TODAY ONLY: Assassin’s Creed Syndicate On Amazon For $29.99! #UbiStars

With gift giving season in full swing, who doesn’t want a great deal on this season’s hottest video games?

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is happy to share this information as part of the UbiStars Social Media Network. All opinions are our own. We have not been compensated, though Amazon Affiliate Links may be included.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is today’s Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day, the lowest price the game has been this season! You can get it now for as low as $29.99 or get the Gold Edition which includes the full season pass including the upcoming Jack the Ripper add-on content for $59.99. The sale is happening for one day only and ends tonight at 11:59 pm PST.

In Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, “Whosoever controls London, controls the world.” In this latest installment of the Assassin's Creed series, players take over London, borough by borough, as Twin Master Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye. Set in London during the height of the Industrial Revolution, players fight to liberate London with their gang in an adventure filled with action, intrigue and brutal combat.

Rated M for Mature.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is not the only game on sale this Holiday season. All of Ubisoft’s casual video games will be available for some of the lowest prices of the year.  Check your local listings at Target, Best Buy and GameStop for discounts and special offers on Just Dance 2016, Just Dance Disney Party 2, Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets and Hasbro Family Fun Pack.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is happy to share this information as part of the UbiStars Social Media Network. All opinions are our own. We have not been compensated, though Amazon Affiliate Links may be included.

ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways 2015

It's on people! Once again we have 12 days of wacky, wonderful giveaways for a myriad of ages and types. This is NOT the place for sexist breakdowns of boy toys and girl toys. If your girl loves to code and hates dresses and your uncle wants a tutu, more power to 'em. We'll just be categorizing loads of cool finds, not cool people! Interspersed with our reviews and eco friendly, clutter busting, edu-toys, kindie music, and other great gift ideas will be LOTS of rockin' giveaways Dec 7th-18th

So check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. It's rewarding. All of our giveaways are open nationwide, to anyone in the US. A few are Chicago based tickets, so if you can get here, enter away!

We'll be updating all giveaway "click to enter" links & winners right HERE. Good luck and Happy Holidaze to all!

1. WINNERS ANNOUNCED:  Out of 240 entries/Ended at midnight 12/6. Check out our original post here.

2. WIN: An awesome lead free pewter "Quotable Cuff" ($25 value) "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." from Whitney Howard Designs. ENTER HERE through midnight on 12/12 for your chance to win. Check out our original post here.

3. WIN: A Family 4 Pack (up to $180 value--2 available) To The House Theatre Nutcracker! ENTER HERE through midnight on Monday 12/14/15 for your chance to win. Check out our original post here.

ChiIL Mama & The House Theatre want to take YOU to 
CHICAGO'S MACABRE, BALLET FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, THEATRICAL ADAPTATION OF THE NUTCRACKER, THROUGH DECEMBER 31,

AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE

4. WIN: Sweet Holiday Treats For All Your PEEPS® & a 20% off code for everyone too! ENTER HERE through midnight on Wednesday 12/16/15 for your chance to win. Check out our original post here.

5. WIN: 

6. WIN:

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11. WIN:

12. WIN: 

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING: The Martian on Digital HD 12/22 and 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ & DVD Jan. 12, 2016

Ridley Scott’s Highest Grossing Film Ever Tops over $570 Million Worldwide to Date  

On Digital HD Dec. 22 

3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ & DVD Jan. 12, 2016

"THE BEST MOVIE ON THIS OR ANY OTHER PLANET! -Pete Hammond, Deadline  MASTER DIRECTOR, RIDLEY SCOTT BRINGS A RIVETING STORY OF SHEER HUMAN WILL AND SURVIVAL

Now everyone can “Bring Him Home” with the highly anticipated release of the stellar movie event of the year. Buckle up and brace for the thrilling journey that is Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s THE MARTIAN, arriving on Digital HD December 22 and 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray & DVD Jan.12, 2016.  From legendary director Ridley Scott (Alien, Prometheus) comes a gripping tale of human strength and the will to survive. During a mission to Mars, American astronaut Mark Watney (played by Academy Award winner Matt Damon) is presumed dead and left behind. But Watney is still alive. Against all odds, he must find a way to contact Earth in the hope that scientists can devise a rescue plan to bring him home. Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, THE MARTIAN provides a realistic glimpse into life in outer-space that will have you on the edge of your seat! In addition to wowing audiences around the world, the film is one of best reviewed of the year and has been named one of the best movies of the year by such groups as National Board of Review, which also awarded top honors to Ridley Scott for Best Director, Matt Damon for Best Actor and Drew Goddard for Best Adapted Screenplay.  The 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD release will have more than 90 minutes of special features including an exclusive newly produced in-world retrospective starring Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sean Bean covering the “true” story behind the daring rescue seven years after the events of the film occurred. The Martian also includes two making of documentaries, a gag reel and more. Now you can become part of the universal phenomenon that has taken the galaxy by storm in the comfort of your own home. THE MARTIAN BLU-RAY™ SPECIAL FEATURES Signal Acquired: Writing and Direction Learn how the producers brought an acclaimed novel, a master director and a stellar cast together for THE MARTIAN.  Occupy Mars: Casting and Costumes Matt Damon and his ensemble of incredibly talented actors discuss their roles in THE MARTIAN. 5 Theatrical In-World Pieces Ares III: Farewell The Right Stuff Ares: Our Greatest Adventure Leave Your Mark Bring Him Home Ares III: Refocused Seven years after the events of Ares 3, take a deeper look at the true story behind Mark Watney's daring rescue Gag Reel Production Gallery 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. THE MARTIAN BLU-RAY™  Street Date:                 January 12, 2016 Prebook Date:             December 22, 2015     Screen Format:           Widescreen 16:9 (2.40:1) Audio:                          English DTS-HD 7.1                                     English AD Dolby Digital 5.1                                                  Spanish 5.1 D                                     French 5.1 DD Subtitles:                     English/Spanish/French Total Film Run Time:  Approximately 134 minutes U.S. Rating                  PG-13 Closed Captioned:      Yes Closed Captioned:      Yes THE MARTIAN DVD Street Date:                 January 12, 2016 Prebook Date:             December 22, 2015 Screen Format:           Widescreen 16:9 (2.40:1) Audio:                          English 5.1 DD                                     Spanish 2.0 Surround DD                                     French 2.0 Surround DD                                Subtitles:                     English / Spanish/ French Closed Captioned:      Yes

Lycée Français de Chicago French Market This Weekend Only

Unique Holiday Shopping This Weekend

ChiIL Mama's #ChiILPicksList

ADD A LITTLE JE NE SAIS QUOI TO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Lycée Français de Chicago French Market Runs Through December 6

Come on out to The Lycée Français de Chicago's French Market this weekend ONLY.  It's a huge event and everyone is welcome. Come enjoy French vendors, food, top local French chefs, and even a kids' pavilion so kids are entertained while mom and dad holiday shop and eat!  

The Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) invites you to attend the 11^th annual Lycée French Market which runs through 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. The French Market will transform the new, ultra-modern LFC campus into a bustling Parisian Marché, complete with a family-run bistro, chef demonstrations and many local and French artisans selling decorative art, fine wares, wood works, home décor, jewelry, apparel, accessories, gourmet food and more. 

A supervised kids’ pavilion will keep the whole family entertained. All proceeds will support student programs and resources, including financial aid and extracurricular opportunities. 

This weekend's Holiday French Market is located at the school's new Lincoln Square Campus, 1929 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640.

Street or garage parking available (Ravenswood Garage, 4551 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60640) 

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2014, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2014, 11a.m.–4 p.m.
Market Days, adults $7 (children free)

For more information and to purchase tickets visit lyceefrenchmarket.org.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in the Windy City, Lycée Français de Chicago welcomes non-French speaking and French speaking families alike. The Lycée education begins at 3 years old in accordance with early childhood development of language, socialization, and overall learning (a standard in the French education system). Non-French-speaking students are eligible to enroll in Pre-K to Kindergarten, and in grades 1 to 5 through our French emersion Welcoming Program (depending on availability). The Lycée’s high school IB program is taught in English and welcomes non-French-speaking students from grades 9–12.

Naturally Delicious Elf & Reindeer Sausage Shapes With NEW Johnsonville Naturals

Kid Friendly Holiday Recipes

Here at ChiIL Mama, I try to feed my family natural foods free of fillers, MSG, preservatives, and unhealthy fats as often as possible. We've long been fans of family owned Johnsonville meats, and now they've improved upon a classic going 100% all natural! We were elated when they chose us to partner up with on a sponsored post. We had a blast creating a holiday recipe and we're happy to spread the word about NEW Johnsonville Naturals to our readers.

ChiIL Mama's Holiday Triple Meat Breakfast Treat:

• Elf Sausages
• Sausage Antler Reindeer Filled With Cheesy Scrambled Eggs
• Sausage Scramble

When we were asked to create an original recipe, we made 3 variations on a fun holiday breakfast theme featuring Johnsonville Naturals' NEW 100% natural Original Breakfast Sausages. Customize these fun treats for the whole family. There's sure to be a variation everyone will love, and you can feel great about serving Johnsonville's natural choice. Try ours to start or invent your own!

Ingredients:

Johnsonville Naturals' Breakfast Sausages

eggs

sharp cheddar cheese (alter to taste)

a sheet of canned dough or crescent rolls

pomegranate arils

pumpkin kernels  

Directions:

Sausage Scramble

Cook sausages and scramble eggs. Slice sausages and add to eggs. Add pumpkin kernels for a salty kick and a bit of seasonal green!

Elf Sausages

Cook sausages. Cut sheet of dough into 6 triangles for elves or cut sheet of dough in half and use one side for the Sausage Antler Reindeer Filled With Cheesy Scrambled Eggs. Cut off a small triangle for a hat, wrap sausages in remaining dough, press hat on head and twist and loop the ends down. Cook according to dough package directions (approx 15 minutes at 375). Garnish with pomegranate arils and pumpkin kernels for a salty sweet, seasonal flavor in holiday colors!

Sausage Antler Reindeer Filled With Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

Cook sausages. Cut sheet of dough in half and make two Sausage Antler Reindeer Filled With Cheesy Scrambled Eggs. Fill dough, cook according to dough package directions (approx 15 minutes at 375). Garnish with pumpkin kernels for a salty seasonal flavor in holiday colors! Enjoy!

Johnsonville Naturals' provide a clean and simple label, and are made with familiar ingredients. They do not contain artificial ingredients, flavors, colors or preservatives. The line focuses on high quality, natural ingredients, such as premium cuts of meat and flavorful spices to deliver great taste people expect from America’s leading sausage brand.

This year, Johnsonville is helping to make your holiday dinners healthier with a new line of Naturals Sausage, made with 100% all natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives. The Johnsonville Naturals line includes Brats, Italian Sausage and Breakfast Sausage varieties.

Johnsonville's one-of-a-kind original breakfast sausage recipe is made with 100% all natural ingredients that will bring family and friends to the table. Click HERE for more info.

INGREDIENTS

NO MSG ADDED

NO FILLERS

0G TRANS FAT

GLUTEN-FREE

NATURAL

Pork, water and less than 2% of the following: salt, sugar, natural flavor, spice, spice extractives, collagen casings.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Johnsonville. The opinions and text are all mine.

One of a Kind Show and Sale at Chicago's Merchandise Mart is a One Stop Miracle Shop for Unique Gifts

CHICAGO'S HOLIDAY SHOPPING SHOW 

THIS WEEKEND ONLY THROUGH 5PM 12/6

**Giveaway through 12/13**

Here at ChiIL Mama it was our great pleasure to check out the OOAK show, shoot loads of stills, and meet a bunch of talented artist and artisans for the 2nd year in a row. Don't miss THIS! It's a great way to find unique gifts for everyone on your list and support the arts! This incredibly immense show ends Sunday the 6th at 5pm, so don't delay. 

Disclosure: We were given comp tickets from OOAK to cover the show and we're pleased to partner up with Whitney Howard Designs who donated a pewter bracelet for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are our own.

We also have a special giveaway for our readers from one of the vendors--an awesome lead free pewter "Quotable Cuff" ($25 value) Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. from Whitney Howard Designs. ENTER HERE through midnight on 12/12 for your chance to win. 

Now through December 18th

The 15th annual One of a Kind Show runs December 3-6, 2015. It's truly the ideal place to find truly unique items for yourself, your home and everyone on your holiday gift list.  More than 600 talented artists from across the US set up shop right here in Chi, IL.

Check out ChiIL Mama's full photo recap in the slideshow below. More of our favorite shots are below.

Shoppers can speak with artists one-on-one, attend artist demonstrations, and create something yourself at a crafting workshop. Indulge in gourmet cafes and enjoy fashion shows and live music.

Save the dates:
NEW for 21016!

A Few of ChiIL Mama's Favorite Items & Artists: