Save 20% on Label Daddy Durable, Washable Labels

Make sure your kids and their stuff stick together!

What a genius invention stick on labels are! I mean, seriously. What did our parents DO without 'em?! This Label Daddy offer is timely because not only are we gearing up for Back to School, but we just blew through our stash of good labels for summer sleep away camps! 

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is part of the US Family Blogger Network. Through this partnership, we were offered a set of labels to review and a 20% savings for all of our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

We haven't had a chance to try out Label Daddy ourselves, so we can't vouch for how they hold up until we give them the "kid field trial". Check back soon for our full review. In the mean time, we do highly recommend labeling your belongings.

Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. 

Wash 'em, nuke 'em, sit 'em in the sun

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels!

Go Blackhawks! 
Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Our exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. 

Save 20% on Label Daddy labels for Back to School!

Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. Click HERE to order yours.

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is part of the US Family Blogger Network. Through this partnership, we were offered a set of labels to review and a set to give away to one of our lucky readers. The 20% savings is for everyone. As always, all opinions are our own.

SAVE THE DATE: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS arrives on Blu-ray and DVD September 16

THIS SEPTEMBER BRING HOME  THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON THAT CAPTIVATED  THE HEARTS OF MILLIONS! “The Greatest Romance Story of this decade1” is releasing on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD September 16 Die-Hard Fans Must Get the Little Infinities Edition Blu-ray™ to  See the Extended Version of Augustus and Hazel’s Story and get an exclusive, limited-time-only Infinity Bracelet! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings you “a beautiful, poignant, funny and heart-warming film” (Chicago Sun Times) on September 16, when THE FAULT IN OUR STARS arrives on Blu-ray™ and DVD with an extended version of the movie! Featuring brilliant performances from Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort that made the film a favorite of fans and critics alike, this inspirational modern day tale of star-crossed lovers will have you going from laughter to tears and back again. Fans of the book and the film showed up in droves to theaters across the globe to share little infinities with their beloved characters, driving nearly $240M in box office sales worldwide! Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) share a sarcastic sense of humor, a distaste for the conventional, and ultimately a love that sweeps them on an unforgettable journey. Although the two teens face unlikely challenges, their courage and dedication to each other prove that while life isn’t perfect, love can still be extraordinary. Laura Dern (Little Fockers) and Sam Trammell (TV’s True Blood) also star in this powerfully moving film based on John Green’s New York Times best-selling novel. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS comes to Blu-ray™ and DVD with an extended version that will keep Augustus and Hazel’s beautiful infinity going even longer and have the millions of lovers of the film and book holding on to every last second. Die-hard fans of the film must get their hands on the Blu-ray™, which is the only place to find a behind-the-scenes look at how the two lover’s paths aligned in bringing the book to the screen and six deleted scenes to complete the inspirational tale. Okay? Okay. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS Little Infinities Edition Blu-ray™ SPECIAL FEATURES ● Extended Version ● Extended Cut Audio Commentary by Josh Boone and John Green ● 6 Deleted Scenes (Including Commentary) ● The Stars Align: Book to Screen ● Plus all of the features on the DVD! THE FAULT IN OUR STARS Blu-ray™ SPECIAL FEATURES ● Audio Commentary by Josh Boone and John Green ● 6 Deleted Scenes (Including Commentary) ● The Stars Align: Book to Screen ● Plus all of the features on the DVD! THE FAULT IN OUR STARS DVD SPECIAL FEATURES ● Theatrical Cut Audio Commentary by Josh Boone and John Green ● Promotional Featurettes: The Cast, The Making of The Fault in Our Stars, The Transformation, Literature to Life, Our Little Infinity, The Music Behind Our Stars ● Gallery THE FAULT IN OUR STARS LITTLE INFINITIES EDITION BLU-RAY™ Street Date: September 16, 2014 Prebook Date: August 13, 2014 Screen Format: Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English DTS-HD-MA 5.1, English AD DD 5.1, Spanish (Latin) DD 5.1 Subtitles: English / Spanish Total Film Run Time: 125.49 minutes U.S. Rating: PG-13 Closed Captioned: Yes THE FAULT IN OUR STARS BLU-RAY™ Street Date: September 16, 2014 Prebook Date: August 13, 2014 Screen Format: Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English DTS-HD-MA 5.1, English AD DD 5.1, Spanish (Latin) DD 5.1 Subtitles: English / Spanish Total Film Run Time: 125.49 minutes U.S. Rating: PG-13 Closed Captioned: Yes THE FAULT IN OUR STARS DVD Street Date: September 16, 2014 Prebook Date: August 13, 2014 Screen Format: Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English DD 5.1 English AD DD 5.1, Spanish (Latin) DD 2.0 Surround Subtitles: English / Spanish Total Film Run Time: 125.49 minutes U.S. Rating: PG-13 Closed Captioned: Yes

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

WIN a LEGO NINJAGO: NINDROIDS GAME ($29.99 value) NOW AVAILABLE FOR NINTENDO 3DS Released TODAY (7/29)!

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT, TT GAMES

AND THE LEGO GROUP CELEBRATE SUMMER GAMING WITH THE LAUNCH OF

LEGO® NINJAGO™: NINDROIDS™ NOW AVAILABLE FOR

 NINTENDO 3DS & PLAYSTATION®VITA

Put Your Spinjitzu Skills to the Test,

Help the Ninjas Save New Ninjago City From the Evil Digital Overlord

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is elated to partner up with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games & The Lego Group to share this new release with you. We've been given both a review copy and a giveaway copy for our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we’re excited to announce the launch of LEGO Ninjago Nindroids, a high-kicking action adventure game available now on Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita. 

We're celebrating with a rockin' giveaway for YOU, 'cause every summer needs more heroes and villains!  Check back soon for our game review and enter like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, for a chance to win one of your own! Open nationwide to anyone in the US. Enter through midnight Tuesday 8/12/14.

**Click HERE for your chance to WIN a LEGO® NINJAGO™: NINDROIDS™ GAME FOR NINTENDO 3DS ($29.99 value)!**

The heroes of LEGO Ninjago are ready to battle! Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group today announced the release of the high-kicking action-adventure videogame, LEGO® Ninjago™: Nindroids™, available now in North America for the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system and PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system.

“Adding LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids to our popular LEGO Ninjago franchise is very exciting,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games.  “Hellbent Games has delivered the action game Ninjago fans have been waiting for - with all the characters, comedy and thrills that make the franchise such a success." 

Based on the first five episodes of the animated television series “NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu,” the LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids videogame takes players to New Ninjago City where the Ninja face a technological threat by the evil Digital Overlord and his robotic army of Nindroids.  Playing as their favorite Ninja – Jay, Zane, Cole, Kai or Lloyd – players battle through more than 30 exciting levels with cool vehicles, signature weapons and the new Technoblades, all the while partaking in missions to help save the city.

Players will recognize their favorite LEGO building sets as they gear up as Samurai X, shoot down enemies in Zane's Ninjacopter, dodge missiles in the Kai Fighter, pilot Jay's Thunder Raider, smash up the streets in Cole's Earth Mech and tear through the forest on Lloyd's Golden Cycle. Alongside intense combat, players can visit the New Ninjago City Hub, home to Grand Sensei Dareth's Mojo Dojo, Doomsday Comix and Mr. Noodle's Noodle Bar. 

Developed by Hellbent Games in partnership with TT Games, LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids is now available for Nintendo 3DS for the suggested retail price of $29.99 and PS®Vita for a suggested retail price of $29.99. LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids is rated “E10+ for ages 10 and up”. 

For more information on LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids, please visit: http://www.lego.com/ninjago.

About TT Games

TT Games (www.ttgames.com) is the combined publishing and development group behind the hit games LEGO® Star Wars™, LEGO® Batman™: The Videogame, LEGO® Indiana Jones™: The Original Adventures and BIONICLE® Heroes. Incorporating renowned UK developer Traveller’s Tales, TT Games has a distinctive focus on console, handheld, mobile and PC games of the highest quality, aimed at young gamers and their families.

About Hellbent Games

Hellbent Games (www.hellbentgames.com) is the award-winning independent developer behind LEGO Battles (NDS), LEGO Battles Ninjago (NDS) and LEGO Friends (3DS/NDS/iOS). The Canadian studio thrives on building top notch multi-platform game experiences that capture the unadultered fun, imagination, and excitement of childhood.

About the LEGO Group

The LEGO Group (www.LEGO.com) is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials for children.  The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through its products, which can be purchased in more than 130 countries. Visit www.LEGO.com. LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group.  © 2013 The LEGO Group.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc., is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

LEGO NINJAGO: NINDROIDS software © 2014 TT Games Ltd.  Produced by TT Games under license from the LEGO Group.  LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and the Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2014 The LEGO group. Hellbent Games and the Hellbent logo are trademarks of Hellbent Games Inc. “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks and the PlayStation Network logo is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The “PSVITA” logo is a trademark of the same company. Nintendo trademarks and copyrights are properties of Nintendo. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.  All rights reserved.

WB GAMES LOGO, WBIE LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. 

“PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Nintendo trademarks and copyrights are properties of Nintendo. 

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment   

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is elated to partner up with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games & The Lego Group to share this new release with you. We've been given both a review copy and a giveaway copy for our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Kidzapalooza & Lollapalooza Bound THIS Weekend

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows at the biggest, baddest bash for live music lovers large and small. Yep, that would be Lollapalooza and Kidzapalooza. Or relive our adventures vicariously right here. We'll have photos, video interviews, and much more leading up to and recapping the big weekend.


ChiIL Mama's Flashback:

Slash & Perry Farrell, Kidzapalooza Stage 2008

all photos by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Funniest thing to me was all the little kids were saying, "Look. It's Slash from GUITAR HERO!!" LOL.

ChiIL Mama's daughter Sage, Kidza 2008, rockin' her Small Paul (Paul Frank) Tee with a caricature of Perry Farrell on it. Perry later signed the shirt for her. 

Epic Kidza lottery WIN for Du-Jay & Sagezilla! Kidza 2008

Check back daily for our ongoing updates, must see bands, past original content on Lolla/Kidza past and the bands hitting the stages for 2014. 

Finally, check out our ChiIL Tips. We've been there ALL 3 days of EVERY year Lollapalooza has called Grant Park, Chicago home. So whether you're going with babe's in backpacks and jogging strollers, toddlers in tow, or getting a sitter and travelin' light... we've got you covered!

Before You Go:
Check out Lollapalooza's main site to customize your weekend. I can tell you what we think is ChiIL... but Lolla has a gazillion bands, food, fun, eco-friendly fare, booths and people watching to spare. So take some time to make a plan customized to YOU and your tastes, even if you ditch it later and just improv it. 

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips List:

ChiIL Tip 1. Comin' in with kids one or more days?  Check out loads of ChiIL Mama's prior coverage right here. We'll have tons of tips in the days leading up to the big bash as well. 

**Click here & scroll down for over 26 of our past Kidza features ChiIL Mama's Adventures at Kidzapalooza Plus Cool Tips for 2014!**

ChiILin' with Perry Farrell & Patti Smith at Kidza. ChiIL Mama's kids, Sage & Dugan at ages 3 & 5. Kidzapalooza 2006 flashback! 

ChiIL Tip 2.  VIR Brunch at The JAMES: No Lolla Ticket Required! $5 suggested donation per person. RSVP required.  ChiIL Mama has been to every VIR Brunch since it's inception and this event rocks! If you can make it up and over to The JAMES by 8:30am, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

KIDZ 10 AND UNDER GET IN FREE Lollapalooza is for music fans of all ages! Kidzapalooza is a festival within a festival for parents who want to bring the rock tots, banger babies, and punk kin along for the ride. Located in it’s own area of Grant Park, Kidzapalooza offers parents and kids the opportunity to catch family-friendly music with it’s own stage and various activities including creating their own music, arts & crafts and much more.Children 10 and under get in absolutely FREE with a paying adult with a Lollapalooza wristband! Event days are August 1, 2 and 3 at Grant Park, Chicago. Check out the amazing 2014 line-up HERE.  Want to see more of our past coverage on all the kindie artists and a number of the bands for big kids AKA: adults, too?  Use our search bar to the right.   Here's the Daily Kidza 2014 Lineup: You really can't miss with any of these, but Brady Rymer, The Q Brothers, Chicago Kindie Allstars and School of Rock are all favorites of ours who make ChiIL Mama's #ChiILPicksList! Highly recommended.   We have LOADS of original content including band video interviews, pit photos, live show shots, live show videos and more.  We also frequently run great giveaways--CDs, DVDs, tickets to music and theatre...   Don't miss out. ChiIL out! Follow ChiIL Mama  Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We have photo & video filled features, loads of great reviews and interviews, and lots of weekly giveaways--nationwide toys/games/products and Chicago based music and theatre tickets.   Get Social: Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER so you don't miss out. Follow us by RSS feed (add your address in the side bar to the right) to get an easy e-mail digest and/or on social media. ChiIL Live Shows (adult)  FACEBOOK PAGE and TWITTER ChiIL Mama (family friendly) FACEBOOK PAGE and TWITTER  YOUTUBE (We have 240+ original videos on our YouTube Channel including video interviews with musicians, theatre people, parents in the arts, live show footage & more!) GOOGLE + PINTEREST INSTAGRAM Become a fan of KIDZAPALOOZA on Facebook! Hit up Kidzapalooza's site here for more.

WIN ($119.80 Value) Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Deep River Waterpark & 4 $5 Food/Beverage bands

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Travel Kids at Deep River Waterpark!

Deep River Waterpark is located in NW Indiana, east of I-65 on US Hwy 30. They're THE largest waterpark in the area and easy to get to for the northern 1/2 of Indiana including Indy, Southern Michigan & the Chicago Metro Area. They're just about an hour away for us, coming from Avondale/Logan Square and just 30 minutes for our readers in Chicago's south suburbs. 

Check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Travel Kids like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We'll have a photo/video filled recap of our Family Adventures at Deep River in the near future. We're rockin' the regional day trips this summer. We're your go to source for ChiILin' out in Chi, IL and beyond!

Disclaimer: ChiIL Mama is thrilled to partner up with Deep River and thank them for giving us review tickets for our family as well as tickets for our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Click HERE to enter to WIN ($119.80 Value) 4 2014 admission tickets + 4 $5 Food/Beverage bands. Enter through midnight 8/3/14! Tickets good through Labor Day 2014. 

Winner must be 21 or over and present valid ID at the park will call counter located in the group sales office.

What's ChiIL About Deep River?
Deep River Waterpark's prices are competitive and they offer many ways to save. 

Deep River Waterpark has staying power. They've been around for 20 seasons!

Deep River Waterpark is owned by Lake County Parks and is rated by Aquatics Magazine one of the top 3 publicly owned waterparks in the USA.  

They feature 46 acres of family fun and have attractions for all ages and intensity levels.

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips List:

Bring a cooler to Deep River. No that's not a typo! As long as you leave the glass, knives and alcohol at home, you are welcome to BYO food! Deep River is THE only waterpark we know of that allows you to bring in coolers. 

Parking is also free, which rocks, and you even get a weather guarantee! Deep River has a policy that allows patrons a return visit if the park suspends operations on their visit due to bad weather. How cool is that?!

Want to keep it easy and let them feed you? There are loads of great on site options for chowing down including ice cream, pizza, Mexican food and more. Click here to check 'em out.

Check out Deep River on Facebook or Twitter for more great deals.

Disclaimer: Once again, ChiIL Mama is thrilled to partner up with Deep River and thank them for giving us review tickets for our family as well as tickets for our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Pandora Summer Party Featuring Cold War Kids at Concord Music Hall FREE With RSVP (21+)

You are invited to the first ever Pandora Summer Party in Chicago! 

Come ChiIL out in Chi, IL with ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama THIS Thursday.  Click HERE to join us.

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2014

Time: 7pm - 10pm

Location: Concord Music Hall - 2047 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

Kick off the biggest festival weekend in Chicago with Pandora!  Join us for an exclusive, free performance by Cold War Kids, giveaways and cocktails at one of Chicago’s hottest concert venues.

Join the concert conversation with #PandoraSummerParty and follow @pandora_radio on Twitter!

RSVP will be on a first come, first served basis and capped at venue capacity.

RSVP does not guarantee admission if capacity is reached.

iFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING NOW OPEN IN NAPERVILLE

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and Fly With iFLY                                      My 13 year old son, Dugan, are I are going flying today!  Check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, for our photo filled recaps and reviews of our adventures!  All ages can now enjoy the excitement of an aerial free-fall at iFLY, Chicago’s indoor skydiving experience. iFLY’s second Chicago area location at 1752 Freedom Drive in Naperville is now open for walk-in flights from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Beginning Friday, July 4, visitors can experience iFLY during its regular business hours, Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Anyone who has ever wanted to feel the singular rush of skydiving, from age three to 103, can make their dream a reality at iFLY.  The experience perfectly replicates the adrenaline-charged sensation of a skydiving free-fall while eliminating the daunting leap out of an airplane. Following a brief training session, all fliers are outfitted in a flight suit, helmet and goggles before entering the wind tunnel. To begin their flight, patrons simply lean forward onto a cushion of air (toward their friendly, certified iFLY instructor) and the rushing air allows them to float. First-time flyers are given the opportunity to learn basic belly flying. Like any skilled sport, with additional training, flyers can progress to advanced aerial gymnastic maneuvers.      “We wish iFLY a lot of success,” says Naperville Mayor George Pradel. “I am excited for people to fly and experience the thrills of iFLY and all of the other attractions that Naperville has to offer.”

The iFLY experience is made possible utilizing a technology called the “vertical wind tunnel,” which was historically used by the military and professional skydivers for training. Four powerful, high-efficiency axial fans are mounted at the top of the building, channeling air down the side tunnels into the basement, and then up through the floor of the 14-foot-wide circular flight chamber, creating a strong upward draft.  This upward draft, which ranges in speed from approximately 80 to 175 miles per hour (depending on the weight and expertise level of the flyer), creates a stable, safe, wall-to-wall airflow that gently pushes guests aloft and makes it possible for them to fly.
From first-time flyers to professional skydivers, different flight packages are available based on level of experience, number of people and preferred flight time. The basic, beginners-level package for an individual includes two flights, complete with a personalized flight certificate for $69.95. Each flight is 60 seconds in length—actually longer than the approximate 45-second free-fall descent experienced when jumping out of an airplane. Double-length flights are also available at a reduced rate. Flyers who return to iFLY within three months of their last session are classified as “Return Flyers” and offered discounted packages. Experienced flyers also have the opportunity to fly in groups with others of the same skill level in the tunnel. 

The new iFLY Indoor Skydiving facilities are located in Rosemont at MB Financial Park at 5520 Park Place Rosemont and in the Freedom Commons at 1752 Freedom Drive in Naperville More information can be found at iFLYworld.com. Guests can book flight reservations online at chicago.iFLYworld.com. Walk-in flights are also accepted.

About iFLY
Austin-based iFLY Holdings is the world leader in the manufacturing, sales and operations of wind tunnel systems for recreational indoor skydiving, competitive skydiver training and military training. Under the brand names iFLY, SkyVenture, Airkix, Paraclete and Freezone, the company has 30 facilities operating around the globe, with expansion plans rolling out over the next few years. www.iFLYworld.com.

COME TO THE 15th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL CLOWN WEEK AT SHOWMEN’S REST

Sunday August 3rd 2014, 1-3pm, free, all ages.
Woodlawn Cemetery, 7750 W Cermak Rd, Forest Park IL, 60130.
East of Des Plaines Ave. Western end of cemetery.
CLICK HERE FOR MAP and DIRECTIONS
Need more info? clownweekchicago@gmail.com 

(Inter)National CLOWN WEEK observance at SHOWMEN’S REST is a loving and festive remembrance of circus artists past, held in the nation’s most well known final resting place for circus artists, remembered especially for its elephant statues and roustabout headstones. This event includes speakers, placing of flowers, circus arts performances, lots of fun stuff for kids including activities and entertainment and contests with prizes, snacks and drinks, and many many many clowns.

The event is for kids of all ages. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a youthful attitude. Children’s entertainers are welcome to come and share your talents after the ceremony.

Please Check out the Facebook Group!! Click HERE!!

Please Check out the Facebook Event Click HERE!!!!

Grab our 2014 press Release and Poster!! Click HERE!!!

Useful links:

Ken Biringer's video story

Reports from past years.

International Clown Week

Showmen's League / Showmen's Rest

Woodlawn Cemetery of Chicago

Photos from the 2008 event

Photos from the 2007 event

Photos from the 2006 event

Wikipedia