Where Are You God?

In light of today's events in Connecticut, I direct you to my other blog today.  Musings of a Ragtag Heart.  I am diligently praying for the families struck by this tragedy and I know you are praying too.

Battle the Barriers

     Wowie!!  I just read about a great event happening this Saturday morning for kids and I had to share!
      Battle the Barriers is a kids' obstacle race hosted by Phoenix Children's hospital and Kohl's Kids Rock Stars, this Saturday, December 15th, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Grand Canyon University for kids in K-6th Grades.  The description reads:

"Bring the kids out for a fun and exciting morning of knights in shining armor, princesses, dragons and castles.  This non-competitive obstacle course event will challenge your kids to climb, balance, jump and crawl through eight obstacles of extreme fun!"

     This sounds like tons of fun and I am sure my son, J, will love this!  Now if only I can convince the girls to participate...hmmm...

      You will need to register online at www.phoenixchildrens.com/battlethebarriers, the cost is $5 per kid and it says if a parent would like to join their child, they will have to pay $5 as well.  Radio Disney will be there and every child who participates will win a prize!  Enjoy!

Not A Present In Sight!

     Well, here we are, 12 days away from Christmas and I have not bought a single present.  Yes, you read that right...not ONE present!  One of the things I have found since going through such long term unemployment is that I have a terrible time making decisions on what to buy when I actually get to go buy something.  I think sometimes my husband wants to leave me in the store when we are shopping.  It is crazy, I get really anxious and pick something up and put it down and walk away and walk back and then put it down and leave with nothing! 
     So...I find myself here, with only 12 days, three kids and everyone else to buy presents for.  I had plans to be finished with everything by now, but I have had enough distractions to use as excuses for not shopping...but really...it is because I have no idea what to shop for.  I looked at our Christmas tree today and realized it is probably a sad sight for my kiddos...no gifts to wonder over, nothing to shake and guess at...guess it is time to get busy!

Circus Americana - Part 3, The Show!

Wowie!!!  What a fabulous show we saw on Monday night!  Circus Americana was Christmasy, funny, exciting, endearing and completely entertaining!  The Taylor family has put together a wonderful show!  If you are looking for something fun to do with your family this Christmas season, I cannot say enough good things about this show!  My kids were intrigued by the talent.  My 7 year old, J, looked up at me just before the first half ended and said, "I want to OWN a circus someday!"

There are plenty of shows available during the next two weeks.  You can check out my post Circus Americana - Part 2 for a special discount just for you!  One of my readers, Shannon R,. won my ticket giveaway and is there tonight!  I am looking forward to hearing how her family enjoyed the show!

Thank you Taylor Family for a great show!  We hope to see you again!

Circus Americana Winner!

     I want to say congratulations to Shannon R.  She won the tickets to opening night of Circus Americana!  Have fun Shannon!

Circus Americana - Part 2

     You all know how I love to support local business...well, Circus Americana just might become my favorite!  The description reads:

Some children dream of running away with the Circus. The Taylor children were raised in the Circus! Martin and Barbara Taylor and their four children built their artistic, sophisticated and elegant circus from the ground up, right here in Arizona! It is their full-time work and they are one of the only Circus families left in all of North America!! The Taylor Circus Stars blend traditional old-style Circus fun with dazzling modern twists. “Circus Americana” is the premiere production by resident Arizona circus company, Taylor Circus Stars. 

     You will recall, this is the family who touched my heart with their statement, about their adopted children, in my post here:  Circus Americana Part 1 - Adoption.  Although Mike, the kids and I have not yet been to see this Circus yet, we get the privilege of doing so next Monday and we are very excited!  The show boasts a tight rope walker who walks the rope on pointe, a cast of 24 human performers, 8 animal performers, "Pirate Trampolines" and even Santa!

     The show will be right here at the Herberger Theater from December 12 - 23 and I am privileged to offer you a special discount of 10% on tickets.  When you go to the website to order your tickets, simply enter the code SANTA.  

     Also, the Taylor family has given me four tickets to give away for opening night...next Wednesday!  If you would like to be entered into the drawing for the tickets, you will need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post!  I will do the drawing on Sunday Evening and announce the winner!

I have been given tickets to the show in return for my time and efforts.  Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Donate Hair and Receive Disney on Ice Tickets!

    Have you ever considered cutting off all your hair and donating it for people who are fighting and surviving cancer or are in other situations where they are facing hair loss?  I, unfortunately, never grow my hair long enough to do this, but am always intrigued by those who do.  Well right now if you have long, lovely hair and this has been on your mind: (stay tuned for a great discount to the show)  

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM

INVITES YOU TO DONATE YOUR HAIR

Disney On Ice is partnering with Children with Hairloss,

Arizona Mills Mall & Riposa Salon To Make Dreams Come True!

WHAT:         In honor of the new ice spectacular Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream featuring Disney’s newest princess–the long golden-haired, Rapunzel from “Tangled”–Disney On Ice producer Feld Entertainment is inviting the community to participate in a heartwarming hair donation campaign to benefit children suffering from medically-related hair loss. Join us and donate your hair (at least 8" long) to Children with Hairloss, this non-profit organization provides customized human hair replacements and care kits at no cost to over 300 children a year. 

                       In appreciation of the heartwarming donation, the first 25 hair donors to register will receive a special Rapunzel necklace and everyone that donates will receive two complimentary tickets to see Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream in Phoenix January 9^th or 10^th.

                         Master Cuts Salon will be providing the salon services for the event at Arizona Mills Mall on Saturday, December 8^th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

                       Riposa Salon will be providing salon services for the event at their location in Mesa on Saturday, December 8^th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Arizona Mills Mall  - Food Court

                        5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ

                        Call (480) 756-3996 to register for this location

                        Riposa Salon

                        2655 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 23 in Mesa, AZ

                        Call (602) 370-8998 to register for this location

                       

WHEN:           Saturday, December 8 from 10:00AM – 5:00PM at both locations

 About Children with Hairloss

Children With Hair Loss was created as a resource for all children who have medically-related hair loss. It is our mission to empower these children to become whole again by making hair replacement available to those who may be financially challenged and might otherwise not have a means of obtaining the hair they want and need. Their goal is to assist as many of these children as possible in changing their lives by improving their outlook and empowering them with a degree of self-confidence that will allow them to face the world with renewed self-esteem. For more information visit: www.childrenwithhairloss.us

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Circus Americana Part 1 - Adoption

     While perusing my email a few days ago, I came upon an invitation to the "Media Premiere" for Circus Americana, featuring the Taylor Circus Stars, who happen to be a family from right here in Arizona.  They are from Gilbert and have started their own circus (I will give you more information in the next post).
     At first I was just totally excited to be invited to the Circus Americana at the Herberger Theater...I mean really, I just received a "Media Premiere" invite???  Exciting!  However, in the fact sheet attached to my email, I read the best thing I think I have ever read in my life!  The fact sheet had some bullet points, telling me about the family and about halfway down after describing some of the talents the members of the family bring to the show, there is a line that says:

Two of the Taylor children were adopted but the Taylors have forgotten which two.

     I don't think I have EVER heard an adoptive family say it quite this way!  Now hear me out, I am not criticizing adoptive parents in any way.  I think that adopting is absolutely wonderful!  What made me excited about this statement is, I usually hear something like, "oh we have two of our own and we adopted two."  Can you feel the difference in the two statements?  It touched my heart in a big way!  Stay tuned for more on this upcoming show, it is just one more way to support Arizona!

Best Idea for Adult, Sibling Christmas

     Wow, I am a terrible blogger!  It has been waaaayyy too long since I have been here, so I hope anybody will read this.  :)  I won't bore you with a long diatribe about my life...today...I will share that another day!  Today I want to talk about that hard business of Christmas gift exchanges with our siblings once we hit adulthood.
     My siblings and I have struggled with this for years.  We have gotten everyone presents and exchanged names in a variety of ways, but we have never been satisfied with the way it all goes.  Mostly because we all have everything we need already.  Last year, after more discussion over how to go about this sibling gift thing, I made a suggestion.  I suggested that we either adopt a family or go out together to get Angel Tree gifts as the way we celebrate with each other.  So this year, we are indeed adopting a family and the week of Christmas will gather to wrap all the presents and eat together and we are all SOOOO EXCITED! This finally feels right for us!
     So, my suggestion to any of you struggling with this same issue, find a way to serve someone else as a family this Christmas.  We have so much and there are others with so little!  If you decide to serve someone else this Christmas with your family, I would love to hear about it!

Phineas & Ferb is Coming to Phoenix Again!

Everyone’s favorite thrill seeking, adventure chasing stepbrothers are coming to Phoenix, Disney Live!: Phineas and Ferb On Tour!  The show is coming to Phoenix and my kids and I were given the opportunity attend the show and we are soooo excited because last year's show was great!  I was also sent this great discount information for the show to share with all of you! 

US Airways Center 

October 13-14, 2012

 

Get $5 off tickets, just use code FERB at ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000, or send me an email for a flyer you can redeem at the US Airways Center Box Office.

 No double discounts. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply. www.phineasandferblive.com

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided  with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Dragons!!

     Last night Mike and I were lucky enough to take the kiddos to the circus and my oh my, what an exciting time we had.  The show was new this year and there were so many exciting things we had not seen.  From a big lion, to motorcycles in a metal globe, the action was non-stop!  All five of us were thoroughly entertained and enjoyed every single minute!
     The theme was dragons and our 6 year old (J) was absolutely thrilled with the Shaolin Troupe.  A group of men from China who are experts in the ancient form of qigong.  The Shaolin Troupe displayed extreme strength and agility.  Our son's favorite portion was when the Troupe used a special Kung Fu animal discipline to represent several types of animals.  J has been jumping all over the house trying to recreate the amazing moves of these enchanting men.
     I highly recommend you see this show while it is here in Phoenix and I am able to offer a great discount on tickets for your whole family!!

1.       Log on to www.ticketmaster.com

2.       Search Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Phoenix

3.       Find your  show date/time of choice (NOTE: discount DOES NOT work on Wednesday, June 27^th as tickets for that show are already half price/excluding VIP and Front Row) and click “FIND TICKETS”

4.       Under ENTER OFFER CODE/PASSWORD type MOM5

5.       Under Select Prices click either $15 or $25

6.       Then click OK (next to the MOM 5 password)

7.       Click on the section to choose your seats and follow the prompts to check out.  The price when you click on those sections is reflective of the $5 off price.

Valid on all show days and times EXCEPT Opening Night (Opening Night tickets are 50% off, excluding front row and VIP seating)

“I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.”

                                                                                                        

“Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.”

Children's Summer Music Camp

     With five kids in my house and temperatures around 112 degrees, the summer is getting a little intense at my house.  We do go swimming at my mom's house every few days, but goodness, the days get long!  I am always on the lookout for quality activities that are affordable and this summer, I decided to initiate one of those activities. 
     July 16th-July 27th, I will be directing Children's Summer Music Camp at New Life Community Church.  Children's Summer Music Camp is an exciting opportunity for kids, who have completed 1st - 5th grade, to work for two weeks on a full children's musical and then perform it the evening of the last day as a Dinner Theatre.  I have been fortunate enough to direct music camp 10 different summers and I am terribly excited about this summer!!  We will be putting together a musical that I was lucky enough to write, called God Uses Kids!!
     So, if you have kids in your house and you are looking for something great to do, I would love to have them at Music Camp this summer.  We have speaking roles, solos and a choir, so there are plenty of opportunities for boys and girls to participate!  If you would like to register your children or just get more information, please send me an email!

What:  God Uses Kids, Children's Summer Music Camp

When:  July 16 - July 27th, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m

Who:  All kids who have completed 1st - 5th grade!

Cost:  $25 per child, $50 max per family.

The Dinner Theatre will be Friday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m.  Tickets will be $20 per person, proceeds will be used for various projects in the community of Peoria!

This is the Week!

Don't forget, this week the Circus opens in Phoenix.  Check out my last post for some great discounts on tickets!  This is a brand new show and what a great way to spend a summer evening!

It's Time for the Circus!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents DRAGONS is coming to the US Airways Center June 27 – July 2, 2012.

Let The Dragon Games Begin!  Searching the farthest reaches of the globe, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has gathered the best of the best circus performers to honor the Spirit of the Dragon! Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical tournament of champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with astounding circus feats of bravery and athleticism that will take you on a wondrous journey to discover what it takes to believe in your dreams.  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents DRAGONS is a never-before-seen circus adventure of legend and spectacle coming to US Airways Center from June 27–July 2.

Mike, the kids and I thoroughly enjoy the Circus each year.  We are always amazed by the wonderful performers.  We hold our breath, sit on the edge of our chairs and clap and dance until we are worn out!  If you are looking for something different to do this summer, this is it!

I am pleased to share $5 off the $15 and $25 priced seating levels.  Below are step by step instructions to use the code.  

1.       Log on to www.ticketmaster.com

2.       Search Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Phoenix

3.       Find your  show date/time of choice (NOTE: discount DOES NOT work on Wednesday, June 27^th as tickets for that show are already half price/excluding VIP and Front Row) and click “FIND TICKETS”

4.       Under ENTER OFFER CODE/PASSWORD type MOM5

5.       Under Select Prices click either $15 or $25

6.       Then click OK (next to the MOM 5 password)

7.       Click on the section to choose your seats and follow the prompts to check out.  The price when you click on those sections is reflective of the $5 off price.

Valid on all show days and times EXCEPT Opening Night (Opening Night tickets are 50% off, excluding front row and VIP seating)

“I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.”

                                                                                                        

“Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.”

Is Couponing Hard?

     Good morning my friends!  It is so lovely here in Phoenix today, rainy, breezy and cool...my absolute favorite kind of day.  I know many of you are intrigued by couponing and with the popularity of it currently, many people wonder if it is something they could do.  I came across this video made by the company I use to do my couponing and think it is a great example of the process I use.  Why I love Coupon$ense is because it really makes using coupons less time consuming and less overwhelming.

You can try Coupon$ense the first month for $4, just follow these instructions!

Go to http://www.couponsense.com/
Click on Sign Up Now in the upper right hand corner
Scroll down to the heading Sign Up Today
Enter your zip code
Enter Promo Code: SURVIVE (use the caps)
Enter your email address
Referred to Coupon Sense?  Select Friend
In the drop down box enter my name Erin Rathier (unless someone else has referred you)
Click Sign Up
On the billing page, fill in all the necessary information

Click Next
Check the box next to I understand the terms of my Coupon Sense subscription
Click Finish
Your transaction will process; when it says print this page for your records click OK
Now you are ready to save BIG at the store!

WinCo Tips

     So, I promised I would share a few things that will help make your WinCo shopping experience a good one!  This will short and sweet and to the point.

1. The store does not put out a weekly ad, they choose not to so they can pass on more savings to us.  However, there are special prices every week.  In the store, there are signs telling us the prices.  Everyday prices are marked on yellow signs and special sales are marked on green signs to make them easy to spot.
2. When you first walk into the store, you will encounter the "Wall Of Savings" highlights Extra Savings and Price Shockers. These are also located on pallet displays between produce and bulk foods, and the ends of our grocery aisles. These areas are stocked with some of the best deals in town!
3. WinCo does take manufacturer coupons at face value.  
4. You will need to bag your own groceries, however, if you bring your own bags, you will received a $.06 credit for each bag!
5. You can even go here for a map of the store...it is big and busy, so being prepared will be helpful.

 

Let me know how your shopping trip goes!  I would love to hear about all your deals and savings!

Winco Has Come to Phoenix - Trip #1!

     Yippie, yahoo, woo hoo!!  Winco has come to Phoenix and so far it is off to a good start!  Today I decided to take a short trip to Winco, had a few coupons in hand and was ready to see if I could save some money!  If you watch Extreme Couponing on TLC, you know that a number of the people featured, shop at Winco and save a great deal of money, so I wanted to see if I could do it too!  Well, the trip would have been a total success if I did not have four children with me and if the store was not jam packed...however, I guess I suspected both of those things would happen before I went.  Despite it all, I was very pleased with the deals I found, check out the picture!

I bought 6 lbs of pork loin roast, 2 heads of lettuce, 2 heads of cauliflower, 10 cans of S&W Beans, 4 bags of chips, 2 loaves of bread, 3 big cups of noodles, 1 box of breakfast cookies, 1 Velveeta skillet dinner, 1 lb of herb and garlic deli turkey, 1 lb of sun dried tomato deli turkey, 6 large avacados, 2 tubes of Betty Crocker icing, 1 lb of smoked almonds, 2 lbs of strawberries, 6 lbs of grapes, 3 lbs of bananas, 4 lbs of tomatoes, 1 bunch of celery.

Grand total $41.58!  Price before coupons $56.58!

     Bottom line, with or without coupons, Winco has some great prices.  I am guessing some of the pricing was extra special because the store just opened, but you can bet I will be back!  A few things I wanted to point out for this week.  Bananas were $.28 per lb, avacados were $.24 each, grapes were $.98 per lb, lettuce was $.48 per head, the turkey was $3.98 per lb (and I sampled it first).  Tomatoes were $.38 per lb and the bread was $.98 per loaf.  Tomorrow I will post a few things that will be helpful for your first shopping trip, but I couldn't wait to share this trip!

100 Years of Magic!!

     Happy Friday!  What are your plans for the weekend??  If you are unsure, I cannot say enough about the Disney on Ice show that is here in Phoenix this weekend!  Last night we had the pleasure of attending and I must say...true to Disney fashion, there was plenty of magic.
     The show takes a look back at Disney magic through the years, complete with Princes and Princesses, Pinnochio, The Incredibles, Buzz and Woody and of course, Mickey and Minnie!  Mickey and Minnie take us on a trip through Disney history that is exciting, breathtaking, scary, sweet and overall, fantastic.  And that is just my opinion...however, my kiddos fully agree!
     I love that Disney always includes the whole audience, the girls, the boys, the young and not so young!  Throughout the show, there were moments to please the little ladies, filled with beauty and romance, like the Disney Princess Celebration.  Then there were terrific action scenes the little men were sure to love, like the battle between Mulan, Shang and the Hunns!  I have to say, there was nothing like the moment...Nants ingonyama bagithi baba, Sithi uhhmm ingonyama...began to ring through the arena.  The crowd erupted in the largest cheer of the night and you could feel the excitement, as if we were really in the jungles of Africa awaiting the birth of the king!

All that to say...if you can make time this weekend...GO SEE DISNEY ON ICE!

You can purchase 4 tickets for $44 by using the code NALA at ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or send an email to me for a flyer you can use at the US Airways Center Box Office (this would help you avoid most ticket fees).  The code is good for the following performances:  Friday, April 13th 7:30pm, Saturday, April 14th 7:30pm, and Sunday, April 15th 1:30pm and 5:30pm(excluding Front Row and VIP seating). A minimum of 4 tickets is required; additional tickets can be purchased at $11 each. No double discounts. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply.  

Tickets are already on sale, so do not wait to get yours!!

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.