My daughter, Sage, spent an epic New Years Eve in Milwaukee, WI at the Fiserv Forum, checking out the Harlem Globetrotters world tour with her boyfriend and two of his nephews. None of the guys had seen the Globetrotters in action before and the evening was a huge hit for all ages. Highly recommended family friendly fun. Check out Sage's review below and book tickets in a city near you.
Guest Review and photo recap
by Sage Kenaz-Mara
Photo credit for all: Sage Kenaz-Mara (pictured with her boyfriend, Andrew Collazo)
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's was a super fun experience for everyone. The arena was super full and there were lights, music, and video clips that all added to the experience.
Mason and Dakota at their first Harlem Globetrotters Game
This was my first time ever going to the Fiserv Forum, and Mason's too. Dakota says that his favorite players were Bulldog and Spider because he thought they were very funny. I really enjoyed seeing x-over because even though he was a midget which is a big disadvantage in basketball he made some amazing shots and that was really impressive.
Mason was very focused on the idea of the globetrotters winning their game against the Washington generals and kept mentioning the score and that we were winning. When they were doing funny bits he would say “when are they going to play” which was funny coming from a 6 year old. When the globetrotters won the game mason was very excited. Overall a great experience and I would recommend everyone to go and enjoy the fun!
Sage is working toward her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in Waukesha, WI. She spent her childhood through high school years involved with circus arts, competitive gymnastics, poms, and cheer. She loves to kayak, fish, and spend time outdoors.
Here at ChiIL Mama, we're pleased to partner up once again with US Family Guide and The Harlem Globetrotters on a sponsored post. Make some family memories at a great discount. GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR is bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world\'s winningest team! In 2023, every fan is getting in on this action...that means YOU, so get ready! It's GLOBETROTTER game time! HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR Tickets are now on sale!
Here at ChiIL Mama, we're pleased to partner up once again with US Family Guide and The Harlem Globetrotters on a sponsored post. Make some family memories at a great discount. GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR is bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world\'s winningest team! In 2023, every fan is getting in on this action...that means YOU, so get ready! It's GLOBETROTTER game time! HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR Tickets are now on sale!
(Discount valid on tickets purchased at least One Week Prior to Game Date)
My daughter, Sage will be checking out their world tour on New Years Eve in Milwaukee, WI at the Fiserv Forum. They're playing a double that day at 1pm and 6pm. Check back with ChiIL Mama soon, for her recap and photo feature.
Disclosure: I have been compensated for sharing this discount and tour information with my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.
There's a newcomer in town for The Chicago Auto Show, with beauty and brains. Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, combines sleek lines, and brilliant innovations, and their G90 sedan marks a new beginning for comfort and style. It was our great pleasure to partner up with She Buys Cars and Genesis for this sponsored post and a most enjoyable day at The Chicago Auto Show's media preview. I have been compensated for sharing this information with my readers.
Luxury Alley sounds like an oxymoron, yet this area of The Chicago Auto Show features an astonishing array of eye candy and the latest new and upcoming designs in the luxury automotive world including the Genesis G90. This sedan merges power and posh with cutting edge technology and unmatched customer service.
Since time is money, Genesis concierge brings door to door service for everything from new car purchases to servicing. This means you never have to step foot in a dealership if you don't want to.
These sedans offer a quiet ride, back seat controls, heated front and back seats, and an attention to detail down to dots of copper inlaid in the leather seats. Navigation, pairing, and driver assist safety features all make driving a breeze whether your attending opening night of a Broadway touring play, entertaining clients, or bringing the family along for the ride.
I was impressed with the design features which seamlessly merge a classic and classy look with something creative, edgy and utterly new. I still hope to take a test drive so I can experience the quiet power, handling, and comforts in action. Check out Genesis for all the specs and to schedule your test drive.
Visit Genesis at The Chicago Auto Show for your chance to win a Four Seasons Maui Vacation or a 3 Piece Luxury Travel Set.
Disclosure: Once again, it was my great pleasure to partner up with She Buys Cars and Hyundai Genesis on this sponsored post. I have been compensated for sharing this information with my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.
Got a daughter with pierced ears? We have a great special to share, for 14k Gold .50ct TW Genuine Birthstone Earrings. We have been compensated with a sample pair for review purposes.
Since ancient times the wearing of birthstones has been thought to bring good luck and good health. Every month has its own special stone, each with own fabled qualities and benefits. I'll be ordering an Emerald pair for my May daughter, born on actual Mother's Day.
Now KidsGold -14k for Kids is offering your favorite girl her very own pair of 14k Gold .50ct TW Genuine Birthstone Earrings in a beautiful basket setting at 30% off! All months with their corresponding gemstones are included!
Each pair of 14k Gold Genuine Birthstone Earrings at $48.99 (regular price $69.99) comes Gift Boxed with a Matching Tote + Free Shipping! ORDER HERE.
Beginning in 1979, the creators of KidsGold -14k for Kids have been merchandising 14k gold children's jewelry programs for major retailers throughout the country.
KidsGold -14k for Kids is 14k Gold Children's Jewelry at Great Prices + Free Shipping! Genuine Birthstones, Earrings, Necklaces, Religious, Rings, Bracelets. Every item comes gift boxed with a matching tote. Visit www.kidsgold.com for their complete selection.
Disclosure: We have been compensated with a sample pair for review purposes, as part of US Family Bloggers. All opinions are my own.
The best Mother's Day present I ever received was my daughter, Sage, who was actually born on Mother's Day 2003! This happy coincidence comes with an added bonus. My parents want to spend the kids' birthdays with them, so for the past five years they've been booking travel with megabus.com and coming to Chicago for visits every March and May. In fact, they're coming again in a few days! I'm lucky to get to celebrate Mother's Day in person with both my mom and my kids, so I was thrilled when megabus.comasked me to partner up with them on a sponsored post for Mother's day 2016 and their 10th anniversary.
It's amazing megabus.com is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year and my parents have been making multiple megabus.com trips for half that time now. They've actually befriended other passengers that they have stayed in touch with for years. They love the free wifi, affordable tickets, and the ease of booking and travel. To me, one of the best benefits of megabus.com is the peace of mind I feel knowing my parents aren't alone, weaving around speeding semi trucks on a 6 hour drive. They're traveling in comfort and leaving the driving to the pros.
They've even taken my son home with them, for a multigenerational vacation. A trip with megabus.com is an adventure for accompanied kids. The grandparents and my son could relax and read books and play games together instead of negotiating traffic. My parents said all their drivers have been friendly and professional and some are comedians with witty one liners that had the whole bus laughing.
Over the years, for Mother's Day, I've given and received jewelry, handmade art, spa visits, flowers and more. It's great to feel appreciated and pampered. Still, the things I adore most are travel and spending time with my family and friends.
Mother's Day is a time for many wistful long distance calls from kids scattered across the country. In a surveymegabus.com did, it's not surprising a majority of megabus.com customers miss their moms (64%). Many say mom would cry tears of joy if they surprised her with a trip (53%) or an unannounced visit (46%). We've never popped in unannounced, but some of the best trips we've had have been 3 generation vacations where we traveled with my parents and kids.
Sometime the best present is your presence! According to the megabus.comsurvey, more people are planning to go home for Mother’s Day, over a spa or the beach. Book your own trip home to surprise your mom, or take her with you on a fun getaway. It's an eco-friendly way to travel that's easy on the earth and easy on your wallet. You'll stress less when you book travel with megabus.com. Read more about their history and 10 year anniversary right here.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of megabus.com . The opinions and text are all mine.
Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.
Our family loves hard and soft boiled eggs, but it's hard to get the timing right. Now anyone can make a perfect egg with Brainstream and the singing BeepEgg!
Disclosure: Thanks to Tryazon, Brainstream and Ines Rosales tortas, we got to eat Spanish tortas, try this creative German egg timer out, give a couple away, and have a rockin' multi-culti breakfast party last weekend! They provided us with samples for our giveaway and for review purposes.
Here are our two BeepEgg winners -- Beth & Peggy!
I'm half German and we're renowned for our engineering and inventive problem solving. So, I can appreciate the background on this ingenious egg. Dr. Rupprecht Gabriel, a German engineer and entrepreneur, was always annoyed by his poorly boiled breakfast eggs. They were either too runny or too hard. In 2000, he decided to solve the problem and the BeepEgg was born-an egg shaped timer that could sing and float. Shortly thereafter Gabriel formed a creative team and Brainstream became an enterprise. Brainstream strives to impress their customers with their “fun and functional” products. Their line of products include BeepEgg, Cregg, SOI-the automatic handbag light, and more.
The BeepEgg- looks like an egg, feels like an egg, boils like an egg, but unlike an egg it sings. BeepEgg is a precise egg-timer, which is boiled together with real eggs. The BeepEgg and real eggs have to enter water at the same time. Once yolk and egg-white have reached the desired degree of hardness, BeepEgg will play a tune.
To make our breakfast party even more multi-culti, we also got to sample 2 flavors of Ines Rosales' Spanish-tortas, sweet olive oil & savory olive oil. Ines Rosales is a company that originates from Seville, Spain and is the manufacturer of famous original Spanish-tortas. These tortas are flat circular scone-like biscuits, about 5" in diameter, that are made with natural ingredients like wheat flour, sugar, spices and superior quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect mix of salty and sweet following the exact same recipes as it's founder, Doña Inés Rosales Cabello, came up with back in 1910. Ines Rosales torta flavors include: Sweet Olive, Cinnamon, Seville Orange, Rosemary & Thyme, and Sesame & Sea Salt. Other Ines Rosales Products include Citrus Crumble Cake and Cinnamon Cookie. Click here for more information about Ines Rosales.
This singing and floating-egg timer will ensure that your eggs are boiled to perfection every time. Designed to work at all altitudes and under all conditions, this innovative device constantly monitors the outer temperature to calculate the core temperature of the egg. The beeps let you know what your eggs are doing in all that water. The 1st beep is triggered when the water temperature reaches 113 degrees Fahrenheit and is simply letting you know the BeepEgg is working. The 2nd beep means the water has started to boil.
The three tunes correspond to the hardness of the eggs being boiled. The first tune, ""Oh Susanna,"" indicates that the egg is soft-boiled (eggwhite soft and the yolk runny); the second tune, ""Take me out to the Ballgame,"" indicates that the egg is medium-soft boiled (the eggwhite is hard and the yolk is still slightly runny), while the third tune, ""Hail, Hail the Gang's all Here,"" indicates that the eggs are hard-boiled (the yolk is hard, but not discolored from overcooking).
For best care and results, always store BeepEgg with real eggs as this prolongs the battery life and the BeepEgg works on a thermal model which functions best when it starts off at the same temperature as the real eggs. The BeepEgg is optimized for medium to large eggs; add approximately 30 seconds when cooking extra-large eggs. Never use BeepEgg in a microwave or in a sauce pan without water. The BeepEgg is made in Germany and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Disclosure: Once again, thanks to Tryazon, Brainstream and Ines Rosales tortas, we got to eat Spanish tortas, try this creative German egg timer out, give a couple away, and have a rockin' multi-culti breakfast party last weekend! They provided us with samples for our giveaway and for review purposes.
Last Call to Make Endless Summer Memories at Raging Waves
ChiIL Mama has loved being 1 of 5 Raging Waves Waterpark Ambassadors this summer. We chilled out with friends many times this season, and had awesome Aussie themed fun "down under" Chicago in Yorkville, IL.
Disclosure: Once again, we're happy to partner up with Raging Waves Waterpark and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers monthly, throughout the summer. As always, all opinions are our own.
Check Out Our Video Here:
Waterslides
BOOMERANG
The signature ride at Raging Waves, twist and turn and drop 40 feet in this popular heart-pumping multi-passenger ride.
CROCODILE MILE
CYCLONE
KANGAROO FALLS
KOALA KOVE
PJ'S PLUMMET
PLATYPUS PLUNGE
TASMANIAN TWISTERS
THE THREE SISTERS
These 2 slides were the unanimous favorites of our tweens & teens!
Raging Waves Features:
19 water slides
Quarter mile lazy river
Giant kiddie areas to delight children of all ages
Humungous Wave Pool
Pedal tractor course
Brock's Giant Sandbox - sandy beach area
Raging Waves closes after Labor Day weekend so don't miss your last chance to make a splash in 2015 and slide into fall in style, with a few last endless summer memories. We've been making fun family memories with Raging Waves since way back in 2010!
ChiIL Kids, Dugan & Sage Then & Now
2010 & 2015
Raging Waves is still buckets of fun for the littles, while they wait to grow to the magic 48" that opens up as many slides as they're brave enough to ride.
Here are my own two, back in 2011, rockin' the kids area.
It's been a blast being a Raging Waves Blog Ambassadors for 2015! Thanks so much for all the endless summer memories. We'll see ya Labor Day weekend for one last splash. Then we'll see you next year!
We'll see you out there! Throughout the year, remember to check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We have the scoop on what's hot, great nationwide giveaways, and loads of original content including photo & video filled features on Chi, IL and beyond.
Disclosure: Once again, we're happy to partner up with Raging Waves Waterpark and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers monthly, throughout the summer. As always, all opinions are our own.
