WIN a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3DS game, DVDs, toys and MORE! ($92.95 value) ChiIL Holidaze Giveaways #giveaway

Disclosure:  Thanks to all the toy companies who partnered with us and gave us products for our giveaways.   As always, all opinions are our own.

 Leonardo Michelangelo Donatello Raphael

Ahhhh.   Those classically named heros in the half shell have become classics themselves.   They were even finalists for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame.  Introduce them to the next generation!

The countdown to 2014 continues with MORE great giveaways from ChiIL Mama!

ChiIL Mama's giving away all of the following!  **Click here to enter.** 

HOLIDAZE GIVEAWAY #5 ($92.95 total est value):

• 3DS Game--Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Activision ($29.99)

Game Overview

Shredder and the Kraang intend to unleash a devastating mutagen bomb that will transform the citizens of New York City into mindless mutants! Join Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo in the fight for NYC in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the videogame!

• Play as your favorite Turtle Anytime! Booyakasha!
• Battle through 15 action-packed levels!
• Eat pizza to increase your Turtle's health!

To enjoy the 3D effect of Nintendo 3DS software, you must experience it from the system itself. All screenshots and videos on this website have been captured in 2D mode. 

Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.

• 2DVD Set--Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimate Showdown 12 Episodes on 2 Discs ($15.99)

It's nonstop ninja action as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles face off against new enemies and old, including the Rat King, Cockroach, Baxter Stockman, and more! All this, leading to the ultimate showdown against the Kraang and the Shredder himself!

• Donatello Flingers Figure by Playmates Toys ($16.99)

Flingers feature a unique and innovative way to launch weapon projectiles. Leo and Mike fling sewer lid and pizza discs from their chest! Roll the figure sideways on a hard flat surface and the right arm reaches for the disc and flings it forward! Each figure includes 10 discs. Don and Raph throw bo's and sais over their shoulders! Roll the figure sideways on a hard flat surface and the rigth arm reaches back, grabs the bo or sai and flings it forward! Each figure includes 3 bo's and sai's.

• Raphael Flingers Figure by Playmates Toys ($16.99)

The Turtles hit the streets and fight back with rapid-firing Flingers action! Battle clad with rad junkyard armor, Raph's sliding sideways and slinging sais not once, not twice, but thrice, firing one after another, mowing down the Foot Clan.

• Donatello Froomies Foam Wall Decor ($12.99)

Even though they were ultimately bested by Chess & The iconic Rubber Duckie, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were one of twelve toy nominees in contention for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame 2013, which is a HUGE honor! 

• The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998, and recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period.
• Each year, the prestigious hall inducts new honorees and showcases both new and historic versions of classic toys beloved by generations.
• The iconic toys are celebrated in The National Toy Hall of Fame gallery located at The Strong's National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

Considered one of the most popular kids' entertainment brands of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have become an enduring global phenomenon. 

The Turtles made a totally epic return in September 2012 with the launch of a CG-animated television show on Nickelodeon and an all-new toy line inspired by the show from Playmates Toys, the driving force behind the global toy sensation for decades. Within just one year of its return, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has once again become the number one action figure line in the toy industry!

Disclosure:  Thanks to all the toy companies who partnered with us and gave us products for our giveaways.   As always, all opinions are our own.

WIN a free FireZone Fun 10-Pass (value $90) ChiIL Holidaze Giveaways #giveaway

The countdown to 2014 continues with MORE great giveaways from ChiIL Mama!

HOLIDAZE GIVEAWAY #5:

FireZone Fun 10-Pass (value $90) valid for 10 drop-in admissions 

Click here to enter through midnight 12/31.

The FireZone is the first firehouse for kids and also the first firefighter owned and operated kids business in Chicago. The FireZone features a firehouse theme with real firefighters, fire engines, educational displays, firefighter activity stations and programming to allow an imaginatively fun, learning experience. 

The FireZone provides a safe, clean, fun, and engaging environment for children to play in and explore. The FireZone's supervised activities will ensure children's safety, while challenging them to think, interact, imagine and have fun. We recognize that parents have numerous choices when selecting activities for their children's special events and that is why we are driven to providing a fantastically fun and unique party and event facility.

Click here to check out FireZone's web site.

FireZone- The Firehouse Adventure For Kids.

1100 National Pkwy

Schaumburg, IL 60173

877-597-FIRE

877-834-1324-fax

Remember to check back with ChiIL Mama daily, for loads of great giveaways, news, reviews, photo filled features & video interviews.

**Click here for all of our current ChiIL Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways entries and start your new year as a WINNER.**  

A Jewel of a Deal & Another Slice of History #NotGoingAnywhere #Ad

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

Jewel has launched it's $5 off $50 purchase coupon. Shoppers need to register here, then you will be able to print a coupon.

Jewel-Osco is on your block and in your corner!   

We frequent Jewel and rely on them for the basics and for special desserts.   Our favorite sweet treats from Jewel are Diana's Banana Babies and Graeter's Chip Ice Creams.   Graeter's originates from Cincinnati (my childhood home) and is my favorite ice cream of all time.   Their chocolate chips are HUGE slabs of dark chocolate and their ice cream flavors are made in small batches and are incredible!

My Dad's first high school job ever was at a Chicago area Jewel, back in the 50's!!

We're visiting the grandparents for the holidays as usual this year, and I was surprised to learn that before he got his accounting degree at Northwestern, my Dad's first high school job ever was at a Chicago area Jewel, back in the 50's!!   Back then he said they had to price everything by hand with a stamper and purple dye.   When canned goods would go on sale, they'd scrape off the code with steel wool and stamp on the weekly discount, then reverse the process at the end of the week!

It's a fun glimpse into the past to time travel back 60 years, Dr Who style. Kids these days don't know how easy they have it, with computerized inventory, registers and all.   Back then, minimum wage pay was .75 cents an hour!

Funniest Jewel Story from The 50's:
The Caffeine Fiend

My dad told me his funniest memory of those early Jewel days, a story I'd never heard before.   A thief came in once, with a huge, floor length overcoat, with interior pockets sewn in.   He proceeded to load up the pockets with glass bottles full of coffee, while the manager covertly watched him.   

When the guy tried to make a run for it, the store manager headed him off at the pass with a cart, and when the thief hit the cart, the stolen bottles broke all over the inside of his coat, covering him with coffee & glass.   The manager didn't call the police, but told him never to return, and threw the soggy coffee bandit out of the store!

Disclosure:  Once again, we are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

Celebrate Lunar New Year With Best Buy E-Gift Cards #bbylunarnewyear

Disclaimer:  The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're all about diversity and multiculturalism.  So we were excited to see that Best Buy is offering a cool Lunar New Year themed e-gift card.

I'm the daughter of an ESL teacher (English as a second language) and throughout my childhood we were a host family to numerous students and families from around the world.  We've maintained life long friendships with people from China, Japan, Hong Kong, and many more countries.   Now that I'm a mom, we make it a point to introduce our kids to great traditions from around the world, and we'll be heading down to Chicago's awesome China Town to celebrate lunar new year.   

Best Buy supports events which they believe are of importance to employees, customers, and communities.  The upcoming Lunar New Year is one of those important celebrations for Asians all around the world, including Asian-Americans.   Lunar New Year not only celebrates the beginning of the year but also the ending of winter and the anticipated arrival of spring.  It is one of the most important holidays celebrated in countries such as China, Tibet, Korea, and Vietnam.

This upcoming year, Lunar New Year, which is based on the phases of the moon, falls on January 31st 2014 of our Gregorian calendar.  Best Buy is helping celebrate the event with an Asian-inspired eGiftcard, available for purchase or gifting from BestBuy.com.  Click here and scroll to the right until you see the red gift card with the two Koi fish.

Also, last chance for the give it to win it promotion. Daily gift card prizes up to $10,000.  Buy any Best Buy gift card, $25 & up, then enter for your chance to win. Ends 12/24/2013.  Click here for details.

Disclaimer:  The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Mrs. Green's FREE Holiday Cookie Decorating THIS Saturday #mrsgreens #organic #FoodieFun

Green grocer has a whole new meaning these days.   And we're excited to welcome Mrs. Green's Natural Market to the Chicago market!   This newcomer is all about organic, eco friendly, and healthy produce and products that go way beyond fresh fruits and veggies.   They also have a delectable selection of deli sandwiches, and pre-made foods. Foodies and newbies will relish the unintimidating atmosphere and friendly staff.   We'll have a big photo filled feature up shortly.   For now, we wanted to give you the heads up on a sweet event going down tomorrow morning.

ChiIL out with Mrs. Green's FREE family cookie decorating.  ChiIL Mama & Du-Jay went last week and had a blast!   But why should the bloggers & press have all the fun?!   This one's for YOU.

Healthy doesn't have to mean all granola and keifer (though we do dig those, too).   Mrs. Green's has a wickedly delicious dessert case, fantastic coffee, and more tasty treats!   They may not be low cal, but they're made with natural, fresh, organic ingredients and come in a variety of configurations to suite any allergies or dietary needs.   

It was my great pleasure to sample many of their sandwiches during their press opening and I was suitably impressed.   Their Cajun selections will give your winter blues a kick out the door, with just the right spice combos to heat things up.   You'll find a great fit here whether you love to cook or love to leave the cooking to others!

Last Saturday, I returned with my 12 year old to decorate holiday cookies, take a store tour, and chat with the staff nutritionists.   My son, Dugan, got "best big brother ever" points for specially requesting blue food coloring so he could morph a wreath into a 1st place ribbon for his little sister who was going to compete at state the next day!   She'd placed 1st all around in her last 2 meets and missed the cookie fun because she was at 1 last grueling 3 hour practice before state.   

They were so helpful and nice at Mrs. Greens they even encouraged us to take home extra cupcakes, cookies and ingredients so our gymnast could decorate her share at home!   The treats were super tasty. And the kids (and adults) had a blast being creative with the confections.



While we were at Mrs. Greens I was elated to pick up an excellently flavorful & strong cup of coffee and arnica in tablet and gel forms for my gymnast.   It's great for healing bruises and muscle strains and crazy hard to find around town.   We live by the stuff!

As we were checking out, we overheard numerous people raving about how excellent the sausage samples were, so we made our purchases and detoured back in the front door to try a few for ourselves.   Their reputation was well deserved!   We tried the bacon sausage, cracked black pepper, maple syrup, and cheddar and all were amazing.

Mrs. Greens is a warm, welcoming space and a great addition to Chicago.   I can easily see frequenting this market.   They're an excellent resource for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans.   

Come by with the littles THIS Saturday for free cookie decorating 10:30am-11:30am and check out Mrs. Greens for yourself!

What Grocery Store Is Here To Stay? #NotGoingAnywhere #ad

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

This past weekend, Chicago social media was all a buzz with a certain grocery store's going out of business sale.   Words like frenzy and swarm were all over the 75% off sale recaps.  Some tweets compared the mobs of deal stealers to the cornucopia scenes from Hunger Games.   I stayed far far away on purpose. Why get pummeled for produce or felled for foodstuffs?!

Jewel is in my neighborhood and here to stay.   They're even buying up some of the stores the frenzied swarm so efficiently emptied last Friday.   They've been a Chi-town staple for 114 years, and they're stampede free.   Even better, they've done away with those annoying discount cards and spread the savings throughout the store for everyone to enjoy.   As a chronic card forgetter, I'm eternally grateful.

Jewel began as a group of door-to-door salesmen selling tea and coffee from the back of horse-drawn wagons. Founded in 1899 by Frank Ross and his brother-in-law Frank Skiff, the company started with $700, a rented horse, and a secondhand wagon.

Check back with ChiIL Mama early and often throughout the end of December and the month of January.   We'll be highlighting some seriously chiIL (trample free) Jewel-Osco deals for you.   Here's one to get things going

• Gift Card Promotion: buy $100 in participating dining gift cards at any Jewel-Osco now through 12/25 and get $10 off your next purchase. $10 off coupon is a catalina printed at checkout. The catalina is good through 1/1/14. Participating gift cards include: Applebee’s, IHOP, Chili’s/Brinker, Buffalo Wild Wings and Amazon Gift Cards; Promotion includes the Applebee’s & AMC Dinner gift card AND Brinker/Regal Movie & Meal gift card. 

Disclosure:  Once again, we are happy to be partnering with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE! BRINGS A COLOSSAL PARTY ON ICE TO CHICAGO

Skating Spectacular Showcases 

A Magical Medley of Holidays and Celebrations

With More Than 50 Favorite Disney Characters

Local families are invited to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! arrives in the Chicago area for performances Jan. 22 - 26 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., and Jan. 29 - Feb. 9 at Chicago’s United Center. Featuring more than 50 classic and contemporary Disney characters, Let’s Celebrate! is a captivating compilation of favorite holidays and celebrations from around the world, jam-packed with fun surprises and spectacular skating.

Favorite Disney songs, an original storyline, brilliant costumes and high energy action will have audiences celebrating some of the world’s most popular events without ever leaving Chicago. The whirl-wind tour includes stops in Brazil for a Carnival parade, Hawaii for a luau with Lilo and Stitch, and Japan for the Sakura cherry blossom festival, along with invitations to a frightfully festive Halloween party with Jack Skellington and his Disney Villain friends, and a lavish Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses.    

“Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! gives families a reason to celebrate no matter what time of year it is,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “This uplifting and unforgettable spectacle showcases different celebrations around the globe, and families will walk away remembering to celebrate the everyday joys and successes in their lives.”

“Audiences are going to love this colossal celebration,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “We take the most exciting holidays and special events and pack them into one monumental show.  You can travel the world in style and experience all the fun and excitement with your favorite Disney characters.”

From twisting and fire-twirling Hawaiian luau dancers to the zombie-like movements of the ghoulish groupies in the Halloween segment, choreographer Cindy Stuart adds high-energy and a unique style to each performance number. Audiences get a taste of New Orleans, where Tiana’s story takes place, in a Mardi Gras performance that is packed with upbeat jazz-influenced choreography and music. 

In the Valentine’s Day segment, seven extraordinary pairs of Disney Princesses and Princes skate to contemporary remixes of classic songs from each princess’ story and then come together for a large number to “That’s How You Know” from Walt Disney Pictures’ Enchanted. At a Very Merry UnBirthday Party, a fast-paced skating frenzy ensues as the characters toss around the Mad Hatter’s hat. Then a uniquely choreographed precision skating number follows with Sorcerer Mickey bringing 15 skaters in broom costumes to life and sweeping across the ice in a synchronized formation.

Tickets for Chicago-area performances of Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! are available at the Allstate Arena and United Center box offices, all Ticketmaster locations, on the web at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (800) 745-3000. All seats, excluding VIP and Front Row, are $12 for opening night performances – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan.22, at the Allstate Arena, and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the United Center. 

Parking for all performances of Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! is FREE in all official Allstate Arena and United Center parking lots. Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply.

For additional information, log on to www.disneyonice.com, or visit Disney On Ice on Facebook or YouTube.

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!

ACT OUT KIDS EXTENDED: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL

EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!

ONE WEEK ADDED!

Performances through January 5, 2014

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL has been extended by popular demand and will play for an additional week at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut). RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL will play through January 5, 2014.

The beloved stop-motion classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ and his friends soar off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. From fleeing the Abominable Snow Monster ^TM to saving Christmas, join Rudolph™  and his friends Clarice ^TM, Hermey the Elf ^TM and Yukon Cornelius ^TM as their adventures teach us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.  Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the little misfit in all of us.

Honoring the tradition of the original animated television special, Emerald City Theatre and First Stage bring to life the magical world of the North Pole in a large-scale, spectacle-filled musical with all the classic songs. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL is appropriate for all ages.

Adapted from the Animated Television Special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ®” and all elements from the 1964 television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” © and TM, presented under license from Character Arts, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank and his artists from First Stage,” said Emerald City Producing Artistic Director Ernie Nolan. “Jeff Frank’s enchanting, original adaptation is a feast for the eyes with heartwarming holiday cheer.  I can't wait to add a little Emerald City magic to the recipe.  Together we promise Chicago audiences a great BIG toe tapping musical that the whole family can savor.”

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL creative team includes: First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank (Director); Emerald City Producing Artistic Director Ernie Nolan (Choreographer and Associate Director); Brandon Kirkham (Production Designer); Jason Fassl (Lighting Designer); and Matt Whitmore (Sound Designer).

About Emerald City Theatre 

Founded in 1996, Emerald City Theatre creates theatre experiences that inspire early learners through play. Emerald City is one of Chicago's most attended non-profit theatres, with an annual programing reach of 80,000.

Through a rigorous collaboration between innovating artists and leading educators, Emerald City develops new work for young audiences, with over 29 world premieres; produces professional productions at the Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park, The Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, and the Little Theatre; and provides acclaimed educational programming throughout Chicago through Emerald City Theatre School.

About First Stage

Since 1987, First Stage has grown to become one of the nation’s most acclaimed children’s theaters and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. First Stage touches hearts and transforms lives through professional theater productions that engage, enlighten and entertain more than 115,000 audience members annually.  Committed to new play development, First Stage has presented nearly 50 world premieres in its history and has collaborated with renowned artists including Harry Connick Jr. and Stephen Schwartz, and award-winning authors Lois Lowry and Cornelia Funke. Its Theater Academy, teaching life skills through stage skills, is the largest theater training program of its kind in the nation.  As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-in-education programming, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote active learning in our schools and our community, serving over 20,000 children each year.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place start at $21.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances.  Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

Click here for a complete performance schedule.

WIN Lincoln Logs® Redfield Ranch™ Building Set, SRP $39.99 in a Cool Barrel #giveaway #review

Disclaimer:   ChiIL Mama is elated to be working with K'NEX and Lincoln Logs as part of their Toys “R” Us® Mom Blogger Promotion.   Thanks to them for providing complimentary products for us to review and/or give away to our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own. 

Excitement is building with 7 cool toys from our friends at K'NEX and Lincoln Logs... literally.   Enter Here for your chance to win.


 Lincoln Logs® Redfield Ranch™ Building Set, SRP $39.99 (ages 3+)

Enter like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often & spread the word for more entries.   Open through midnight 12/31.   Winners will be contacted by e-mail and listed here on January 1.   Start 2014 with a WIN!

Like old school, wooden retro-toys and natural materials instead of plasticland?   Here's a great one you might recognize from your own childhood, Lincoln Logs!   ChiIL Mama had a set... did you?!

Your little buckaroo can get old school with the old West and horse around for hours of creative play.   There's still time to snag one of these sweet sets at Toys R US.   This awesome Lincoln Logs set in a fun barrel is sure to be a hit! It'll give your kids hours of boredom busting build time and a rest from the screen time. Check it out!

Here at ChiIL Mama we're raising Montessori kids so we have a soft spot for wooden toys, natural materials, and toys kids can really get their hands on and build with in real time and space.

This week we're featuring 7 toys that make ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks list.  We're reviewing all 7 & giving away one.  All are Toys R Us exclusives.  Click here for our past K'NEX coverage.

This year we've been chosen to review numerous new K'NEX kits & Classic Lincoln Logs for the holidays, with Toys R Us Moms, and they'll all be up this week along with a giveaway for YOU!  

Click here to read Holidaze Day #4: Beatles Yellow Submarine

 The Beatles Yellow Submarine™ Building Set, SRP $34.99



Click here to read Holidaze Day #4:  Kiss  
 KISS® Rock Stage Big Rig Building Set, SRP $34.99 (7+)

Click here to read our review on:
 New Super Mario Bros™ 2 Thwomps™ Building Set, SRP $59.99

Combine your Thwomps building set with the rest of the K'NEX Super Mario™ building set line to take Mario on an even BIGGER adventure!  For ages 8+.  Suggested retail price is $59.99.  Available exclusively at Toys “R” Us. 

Click here to read our review on:
Super Mario 3D Land™ Bowser’s Castle Building Set  SRP $99.99/ Ages 8+

Click here to read our review on:

 Typhoon Frenzy™ Roller Coaster Building Set, SRP $39.99

Then check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for loads of fun toy & game reviews, giveaways and more.   ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 days of Giveaways is goin' on till December 18th!!

Disclaimer:   ChiIL Mama is elated to be working with K'NEX and Lincoln Logs as part of their Toys “R” Us® Mom Blogger Promotion.   Thanks to them for providing complimentary products for us to review and/or give away to our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.   Note:  This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Toys “R” Us®, Geoffrey, Inc. or Toys “R” Us, Inc.

REVIEW: Holidaze Day #4: Typhoon Frenzy™ Roller Coaster Building Set, SRP $39.99 #review #giveaway

Disclaimer:   ChiIL Mama is elated to be working with K'NEX and Lincoln Logs as part of their Toys “R” Us® Mom Blogger Promotion.   Thanks to them for providing complimentary products for us to review and/or give away to our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own. 

Excitement is building with 7 cool toys from our friends at K'NEX and Lincoln Logs... literally.



As the holidays draw closer by the day, my kids are counting down. But there's still time to snag one of these sweet sets at Toys R US. If your budding engineer loves roller coasters, this awesome K'NEX kit is sure to be a hit! It'll give your kids hours of boredom busting build time and a rest from the screen time.   Check it out!

Here at ChiIL Mama we dig roller coasters and every year we're invited to Great America for their press sneak peeks at the hot new twists on their coasters.   We were among the first to check out X Flight and ride Batman BACKWARDS.   

CLICK HERE to check out some of our original video interviews, footage and coaster coverage.   For the moment, the midwest is in the deep freeze and it's too cold for coaster fun.   So we'll be chiILin at home and building cool coasters with our K'NEX till spring.




What's Next:

 Typhoon Frenzy™ Roller Coaster Building Set, SRP $39.99

My kids have a blast building K'NEX kits together.   Check it out!

This week we're featuring 7 toys that make ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks list.  We're reviewing all 7 & giving away one.  All are Toys R Us exclusives.  Click here for our past K'NEX coverage.

This year we've been chosen to review numerous new K'NEX kits & Classic Lincoln Logs for the holidays, with Toys R Us Moms, and they'll all be up this week along with a giveaway for YOU!   Check out all our ChiIL Reviews for great gift ideas and enter to win.   Which one will it be? Read up and see!

Look for the following ChiIL Review & Giveaway (now extended through midnight 12/31) shortly:

 Lincoln Logs® Redfield Ranch™ Building Set, SRP $39.99;

Click here to read Holidaze Day #4: Beatles Yellow Submarine

 The Beatles Yellow Submarine™ Building Set, SRP $34.99



Click here to read Holidaze Day #4:  Kiss  
 KISS® Rock Stage Big Rig Building Set, SRP $34.99 (7+)

Click here to read our review on:
 New Super Mario Bros™ 2 Thwomps™ Building Set, SRP $59.99

Combine your Thwomps building set with the rest of the K'NEX Super Mario™ building set line to take Mario on an even BIGGER adventure!  For ages 8+.  Suggested retail price is $59.99.  Available exclusively at Toys “R” Us. 

Click here to read our review on:
Super Mario 3D Land™ Bowser’s Castle Building Set  SRP $99.99/ Ages 8+

Then check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for loads of fun toy & game reviews, giveaways and more.   ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 days of Giveaways is goin' on till December 18th!!

Disclaimer:   ChiIL Mama is elated to be working with K'NEX and Lincoln Logs as part of their Toys “R” Us® Mom Blogger Promotion.   Thanks to them for providing complimentary products for us to review and/or give away to our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.   Note:  This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Toys “R” Us®, Geoffrey, Inc. or Toys “R” Us, Inc.