MIKE THE KNIGHT™ CHARGES INTO GURNEE MILLS THIS WEEKEND

MIKE THE KNIGHT™ CHARGES INTO GURNEE MILLS THIS WEEKEND FOR
“MIKE THE KNIGHT AND THE MISSION FOR HIDDEN TREASURE”

Local children to enjoy two free live interactive musical show performances and special activities

Huzzah! On Saturday, June 8 Mike the Knight™ and his friends are galloping into Gurnee Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Illinois, for special live performances of Mike the Knight and the Mission for Hidden Treasure.  The free 20-minute interactive musical adventure will also feature Mike’s dragon, Squirt, from the beloved television series on Nick Jr., and includes meet & greets, photo opportunities, giveaways and a preview of the first Mike the Knight toys from Fisher-Price.  Performances will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with special activities to run until 2 p.m. in the Gurnee Mills Show Court.

It’s time to be a knight, and do it right!  Mike the Knight and the Mission for Hidden Treasure follows Mike, Squirt and friends, as they piece together clues to discover hidden treasure.  To help Mike accomplish his mission, audience members are invited to take on special fun-filled challenges alongside Mike and Squirt and learn lessons in knightliness.  After the show, young knights in training will have the opportunity to tell Mike the Knight what knightly deeds they have done and participate in a special knighting ceremony. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in knight and princess attire and participate in all of the fun.

“A great family-friendly destination, Gurnee Mills not only offers an unmatched selection of retailers, but also events and activities to create lasting memories with loved ones,” said Chelsie Petereit, director of marketing and business development at Gurnee Mills. “We are committed to providing a unique shopping experience and encourage members of the local community to take advantage of all that Gurnee Mills has to offer.”

Mike the Knight is a new CG-animated preschool series that invites viewers into a fantastical world of castles, quests, dragons and trolls that centers on Mike, a young knight-in-training, with a bright future ahead of him.  The son of the King and Queen of Glendragon, he is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a brave and noble knight.  Co-produced by HIT Entertainment and Nelvana, the series currently airs on Nick Jr., Monday – Saturday, from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Additionally, a new line of books featuring Mike the Knight just released from Simon & Schuster, as well as an all-new toy line from Fisher-Price and Mike’s first home entertainment title, Knight in Training, recently released on DVD from NCircle Entertainment.

Mike the Knight will be touring across 15 markets through July 13.  For more information about Mike the Knight and the Mission for Hidden Treasure” and other tour stops visit www.miketheknight.com/malltour.  Follow Mike the Knight on Facebook (www.facebook.com/miketheknightofficial) and Twitter @MikeTheKnightUS.

Donley’s Wild West Town Opens for the Summer Season on May 18th

I'm really not sure how I lived in this area all my life and don't remember ever hearing about this until about two years ago.  We still haven't made it out to check it out personally but hope to this summer.  Have you been? I'd love to hear what you thought!

UNION, Ill. - Donley’s Wild West Town, the charming Old West theme park in Union, Illinois, announced today that their 2013 summer season will begin on May 18. A family-owned business, Larry Donley, his wife, Helene, and their sons, Mike and Randy, started Donley’s Wild West Town in 1974 because of their passion for antiques. As their collections grew, they built the Wild West Town, Old West Saloon and Steakhouse, and Village Hall Banquets as additional attractions in McHenry County. Today, Donley’s welcomes families to explore a variety of rides and shows, including three daily Wild West shows, a vintage carousel from 1951, panning for gold, Runaway Mine Cars roller coaster, pony rides, a petting zoo, and the C.P. Huntington Train. It also features cowboy roping lessons, a slingshot and archery range, a pop gun shooting gallery, kid-powered handcars, venture canoeing, the Kids Korral playground and the Streets of Yesteryear Display.

Donley Auction Services is internationally recognized among collectibles' experts with over 40 years of experience and knowledge in the field of appraising, buying and selling antiques. Donley’s fascinating museum includes a variety of cowboy memorabilia including wooly chaps, gun belts, guns, spurs lariats, and boots. It also features Law & Order death masks from dead outlaws’ faces, gold and silver mining tools, Civil War weapons, medals, a Union soldier’s diary, and Larry Donley’s personal antique phonograph and music box collection. The Charles Edison Foundation judged the collection as one of the finest Edisonia displays in the U.S.! The museum and gift shop is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with complimentary admission to the museum for restaurant guests.

The Old West Saloon and Steakhouse provides a family-friendly environment filled with delicious “App-Ti-Yi-Yippy-Yay-Zers!” including Prairie Fire Chicken Wings, Rattlesnake Bites, and a Crock O’Chili, a variety of sandwiches and burgers, “Fallin’ Off the Bone” BBQ Ribs, Filet Mignon and the Cowboy Rib Eye. The “Li’l Cowpokes Menu” includes kid-friendly favorites like Wagon Wheel Pizza, Miner’s Gold Mac ‘N Cheese, Grizzly Gulch Grilled Cheese, and the Get Along Little Doggie hot dog. The Old West Saloon and Steakhouse also offers a Fryday Fish Fry Dinner special on Fridays, Slow Roasted Prime Rib on Saturdays and Oven Roasted Chicken on Sundays. Donley’s also has a private dining room perfect for birthdays, showers, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, meetings, and luncheons, which seats up to 70 people.

Donley’s Village Hall Banquets is a rustic wedding venue that is ideal for country chic and elegant nuptials. The venue, which can accommodate up to 400 guests – the largest dance floor in McHenry County, provides space for an indoor or outdoor ceremony that can be highly personalized for each bride. From their attention to the bride and groom’s wishes and individualized decorating touches to a sophisticated banquet menu and affordable wedding packages, Donley’s is the place for one-of-a-kind, unique weddings.

Donley's Wild West Town is located in McHenry County at the intersection of Route 20 & S. Union Road, 3 miles south of the Village of Union at 8512 S. Union Rd. The park is daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 18 through August 23 (except May 20) and on Saturdays and Sundays from August 24 through October 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information call 815.923.9000 or go to www.wildwesttown.com.

It's Real!

It's official. I mean, it's REALLY happening.  Me taking the stage to read my writing in front of 950 people.  I know, I should have accepted it by now but look, its REAL now! Know why? Cuz it's on the internet!

See....

If you REALLY want to be there you should grab tickets soon. Click the image above to buy tickets!

And I KNOW that means it's real cuz, they can't put it on the internet unless its true. 

Chicago Auto Show's Women Driving Excellence Sponsored by Kia

Woman's Day? At the Chicago Auto Show?  To some it might not seem like girls and gears go together. And let's be honest for the most part woman aren't concerned with the technical side of cars.  Horsepower, torque?  I couldn't really care less.  I DO know I prefer a 6 cylinder ideally for a good balance of get up and go versus gas consumption. But beyond that it's all about the style, comfort and safety for me.  And it'd be wise for car makers to realize that since woman not only carry the purses, they carry most of the power when it comes to making a buying decision, yes even when it comes to cars (or vans, trucks or SUVs).

This week I was honored to be part of a fabulous event at the Chicago Auto Show...Women Driving Excellence hosted by Beth Rosen and MJ Tam, both of Chicagonista LIVE and sponsored by Kia.

The day began with some networking with many other fabulous and successful woman in Chicago.  Followed by some exceptional woman being honored for how they are Driving Excellence and continuing to do so by sharing inspiring words with the crowd in attendance.  

After a short break we were entertained by the fabulous cast of I Love Lucy LIVE.  I LOVE musicals so this was a ton of fun for me.  I really want to go see their full show downtown because they really were great.




 Then the ladies of Chicagonista LIVE did their show.  Talking about all things tech, cars and life.

 Then I grabbed the chance to wander around the show.  I had seen the Superman car featured on TV and online and knew I needed to head to Kia to get some pictures of it for my boys.  It really was cool looking.  Although I do feel like Supermom SOME days, I don't think I'm ready to drive around down with the red "S" blazing just yet!

 So I took a look around at the rest of the Kia line.  My husband has been eyeing the Optima. And I have to say I was pretty impressed with the interior room it has.  But I was most surprised to see that there is a Hybrid. 

Of course you can't talk Kia without thinking of the Kia Soul and the dancing hamsters.  

 But my pick from the Kia line would have to be the Sorento.  Although I've been driving a smaller car for awhile now, I'm really missing my larger vehicles.  I'd give my left arm for third row seating again so the boys aren't on top of each other anymore.  

I like the idea of being able to get all my soccer mom STUFF into without looking quite so soccer momish!

 Before heading back to the Woman Driving Excellence stage for a performance by Miss Lori I had to recharge my phone.

Thanks so much to Kia for sponsoring a fabulous event.  It'd been about 10 year since I'd been to the auto show, but I definitely won't wait that long to go again.

The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa Hosts All-Star LEGO® Show President’s Day Weekend

I mostly dream of running away to The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa withOUT my family but since that never happens, maybe a trip with them is more realistic.  This looks like a fabulous family event at a GREAT price!

The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa Hosts All-Star LEGO® Show

President’s Day Weekend

Professionally Created LEGOo® Exhibits and Workshops Offer a Weekend the Whole Family Will Enjoy

FONTANA, Wis., -- February 4, 2013 –The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa is helping families build memories this President’s Day weekend (Feb.  15-18) an All-Star LEGO® Show offering activities to help inspire future engineers and architects.  The Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club, The Chicago LEGO User Group and the Kenosha LEGO User Group will offer LEGO® exhibits and workshops throughout the weekend -- a creative alternative to playing video games on a DS device or iPhone.

“In honor of The Abbey’s 50^th anniversary, we are scheduling celebratory events throughout the year like the All-Star LEGO® Show. A weekend at The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa on Lake Geneva offers plenty of indoor and outdoor winter fun,” said David Lindelow, general manager of The Abbey Resort. “Partnering with regional LEGO® clubs to provide engaging and fun LEGO® activities is one more experience families can enjoy together during a winter getaway.”

The All-Star LEGO® Show will feature exhibits and workshops throughout the President’s Day weekend. Team members will be on-hand to field any questions from participants touring the exhibit. Featured exhibits will include:

A miniature winter village with trains
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hardy House
Wild west inspired scenes
Large sculptures of popular cartoon and historical characters such as Marvin Martian and Buzz Aldrin
Classic Lego city and space settings from the 1980’s

The three interactive workshops each an hour in length will focus on the building process including inspiration, design, and building techniques.  Kids will get a chance to play with various brick pieces and try important techniques for combining elements.

The exhibits will be open Saturday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Workshops will be facilitated at 1p.m. and 4p.m. Saturday and 1p.m. Sunday.   Both exhibits and workshops are complimentary to guests of the resort as well as members of the community.

Rates for a two-night extended stay at The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa for President’s Day Weekend start at $129 per night, double occupancy. Rates are subject to availability and based on best available day rate.

For more information or reservations, visit www.theabbeyresort.com.

About The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa 

Located just 80 miles from downtown Chicago and 50 miles from Milwaukee, The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa is a treasured icon and the only full-service resort on the shores of Lake Geneva. The resort is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2013 and is completing a multi-million dollar renovation of the exterior, meeting space and common areas. The resort boasts a breathtaking setting on 90 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, award-winning dining and banquet facilities,nearby championship golf courses and a wide range of outdoor activities. This only scratches the surface of all the activities and offerings that The Abbey Resort provides. With impeccable customer service, the team at The Abbey Resort consistently meets the needs and expectations of both guests and meeting planners. The 35,000 square-foot AVANI Spa enhances the resort experience with innovative spa treatments and modern luxuries.

The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa is managed and operated by Hostmark Hospitality Group of Schaumburg, Ill. For more information or reservations, visit www.theabbeyresort.com,join Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa on Facebook www.facebook.com/abbeyresort or follow @AbbeyResort on Twitter www.Twitter.com/abbeyresort.

ELVIS LIVES “THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST EVENT” To Play The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont March 23, 2013

No one can deny the impact Elvis had on the music world, but I have never been overly enamored with him.  I mean, I enjoy his popular stuff, its fun. But my nine year old, he LOVES ELVIS.  Like makes me listen to the Elvis station on Sirius, loved Elvis.  He spots the sign for ELVIS LIVES at the theater when we were there for the Rockettes.  Are you an Elvis fan?

ELVIS LIVES
“THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST EVENT”
To Play The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont March 23, 2013
 

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), announced that the national hit ELVIS LIVES will be presented at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
 

ELVIS LIVES, which keeps on capturing the imaginations and interests of fans of all types including Broadway, concert and Elvis aficionados, is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis' life featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages in his career.  The Elvis tribute artists will be joined by a live band, back-up singers and dancers, along with an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives; which includes a new exhibit of life-size images of Elvis’ stage-wear that will be on display in the lobby of each theater hosting a performance.

The high energy show features Ultimate winner Bill Cherry, along with Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest top five finalists Kevin Mills, Leo Days and Ben Klein, as the principle cast for the winter/spring production of ELVIS LIVES, joined by the professional talent of Lorri Russo as Ann-Margret.

“We are very pleased that ELVIS LIVES continues to delight audiences all over the nation and that Elvis fans in Rosemont will be given the opportunity to see these talented entertainers.  We hope to see finalists from the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest starring in ELVIS LIVES for years to come,” said Kevin Kern, Director of Public Relations for EPE.

“We are excited to be working with some of the most exceptional tribute artists in the world.  These talented performers really capture the spirit of the King of Rock N’ Roll while evoking the sensation of being there with Elvis as he journeys through his musical career,” stated Barbara Cooley, Executive Producer for On Stage Touring. “Elvis Lives is truly a dynamic and family friendly production.”

ELVIS LIVES performs at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, for two performances on Saturday, March 23 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit akootheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Akoo Theatre box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Contact GroupTix for tickets for groups of 10 or more at 773-327-3778. Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $24.50 to $69.50.