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Words on Bathroom Walls – Movie Review & Digital Book Giveaway (Ends 8/20)

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Words on Bathroom Walls

Families – there’s a new movie in select theatres (yes, theatres!) this Friday, August 21st, and it’s one to check out especially if you have a teen.

It’s called Words on Bathroom Walls, and it’s based on a popular young adult novel by Julia Walton. It’s a love story about a high school senior who is diagnosed with a mental illness. He tries to keep it a secret while falling in love -=with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition.

My (Spoiler-Free) Movie Review:

I watched the movie this week so I can review it. (I watched it by myself as I thought it might be too mature for my kids.)

I thought it was a beautiful movie. It’s 1 hour and 50 minutes, and it’s PG-13 for language and dark themes. The movie is more about Adam’s schizophrenia than about his love life. He struggles with changes in his family and recently diagnosed mental illness, as his family tries to support him and tries new medications to help him. Well, the medications cause side effects, and he doesn’t feel he can talk to his family honestly. It’s real and raw, and Maya is one ray of light in his daily life.

Like with most movies, I thought that many things were exaggerated. I wasn’t sure that people were just being cold and heartless to Adam, or if his schizophrenia made him perceive the world that way, and that’s simply what the movie was showing us. But I thought the way the world was handling his mental illness was very outdated and demeaning. In this way I didn’t feel it was realistic, but the movie had a good message and is definitely worth seeing. (I agree with the movie’s rating though and I don’t recommend it for kids under 13.)

[Read more…]

The Secret: Dare to Dream Movie Review & Book Giveaway

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The Secret: Dare to Dream

There are many things I’ve missed during COVID-19, and one of them is going to movies!

But thankfully you can still see new movies – just digitally!

On Friday, July 31st, a new, uplifting movie called The Secret: Dare to Dream will be available on Premium Video on Demand, and moms – get your girlfriends together for this one! It is totally worth seeing!

I had an exclusive opportunity to see the movie in advance at home. I watched it with my mom and we both absolutely loved it! My mom said it was a beautiful movie, and I agreed.

Without spoiling anything, I want to share my review of this movie, plus a taffy recipe (you have to see the movie to understand why)! AND I have a digital download of the BOOK to give away! 

[Read more…]

SCOOB! Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack Giveaway (& Free Kids Activity Sheets)

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Scoob!

Attention all Scooby Doo fans! SCOOB! is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD! 

As a kid I loved watching Scooby Doo with friends and family. It’s a classic! Well now another Scooby Doo mystery is available to enjoy now on digital, Blu-Ray and DVD! 

About SCOOB!

“SCOOB!” reveals the never-before-told story of Scooby’s origins. It shows how one of history’s most famous friendships began when an adorable, homeless puppy met a lonesome young boy named Shaggy, and how the two of them joined forces with aspiring young detectives Fred, Velma and Daphne to become the celebrated Mystery Inc.  Now, with hundreds of cases solved and adventures shared, Scooby and the gang face the biggest and most challenging mystery of their careers: a plot that will unleash the legendary ghost dog Cerberus upon the world.  As they race to stop this “dogpocalypse,” they discover that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone imagined. 

“SCOOB!” features an all-star ensemble cast led by Will Forte, two-time Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Kiersey Clemons, Ken Jeong, Tracy Morgan, Simon Cowell, and Frank Welker.

Watch the trailer here!

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Trolls World Tour on Blu-Ray/DVD on July 7th (& Prize Pack Giveaway – Ends 7/7)

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Trolls Branch Poppy

Trolls World Tour Giveaway!

Trolls World Tour is on digital now, and will be released on Blu-Ray/DVD on Tuesday, July 7th! To celebrate I have an amazing PRIZE PACK to GIVE AWAY!

My kids love the trolls movies and can’t wait to get this movie on Blu-Ray/DVD!

About the movie:

Poppy and Branch and the rest of your favorite Trolls are back for another musical adventure that’s bigger – and louder – than ever before!

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Urban Air Adventure Park is Open in Plymouth! (& Family 4-Pack Giveaway – Ends 6/30)

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Urban Air Plymouth

Looking for a great way to keep your kids active and excited this summer?

Urban Air Adventure Park in Plymouth is NOW OPEN!

There are over a dozen attractions to keep your kids entertained, with new safety precautions to ensure social distancing and maximum cleanliness. Read more and enter below for a chance to win a family four-pack of platinum passes!

Urban Air Six Feet

COVID-19 Safety

Urban Air is social distancing friendly! You can read details about their added safety measures on their website here: https://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/what-to-expect/trampoline-park-cleaning-procedures

Our Experience We visited there last summer for the first time to see what it was like (and so the kids could burn off some energy!). My daughter had been to a birthday party at a different Urban Air location and she loved it, and we had been meaning to go as a family. Then we learned of this new location in Plymouth (they opened in May 2019) so we headed there for the day.

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Ice Castles Minnesota Review, Giveaway & Discount 2020

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Ice Castles 2020

Ice Castles Minnesota Review, Giveaway & Discount 2020

Have you visited Ice Castles in New Brighton this year yet? I visited with my kids and friend and I’m so excited to share my review with you! Plus, I have an exclusive 15% discount for tickets AND a ticket GIVEAWAY! 

Our Experience at Ice Castles Minnesota 2020

As always, Ice Castles is beautiful, magical, and great for many photo opportunities. We visited on a not-so-cold Saturday and it was perfect. We had tickets in advance for a specific time and went right in (be sure to get them online in advance with my discount code!).

[Read more…]

$6 Disney Movies at Marcus Theatres & a Giveaway! (Ends 2/2)

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Enchanted Tales Marcus Theatres

$6 Disney Classics on the BIG SCREEN!

Do you remember the first time you saw a classic Disney movie on the big screen? I remember seeing movies like the original “Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” when I was growing up and those are some of the best movie memories I have.

Now we can all recreate those magical movie memories with our own kids during the Enchanted Tales Film Series playing on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through February 17th at select Twin Cities area Marcus Theatres!

Enchanted Tales Marcus Theatres

The $6 film lineup:

The Lion King (1994) – January 31 – February 2

Sleeping Beauty (1959) – February 7 – 9

Pocahontas (1995) – February 14 – 17 (extended through Monday for President’s Day!)

Showings will take place at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.MarcusTheatres.com/EnchantedTales.

Plus kids can get FREE popcorn!

Download one or all of the coloring sheets from their website, have your kids color in their favorite character, and then bring it to a participating Marcus Theatre or Movie Tavern location during your Enchanted Tales show to get a FREE complimentary-size popcorn! (Theatre admission required. One offer per child per day.)

ENCHANTED TALES LOCATIONS IN MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN:

Minnesota: Duluth Cinema, Elk River Cinema, Oakdale Cinema, Parkwood Cinema (Waite Park), Rochester Cinema, Rosemount Cinema and Southbridge Crossing Cinema (Shakopee)

Wisconsin: Bay Park Cinema (Ashwaubenon), BistroPlexSM Southridge (Greendale), Movie Tavern® by Marcus at Brookfield Square (Brookfield), Cedar Creek Cinema (Rothschild), Hillside Cinema (Delafield), La Crosse Cinema, Majestic Cinema of Brookfield, Menomonee Falls Cinema, North Shore Cinema (Mequon), Oshkosh Cinema, Palace Cinema (Sun Prairie), Point Cinema (Madison), Renaissance Cinema (Sturtevant), Ridge Cinema (New Berlin), Sheboygan Cinema, South Shore Cinema (Oak Creek) and Valley Grand Cinema (Appleton)      

GIVEAWAY!

Enter for up to 10 chances to win a FREE family 4-pack of tickets to see either “Sleeping Beauty” or “Pocahontas!” If you leave a comment, COMMENT below with the movie your family is most looking forward to seeing!

(If you have trouble commenting below, please leave a comment on this Facebook post here!)

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ice Castles 2020 Discount (Save 15% Online with my Exclusive Code)

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Ice Castles is coming back to Minnesota this winter (January 2020), and this time they’re in New Brighton, at Long Lake Park!

They open on Friday, January 17th, and tickets go on sale on Monday, January 13th!

And I have an exclusive DISCOUNT and ticket giveaway to share!

I’ve visited and reviewed Ice Castles with my family each year since 2015. Each year it has been a unique experience (though definitely dress warm!). In 2015 – 2016 Ice Castles were in Eden Prairie’s Miller Park, in 2017 and 2018 Ice Castles were in Stillwater, and in 2019 they were in Excelsior at the Commons, on the shore of Lake Minnetonka.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT!

I’m excited to share an EXCLUSIVE discount for Ice Castles 2020!

Just use my code FrugalmomIC and you’ll save 15% off tickets any day of the upcoming season!

Tickets will be available the morning of Monday, January 13th. Visit their website to purchase them and use the code here: https://icecastles.com/minnesota

Regular admission is $12.99 (weekday) and $17.99 (weekend).

Child admission is $9.99 (weekday) and $17.99 (weekend).

Save Money!

The prices went up this year, especially for weekend prices, so to save money be sure to use my discount code FrugalmomIC.

I also definitely recommend getting tickets in advance online to guarantee your admission, as standby admission is not guaranteed.

Check the Ice Castles website or follow them on Facebook for updates.

What can you expect at Ice Castles?

Lots of beautifully sculpted ice, slides, tunnels and photo opportunities. Princesses and fire performers. A snack bar with goodies and hot chocolate.

NOTE: They’re open BOTH day and night! 

My Reviews Each Year

Read my previous reviews here:

Ice Castles in Stillwater 2018

Ice Castles in Stillwater 2017

Ice Castles in Eden Prairie’s Miller Park 2016

Ice Castles in Eden Prairie’s Miller Park 2015

WANT MORE DISCOUNTS?

Check out my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families:

ENTER MY ICE CASTLES GIVEAWAY!

I’ve partnered with Ice Castles to give away 4 tickets, good anytime this season! Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter from below with your information by Monday, January 13th at 11:00pm. Winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email (please be sure to use a valid email that you check regularly!).

Note: The Blog Post Comment function is currently not working (I’m working to fix it!), but you may still click “I left a blog post comment” and your entries will count! Sorry for the inconvenience!

This is the first of several Ice Castles giveaways this season here so check back for more!

(Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored partnership with Ice Castles. All opinions are 100% mine.) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Discounted Tickets for Sparklerama at the Minnesota Children’s Museum (& Giveaway)

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Sparklerama

Ring in the New Year at Minnesota Children’s Museum!

This year, Sparklerama is back at the Minnesota Children’s Museum on Tuesday, December 31st from 6:00 – 9:00pm!

At the Sparklerama party, your family will enjoy:

• Music
• Art projects
• Beach ball drop at 8 p.m.
• Full access to the museum

Sparklerama Minnesota Children's Museum

Tickets and discounts!

The ticket price is $17, but there are ways to save!

If you are a member, save get tickets for ONLY $10/child and $5/adult with code MEMBEREVENT.

If you’re not a member, use my code TCFM to save $2 per ticket!

Minnesota Children's Museum Discounts

ALSO – use my code TCFM to get $20 off a gift membership or $3 off gift tickets. https://mcm.org/gift

GIVEAWAY

Enter my giveaway on Facebook for a chance to win 4 tickets!

Minneapolis Holiday Boutique Unboxing, Discounts and Giveaway

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The Minneapolis Holiday Boutique is returning to U.S. Bank Stadium on November 8-10, 2019, and I have a special giveaway for you!

Plus, I have a 50% discount to share, as well as an unboxing video I put together of some fun items you can find at the event!

What is the Minneapolis Holiday Boutique?

It is a 3-day marketplace where you can shop for holiday gifts for others (and yourself)! There are many local businesses, boutiques and artisans here so you can shop local, find unique items and support your own community.

What can you find?

There is everything for apparel to kitchen to decor to crafts to baby and kid items. There are many gifts to shop for others or yourself.

Watch me open a box of gifts you can find at the Minneapolis Holiday Boutique!

To give you a sampling, here’s an unboxing video I did showing you some of what you can find!

What activities can you find?

Minneapolis Holiday Boutique highlights will include:

  • The Midwest Artisan Area will feature custom-made gifts and home décor – candles to candy, shirts to soaps – by over 50 local artisans. Artisan sections are located on the northwest portion of the field and a new spot on the concourse near BAR and Caribou Coffee.
  • Twin Cities-based designer Christopher Straub is returning to the Minneapolis Holiday Boutique. He’ll be creating a designer area showcasing holiday looks with the NEW theme “Holiday Runway Challenge.” This area will greet guests on the concourse level and feature mannequins decked out in Straub originals all created with Minneapolis Holiday Boutique vendor products. In addition, Straub will showcase Christopher’s Favorite Finds featuring 10 of this year’s must-have gifts.
  • NEW: The Heavy Metal Grill food truck will bring the Holiday Boutique Tailgating Party inside by providing delicious hot entrees, including their famous tacos.
  • Make It, Take It Workshop – Northern Gardner and Fleur de Louise will be hosting a DIY Make It. Take It workshop on Saturday from 3 – 7 p.m.
  • The Festival of Trees – the lights and sparkle of uniquely decorated holiday trees and wreaths will captivate shoppers. Donated by community partners, each adorned tree will be for sale via a silent auction held throughout the weekend. Presented by the Zurah Shriners of Minneapolis Minnesota.
  • Santa’s Workshop – Vendors in this themed area on the northeast end of the field will feature home improvement companies, beautification and remodeling services, and a variety of products from windows to gutters. Just in time for you to spruce up your home for holiday guests!  
  • Shopper’s Relaxation Station – Take a break from your shopping spree, sit back and relax with a cocktail or beverage of choice. Our lounge is located near the Festival of Trees and is sponsored by Furniture & Things.
  • Miss Minnesota 2019 Kathryn Kueppers will be multi-tasking at this year’s Minneapolis Holiday Boutique. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Kueppers be singing in the entertainment area on the concourse level. Kueppers is also a Holiday Boutique exhibitor with her own line of artisan earrings with proceeds benefitting Children’s Miracle Network. She will sign autographs and take selfies – with her crown! – at her booth #713BA.
  • Fred Astair Dance Studio instructors will show and share their skills with guests on Friday (group class at 6 p.m. and performance at 7 p.m.) and Saturday (group classes at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)

Theme Nights, Activities and Perks

All Weekend

  • Register to win $50 Boutique Bucks on the concourse andat the Renewal by Andersen booth. Winners will be announced every hour.
  • Twin Cities Fire Fighters Selfie Station with Mirror Me Perfect – Take fun selfies with the “smokin’ hot” charity calendar models from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and on Sunday from noon – 2 p.m.
  • MN Basket Girl is sponsoring the free package check and information station. Here, shoppers can also pick up a unique gift basket with locally made items.
  • Sips & Snacks presented by Diageo, our beverage sponsor and one of the world’s largest producers of spirits and beers. Try one of their daily specialty drinks!  Pick up a Sips & Snacks card at the BAR on the south end of the concourse and make your way to several food and beverage vendors for drinks and samples. Turn in your card back at the Bar or our Info Booth on the field, and you’re entered to win a $50 D’Amico gift card.
  • Coat check will be offered on the concourse.

Friday, Nov. 8  

  • Kelli Hanson from KSTP’s “Twin Cities Live” will report LIVE from show beginning at 3 p.m.
  • Ladies Night Out will help kick off the weekend right. From 5 – 9 p.m., enjoy music, drinks, a henna artist, and door prize drawings every 30 minutes. Special appearance by KDWB’s Steve-O and his wife Kristy from 5 – 7 p.m. Plus, DIY Painting on the concourse in the entertainment area.

Saturday, Nov. 9

  • NEW: On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you could meet your potential forever furry friend! Twin Cities Pet Rescue will be on hand with cats and dogs available for adoption. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected companion animals. will demonstrate her piano skills and lead show goers to her rendition of “Name That Holiday Tune” from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10 – Hero Day

  • In honor of the upcoming Veterans’ Day, Sunday, Nov. 10 is Hero Day. All active and military veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters, first responders, nurses and teachers receive free admission with valid ID.
  • Play games with K102’s Amy James prize giveaways at our Media Station on the field from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Bring the kids and enjoy Mrs. Claus’ Cookies from 1 – 3 p.m. on the field, North Main Aisle in Center
  • Music entertainment featuring holiday classics, choir, and brass band, will be provided by Zuhrah Shriners of Minneapolis Minnesota from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  

Where?

U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis (on the field)

When?

The show is:

Friday, November 8th 10:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday, November 9th 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, November 10th 10:00am – 5:00pm

Discounts!

Tickets are $12 each for ages 13 and up. (Tickets are free for children 12 and under.) However, there are SEVERAL ways to save up to 50%!

  • Get 2 tickets for the price of 1 on Groupon! This is the best deal but is available for a limited time. (If you purchase via this link you save 50% and I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!)
  • Get 2 tickets for the price of 1 via their Facebook event.
  • Save $2 per ticket when you purchase online in advance or at Cub stores.
  • Tickets are $5 if you attend after 5pm on Friday or Saturday (get tickets at box office only)

Plus, Veterans, first responders and nurses get FREE admission on Sunday, November 10th. Valid ID required.

LEARN MORE

Visit their website or Facebook event page for more information.

GIVEAWAY

Enter my Facebook Giveaway for a chance to win 4 tickets! Just share in the Facebook post what you are hoping to find at the Minneapolis Holiday Boutique!

Giveaway ends Tuesday, November 5th at 8:00am!

(Disclosure: I was provided with tickets and a gift box with items to facilitate this post and giveaway. This post also contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)