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Reader Giveaway: 4-Pack of Tickets to the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

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I am super excited to announce a big giveaway right here at Twin Cities Frugal Mom: One reader will win a 4-Pack of Tickets to the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America!!!!! The tickets are good through December 31, 2014. Enter by June 9th by filling out the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post.

I visited with my family recently and here’s my review with lots of photos, plus a list I put together of 6 ways to save on admission! We had so much fun and highly recommend visiting with kids of any age!

A fascinating new exhibit will be opening at the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium in June called “CLAWS.” The world’s largest crab species – Japanese Spider Crabs – will arrive in Minnesota for the first time. Many other crustaceans will be featured in this new interactive exhibit including Coconut Crabs. CLAWS will be replacing the Octopus Garden exhibit which ended on May 14th.

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visitsealife.com

[Read more…]

Snuggle the Baby Children’s Book Review

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Snuggle the Baby is a unique, interactive how-to board book that teaches young children how to tickle, feed, shush and swaddle a baby by actually being able to do those things with the book! It’s the first of its kind and I was given the fun opportunity to review a copy with my kids. snugglethebabybook

Snuggle the Baby plays like a doll and reads like a “How to Care for Baby” book for kids. My kids, Heidi and Thor, enjoy it and have requested reading it many nights before bedtime.

With every turn of the page, there is an interactive activity for kids including tickling, feeding, diapering, swaddling, rocking and tucking in the baby. The words are gentle, simple and encouraging.

This book is fun for siblings to read together. At first, Heidi and Thor each wanted to do the baby care activity by themselves but have now learned to share and take turns.

[Read more…]

Coupons and Freebies – Week of May 16th

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Coupons and Freebies

Here is a compilation of this week’s great retail and restaurant coupons, most of which are available in the Twin Cities area, and several educational freebies you can get online.

Top Retail Coupons:

Aeropostale – 25% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 5/18/2014)
GAP Outlet – 10% Off $75 Purchase (exp: 5/18/2014)
Gordmans – 15% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 5/26/2014)
JCPenney – 15% Off Apparel, Shoes, Accessories, & Home + More (exp: 5/18/2014) [Read more…]

Valleyfair Opens May 16 – NEW Route 76 Family Area plus Everyone Pays Kids Price until 6/15

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valleyfairroute76

Valleyfair opens TODAY – May 16th at 10:00 a.m. – for the 2014 season! (Does this mean summer is really coming?!?!?)

I received a press release with special media information about what’s new at Valleyfair this year:

New in 2014 is Route 76, an area geared towards families. Inspired by when Valleyfair first opened its gates to the public in 1976, Route 76 will feature a new family ride, return of an old favorite, and two newly themed classic rides. [Read more…]

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America and 6 Ways to Save on Admission

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Sea turtles, stingrays and sharks – oh my!

Our family was invited to visit the Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America with complimentary passes in exchange for my writing an honest review. Needless to say, our kids were super excited to visit, especially Thor, our 3-year-old, who couldn’t wait to see the sharks!

The Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America is the largest underground aquarium in the world with more than 10,000 sea creatures, a 300-foot ocean tunnel and 30 display tanks.

We visited on a Monday evening in May when the mall is typically less busy. The Sea Life Aquarium wasn’t crowded at all and we went right in and got our hands stamped (with a hand stamp you can leave and come back as many times as you want that day). SeaLifeCollage1

[Read more…]

Bump Club Twin Cities Partners with Target to Offer Expert Parenting Tips & Tricks – 5/12-5/13

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bumpclubmay12

Open to the public: Bump Club Twin Cities & Target are partnering to present events sponsored by Huggies for all expectant and new parents Monday and Tuesday this week!

Attendees will be able to chat with event vendors, and shop the brand new “Baby Experience” section at Target, with an included shopping incentive. Huggies will also provide an exciting sneak peak of their newest diaper coming this July! [Read more…]

Coupons and Freebies – Week of May 9th (Great Mother’s Day Deals!)

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Coupons and Freebies

Here is a compilation of great retail and restaurant coupons, most of which are available in the Twin Cities area, and several educational freebies you can get online. Many great Mother’s Day deals!

Top Retail Coupons:

Bath & Body Works – $10 Off $30 Purchase (exp: 5/11/2014)
Carter’s – 20% Off $40 Purchase (exp: 5/14/2014)
Children’s Place – 20% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 5/11/2014)
Coach Outlet – 15% Off $100, 20% Off $150, or 25% Off $250 Purchase (exp:5/14/2014) [Read more…]

Free Minnesota Events on National Kids to Parks Day – Saturday, May 17

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Elm Creek park

After a long, cold winter, I don’t think many Minnesotans are looking for excuses to go outside, but just to make it even more enticing – National Kids to Parks Day is Saturday, May 17th and people are encouraged to take their families to local parks to participate in over 1000 events taking place nationwide!

There are dozens of events happening right here throughout Minnesota – many on the 17th, many on other dates in May. [Read more…]

Mother’s Day Weekend FREE List for the Twin Cities 2014

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mothersdaycover

There are many fun places to visit in the Twin Cities this Mother’s Day weekend where moms and grandmas get in FREE! Plus, because it’s Minnesota Museums month, many museums are offering deals throughout May (including free admission for kids!). Here are some I could find! (Check back for updates!)

asimothersday

American Swedish Institute – Free admission for Moms on Mother’s Day. 12:00 – 5:00pm. Celebrate your mamma or mor mor with a day at the American Swedish Institute!  Moms and Grandmas recieve free admission to the museum, including Turnblad Mansion and Osher Gallery. [Read more…]

Am I Like My Mother – Kars4Kids Mother’s Day contest

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amimymothercontest

Kars4Kids, an educational blog for parents, is hosting a contest for a $200 StubHub gift certificate.

They’re asking people to share what makes them similar to their mothers. What a fun and great way to share something about your mom on her day! (a cute pic is welcome as well) I know I hear myself sounding like my mom when I talk to the kids, mor and more each day.

Kars4Kids is giving away a $200 StubHub gift certificate (choice of e.g. theatre, concert, or sports event) so the winner can take Mom out on Mother’s Day. Here’s the link to the contest with more details.