Mickey & Minnie's Doorway to Magic Review

Let me just tell you, I loved this show!  I absolutely love it when Disney mixes things up and makes the shows boy friendly.  As a mom to two boys, I love hearing the excitement when they see their favorite characters come to life.  The princesses are great but the other characters are much better to them.

 The Buzz Lightyear laser show was so cool!  the laser lights going on Buzz's touch was very neat to see.  When he pointed his arm at the crowd and the laser went where he pointed got my little guy all excited.  He said, "Mommy, that is totally the coolest!"

 Aladdin has always been my favorite Disney movie so I love, love, loved that they included this scene to the show.  My favorite songs and characters came to life for me!

Of course, the crowd pleaser Mickey and Minnie were fun and full to life.  With their buddies Donald and Goofy, they put on an awesome magic show.  The magic tricks were very neat and my boys always love those things.

This show is definitely a must see for everyone in the family.  Even my 9 month old loved it (for about 20 minutes) :-) .

Disney on Ice Treasure Trove Review

Tonight's show was fantastic and my kids loved it.  The best parts were seeing the cast from Toy Story as well as the great costumes for Aladdin.  My least favorite was the Lion King scene with Scar as he made several mistakes and I was not a fan of showing the King getting killed.  Pumba was adorable of course. 

We had seen Peter Pan before and this was ok but not as detailed and fun as we had seen in previous shows.  Alice in Wonderland was great and the cards with the Queen of Hearts did a great job, especially with their lines.  Little Mermaid was cute and the skater who played Ariel was fantastic and very talented.

 

 Tiana made a short appearance but it was highly energized and the kids really liked it.  Rapunzel even showed up at the end! It was great seeing all of the cast (including some princesses not featured in main part like Cinderella and Mulan) which was absolutely beautiful.  Overall it was a fun family night out! 

Be sure to get your tickets before it's too late.  There are still a few show times to choose from!

Disney Live Mickie & Minnie's Doorway to Magic

Mickie & Minnie are coming to town with their friends!

Chaifetz Arena

February 6, 2016

Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite Disney characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know what to expect or who might join in the fun. In Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic you hold the ultimate key to unlocking your imagination.

Check out this video of the show! You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Your tickets for the show can be purchased through Ticket Master. There are three shows to chose from on February 6th:

12:30
3:30
6:30

Ticket prices are as follows:

Front Row $60
VIP Floor Seats $50
Floor Seats $45
P2 $36
P3 $26
P4 $18

Don't forget to enter Promo Code: BLOG16 to save $5!
Offer not valid on premium seating. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply. Offer subject to ticket availability.  

Now for the giveaway...one lucky reader will get a chance to go to the show.  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Family 4-pack of tickets to the 12:30pm show on February 6th. 
 

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Marvel Universe Live!

An awesome new show is coming to St. Louis!

January 8-10, 2016

Scottrade Center

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man and The Avengers (Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk and more) and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to St. Louis. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!

Check out the video!

Tickets to this show would make an awesome Christmas gift for the Marvel lover in your family!  You can purchase tickets here. You can also follow details about the show on Facebook or Twitter.

Show Times:

January 8th - 7pm

January 9th - 11am, 3pm & 7pm

January 10th - 12pm & 4pm

Ticket Prices:

Gold Circle - $120

VIP - $90

3rd - $60

4th - $40

5th - $25 

Now, Feld Entertainment has allowed me to offer a giveaway to one lucky blog reader of mine!  You have until December 29th to enter the giveaway to win a Family 4-pack of tickets to opening night!

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Disney on Ice Treasure Trove

Disney on Ice Treasure Trove is Coming!

January 28-31, 2016

Scottrade Center

Discover endless riches when Disney On IcepresentsTreasure Trove Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt comes to your hometown!  Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with a skating spectacular filled with classic Disney moments. Get tangled up in Disney’s 50^th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses: Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora, Tiana, Mulan and, of course, the one who started it all, Snow White.  Ahoy, Mateys!  Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land!  Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’  Tick-Tock!  Tick-Tock!  Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice & the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards.  You won’t want to miss this show full of Disney treasures to remember. 

You can purchase tickets here.  Don't forget to use code:  BLOG16

to save $5!

Don't forget to follow the show details on Facebook or Twitter.

Show Schedule:

January 28th - 7pm

January 29th - 10:30am & 7pm

January 30th -  11am, 3pm & 7pm

January 31st - 12pm & 4pm

Ticket Prices:

Rinkside - $75

VIP - $55

P3 - $27

P4 - $20

P5 - $15

Feld Entertainment has allowed me to giveaway a family 4-pack of tickets to opening night!  Enter the giveaway below:

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Circus Review!

Tonight we went to the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Scott Trade Center downtown St. Louis.  My boys were so excited to go and I was excited for some family fun!  Unfortunately, we learned after waiting in line to get in that cameras were not allowed even if we are supposed to take photos and write a review.  So, if you go to the circus, don't try to bring in your camera.  Just leave it at home so you don't have to worry about it during the whole circus performance!  These pictures are from my android phone so they aren't the best quality but it is all they would allow me to use.

Besides that, the experience was fun.  We attended the pre-show that started 1 hour before the performance down on the floor.  The kids really enjoyed going and meetings some of the show characters and seeing them up close and personal.  If you take your kids down to the floor, be sure to know that the bounce house costs an ADDITIONAL $6 per kid for only a couple minutes of bouncing.  If you need to prepare your kids ahead of time for that, be sure to do so. 

After the pre-show we found our seats and awaiting the performance.  Some clowns came out to keep the kids occupied until the show started.  The show was great.  There is no way I can list all the awesome things that went on.  There were acrobats, BMX bike riders, clowns galore, human cannon, dogs, camels, elephants, tigers OH MY!

The one act that took my breath away was the man dancing on the metal spinning cage (not pictured).  I literally held my breath whenever he would jump up in the air and then reach to grab the spinning metal cage.  My stomach did a few flip flops for sure. 

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, be sure to not miss the show.  It was definitely a great time for my whole family!  You can order tickets through TicketMaster.  Only 2 more days to go so don't wait!

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus!

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus

is coming to 

St. Louis

October 16-18th 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME - It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TRAORDINARY things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience. Be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you’ve never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show On Earth® . Get ready for an X-HILARATING adventure with X-TRAORDINARY circus artists and magnificent X-OTIC animals! It’s time to awaken the spirit of Children Of All Ages and stir the imagination of your family! Ringling Bros.® Presents Circus XTREME. It’s time to have XTREME fun with your family! Get your tickets today! 

Want to win a Familly 4-pack of tickets for opening night? Quick giveaway that ends at midnight tonight! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney On Ice Let's Celebrate Review

My family and I went to the Disney on Ice show tonight sponsored by Feld Entertainment.  It was an AMAZING SHOW!  There have been other Disney shows that started out great but lost my interest half way through.  This one was not that.  I loved the show from start to finish!

What I think I liked the most was that it really seemed like they tried to make it more friendly for the boys this time around.  Generally the performances are very princess heavy but this one was a great mix.  There was a little Fantasia dancing brooms which was black light glow and looked really fun and cool.  Some of the Toy Story crew came out and danced around.  Porky, Jesse, Woody, Buzz, Purple Troll, Rex and a Green Soldier all strutted their stuff.  It was a very fun scene that we all enjoyed.

There was also Jack and the Halloween crew with some of the other famous Disney villains.  For my middle child who loves the villains the most, this lit him up so much.  The smile on his sweet little face and all the excitement made me so excited I bought a $15 snow cone cup for them, ha-ha!  The villains were all really neat and a great addition to the show.

Then there was some adventures with Mickey and Minnie losing each other and traveling to different places and finally meeting in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  It was a neat scene as well.  I really enjoyed it.  Then all the princesses and whole crew came out for the grand finale.  Like I said before, great show.  Be sure to not miss this one.  You and your littles will really enjoy it!

Disney on Ice Giveaway!

Disney on Ice

Let's Celebrate

is coming to St. Louis!

It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends at Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! Presented by YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. Come join the celebration you’ve been waiting for when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! skates into your hometown!

The Chaifetz Arena is hosting this awesome Disney show on
September 24-27, 2015.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticket Master.

 

·        Family Four Pack Offer: Four hot dogs, four sodas, and four ($23) tickets for $89.00.

·        Disclaimer: Valid on Sat., Sept. 26 7pm, Sun., Sept. 27 @ 11am & 3:3pm performances only. Offer valid online only. No Double discounts. Additional fees may apply. Offer ends at Sept. 22 at 10pm CST.

You can check out more information on Facebook or Twitter!

Enter below for your chance to win a Family 4 pack of tickets to the show!

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Disney on Ice!

Disney on Ice

Let's Celebrate is coming to St. Louis!

It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends at Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! Presented by YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. Come join the celebration you’ve been waiting for when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! skates into your hometown!

Check out their Facebook page for more details! 

You can purchase tickets via Ticket Master.

Stay tuned for a giveaway on this blog!

JCPenney Portraits Studio Review & Special Deal

I had the awesome opportunity to do a review on JCPenney Portrait Studios.  I have to say that it was a very pleasant experience.  From the time we walked into the studio until we left, the photographer made us feel welcome and accepted.  With our family of 4 and 2 crazy boys sometimes we don't see that.  She was very patient and gentle with the boys which was very nice.

Besides being nice, the photographer was very professional and respectful.  She posed us in very flattering postures and was sure to ask if we wanted more poses with each style of picture we did.  I am very happy with the way all the pictures turned out.

The portrait pricing was a little confusing but the photographer did a good job explaining it all.  I did not like that there was only one option for the CD and that was a huge pricey package.  I would have liked an offer for just a select number of portraits for a smaller fee.  We ended up ordering the package deal anyways to have Easter cards for the family but the option would have been nice for something less pricey.

I love the online viewing feature.  We were given a Web Access Code that we were able to view all the photos from at home and our family members can order whatever pictures they want from there.  I went home and watched the slideshow of all the pictures and then emailed the code to my family so they could go online and view them.  Once I receive my CD, I will upload pictures for you to see how awesome they are!

My overall experience with JCPenney Portrait Studios was excellent.  I have been to many portrait studios and was never as pleased as I was with this experience.  I have already mentioned it to my Facebook community and family.  Several of them have used JCPenney for years.  Thank you JCPenney Portraits for giving me a gift certificate for a free sitting!

Now for my readers, here is an offer for you.  Go to http://bit.ly/offer0114 and you will receive the following:

*1 Free Traditional 8x10 ($10 value)
*1 Free Sitting Fee ($9 value)
*23 Portraits of your Favorite Pose for $7.99 or $3.99 for Traditional Sheets ($10 value) plus 20% off Portraits Collections
*Offers above are valid through 3/31/14

Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure

Disney on Ice is back in the STL with a Passport to Adventure!  Who is ready for another great Disney show?  I know my kids and I are!

Embark on the ultimate sightseeing vacation with all your favorite Disney characters in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure.  Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch.  You’ll explore the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage under the sea with Ariel and all her aquatic friends; tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Never Land; and travel to Hawaii to visit Lilo and Stitch.  Upbeat music, lovable characters and exciting destinations make Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure a vacation you’ll never forget.

 

 

When purchasing your tickets through Ticket Master, be sure to use code:  BLOG14 and you will save $5 on all performances except Opening Night when tickets are just $11! 

Disclaimer: Discount does not apply to Rinkside, Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats.  No double discounts.  Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

 

Be sure to check out Disney on Ice on Facebook and Twitter for more fun and excitement!

Review of Disney Junior Pirates and Princesses

The show was really cute.  My boys weren't thrilled with the princess part which was the first half of the show.  The little girls around us were really enjoying it though and it was a cute story line.  My boys were totally thrilled with the Pirates part of the show.  They love Jake and the Neverland Pirates and really loved the fireworks at the end.

Photos will be uploaded later.  Our hard drive crashed and we are trying to get the photos back!

Keep your eyes open for more details on the next Disney show.  Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure!

 

Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure Giveaway!

In less than a month, an awesome show is coming to town that will wow both your little pirate or your little princess.  The two have joined forces to bring you a spectacular show.  Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Sofia the First are uniting for quite a show.

Sofia wants to show all the little princesses just what it means to be a true princess.  Word has it that Cinderella is going to make an appearance to help Sofie out.  Jake, his buddies and Peter Pan join together to battle Captain Hook to find treasure hidden in a volcano!  Your pirate is sure to want to catch this one of a kind adventure.

There will even be a preshow 10 minutes before showtime where Doc McStuffins will come and show your little one how she cares for her toys with her own unique touch.

You can purchase tickets through Ticket Master but be sure to use code BLOG14 to get the tickets for flat $18.

If you haven't already, be sure to "Like" the show on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Disney and Feld Entertainment have also allowed me to offer you a giveaway for a family 4 pack of tickets to the show.  Look below for details on how to enter.

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How Special is Breakfast with your Family?

My family and I have tried to make sure that we have one meal a day as a family.  For us it has been dinner since daddy has to go to work and isn't here for the other two meals.  We always want to make improvements with communication with our families though, right?  I have found that my boys really enjoy me sitting down with them for breakfast.  Even if it is only for 10 minutes.  They enjoy to tell me how they want the day to go and what they would like to do whether their ideas are realistic or not.

I found out that Cheerios (which my boys love to eat) is teaming up with the Family Breakfast Project which encourages families to take 7 minutes for 7 days to have family breakfast and see what it brings.  I am excited to do this with my boys even if daddy can't join us for all the days.  I will document 7 days of breakfasts that I share with my boys between now and February 21st.  I challenge you to do the same.  Can you find 7 days or more in the next month to spend as a family?

GIVEAWAY:  If you send me a collage of your family eating breakfast together on 7 different days before February 21st, you will be entered into a drawing for $5 in PayPal cash.  Email your pictures and description to momonamission2008@gmail.com.  I will post all pictures in the February 21st update post I will make.

“Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.”

Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure

Get your little pirates and princesses ready for a big show coming to town.  Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure will be in St. Louis February 8th at the Chaifetz Arena.  Be sure to save the date and watch for more information and a giveaway from me!

8 Hot Drinks To Make In Your Slow Cooker For...

Mmmmm...perfect timing to find these recipes. I could go for a hot drink right now!

8 Hot Drinks To Make In Your Slow Cooker For...

Just hearing about the snow storm that has complicated Thanksgiving travel has us dreaming of steamy hot drinks to warm our insides. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, you'll want to warm your travel-weary guests when they arrive with a cup of hot cocoa, cider or old-fashioned Scandinavian glogg. All you need is your trusted slow cooker.

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Sponsored post #PlateFullCoOp
Platefull Co-Op

Peppermint Chocolate Larabars

This is a recipe I think I am going to try this week!

Peppermint Chocolate Larabars

If you are not familiar with larabars, let me introduce them to you. They are raw, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and scrumptious. They taste like cookies because the dates make them sweet combined with super foods like cocoa and almonds. Basically, you get dessert, without the guilt. I eat them in between meals to tide me over. No more of those processed full of sugar granola bars. Eat healthy and wholesome.  I developed this bar for Christmas. They taste like a thin mint cookie from the girl scouts. Suitable for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, or dessert. Enjoy!   Free recipe here:  http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2013/12/chocolate-peppermint-larabars.html

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Platefull Co-Op

Holiday Appetizer Ideas

Are you entertaining at your home for New Years?  My family is not entertaining in our home this year but we are going to 2 friend's houses this year.  As I am looking through recipes, I stumbled across one of my favorites that for some reason I constantly forget about.  We have always called it "Pigs in a Blanket"  but Pillsbury calls it Mini Crescent Dogs.

I love appetizers that are easy to make.  This recipe only has a few ingredients:  Pillsbury crescent rolls, mini hot dogs, and cheese.  Pop them in the oven and tada!  Only take a few minutes and they are a delicious snack to enjoy with your friends.

Here are a few other Pillsbury recipes that are easy to make and would be a great appetizer idea for your New Years party:

• Chocolate-Filled Crescents
• Apple Pie Crescents
• Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels
• Crescent Wrapped Brie
• Chipotle Meatball Appetizers

 What appetizer is your favorite go to for a party?  Please share the recipe!

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls

There is nothing better at the holidays than YOUR comfort food.  For me, the cinnamon rolls from Pillsbury are one of my favorite comfort foods.  When you think about going to the family's house and eating a big meal for Thanksgiving or Christmas, cereal just doesn't cut it for breakfast...at least for me.  I want something sweet and doughy. 

My absolute favorite is the sweet orange flavored cinnamon rolls but the original are a good second for me.  My kids prefer the original flavor.  They love them with a glass of chocolate milk on the side.  My 6 year old always asks for 3 cinnamon rolls because he loves them so much!  I like to eat them with a homemade cafe mocha.  You know, a packet of hot chocolate mixed with brewed coffee instead of water...yummy!

What is your breakfast comfort food?  Do you share my love for cinnamon rolls and cafe mocha or is yours something different?

Check out these recipes to spark your creative cinnamon roll edge:
Cinnamon Rolls: http://www.pillsbury.com/Home/everyday-eats/breakfast-brunch/easiest-ever-cinnamon-rolls

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/cinnamon-roll-christmas-tree/a2075782-274c-4a43-90ad-ab0f74de0065