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.

Be Bold. Go Red @AlhambraChicago #GoRed #GNO

Could you use a night out on the town? A chance to get dressed up, be pampered and enjoy a cocktail?  Do you put off going out because you feel guilty taking the time away from your family?  First, let me say that mom's NEED time away. Girl time.  Time to have fun, laugh and not think about who has what activity or appointment the next day.  Time a way is GOOD.  It's good for you, and it's GOOD for your family.  After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?   

If all that isn't enough to convince you, how about this...take a night out to benefit a good cause.  It's practically your civic duty! Or at least that's what you can tell yourself when you have to peel a small child off your body to be able to get out the door.  I KNOW it's not always easy to get away, but trust me you'll be so glad you did.  Especially if you chose to do so by attending the 3rd annual “Girls Night Out –Go Red for Women” event.  

Lucky me, this will also be MY third annual trip to this fabulous event and it is a definite do not miss for me.

Be sure to stop and take some red carpet pics with your friends.

  Visit Be Bold Go Red Facebook page for lots more photos of the 2012 event. 

Be Bold. Go Red is a fabulous event where you can get together with friends, enjoy signature beverages, delicious appetizers and an evening of entertainment.  In the last two years I've experienced a ton of 'firsts' while at Go Bold. Go Red.  I've had my first henna tattoo, no chip manicure and tried threading for the first time all at Go Bold. Go Red.  

Guests are encouraged to wear red and many attendees enjoy getting dressed up for a night out, but there will be a little of everything there as far as attire so come in what makes YOU feel fabulous!


Be Bold. Go Red and join B96, 104.3 K-HITS and Bath & Body Works to celebrate the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement on Thursday, February 28, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Alhambra Palace Restaurant, located at 1240 West Randolph Street in Chicago.

$35 VIP Ticket includes (1) raffle ticket, swag bag, signature cocktail, light hors d' oeuvres, complimentary beauty treatments, fashion show, red carpet photos and more! Ticket proceeds benefit the AHA Go Red for Women initiatives. http://girlsnightoutchicago-es2003.eventbrite.com/

 Enter to win 2 tickets here!
 To enter for a chance to win two tickets to this great event simply leave me a comment sharing why you'd love to attend.

Winner was Marianne. Congrats to her!

#Giveaway has ended but you can still purchase tickets: http://girlsnightoutchicago-es2003.eventbrite.com/

Be Bold. Go Red and join B96, 104.3 K-HITS and Bath & Body Works for a fun and charitable event on Thursday, February 28th, at the “Girls Night Out Benefiting Go Red for Women” at Alhambra Palace Restaurant. I was selected to host this giveaway by Sassy Moms in the City and provided complimentary tickets.

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.

THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR TO BRING AN ALL NEW PRODUCTION TO THE AKOO THEATRE AT ROSEMONT DECEMBER 14-30, 2012

Growing up we went to a lot of shows but one thing we never did was get to see the iconic Rockettes.  Every Christmas I see the ads on TV for The Rockettes and think, oh NEXT YEAR, I'm SO getting there.  But then it just works out.  Until now, I'm thrilled to say I'm taking my boys to opening night of this amazing show. Read on to learn more about the show and find purchase info at the very bottom!!

THE ROCKETTES TAKE CHICAGO ON AN UNPARALLELED
CHRISTMAS JOURNEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FEATURING
NEW SCENES, DAZZLING COSTUMES AND A 50-FOOT LED SCREEN COUPLED WITH SHOW STOPPING ROCKETTES PERFORMANCES

MSG Entertainment (MSGE) announces an all new production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, as Chicago audiences will experience the magic of Christmas like never before. In this multi-faceted production, the Rockettes will dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with new scenes, an array of glamorous new costumes, dramatic lighting effects, and a 50-foot LED screen that will enhance the show with breathtaking new imagery. The Christmas Spectacular will run at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont from December 14-30, 2012.

“We are thrilled to return to Chicago at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont with an all new edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” said Don Simpson, executive vice president of productions, MSG Entertainment. “With new technological enhancements and show-stopping performance elements, the 2012 production offers a truly immersive experience like nothing Chicago audiences have ever seen before. Returning audiences will be amazed by the transformation of the Christmas Spectacular, and new fans will not want to miss this show.”

The Rockettes have a long-standing relationship with the Rosemont Theatre with the debut of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1997. This year marks the 11th season the Christmas Spectacular will perform at the Rosemont Theatre, the last production being in 2008.For many Chicago area families, seeing the Rockettes perform in the beloved holiday show has become a family tradition and this year audiences can experience the magic of the holidays with an all new production. While in Chicago, the Rockettes also become known as an embodiment of the spirit of giving and embracing the community by participating in many great local charitable initiatives including collecting coats and canned food for the needy, visiting children’s hospitals and helping to raise awareness for worthy causes.

This year, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular celebrates 85 magical years of the Rockettes, commemorating their past, present and future in this unprecedented milestone year. The Rockettes have remained a timeless tradition as American icons throughout their 85 year legacy. They continue to take the Christmas Spectacular to new heights, dazzling audiences with their performance style as it continues to be both deceivingly complex and entirely glamorous. 

This year’s production will feature a 50-foot LED screen that will transport the audience to Times Square and Santa’s Workshop with Santa and the Rockettes, using new technology with the Christmas Spectacular’s classic holiday numbers to enhance the production. The 2012 edition of the show will introduce new sets and special effects that will immerse audiences in the magic of Christmas like never before.

In addition to fan favorite scenes, including the high-energy, tap-infused number “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the Rockettes will debut new numbers that will showcase their signature precision dance technique alongside challenging and dynamic new choreography.

In a brand new scene, “New York at Christmas,” the Rockettes will board a life size double-decker tour bus, taking audiences on a guided tour through the streets of New York City. This scene includes show-stopping choreography performed across the landscape of iconic New York City landmarks and culminates in the “crossroads of the world,” Times Square.

Santa Claus will take center stage in two magical new scenes: “Magic is There,” in which Santa takes two young brothers on a journey to the North Pole, and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” a number that reveals how Santa can be in multiple places at once. These heartwarming moments highlight the true meaning of Christmas in a way that only Santa himself can convey. 

A new Rockettes finale will honor and celebrate the stars of the Christmas Spectacular featuring dazzling new costumes and choreography. The Rockettes will sparkle from the stage in the finale performance “Let Christmas Shine,” wearing a costume featuring over 3,000 crystals. As the performance comes to a close, audiences will have the opportunity to lend their voices alongside the “Radio City Singers” in an energetic rendition of “Joy to the World.”

Beloved numbers such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which continues to set the standard as the signature Rockettes number for precision performance, and “The Living Nativity,” both of which have been performed since the Christmas Spectacular’s inception, still remain a vital part of the show’s core.

In the Christmas Spectacular’s18-year combined history outside of New York, as well as the production at Radio City Music Hall, the show has played to more than 72 million people. The Christmas Spectacular continues to create memories that audiences have come to treasure, and this year will mark an all new Spectacular experience for Chicago.

Ticket Information
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented by Chase, plays at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont during the 2012 holiday season for 34 dazzling performances, December 14-30, 2012. A limited number of Premium seats are available for $79.00 - $89.00 and single ticket prices range from $30.00 - $75.50. Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are on sale to the public at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612.

Disclosure: I have been provided with complimentary tickets in order to facilitate a show review. 

BATMAN LIVE World Arena Tour Hits BMO Harris Bank Center November 30 thru December 2

For the first time in DC Comics history, Batman - the worlds most popular DC Super Hero - is now an all-new, live-action arena spectacular which is taking the world by storm. BATMAN LIVE is a 15 million dollar stage production with an original story featuring a 43 strong cast of actors and circus trained acrobats, a 3D Gotham City landscape, a bespoke symphonic score, custom-built state-of-the-art stage, a 100 foot bat-shaped LED video wall, pyrotechnics and the impressive Batmobile, designed especially for the show by legendary racing car designer Professor Gordon Murray.

Faithfully adapted from the DC Comics characters and stories, BATMAN LIVE focuses on Robins quest for justice, which leads him to follow in the footsteps of his hero the mysterious vigilante known as Batman, much to the dismay of his protective guardian, billionaire Bruce Wayne, whom the audience knows is secretly Batman. This dynamic triangle resolves itself in a non-stop thrill-ride across Gotham City that transforms Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson into the legendary crime-fighters, Batman and Robin. The adventure transports the audience from the Big Top of Haly's Circus to the depths of Arkham Asylum, and from the glittering peaks of the Penguins Iceberg Lounge to the subterranean wonders that await inside the Batcave.  Batman Live is coming to Rockford!  Save $10 use promo code: BATMAN  Click HERE to Purchase

How fun does this show sound?  OMG, my boys will die.  I had no clue this show even existed.  

Our family will receive complimentary tickets for spreading the word about the show. 

LEGO KidsFest Ticket Giveaway

 

Recently I shared the info about LEGO KidsFest which will be in Milwaukee June 15-17.  And today I'm excited to share with you a giveaway for a pair of tickets to Friday night's session.  Join my boys and I (and many others) for some LEGO fun!!

Dates & Sessions:

Friday, June 15
4 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday, June 16
Session I: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 17
Session I: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 7:30 pm
(Note: Each session offers the same exhibits and activities)

Where:

Frontier Airlines Center
400 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203
www.frontierairlinescenter.com








Can't make Friday's session? You can purchase tickets by clicking the image below.

Would you like to win TWO tickets to Friday nights session? (4-8:30pm)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Our family was invited to attend this event in exchange for sharing this information.