Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Melissa & Doug on One King's Lane

Melissa & Doug Sale on One Kings Lane-- Sale Ends Friday, November 1st
Some of my kid's favorite toys have always been M & D! Are you thinking ahead to Christmas yet? Now is a great time to start stocking up on gifts!
 A trusted name in child’s play, Melissa & Doug is synonymous with thoughtful, interactive, high-quality toys, beloved by parents and kids alike. This selection includes a wide range for toddlers and older kids, from colorful pull-alongs to crafts and puzzles, all made to keep little hands busy and brains engaged.
Pull-Along Zoo Animals
Shape Sorting Clock
 
Ralph Lauren 30 Iconic Pieces Sale at One Kings Lane-- Sale Ends Thursday, October 31st
Whether inspired by time-honored tradition, modern sophistication, or the beauty of rare objects collected around the world, these signature pieces exemplify iconic design quintessential to the world of Ralph Lauren Home.
Boom Arm Deck Lamp, Polished Nickel
Glen Plaid Hurricane, Polished Silver
More Fantastic Sales Available on One Kings Lane
Rain, Rain, Go Away Sale at One Kings Lane -- Sale Ends Friday, November, 1st
Asha Jewelry Sale at One Kings Lane -- Sale Ends Friday, November, 1st
Cuddle Up Sale at One Kings Lane -- Sale Starts Tonight, October 29th at 6pm pt

If you've never made a purchase from One King's Lane, sign up here for $15 off your first order!

Easy Homemade Granola Bars

If you've never tried to make homemade granola bars, then you should definitely try these! Super easy & super tasty!
Chocolate Chip, Coconut & Peanut Bars
* 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal 
* 1 cup of bran flakes, such as grape nut flakes
* 2 cups old fashion oats (quick oats don't turn out as well)
* 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 2/3 cup honey
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/4 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 cup packed coconut (optional)
* 1/4 mini chocolate morsels
* 1/4 peanuts (optional)
Directions: In a large bowl combine the rice cereal and oatmeal. Grease or line a 9×13 inch pan. (I prefer to line the pan with saran wrap because it makes for easy clean up.)
Mix brown sugar, honey and peanut butter in a small sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until just boiling. Add to cereal mixture along with vanilla extract, cinammon, salt, peanuts, coconut and chocolate chips.
Press into the prepared pan using a spatula, spoon or your hands. (I press down with tin foil or wax paper).  Set aside to cool (I have found placing them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes helps them set the best), then cut into bars.
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Cranberry, White Chocolate & Almond Bars
* 2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
* 2 cups old fashion oats
* 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 2/3 cup honey
* 1/2 cup almond butter
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/4 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 cup packed cranberries
* 1/4 white chocolate morsels
* 1/4 almond pieces
Directions: In a large bowl combine the rice cereal and oatmeal. Grease or line a 9×13 inch pan. (I prefer to line the pan with saran wrap because it makes for easy clean up.)
Mix brown sugar, honey and almond butter in a small sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until just boiling. Add to cereal mixture along with vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, almond pieces, cranberries and while chocolate morsels.
Press into the prepared pan using a spatula, spoon or your hands (like I do). Set aside to cool, then cut into bars.
*
TIPS:
* To keep chocolate from melting into mixture try freezing it first as well as adding the morsels towards the end of mixing process.
* Once the bars have cooled I place a cutting board on top of my pan and then flip the pan upside down onto the cutting board. I can then lift the pan off, remove the saran wrap, and cut into bars.
* Bars taste great if frozen…. Once thawed they retain the chewy texture however I would avoid refrigerating the bars as this seems to dry them out.
* To keep fresh store at room temperature in a sealed container.
* Try swapping out the crispy rice for cereal that you already have on hand… corn flakes, cheerios, etc.
*
Fun “Add-Ins” to experiment with:
Chocolate morsels, M&M’s, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, raisins, dates, dried apricots, coconut, peanuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, flax seed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, toffee pieces…

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Tshirt giveaway from Commonwealth Press!

I love supporting local businesses and when looking for a screenprinter to do some Pgh Momtourage t-shirts for us, I was SO happy to find the awesome local crew at Commonwealth Press!

About

pittsburgh screen printers. hand screened, code friendly, ink covered, bike powered, coffee hugging, pittsburgh loving...

Mission

Work hard. Live free.

Company Overview

print. design. events. pittsburgh

Description

Screen printing and design space located in pittsburgh pa - if you can lay it flat and hold it still, we can print on it.

Yep. That's them in a nutshell and they put out some local classics!
My hubby put together this great little design which I think describes the Momtourage pretty well and then Dan Rugh went to work and made this happen for us! Let me tell you, these aren't any free tshirt. American Apparel (that's American-made, sweat-shop-free, y'all!), organic material, soft, comfy, fitted, lovin' the yellow....you will want to wear these shirts!
We have NINE t-shirts to give away thanks to the great generosity of Commonwealth Press! Please help us spread the Pittsburgh love by wearing your shirt and promoting Commonwealth Press & Pgh Momtourage! (For anyone that does not win a free shirt, we will have them available to order after the giveaway has ended.)
Dress it up or dress it down...................
Follow Commonwealth Press on facebook & twitter before you enter!
*
Go here to enter.
*
Contest open for entries until Saturday, November 9th, 2013, 8pm. Winners chosen at random by sizing - 2 small, 3 med, 3 lg. & 1xl. Entrants must provide complete info including full name & address.
 
Thanks for entering! Now go check out some fun Pittsburgh gear from CW!

 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Fall Festival at Soergel Orchards

It was our first time taking in the fall fun at Soergel Orchards! One of the great things about this festival is that admission is free for everyone and you can purchase tickets for the individual activities that your kids want to do. Pirate Ship Play Area, Tiny Town Play Area, Straw Stack & petting the Farm Animals are all still FREE! They also have tons of home grown produce, bakery goods, gift barn + so much more! For those with allergy needs - Naturally Soergel’s is open and offers natural, organic, or gluten & allergen free foods.
 
Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch or a flashlight through the straw tunnel!
 All kids love to bounce (a good energy burner too!) :)

Pony rides - $3.
The free straw play was one of my kid's favorite spots! And it happens to be located next to the eating area, so kids can play and let mom & dad finish eating: genius.
Watch them make fresh apple cider (and enjoy a cup yourself).  

 
Thank you, Soergel Orchards, we had a great time!
Their fall festival runs for one more weekend, so check them out!!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Mabel's Labels Holiday Labels

From now until 12/31, Mabel's Labels is offering their limited edition Stocking Stuffer Combos and Holiday Return Address Labels! The Stocking Stuffer Combos make the perfect stocking stuffer, party favor, and personalized add-on to other gifts. Best of all, you only pay $30 for 6 sets! The Holiday Return Address Labels are adorable and come in a variety of exclusive limited-edition Holiday designs. Don't miss your chance to shop these great offers! Happy Shopping!

15% off storewide event at Zinc Door

Fabulous sale alert! Don't miss your chance to shop the 15% off storewide event at Zinc Door.  
10/15-11/14
Use promo code ZINC15.
Now is the time to stock up on essentials for the holidays by preparing your home for upcoming parties and visitors. Browse furniture, lighting, home accessories, entertainment essentials and more. Be sure to check out Zinc Door today! 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

In Review: Living Treasures Animal Park Night At the Zoo

_________________________________________

A Bump in the Night!
Where else can you pet a zebra, hand feed giraffe and hold a baby kangaroo?
Offering a close-up experience with dozens of different animals, Living Treasures Animal Park Night At the Zoo is an intimate experience; much different than trips we’ve had at any zoo. We absolutely love it! In fact, this was our second trip.  
The “Wild” Animal Park has two locations in Donegal and Moraine. We visited the Moraine location in New Castle, PA, which seems to be the crowd favorite.
They recently began their night hours for the annual “Night at the Zoo” in October. Bring the kids in costume (and a jack-o-lantern*) and enjoy the night as it comes alive!
The Moraine location is quite easy to get to. A short drive from the highway exit, you enter through the wooden gates, under the ornate iron sign and come into a small parking lot. Forge ahead through a leafy pathway and into the Gift Shop/Ticket Counter to purchase your admission tickets.

Upon admission purchase, you have the option of buying feed and carrots for the animals. They’re about $3.50 per bag but worth the little extra for the experience. You will have the opportunity to feed almost all the animals!
 “Night at the Zoo” Checklist
A Flashlight: You’ll definitely need one. The paths and exhibits are minimally lit with tiki torches. You’ll be able to see where you’re walking but the flashlights allow a little extra insight into the animal dens.
A Costume: Besides just making the experience all that more fun, children who wear a costume to the Zoo will receive a free gift bag. If you get your picture taken with one of the animals you’ll also be entered into a contest and be eligible to win a prize package.
* A Jack-O-Lantern: Children who bring their Jack O Lanterns receive free admission with a paying adult, The Jack O Lanterns will be displayed at the park and Prizes are awarded every week for the best pumpkins.
Quarters: Throughout the park, there is feed available from quarter machines for certain animals that require “special” food such as the alligators and birds. You may also want to bring a little extra cash if you plan on purchasing a photo with the baby kangaroo ($6).
Warm Clothes: Check the weather! The nights always get a little cooler. It took us about an hour to walk through the park and it was all outdoors.
Park Information
Location
Living Treasures Animal Park Information (Moraine)
268 Fox Road
New Castle, PA 16101
 
Hours
Night at the Zoo: During October; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 7-11
Seasonal Hours: April 1st through mid November; Open daily 10:00am to 6:00pm
Seasonal Hours: June 1st through September 1st; Open daily 10:00am to 8:00pm
 
Admission Prices
Children 2 and Under: FREE!
Children 3 - 11: $7.99 (*Please note info on free admission with Jack O Lantern!)
Adults 12 and Over: $10.00
Seniors 62 and Over: $9.99
Contact
(724) 924-9571 or visit www.LTAnimalPark.com

About the Author
Sara Crytzer, a local Pittsburgh mom, recently took a leap from a career in early childhood education to pursue a her passions as a work-at-home mompreneur. Using what she’s learned as an early childhood educator, Sara blogs about her dabblings in crafts, parenting issues, photography, health, and recipes. Read more at CuriousLittleKid.com

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Josh Groban ticket giveaway!

Saturday, November 2, 2013
8pm
CONSOL Energy Center
Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multi-platinum albums and DVDs (25 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances.
Today Josh Groban announces the next stage in his live career with his “In the Round Tour,” which begins October 2nd in Boise, ID, and continues through mid-November.  Several ticket pre-sales, including an exclusive Fan Club pre-sale via joshgroban.co , kick off on May 7th. Citi® cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, May 8th at 10 a.m. local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.  Tickets for the Live Nation produced tour go on sale starting May 10th at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com 
The “In The Round” tour will give fans a one of a kind concert experience. Placed in the middle of the floor this 360 stage will allow Josh to interact with fans from all sides of the venue and hear Groban sing classic songs that span his illustrious 12 year career. The “In the Round” tour builds on the concept of Groban’s 2011 “Straight To You” world tour, bringing the intimate feel of a theater experience to an arena setting.
Says Groban, "It has been a vision of mine to do a tour in the round for a while now, it was just a matter of when was the right time. I have always had moments during the show where I walked through the crowd and interacted with the fans. I felt that now was the time to bring it all together.  I can't wait to bring music from throughout my career, great fun and new experiences to my fans."
Groban will be joined by an ensemble of world class musicians - featuring Andre Manga on bass, Ruslan Sirota on keys, Pete Korpela on percussion, music director Tariqh Akoni on guitar , Dave DiCenso on drums , Christian Habel on violin and Daniel Rosenboom on trumpet. In addition, a local orchestra and choir will be added in each city.
Groban recently completed a wildly successful tour in Australia and New Zealand where he drew rave reviews. 
“One of the greatest voices in contemporary music”
 Noise 11
“His gorgeous voice hit like a tsunami, and embraced like expensive silk. Groban was simply amazing!”
 Australian Stage
“With his distinctive baritone sound, there is no doubt Groban has one of the best voices in modern music, but hearing him sing live is a unique experience to be cherished.”
 Australia Associated Press
“Scintillating, charming and talented. Those three words resonated around my head as Josh Groban performed a near perfect concert in Auckland”
 Libel New Zealand
“It was two hours of great music and comic genius and a night I would recommend to both fans and non- fans alike.”
 Yahoo New Zealand
 
About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors.
 
GIVEAWAY:
Four winners will each win 2 tickets for Saturday, Nov. 2nd, 8pm @ CONSOL Energy Center!
*
Go here to enter.
*
Contest open for entries until Monday, October 21st, 2013, 9pm. Winners chosen at random. Winners have 24 hours to claim prize or a new winner will be selected.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Three Rivers Classic - Hockey!

THREE RIVERS CLASSIC 
Division I Men’s College Hockey Tournament
CONSOL Energy Center
December 27-28, 2013
SESSION ONE:   Friday, 12/27
4:30pm:  Boston College vs.  Bowling Green State University 
7:30pm:  Robert Morris University vs. Penn State University

SESSION TWO:   Saturday, 12/28
4:30pm:  Consolation Game (two defeated teams from Session One)
7:30pm:  Championship Game (two winners from Session One).
Trophy presentation and award ceremony to follow

Ticket prices
Two day packages: $20, $27.50, $40, $65
Individual Sessions:   $12.50, $17.50, $27.50, $40


TWO DAY PACKAGES GO ON SALE ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 10:00AM AT THE DICK’S SPORTING GOODS BOX OFFICE AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER, TICKETMASTER.COM, ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000.

Harlem Globetrotters back to Pittsburgh!

We have gone to see the Harlem Globetrotters several times in the past few years and my kids just love them! It's a super family-friendly show, very engaging for the audience, and fun for everyone!
Thursday, December 26 at 7:00pm, 2013 
 CONSOL Energy Center
The biggest family show in America is coming to CONSOL Energy Center when the Harlem Globetrotters take fan participation to the extreme by letting fans decide which NEW Globetrotter rule they'll add to the game like 6 on 5 or the Trick Shot Challenge! Experience hours of fun for kids, grandparents and everyone in between.
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Bring the whole family to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "Fans Rule" show and get 25% off your tickets!
Use password SAVE to get 25% off select seats! Go here to order.

Friday, October 11, 2013

The City Game: Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Duquesne Dukes

The City Game presented by GNC
Men’s College Basketball - Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Duquesne Dukes
CONSOL Energy Center
 Saturday, November 30, 2013
1:00pm
Televised on CBS College Sports
Tickets on sale here!
  DON’T MISS A MINUTE OF THE ACTION AS THE PITT PANTHERS TAKE ON THE DUQUESNE DUKES. THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL TRADITION CONTINUES AS PITT AND DUQUESNE GO HEAD TO HEAD IN THE CITY GAME PRESENTED BY GNC.  GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE AND THROUGH TICKETMASTER. 

Monday, October 7, 2013

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents DRAGONS


Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents DRAGONS
CONSOL Energy Center
Wed. NOV. 6 – Sun. NOV. 10

Opening Night Offer
Tickets $12!
Wed. NOV. 6 at 7:00PM
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros.® Presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. Dragons is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth®!
All Access Pre-Show
Arrive an hour early to meet the performers, try on costumes and see the amazing animals up-close – it’s FREE with your ticket!

Tickets are available here or at the Dick's Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, all Ticketmaster locations including select Giant Eagle locations, and Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 1-800-745-3000. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover are accepted.
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Do you have concerns about the care of circus animals? Please check out these posts about the Center for Elephant Conservation in Central Florida!
GIVEAWAY:
We have FOUR family 4-pack of tickets to giveaway!
{Tickets are for opening night, 11/6, 7pm.}
Tickets will come in the form of vouchers which you can exchange for tickets at the CONSOL Box Office.
Go here to enter.
Winner chosen at random. Winner has 24 hours to claim prize or a new winner will be selected. Contest open for entries until October 21st, 2012, 7pm. 
*
I was also compensated with tickets for my family.
 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

In Review: Triple B Fall Festival

This past weekend we were invited to check out the Fall Festival at Triple B Farms. It's a little bit of a drive, but a beautiful one, and one we think is totally worth it!
Triple B Farms
823 Berry Lane
Monongahela, PA 15063
 
So many choices!
 Don't miss out on Apple Cider Donuts, among many other goodies!
 So many great kids activities, my kiddos had the best time.

 
 Jump on the wagon for a ride out to the pumpkin patch or just a spin around the farm. Lots of fun & interesting creatures you will spy on your way!
  These slides. My kids ran joyfully up this hill so many times, I lost track. They love them!

 Head down to the orchard and pick some of their bountiful crop! Trees are specifically at kid-picking height. Perfection.
  

  
 Finding the perfect ones. :)

 The kiddos loved it, ran free, & slept like babies on the way home. That means great family memories & a great day for Mr. & Mrs. Momtourage. :)
 
The Pumpkin festival runs every weekend through Halloween (10am-6pm), plus Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 - 7 p.m.
Oct 12 & 13: SPOOKLEY, the SQUARE PUMPKIN WEEKEND.  Spookley Craft Packet to the first 100 families. Take home and make your own unique, Spookley! Dynamic Martial Arts Performs at Noon.    
Oct 19 & 20: MAD SCIENCE WEEKEND- Come watch fun science experiments!  Noon-3pm Sat & Sun .  
Oct 26 & 27: JUST TREATS at TRIPLE B FARMS WEEKEND!  First 50 children "treated" at the Ticket booth! Wear your costume!   
Pick Your Own Apples is available Saturdays and Sundays only until October 11th. At that time we will offer apple picking on Friday evenings 4-7pm as well as EVERY weekend.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

INA GARTEN comes to Pittsburgh!

INA GARTEN: THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA
BENEDUM CENTER │ OCTOBER 17, 2013│ 7:30 P.M.

 
   Ina Garten, the best-selling cookbook author and star of Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa is coming to Pittsburgh on Thursday, October 17 to the Benedum Center at 7:30 pm. Tickets ($45.75 & $55.75) are available at TrustArts.org, by calling 412-456-6666, and in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue.  This event is a Trust Guest Attraction, and produced by Mills Entertainment.
 
Ina Garten shares her natural approach to food; sharing tips, stories, and maybe even some recipes. On stage, Ina Garten delivers a charming insider’s view of the world of the Barefoot Contessa and the pleasures of good food, cooked with love and passion and engages the audience with an interactive Q&A.
 
Garten opened up a store in the Hamptons called Barefoot Contessa in 1978. Eighteen years later, the store had grown to a 3,000 sq. ft. store, which she sold to start working on her cookbooks. “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” was published in 1999 and was one of the best-selling cookbooks of the year. She has gone on to write seven more cookbooks, including “Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust”, coming out in October. In addition, Garten has contributed to House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and O, Oprah’s magazine.
 
In 2002, Food Network approached Ina to do a cooking show based on her cookbooks and love of entertaining. That was ten years ago and her Emmy-winning cooking show, “Barefoot Contessa”, is still one of the highest rated shows on Food Network.


ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity.  Using the arts as an economic catalyst, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Mabel's Labels - for Senior Citizens

More than just labels for kids, Mabel's Labels is now making it easier than ever for the elderly in your life to keep track of their belongings. New Senior Labels are customizable nursing home labels that are perfect for your loved ones clothes, shoes, slippers, eyeglasses and more. Super durable and easy to apply, just peel and stick to keep everything coming back to your loved ones' room. The Seniors Combo comes in a pack of 40 labels for just $16.99 and is available in a classic and simple style. For more details on these labels, visit here.  

Plus, now through 11/30, when you spend $100+ with Mabel's Labels you will receive an offer for a free subscription to Today’s Parent. Happy Labeling!