Make a New Friend with Sesame Street Live at PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland, OH! Win tickets!

I have received tickets to facilitate this post and sweepstakes.
This is not a paid placement. Opinions are all my own.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS! Sesame Street Live “Make a New Friend” is coming to the PlayhouseSquare, March 19-22. You and your family are invited to help Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street! Watch the friends of Sesame Street celebrate friendship as they sing, dance, and share cookies. This will be a memorial event to share with your friends and family.

I love the State Theater at Playhouse Square and am actually looking forward to seeing this with my preschooler. There is no bad seat to see the show so it is money well spent to be able to see all of the stage as we sing and dance along. Speaking of money - check out the promo code after the jump and be sure to enter to win a four pack of tickets to redeemable for the performance of your choice.

Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition is at @GLScienceCtr till May - Win Tickets Now! #beamythbuster

I received tickets to attend the exhibit but was not paid to facilitated this post.
Opinions are my own.

Mythbusters is in CLEVELAND!

Okay, not really here and not being filmed here but their exhibit, Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition, is here and on display at the Great Lakes Science Center until May 3, 2015. There are over 150 items in this exhibit to see and do - from blowing a house down to pulling a tablecloth out from under the dishes.

In this truly fantastic exhibit, you become a real MythBuster and uncover the truth behind some of science's most popular myths. You can also explore authentic props and gadgets direct from the MythBusters set! And if that was not enough - Duct Tape Studio where you can design, build and test a myth using one of the world's greatest construction materials...duct tape! 

There is so much to see and do - be sure to give yourself plenty of time to do it all! pst - don't forget to enter to win tickets at the end of this post!

This Week's Northeast Ohio Bucket List | June 12 - 18, 2014

Hello Father's Day Weekend!  There are just way too many fun filled festivals this weekend and way too much laundry!  What's a family to do?!!?

Let me know what you think of our list and feel free to let me know of anything I missed!

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

LEGOS and Nature: Making Connections at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

With Parade the Circle coming up this weekend, I could not resist taking the opportunity to share some photos from our recent trip to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.

The Botanical Garden is hosting Nature Connects A LEGO® Brick Experience - special to the Garden this summer only!  Through this amazingly creative exhibit of LEGOS, the Garden hopes we can "learn about and discover the amazing interconnections in nature through daily interactive indoor and out experiences."   The cost is free to members (which we are) or $11 for adults and $6 for kids.

As we were driving to meet up with friends a song about a scavenger hunt came on the kid's radio station and I got way too excited about wanting to do one when we got to the gardens.  My kids groaned, loudly.  I still think it would be a fun idea.  I wish they still made disposable cameras.  Or, do they...? 

This Week's iNeed a Playdate Bucket List | May 29 - June 4, 2014

I am so grateful that the snow is gone and the sun has been shining!  We spent last weekend flying kites and exploring the Cleveland Botanical Gardens' Nature Connects exhibit.  Nature in Lego form is amazing.

It seems that everything fun is going on this Sunday so Saturday is dedicated to cleaning my house!

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end! It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

This Week's iNeed a Playdate Bucket List | May 15 - 21, 2014

It is hard to believe that the sun is shining over Cleveland, Ohio - finally!

I don't have to look that far this weekend for family fun!  Lakewood is hosting the Cleveland Orchestra all over town, and I mean all. over. town!

If you are looking for some fun, look at the calendar at the end!  It is full of ideas of what we would like to do this May in Northeast Ohio if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most are not, and be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case I have some information wrong or it was canceled.

If you like this post, please share and if you go to any I'd love to hear about it either here, on Facebook, twitter or g+. If you really like something you can share or retweet right from this post! Don't you love social media!

Have an event you would like to see added? Fill out this form.

THIS WEEK'S NORTHEAST OHIO BUCKET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

WhyOhWhyOhWhy? Plus Playhouse Square's International Children's Festival

When I daydreamed about being a mom the one thing I hoped to share with the kids was art.  I once had aspirations of being an artist and a photographer but in hindsight, I wasn't very good.

The Husband is ridiculously talented and between the two of us - our kids are pretty darn creative if I do say so myself. It is because of their creativity that they not only let us drag them to museums and festivals, but they enjoy it.

This past weekend I took the kids to Playhouse Square's International Children's Festival.  It is the fifth year that Playhouse has hosted this fantastic event which included live performances from around the world and numerous free, fun activities.

Besides the workshops, balloon animals, face painting, caricature artists, roaming magicians and music, we got to see Playhouse Square's dazzling new updates for the first which includes: new dramatic lighting, video signage, ornate gateways, a 20's inspired sign paying homage to when the Playhouse started and the world's largest chandelier!

Coming to Youngstown - The Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus!

We have received tickets in exchange for this post.  Opinions are my own and I have not received compensation for this post.

Can you hear the calliope?  Do you see the crier?  

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Youngstown's Covelli Center April 25 - 28, 2014 and we have a contest for tickets!

I am so excited to be able to share this!  One of my absolute favorite memories growing up was going to see Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Richfield Coliseum.  Of course the Coliseum is no longer and if you want to see the circus you could wait to see it in Cleveland at the Q in October or see it when it comes to the Covelli Center in Youngstown this month!

Amazing acrobats performing impossible feats. A prehistoric beast of mammoth proportions! Mythical creatures with fantastical wings. Elephants, lions, tigers and unbelieveable things.! It could only happen at The Greatest Show On Earth®.

 source

The performance this year is LEGENDS, uniting iconic circus stars with living mythological creatures in a celebration of the LEGENDS that have captured imaginations for centuries. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on his quest to discover real, living legends from around the world and presents Paulo’s fantastic discoveries to circus fans everywhere.

On their journey, Paulo encounters the wondrous Pegasus and the amazing Unicorn, as well as circus legends such as big cat presenter Alexander Lacey; the Riders of the Wind Cossack horsemen; and motorcycle daredevils, the Torres Family. They all come together along with a cast spanning 25 countries in a spectacular production.

Northeast Ohio Bucket List for March 21 - 27, 2014

All events are added at my own discretion. I received complimentary tickets to the I-X Center Amusement Park as their guests. Opinions are my own. If you would like to be added to this list or to become a sponsor feel free to contact me.

Could that be spring knocking on the window or rain drops?  Who cares!  It's not snow, yet.  Let's celebrate and get out the house!


The calendar at the end is full of ideas of what we would like to do in March if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free, most not but be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case.

If you like this post, please share and if you go to any I'd love to hear about it either here, on Facebook, twitter or g+.

Northeast Ohio Highlights for March 21 - 27, 2014 from our Bucket List: 

RT @mryjhnsn: Big Spring returns to @cbgarden March 22! http://t.co/kqGG59dOMu #happyincle pic.twitter.com/LeVVZUg1PX
— ClevelandBotanicGdn (@cbgarden) March 3, 2014

Northeast Ohio Bucket List for March 14 - 20, 2014

All events are added at my own discretion. I received complimentary tickets to the  Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo and the kids and I will be attending Disney Live!, Piston Power Show and I-X Center Amusement Park as their guests. 
Opinions are my own. If you would like to be added to this list or to become a sponsor feel free to contact me.

Just when the snow seemed to be going away *pow* more snow!  Sigh.

The calendar is at the end with all of what we would like to do in March if we had unlimited time and money. Some are free most not but be sure to call all events prior to attending, just in case.

If you like this post, please share and if you go to any I'd love to hear about it either here, on Facebook, twitter or g+.  Don't forget to check out the giveaways at the end!

Northeast Ohio Highlights for March 14 - 20, 2014 from our Bucket List: 

Maple Sugar Festival Pancake Breakfast @WRHS_History Hale Farm & Village March 15, 16, 22 & 23 http://t.co/ntwf82rsmd pic.twitter.com/PhTKU4aTwW
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) February 28, 2014

Mahoning Valley St. Patrick's Parade 36th Anniversary March 16 at 1:00 PM http://t.co/ai2Tewb00O pic.twitter.com/4trodz9dcM
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) March 11, 2014

Why @DisneyLive is Better Than a Magic Carpet Ride

 

Disclosure: We received tickets to attend this event in order to facilitate this post.  

This is not a paid post. Opinions are my own.

The family went to see Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival on Sunday and the kids had a blast!  I was a little worried that my eight year old would not have fun but even he was singing along with some of his favorite Disney tunes.  Baby girl on the other hand could hardly contain her excitement and she was so upset when it ended she cried all the way to the car declaring that she must stay to see the second showing.

This is the first time taking the kids to a concert for kids.  Sure, Baby Girl has been to Lilith Fair but that hardly counts as a concert meant for kids.  I am not sure why we have not taken the kids to something like this before but this production made me feel like I was at a rock concert and hearing baby girl shout, "I LOVE YOU MICKEY!!!" at the top of her lungs makes me think we should go again.

I know that nothing would really beat a flying carpet ride but since we will more then likely go again then actually take a magic carpet ride here is my list of:

Reasons Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival is Better Than a Magic Carpet Ride

The costumes

Sure the costumes on stage were pretty fantastic and lifelike but where else can you wear your princess costume and not have people stop to ask why.

Northeast Ohio Bucket List for March 7 - 17, 2014

All events are added at my own discretion. I received complimentary tickets to the  Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo and the kids and I will be attending Disney Live!, Piston Power Show and I-X Center Amusement Park as their guests. 
Opinions are my own. If you would like to be added to this list or to become a sponsor feel free to contact me.

Seems like Cleveland is finally waking up from the deep freeze!  I keep saying this but I keep hoping that it will just stop snowing!  I promise to spend nearly every weekend at the beach or pool in the hopes of warming up after this winter.

Our calendar is at the end with all of what we would like to do in March if we had unlimited time and money.  Some are free most not but be sure to call all events prior to attending - I won't be held accountable for changes because I am at their mercy as much as you.

If you like this post, please share and if you go to any I'd love to hear about it either here, on Facebook, twitter or g+.  Don't forget to check out the giveaways at the end!

Northeast Ohio Highlights for March 7 - 17, 2014 from our Bucket List: 

Post by I Need a Playdate.

Post by I Need a Playdate.

Post by I Need a Playdate.

If a Piston Makes it Go it Will be at @IXCenter Piston Power Show! ENTER to Win Tickets! #sponsored

I have received tickets to the Piston Power Show to facilitate this post. Opinions are my own.

Some of my fondest memories are of my dad changing oil to the family car in the driveway or my older brother rebuilding motorcycles.  Now my little girl is asking for a pink screwdriver to help her favorite Uncle and my son could name cars by the time he was three.  We may not be a NASCAR family but we like cars and we will be checking out the Piston Power Show at the I-X Center as their guests and they are giving away four tickets to one lucky reader.

The Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama March 14 - 15, 2014 at the I-X Center will feature over 1,000 vehicles and interactive displays filling more than a million square feet of space indoors. This event will feature Kustom cars, Motorcycles, Boats, Aircraft, Antique Tractors, Monster Trucks, Semis, Tractor Trailers, Military Vehicles, Historical Construction Equipment, Interactive Displays and Simulators, Swap Meet and Toy Modeler area, Thunder Row featuring 40 Crusin’ Times All-Star cars, and more!

This is not just an auto-rama for adults - there are a whole lot of things for kids to do as well.  

• All American Soap Box Derby
• Gravel Pit - Watch the kids enjoy time playing with numerous types of cars and trucks in the gravel!
• 443 foot Soaring Eagle Zipline takes you 68 feet in the air and sends you soaring back to the landing area at 25 miles per hour -all ages.
• Slider and the Hot Dog Mascots only on Saturday, March 15!
• Monster Trucks
• Buckeye State Sanctioned Pedal Tractor Pullers Competition for kids ages 3-11

Advance discount tickets

Adult: $16
Children 7-12: $5
Children 6 and under free

Tickets are available now at: Discount Drug Mart, the official Discount Ticket Retailer of the Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama presented by Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers.

If a Piston Makes it Go it Will be at @IXCenter Piston Power Show. ENTER to Win Tickets! http://t.co/3zPYBXQXjd #ad pic.twitter.com/QSCELuh3Wq

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) March 2, 2014

Enter to win tickets to Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama via rafflecopter after the jump.

Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo is Coming to Cleveland. Win Two Tickets! #sponsored

I have received tickets to the Cleveland Home + Remolding Expo to facilitate this post.  Opinions are my own.

Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo is March 14-16, 2014 at the new Cleveland Convention Center! Enter to win two tickets below!

This three-day home improvement expo will showcase new and innovative trends and products in home remodeling and design in a state-of-the-art venue, reaching Northeast Ohio consumers who are planning their spring renovation projects.

@GreatBigShow presents #Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo Mar 14-16! Can't wait to see @typennington in-person! pic.twitter.com/OFthtEPX0E
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) February 22, 2014

You will be able to see Nicole Curtis from DIY Network's Rehab Addict, Ramskin Khachi nationally recognized design/build contractor, popular industry expert and television personality as well as the fantastic TY PENNINGTON as they share their expertise on the main stage.

2014 Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo tickets are available online 

$10 Box Office
$8 Online ($7 if you use discount code INAP)
$8 Seniors 65+ with ID (tickets must be purchased at show box office)
$5 Children ages 6-12 years
FREE Children 5 and under

#ad @GreatBigShow presents Cleveland Home & Remodeling Show! Get promo code or enter to win http://t.co/kDCcaA1Kip pic.twitter.com/xtitPnHdst

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) February 26, 2014

Dates and Times 

Friday, March 14 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Enter to win two tickets to the 2014 Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo via rafflecopter

#DisneyinCLE Tickets Up for Grabs! See @DisneyLive! at @TheQArena #sponsored

We have been provided with tickets to Disney Live! to facilitate this giveaway.  Opinions are my own.  I have not received any other compensation.

Ready to sing the music and share in the fun with over twenty five of your favorite Disney characters in Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival???

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival will be in Cleveland for one day only!

You and your family will hear the greatest hits from blockbuster movies like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story performed by Disney stars such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie.

Don't miss the dancing, singing, air-guitar playing and laughing on Sunday, March 9th - 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

@DisneyLive Coming to Cleveland for Just 1 Day! #DisneyinCLE Discount code -> http://t.co/AP7yWxZRtM #sponsored pic.twitter.com/jtWlnWem9x

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) February 21, 2014

Order your tickets here and use promo code MOM4 to get $4 off!  

Ticket Prices:

Front Row: $50

VIP: $40

Price Level 3: $25

Price Level 4: $18

*$3 facility fee not included in above prices

(Not valid on premium seating. No double discounts.)

Performance Times: 1PM and 4PM on Sunday, March 9, 2014 

Enter to win four tickets to Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival tickets via rafflecopter after the jump. 

The @GreatBigShow Presents Cleveland Home + Remodeling Show. Discount Available! #sponsored

I have received tickets to the Cleveland Home + Remolding Expo to facilitate this post.  Opinions are my own.

Spring is around the corner and it's time to get your home to-do lists started.  Well, by started I mean get your pads out and your pencils sharpened.  

What is it about spring that makes the average American want to remodel?

Marketplace Events, those fine folks who give us the Great Big Home and Garden Show each year presents the first-ever Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo March 14-16, 2014 at the new Cleveland Convention Center.

This three-day home improvement expo will showcase new and innovative trends and products in home remodeling and design in a state-of-the-art venue, reaching Northeast Ohio consumers who are planning their spring renovation projects.

@GreatBigShow presents #Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo Mar 14-16! Can't wait to see @typennington in-person! pic.twitter.com/OFthtEPX0E
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) February 22, 2014

Besides the hundreds of exhibitors waiting to show you how to check things off your list Nicole Curtis from DIY Network's Rehab Addict, Ramskin Khachi nationally recognized design/build contractor, popular industry expert and television personality and the fantastic TY PENNINGTON will be there to share their expertise.  I wish I had a dollar for every tear I shed over Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Tickets are available online. Use discount code

Hey Northeast Ohio! What are Your Plans this Weekend?

There is so much going on in Northeast Ohio this weekend! 

A tweet was just not enough space some of the great things that are going on this weekend.  Still not to late to get tickets or drop by!  (call first, like life there are no guarantees)

@DisneyLive is Coming to Cleveland for Just One Day! Check Out #DisneyinCLE Discount #sponsored

Disclaimer: we have received tickets in exchange to facilitate this post. Monetary compensation was not provided and all opinions are mine.

Every wonder what Disney’s hits would sound like remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country?  

Wonder no more because for one day in Cleveland, Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, will be performing in a music mash-up of mega proportions when Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival comes to The Q!

Let Buzz take you to infinity and beyond at Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival! #DisneyLive pic.twitter.com/SXf0qO7JOf
— Disney Live! (@DisneyLive) February 3, 2014

Disney fans will hear the greatest hits from blockbuster movies like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story performed by more than 25 Disney stars such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie.

You and your family won't be able to resist dancing, singing, playing air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Come join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival on Sunday March 9th with performances at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime.

Post by Disney Live!

Come sing the music and share in the fun with over twenty five of your favorite Disney characters in Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival!  Playing Quicken Loans Arena on Sunday, March 9^th.  Get your tickets today!

Order your tickets here and use promo code MOM4 to get $4 off!  

Ticket Prices:

Front Row: $50

VIP: $40

Price Level 3: $25

Price Level 4: $18

*$3 facility fee not included in above prices

(Not valid on premium seating. No double discounts.)

Performance Times: 1PM and 4PM on Sunday, March 9, 2014

Post by Disney Live!

Aladdin and Jasmine are special guests in Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival!

If you could go on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and Jasmine in Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival where would you go and why?

Enter to win 4 tickets to see Disney Live! here.

Monsters Hockey is #AliveinCLE!

We attended a night out as guests of the Lake Erie Monsters.  Opinions are my own.

The kids and I recently went to a Lake Erie Monsters game and now we get to give a night out away!

We had a blast at the game we attended as guests of the Lake Erie Monsters and we are planning to attend our next game soon.  Baby girl is still talking about the knuckle sandwiches that were exchanged and my son is impressed with how cool and fast the players were on the ice.  We really are Monsters hockey fans now!

Besides the 5 Facts About Monsters Hockey That Will Impress Your Mom, Monsters Hockey is just good clean, affordable fun.  I was just beside myself at how much there was for the kids to do and how friendly everyone is.  I am thrilled to be allowed to offer these tickets to a lucky winner and I hope you check them out!  I have added all of their promotional nights to my calendar but they have many more games.

Post by I Need a Playdate.

Lake Erie Monsters is giving-away four tickets to their March 19, 2014 game via rafflecopter.

Monster Jam is as Big as it Gets in #MonsterJamCLE at @TheQArena

We have been provided with tickets and pit passes to attend this event in exchange for this post and giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Monster Jam was so fun that words just won't do it.  So here are some pictures.  Still not to late to get in on the fun!