall of America® on Thursday, June 13.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, guests can purchase a copy of “24/seven” from Best Buy Mall of America and will receive a wristband that grants them access to the autograph line. This will be the only opportunity for guests to acquire a wristband, which are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

The album signing will kick off the MOA Sound Lounge, a daily hub for teens, featuring celebrities, deejays and live music throughout the summer.  Powered by Pepsi, the MOA Sound Lounge will be located in the Patio (southwest corner of Nickelodeon Universe).

For more information about the Big Time Rush album signing at Mall of America, click here.

WHEN:  Thursday, June 13 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Mall of America – The Patio (MOA Sound Lounge, powered by Pepsi)

9th Annual Alex's Lemonade Stand at the Mall of America®

WHAT:  An estimated 263,000 new cases of childhood cancer are found every year. Alex’s Lemonade Stand aims to raise $25,000 for childhood cancer research at Mall of America® on Sunday, June 2 hosted once again by the Hollway family. 

Sunday’s event will feature ice-cold lemonade for purchase, a silent auction with items donated by the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins and performances by Cache and Victoria Dance Productions. 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand was originally created by Alexandra Scott of Pennsylvania in 2000. She held her first lemonade stand at the age of four to help find a cure for childhood cancer, raising $1 million for the cause. On Aug. 1, 2004, Scott lost her battle with cancer, but her legacy is carried on nationwide by families like the Hollway family. 

Molly Hollway was diagnosed with cancer at 13 months old. Ten years later her family planned their first Alex’s Lemonade Stand event at Mall of America. Molly just finished her sophomore year at the University of Minnesota and is a driving force behind raising money and awareness of childhood cancer.

For more information visit www.mallofamerica.com/events.  

WHEN:  Sunday, June 2  11 a.m. – 4 p.m.                        

WHERE:  Mall of America – Rotunda

Kemps® Hometown Favorites Ice Cream Contest

Did you know that Kemps® is a local brand?  I didn't.  I totally thought it was a national brand. Kemps® products are made right here in Minnesota and are sold in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas.  Their frozen yogurt, however, is also sold throughout the Southeast.  In 2011, Kemps® started the Hometown Favorites Ice Cream Contest as a way to remind people that they are hometown produced.

This contest allows you to dream up your own ice cream flavor with the chance to see it on store shelves in the future!  It doesn't hurt that you could also win $2500!  Last year the contest generated more than 250 submissions with even more expected this year.  Here's how it works:

Now through June 7:  Submit your dream flavor  (You only have a week left!)--Submit your dream flavor, inspired by your family traditions.  What flavors remind you of your family traditions?  Think outside the box people...make it unique!

**Hundreds of submissions will be narrowed down by Kemps® and their marketing agency over the next 7 days.  They will choose 10 semi-finalists based on uniqueness, flavor combinations, how closely the flavor fits the family traditions theme, back story of the flavor, how feasible it is to actually make the flavor (hint: real pickle pieces won't work with ice cream because of the acidity), and other factors. 

June 14-June 30:  Vote for the finalists--The top 10 flavors will be posted online on June 14 where you can vote to help determine the top two flavors.  The third finalist will be chosen by Joe and Teresa Mauer.

August 1:  Vote for the winner--Vote online for the flavor you think is most interesting.  

**From August 1-August 21, Logan Julstrom (Kemps® Senior Food Technologist) will be working closely with the three finalists to perfect their recipes then Kemps® will actually make the ice creams so that...

August 22-September 2:  Sample the flavors at the Minnesota State Fair--Yup, you can actually try these flavors and vote on them at the 2013 MN State Fair!

**The winner will be selected by a combination of online votes, State Fair votes, and scores from a celebrity judging panel including Teresa Mauer.

August 28--2013 Hometown Favorites winner announced.  The winning flavor hits the market the following summer.

The 2011 winner was Land of 10,000 Licks.  This ice cream combines sweet cream ice cream with caramel, sea salt, and toffee pieces for the perfect sweet and salty treat.  I kid you not, I could not stop eating this flavor once I started.  The first bite is a bit salty but then the sweetness takes over and you are hooked

Last year's 2012 winner was Mini-sota Donut.  I was able to pre-sample this flavor when I got a tour of the Kemps® factory (another post to come).  Yum is all I can say!  Cinnamon and nutmeg combined with real donut pieces!  

What are you waiting for?  Submit your dream flavor today!  You might just find it on the store shelves next year!!  

I was given a tour of the Kemps® factory and swag as compensation for helping to promote the Hometown Favorites Contest.  All opinions are 100% my own.

The Microsoft Store at the Mall of America

Last week I had the privilege of attending a mini class at the Microsoft Store at the Mall of America.  A few bloggers (including myself) got a look at Windows 8 and the new Microsoft Surface tablet.  It was very informative and a ton of fun.

I'll start off by saying that the commercials for the Surface do NOT do it justice!  To be honest, I was a bit confused by the Surface at first and Windows 8 didn't make it any better.  After a bit of hands-on playing with the tablet and a tutorial on how Windows 8 works, I am in love!

In my opinion, the Surface blows the competition out of the water as far as functionality goes.  It's got a mini HDMI port for HD output, a USB port, and a microSD­™ card slot to expand memory.  It's biggest competitor doesn't have all three of those and neither does my current tablet.  The Surface tablet itself is super durable and the keyboard accessory (once clicked onto it) completes a perfect "case" for it.  Being completely set up for windows makes this a computer in a tablet size.  Pay a little more for the Pro and you can upload 3rd party software such as Quicken!  The only disadvantage I see to the Surface is that there are not currently as many apps for Microsoft as their are for Andriod or Apple.

As far as the Microsoft store at the Mall of America goes, this place is awesome!  In fact, we're hoping to have a gathering their for our readers and their kids in the near future!  In the first photo is their theater area in the back of the store.  They host all kinds of gatherings back there.

Did you know they will host birthday parties for FREE!?  Gather all you child's friends and play Xbox or Kinect on their HUGE 103 in touch screen!  They also hold FREE camps for kids!  Check out MicrosoftStore.com/Bloomington for more details.  Hurry!  Programs start in June!!

The other really cool thing about the Microsoft Store in the MOA is that they can print Skinit right in the store!  Yes, they have their own Skinit printer.  No waiting for shipping, just wait 15 minutes for printing!  See how cute mine turned out?!  I think I'll make another one to advertise Toys In The Dryer when I'm at the coffee shop or at a conference.

What are you waiting for?  Go head on over to the Microsoft Store at the MOA, check it out, and check out the Surface while you're at it!  What about trying out a FREE camp or birthday party??

I was NOT asked to blog about the Surface or the Microsoft Store.  I am simply doing it because I was impressed.  I received my Skinit for free as well as a swag bag at the event however these did not affect my opinion.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Silhouettes by Clay Rice

Back by popular demand…Silhouettes by Clay Rice! Clay is hitting Creative Kidstuff Twin Cities stores 5/2 –5/5 just in time for Mother's Day!  Silhouettes are available by appointment only so follow the link below and sign up your child today.

 

  Clay Rice will create a silhouette of your child in just five minutes! 

He will be at the the following stores:
Galleria, Thursday May 2, 10am - 5pm 
St. Paul, Friday May 3, 10am - 5pm 
Maple Grove, Saturday May 4, 10am - 5pm 
Minneapolis, Sunday May 5, 11am - 2pm 

Link to Register: http://www.creativekidstuff.com/clayrice.html Pricing: $42.00 per person $10.00 for additional copies $24.00 5x7 Frame and Mat $38.00 8 X 10 Frame and Mat $58.00 8 x 20 Frame and Mat $75.00 Package choose between: Lonely Shadow Book with 1 silhouette Mama Let's Make a Moon with 1 silhouette 2 silhouettes of one child

Give Your Teacher a "High Five"!

Did you know May is Teacher Appreciation Month? 

My sister is an elementary school teacher and I know all too well how much she goes unnoticed and unappreciated.  Without teachers most of us would not be where we are today.  I am a successful nurse because of the teachers I had growing up.  

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month, and educators all across the country, Emmy Award-Winning Educational Program Green Screen Adventures has invited your elementary school student to Give Your Teacher A High-Five! 

How to Give Your Teacher A High-Five!: 

• Who:  Students from 2^nd to 8^th grade 
• What:  In 40 words or less, students write an explanation of why their teacher deserves a “High-Five,” including the teacher’s name, location, and school. Optionally, students can submit photos and drawings. 
• When:  Tuesday, April 16 through Tuesday, May 14 
• Where:  Submissions can be made online at http://greenscreenadventures.tv/give-your-teacher-a-high-five/ 

Five student submissions will be read on-air by one of the actors on Green Screen Adventures on the Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 shows on Me-TV. Plus, an honor roll of an additional 50 “High-Fives” will be featured on the show! 

For more information and guidelines, visit the brand new Green Screen Adventures website at www.greenscreenadventures.tv or check them out on twitter and facebook for upcoming episodes, national coverage on student writers, and other news.

This information in this post was provided to us by Green Screen Adventures.  We received no compensation for this post.

Nickelodeon Universe® VIP Orange Party at Mall of America®

WHAT:  Nickelodeon Universe® Facebook fans are invited to an exclusive event with free rides for two whole hours, music and prizes. Guests must either wear orange or present a VIP pass to receive the Orange Party ride wristband. VIP pass available on www.facebook.com/nickuniverse.

Guests can purchase an additional three hours of unlimited rides for $10.

WHEN: Sunday, April 14
9 - 11 a.m. VIP Orange Party – Free rides
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Additional three hours of unlimited rides for $10

WHERE: Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe

RUUM American Kid's Wear Opens at the MOA

Source

HAVE YOU HEARD THE RUMMOUR?

It's true!  There's a new kid's fashion brand on the block--

RUUM American Kid's Wear!

What:  Come celebrate RUUM's Grand Opening at the Mall of America!  From the founders of The Children's Place, Ruum (pronounced "room") offers head to toe kids outfitting, exceptional quality, and great value. They have clothes for infants 0 through kids size 14.  Ruum collections are designed to coordinate easily and to cover all of a child's lifestyle needs.

At their Grand Opening enjoy surprise promotions, fun activities for kids, and free giveaways all weekend long including great deals for online and in-store purchases, Instant Win savings cards and bonus points on Ruum’s new loyalty program.  During the Grand Opening, Ruum will also kick off The Grand Ruum Sweepstakes, a month-long sweepstakes with daily winners and the grand prize of a $2000 Ruum gift card.

When:  Friday, March 22 - Sunday, March 24, 2013
During regular Mall hours
(Jamie will be there Saturday around 4ish--watch for her tweets)

Where:  RUUM's new store located at the Mall of America space S-214 (south side, second floor).

I will be receiving a swag bag at the Grand Opening event in exchange for promoting it via my social media channels.  I received no further compensation for this post.

Demand the Change for Children at Mall of America®

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WHAT:  Hundreds of Minnesotans will join advocates at Mall of America^® to rally against sexual abuse and the exploitation of children at Demand the Change for Children on Saturday, March 23. Organized by the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA), Demand the Change for Children is a call to action to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts of child sex abuse.  This family-friendly celebration gives a voice to those affected by abuse and focuses on the community’s ability to prevent abuse and exploitation.

The day will be packed with exciting and interactive activities including the opportunity to join the Women’s Drum Heart performance and zumba. There will be performances by the MacPhail Youth Choir, Rochester International Dance Studio, Heather Lyn with youthrive:LIVE! as well as soccer demonstrations by Tony Sanneh and the Tony Sanneh Foundation. Kids will get hands on with crafts including origami, quilt square and hero cape making. The Smooch! Project will also have a booth set up to snap photos of loved ones puckering up. This year for the first time, the event has added a new HOPE section where people can share their experiences and find out how to get involved in prevention efforts.

Sexual abuse of children happens at alarming rates. Demand the Change for Children is a grassroots collaboration of individuals and organizations working together to end the abuse and exploitation of children and advance prevention efforts by promoting healthy, respectful relationships and safe and supportive environments for all children. For more information visit www.demandthechangeforchildren.org

WHEN: Saturday, March 23
11:45 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Mall of America - Rotunda

The Mother Baby Center

The Mother Baby Center at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis has been open for a little over a month. In that month they’ve delivered 310 babies (11 on the first day!), 12 sets of twins, and 1 set of triplets. What makes them so special?  Allina Hospitals and Clinics and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota (two of the best hospitals in the area for high risk delivery and infant care) formally partnered to integrate their mother and baby services.

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Previously, critically ill and premature babies born at Abbot Northwestern were whisked through a ¼ mile tunnel to Children’s Hospital’s level 3 NICU.  Though the partnership boasted some of the best outcomes in the country when it came to caring for premature and critically ill infants, the separation between mother and baby at two hospitals created stress on both the babies and their families.  Now, Abbot and Children’s host their Mother Baby Center under one roof to provide the only birth center of its kind in Minnesota (and one of only a few in the country).
Having an average of 12 labor and delivery patients per day in its first month, The Mother Baby Center has the capacity for 5,000 potential births each year.  The design makes a seamless transition from delivery room or operating room to the NICU just steps through a skyway.  A neonatal team can be at a high-risk delivery in only 90 seconds (vs. up to 4 minutes with the hospitals separated).  All post-partum areas (including the NICU) are designed to keep the mothers and babies together as much as possible with areas for families to sleep at the bedside.
  I had the privilege of touring the Mother Baby Center just before it opened.  As both a pediatric nurse and a mother I must say I was impressed!  I kept walking around saying, “I wish I had this when I delivered my daughters,” and “I wish my unit had this/looked like this.”  The center is state-of-the-art as far as medical things, yet warm and inviting for families.
  They've thought of everything from spacious bathrooms to safes in the rooms for personal belongings, to sleep rooms for adoptive parents, to a party area for expectant mothers who can't leave the hospital to have a baby shower or birthday party.  For the staff, they've provided some of the latest technology to provide the best and most up to date care possible.   I just might want to have another baby so I can give birth at the Mother Baby Center!  Or maybe not...two kids is enough.  If you, however, are expecting or are planning on expecting in the future, you'll definitely want to consider giving birth there.  To find out more about the Mother Baby Center please visit their website at http://themotherbabycenter.org/.

Full disclosure:  I am a nurse in the PICU at Children’s Hospital.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Being an employee of Children’s does not affect my opinion as I do not work in any areas connected with the Mother Baby Center.  I received no compensation for this post.

American Girl Fashion Show® This Weekend!!

The Junior League of Minneapolis proudly presents the 12th annual American Girl Fashion Show®! 

The American Girl Fashion Show® is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls!  Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions.  Enjoy refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture, and girls’ individual style.

When:  Friday, March 8, 2013, at 6 p.m. (Special Show)**
Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 1:30 p.m
Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 6 p.m. (VIP)
Sunday, March 10, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.

**Come see Nutty model in the Friday show!!

Where: The Capri Theater
2027 W. Broadway Ave
Minneapolis MN 55411

Each show will last approximately 2 hours, with time before, during, and after intermission to purchase souvenirs, raffle tickets and snacks/refreshments.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their dolls and wear their favorite American Girl® clothing.  A doll hair salon will be open for business before, during and after the show.  The doll hair salon is complimentary during the Special Show and VIP show.

All fashion show ticket holders will have the chance to win wonderful door prizes.  Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase.  Raffle prizes will include an assortment of American Girl® dolls and accessories, as well as fabulous prizes from local retailers.

To purchase tickets please visit the Junior League of Minneapolis website.  The tickets are selling out fast so get yours ASAP!

The American Girl Fashion Show® benefits the mission of the Junior League of Minneapolis and its projects that serve the Minneapolis community. Past projects include the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Free Arts MN and the Jeremiah Program. Current projects address the achievement gap. The Junior League of Minneapolis reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in, and commitment to, voluntarism.

I received tickets to the American Girl Fashion Show and Nutty's model fee was covered in exchange for helping to promote the event.  All opinions are 100% my own.  American Girl Fashion Show is licensed from American Girl Programs.  All American Girl trademarks, names, and characters are trademarks of American Girl, used under license. All rights reserved.

Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy--Giveaway!

This past December my family had the opportunity to attend Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic.  We had so much fun!

This month, for the first time ever, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy skates into the Twin Cities!  

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories:

• Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney•Pixar's Cars race across the ice.
• Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom.
• Enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within!
• The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever!

Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy will be at the Target Center February 28-March 3, 2013.  Tickets are $15/22/$42/$65 with opening night tickets just $10!

Tickets are available at the Target 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.

All of our Toys In The Dryer readers may download this FREE activity book!

One lucky reader will win tickets to Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy opening night at the Target Center!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We received tickets to the show in exchange for promoting it on our blog. We received no further compensation. All opinions are 100% our own.

Casting call! Be an EXTRA in a Nickelodeon Universe TV commerical at MOA

Mall of America^® to award one lucky contestant a cameo appearance in new Nickelodeon Universe^® television commercial 

WHAT:  On Feb. 8, Mall of America^® will select one talented contestant from a pool of video entries to become the first-ever fan to make a cameo appearance in a Nickelodeon Universe^® television commercial.

Beginning Jan. 31, Nickelodeon fans across the nation have the opportunity to submit a 30 second video showcasing why they would make the best Scream Collector extra in a commercial. Fans who are eligible to enter the contest will submit their video online by visiting www.NickelodeonUniverse.com.

Each video submission will be judged on the following five criteria:

• creativity 
• how well the submission reflects the theme and meets other specified requirements
• video reflects a clear and positive message
• personality  
• originality 

and will be judged by qualified Mall marketing and advertising experts. To enter the contest and for more information visit www.NickelodeonUniverse.com.

WHEN:   Contest start date:  Thursday, Jan. 31
Contest end date:  Thursday, Feb. 7

WHERE:  www.NickelodeonUniverse.com – video submissions
Mall of America – commercial filming

What are you waiting for?  Go submit your video!

Minneapolis Boat Show--Ticket Giveaway!

Nautical Fun for the Whole Family at the

2013 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show 

Kids of all ages can mingle with MTV stars, scuba dive, paddleboard indoors, plus peruse and build boating LEGOS® 

The 2013 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show cruises into the Minneapolis Convention Center, January 31-February 3, with summer fun for the entire family featuring new exhibits and attractions for the little skippers, experienced captains, and everyone in between.  Escape the winter chill and dive into summer with fun for the entire family. Special features sure to thrill the kids include:

Hop in the water and try SCUBA diving! 

Try SCUBA diving indoors at the ‘Be a Diver’ pool. Discover the fun and exciting sport of SCUBA diving with certified instructors in the comfort of a tropically warm pool and test the latest diving equipment (ages 10 and older).

Visit LEGO’S® new Brickmania boating display.  

Kids of all ages can check out boats made from LEGO® brand parts at the show and build some of their own to  Take home. Also, don’t miss the chance to purchase a limited edition boat show Brickmania Custom Boat LEGO® kit (Lobby E).

Get on the water at PaddleFest. 

Kids ages 10 and older can try out kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) in a huge pool on the show floor with knowledgeable staff on-hand to offer instruction.

Meet professional wake boarders Phil and Bob Soven from MTV’s reality show, WakeBrothers.
Phil has been well known in the wakeboard circuit since he went pro at the age of eleven and is labeled as one of the best in the world.  Bob, the younger brother, had five National wake boarding titles and six World titles by the age of 15. Visit the show website for appearance times.

Meet SpongeBob SquarePants. 

Straight from Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob SquarePants will visit the show on Saturday, February 2nd and Sunday, February 3rd from Noon–4pm to meet with his fans and take pictures.

Tickets are $11.00 for adults, children 15 and under get in FREE when accompanied by an adult. 

Active Military get in FREE with a valid military ID.

Purchase a ticket online; e-ticket includes a one-year subscription to Yachting Magazine, Motor Boating, Field & Stream, Boating or Cruising World (a $7 value).

For more information and updated seminar and event schedules, visit MinneapolisBoatShow.com, or follow the show on Twitter and Facebook.

One lucky local Toys In The Dryer reader will win up to 4 tickets to the Minneapolis Boat Show!

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.  Number of tickets depends on number of children over 15 years of age.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
We received tickets to the Minneapolis Boat Show in exchange for promoting it.