WIN 4 Tickets to Disney on Ice Princesses & Heroes 9/10 or 12 #DisneyOnIce #giveaway

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and lots of your Disney friends this September when Disney on Ice returns to Chi, IL at the United Center September 10-14th with 52 CHARACTERS in 10 JAMPACKED SCENES! Join the magical pixie Tinkerbell and seven of Disney's most beloved princesses - Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White - and their princes in a collection of celebrated tales wonderfully told through artistic skating and jaw-dropping, on-ice acrobatics! 

Disclosure: It's been our pleasure here at ChiIL Mama, to partner up with FELD for years now, to shoot and review their shows, and to offer free ticket giveaways to our readers. Thanks to FELD for giving us complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaways. As always, all opinions are our own.

Click HERE for your chance to WIN.

Entries accepted through midnight on August 31st. Tickets will be under your name at the box office for the show of your choosing betweenWednesday, Sept 10 @ 7pm OR Friday, Sept 12 @ 7 pm. *Note: You must choose a show date and enter under the name of an adult who will be present at the box office.

Believing is Just the Beginning! Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt

Comes to Chicago

Tinker Bell Whisks Audiences through Classic Moments from some of Disney’s most Beloved Stories of 

Beautiful Princesses and their Daring Heroes 

Believing is just the beginning in Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Local dreamers will have the chance to witness the magic, Sep. 10-14, when Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White all make their wishes come true at Chicago’s United Center.

With the help of the magical pixie Tinker Bell, the Disney Princesses embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this collection of celebrated tales wonderfully told through artistic skating and acrobatics. Jasmine discovers a whole new world with Aladdin after meeting her unlikely hero in the marketplace. Prince Philip defeats the evil fire-breathing dragon Maleficent in a race to save his true love Aurora. Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s spell so that Ariel can remain part of his world. Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella, Belle and Snow White also find happiness in this beautifully imagined ice show.

All ChiIL Mama's readers are winners:

Two Great Savings offers:

• Click here to save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows using code MOM
• Weekday shows include Thursday evening and Friday matinee shows and weekend includes all shows Friday evening through Sunday evening.  Savings offer not valid on Front Row or VIP Seating. No Double Discounts. Service Charges and Handling Fees may apply.

**FREE PARKING IN ALL OFFICIAL UNITED CENTER LOTS WITH TICKET PURCHASE.**

“Before dreaming up this edition of Disney On Ice, we reflected on what makes Disney’s princesses and heroes so special,” said Producer Kenneth Feld.  “It didn’t take long to realize that every princess had one thing in common: each embarked on an adventure to find their heart’s fondest wish, and through believing, they come true.  We wanted to share that inspirational message with our audiences by celebrating the stories of these enchanting princesses and their heroic princes.”

Click Image for a Printable Coloring Sheet:

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes features an incredible display of special effects, stunning set design and breathtaking choreography on the ice.  United Center performances are scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sep. 10, Thursday, Sep. 11, and Friday, Sep. 12, and 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 13, and Sunday, Sep. 14.  Tickets, starting at $13, are available at the United Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations, on the web at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (800) 745-3000. 

Parking is FREE with ticket purchase in all official 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 and YouTube.

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 and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information on Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

Disclosure: Once again, it's been our pleasure here at ChiIL Mama, to partner up with FELD for years now, to shoot and review their shows, and to offer free ticket giveaways to our readers. Thanks to FELD for giving us complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaways. As always, all opinions are our own. 

HELP OUT: First Annual MAC & CHEESE FEST Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities

Saturday, October 4 at the UIC Forum, Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana

The first annual Mac & Cheese Fest will be held on Saturday, October 4 at the UIC Forum from noon to 3 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana.

“Mac & Cheese Fest is a celebration of the dish! With roots dating back to the 14^th century, recipes that span continents to entice aficionados galore, the Festival is a time to explore every variety of this beloved food,” says Cece Gonzales, President of Cece & Melinda of Raymi Productions. The event will feature a mind-blowing variety of macaroni and cheese entrees, appetizers and sides served with craft beers, wine and soft drinks.

Mac & Cheese Fest will feature approximately 50 Chicago chefs featuring their versions of Mac and Cheese, inspired from cultures, family traditions and their restaurant’s menu. Chefs will be asked to use any kind of pasta with any type of cheese as the primary ingredients. One lucky chef, recognized by attendees and a panel of foodies, will take home “The Golden Noodle.”

WHERE: UIC Forum

725 W Roosevelt Rd,

Chicago, IL 60607

www.macandcheesechicago.com

@macandcheesefst

www.facebook.com/macandcheesefest

About Ronald McDonald House Charities^® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC^®-CNI):
RMHC-CNI is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to care for families of children with complex medical needs by providing a ‘home away from home’ while their child is being treated in the hospital.  Every night, up to 140 families heal together because of the comfort, compassion and community at four area Ronald McDonald Houses® and Ronald McDonald Family Room®.  Annually 40,000 nights are provided where RMHC-CNI families are able to stay close to their child, helping them to heal faster and saving them over $7 million in hotel costs.  We are located near Advocate Children’s Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center,University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Edward Hospital in Naperville and the Cadence Health – Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) Campus in Winfield which will open in 2015.  For more information visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org.  Stay connected - Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, Instagram.  

PLAY LOCALLY: Longman & Eagle's FREE Block Party THIS Sunday

Longman & Eagle is hosting its fourth installment of ‘What’s Happening!!’, an outdoor block and dance party featuring the drinks, food and music this Sunday, August 31st, and the event runs from 1pm to 10pm.

As a ‘thank you’ to a neighboring community that has been so very supportive, the L&E has been hosting a free, outdoor block party on Schubert, at Kedzie, adjacent to the building for the last four years. Open to all, the event features dancing, drinks, food and music in an outdoor street setting.

Executive chef Jared Wentworth has created a street food menu for the event that includes Elote, Lamb Kebabs, Meatballs, Shrimp Ceviche and a Tete Sandwich. Bar manager Phil Olsen has also worked on an excellent selection of drink options including a special OSB punch.

Green Bean Day School staffers will be on hand on the early side for some kid friendly activities. Logan Square Preservation members will be available to discuss their efforts in beautifying Logan Square. Busy Beaver Button Company will be on site handing out goodies and the Bus Shop will be parked at the end of the block offering up vintage wares for sale. And as always, The Windy City Soul Club will be holding it down on the turntables for the dance party vibes!!

Land and Sea Dept. commissioned artist Chad Kouri to create the poster for the event. Kouri is a frequent visitor to L&E, and the Chicago-based multi-disciplinarian is a co-founder of the art and design incubator Post Family.

Labor Day Sale at Best Buy On Nintendo Tomodachi Life For 3DS And More #NintendoatBestBuy #Review

What We're Playing:

We dig gaming and Nintendo. In fact we're a Wii, 3DS, DS playing family and we have been for years. Luckily Best Buy is nearby, with all the latest and greatest releases. Summer road trips, cool fall days, and waits while siblings are in extracurriculars are all so much more pleasant when the kids are entertained!

This final week before school starts was full of doctors' appointments, check ups and endless waits in waiting rooms. Our DS and 3DS made the down time much more fun. Fill your waits with less whining and more winning with fun new Nintendo games from Best Buy.

Disclaimer:  ChiIL Mama is elated to be a Best Buy WOLF (Women's Leadership Forum) Blogger and we're happy to partner up and bring our readers tech news and reviews. 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, the tween, teen, my husband and I love to chill out with video games to relax and have fun. Thanks to our friends at Best Buy and our partnership with the Wolf Bloggers, we had a chance to score a review copy of Tomodachi Life for our 3DS. It's too much fun, and all of us have enjoyed seeing our personalized Mii characters populating the Tomodachi town and having virtual adventures. All our friends and family are there! This town rocks with magic shows, rock concerts staring your family members, conflicts and cooperation. You can even customize each character's exclamations (though the pronunciation may be a bit wonky unless you spell it phonetically).

Chill out with Hot Labor Day Weekend offers available at Best Buy:

Offer 1: 8/29/2014 – 9/1/2014 (4 Day Labor Day) - Online only Nintendo 2DS system - Save $30 (regularly $129.99 with savings only $99.99!).  

My kids both got DS systems years ago and we still have and use both, though we've added a 3DS as well. Check out Nintendo's latest, the 2DS, which plays all the great 3DS and DS games. Now you can take videos and pictures using your 2DS and they have a great entry price point of $129.99 into an expansive world of portable gaming.

Offer 2: 8/31/2014– Online only ––Save $5 on select 3DS games

Click here to get your Tomodachi Life from Best Buy and so many more great Nintendo games!

At first my Pokemon obsessed kids weren't sure Tomodachi Life looked that fun from the commercials they've seen, but once your friends and family populate your own personal island, hilarity ensues. The kids have been laughing lots and playing Tomodachi Life early and often. They've been entertained for hours making silly mash ups, creating clever shows, and exploring their own personalized Tomodachi Island. This is also a fun choice if you have kids of varying ages or a competitive one who gets moody about losing. It's non competitive, interactive, and as much fun to watch as it is to play. Help your friends and family problem solve in Tomodachi Life and watch the rewards roll in.

What can you do in Tomodachi Life?

•Make Music Videos – write songs and watch your Mii’s perform your creations…did we mention that they wear goofy outfits while on stage?

•Create Mii’s of your favorite celebrities – anyone can show up on your Tomodachi Life island

•Favorite/Least Favorite Foods – discover and feed your Mii’s what they love or what they hate…and watch the hilarious results

•Get Married and Have Kids – start a family in Tomodachi Life and experience your child growing up, walking for the first time, and maybe move off the island?!?!?!

•Personalities and Voices – not only can your create Mii’s that look like you and your friends, but you can also give them their own voice and personalities 

Disclaimer:  Once again, ChiIL Mama is elated to be a Best Buy WOLF (Women's Leadership Forum) Blogger and we're happy to partner up and bring our readers tech news and reviews. 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.

Which Kid Is Your Favorite? #parenting

My jaw dropped and I just stared, speechless, at the Trader Joe's cashier. Usually they chat you up with meaningless small talk about your weekend plans, your favorite IPAs or your mac n cheese hoarding. But this sweetly smiling cashier, also a mom of two, just asked the unaskable and blew my mind. Yes... she DID just say "Which kid is your favorite?"

I stammered out "Oh, I really couldn't answer that." While my brain began to unwittingly flash on all the things I adore and all the thing that drive me nuts about both of my kids. "I've always told them I'd never pick one over the other when they ask me." 

"Sure you can. They aren't here." she quipped without missing a beat. "You said you have a boy and a girl, right? Me too. I'll bet your boy's your favorite. Mine is."

My brain went reeling off on a silent tangent about most of the world where boys are valued over girls and China where the one child rule has resulted in a huge, generation wide gender gap. I know that's not what she meant. Who am I to go all PC & patriarchy on this stranger? Maybe her daughter's a pain in the butt. All she said was she likes her son more on a personal/personality level, but somehow it irked me. I've spent 12 years instilling confidence, grrrrrrl power and self esteem into my daughter.

Yet, I've read somewhere that boys tend to carry more of their mom's genetic disposition and vice versa and in our family it's totally true. My son is my mini me... word nerd, excellent writer and honors student getting straight A's 2 years ahead of his grade level at Lane Tech, one of the best schools in the country. He's smart, funny, creative and super thoughtful. I get him.

Then there's my daughter. She never reads for fun, can't write a complete sentence without crazy misspellings, and she takes after her punk rock, gymnast, extreme sports lovin' dad. This summer she bungeed off an 80 foot platform and did a 110 foot "sky coaster" free fall. She refuses to wear dresses and hates the color pink and girlie girl stuff. She and I butt heads constantly, but I adore her spunk and spirit just the same. She's also an insanely talented visual artist for her age, which does come from my side of the family. She's definitely a more intense child and tougher to parent, but that doesn't mean I love her any less, even when she's pushing all my buttons.

When my daughter, Sage, was small she went through a few years where she'd constantly make up these grizzly, macabre scenarios and ask who I would rescue, her, her brother or their dad, if I could only pick one. She'd weave these horrific tales of deadly fires, floods, car wrecks, plane crashes, kidnappers and more. Like most moms, I'd go all mama bear and take on a team of terrorists or jump in front of a bus to save either or both of my kids any day. But that answer, and reassurances of her safety never seemed to help and the deadly scenarios kept coming up.

I used to pull the "I won't pick one of you over the other" card until one day I realized maybe she had some deep seated fears I'd bail on her in a life threatening crisis. I changed to saying I'd always rescue her first, not because I loved her more or she was my favorite, but because she was the smallest and most vulnerable and needed me the most. It worked and finally the creepy scenarios stopped.

Way back in the day, after college, I had 2 Huskies with a former partner and although I know dogs are no real comparison to kids, they were family and I loved them both. When we split up and I moved to Chicago and he moved to California, we could each only find apartments that would allow one dog. He let me have first pick, but it was one of the toughest choices of my young life. I ultimately took Ubu, the younger red and white Husky, not because he was my "favorite", but because I felt like he needed me more. Denali, our big black and white boy was more independent and dominant and as much as I adored him and longed to bring him with me, I got the impression he'd be fine no matter what. 

But which kid is my favorite? What kind of mother asks something like that?! I don't honestly think I have a clear cut favorite here. Yet am I suppressing the truth? I somehow feel if I admitted to liking one kid more, even to a stranger in a check out line, far away from my kids' ears, it would show on me later and they'd somehow sense it. Could I even chose if I had to... in a kid splitting divorce or life threatening situation?

Of course the kids have asked me who's my favorite a zillion times in their short lives and I've always staunchly refused to play that game. I've always told them I love them equally and will never ever ever claim to love one over the other. They've finally quit asking.

I've met several adults who said their moms told them they were her favorite, but not to tell the other siblings. Then later in life, they found she'd said that to every one of her kids. I always felt that was a bit dishonest, though sweet in a way. But the kids would inevitably brag about it at some point and realize the deception.

Hopefully I'll never have to make that choice in a split up or life or death situation. And as for declaring a preferred personality between the two or an every day favorite? Not gonna happen. So I packed up my groceries and told the Trader Joe's cashier, "When my kids were small they used to ask who my favorite was all the time and I told them that they could ask forever and I'd ALWAYS answer both of you. That's my final answer."

ACT OUT OPENING: Acclaimed Production of The Magic Flute African Style at Chicago Shakespeare

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List
Multicultural, family friendly fun. Do NOT miss this limited engagement. Get your tickets now before this 4 day Chicago run sells out!

Isango Ensemble's

The Magic Flute

(Impempe Yomlingo)

adapted and directed by Mark Dornford-May

words and music by Mandisi Dyantyis,

Mbali Kgosidintsi, Pauline Malefane,

Nolufefe Mtshabe 

London’s Telegraph calls South Africa's Isango Ensemble artistry “an explosion of joy from the townships of South Africa… noble and beautiful and tender and funny and touching and true… a sense of celebration and resilience, that seems to encapsulate the human spirit at its best.” This Olivier Award-winning production effortlessly relocates Mozart's magical, mysterious kingdom to a contemporary township, encompassing various African languages. A Chicago Shakespeare Theater World’s Stage presentation at Skyline Stage on Navy Pier, September 25–28, 2014. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Isango Ensemble’s The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo), bringing thirty actors and musicians from South Africa to Chicago as part of CST’s celebrated World’s Stage Series. The Magic Flute reimagines Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most beloved operatic work, incorporating African singing, pulsating beats and spirited storytelling into this 223-year-old classic. The production will be performed at Skyline Stage on Navy Pier (next door to CST) for a limited engagement, September 25–28, 2014.  

Click here to book your tickets and learn more about this fabulous collaboration.  ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

Isango Ensemble performs THE MAGIC FLUTE, a Chicago Shakespeare Theater World’s Stage presentation from South Africa, presented in the Skyline Stage September 25–28, 2014. Photo courtesy of Isango Ensemble.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents a World's Stage production from South Africa Isango Ensemble's The Magic Flute Thirty Actors and Musicians transform Skyline Stage Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Isango Ensemble’s The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo), bringing thirty actors and musicians from South Africa to Chicago as part of CST’s celebrated World’s Stage Series. The Magic Flute reimagines Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most beloved operatic work, incorporating African singing, pulsating beats and spirited storytelling into this 223-year-old classic. Based in Cape Town, the vibrant company of the Isango Ensemble unites the diverse nation of Africa by reinventing classics from the Western theater canon within a South African setting. Adapted and directed by Isango co-founder Mark Dornford-May, The Magic Flute took London by storm, garnering London's prestigious Laurence Olivier Award. The production will be performed at Skyline Stage on Navy Pier (next door to CST) for a limited engagement, September 25–28, 2014. With a score faithfully transposed for an orchestra of marimbas, drums and percussion, thirty actors and musicians fill the stage of The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo) with sheer exuberance, celebrating the spirit of contemporary Africa. This unique interpretation resets the Western operatic classic within a South African township, utilizing traditional elements of South African heritage and various African languages. Breaking box office records at London’s Young Vic theater, the production was awarded London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and France’s Globes de Cristal for Best Opera Production following a sold-out run at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet. The Sunday Times gives the show five stars, applauding its “soaring lyricism, a sense of celebration, generous moral urgency, playful joviality—it is touching, sexy and cheeky.” The Independent hailed it as “enchantingly fresh, performed with infectious wit and visible joy.” The Magic Flute tours to Chicago Shakespeare and the United States after having thrilled over 3 million audience members worldwide in London, Dublin, Tokyo and Singapore. This production marks the Chicago debut of South Africa’s Isango Ensemble, founded by Director Mark Dornford-May and Music Director Pauliene Malefane. The company draws its performers from the townships surrounding Cape Town and speaks to a broad multicultural audience. Since its founding in 2000, the company has played to sold-out audiences around the world with numerous productions including A Christmas Carol (Ikrismaskherol), The Mysteries and Aesop’s Fables. Through its celebrated World’s Stage programming, Chicago Shakespeare has collaborated with more than 700 international artists representing 19 countries on five continents, engaging audiences in a dialogue with the world’s established and emerging theater artists. The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo) is an Isango Ensemble/Eric Abraham—Young Vic production, adapted and directed by co-founder Mark Dornford-May with words and music by Mandisi Dyantyis, Mbali Kgosidintsi, Pauline Malefane and Nolufefe Mtshabe. For a video preview, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/magicflute. The Magic Flute is performed September 25–28, 2014 at Skyline Stage on Navy Pier (next door to Chicago Shakespeare). Tickets are on sale now for $20–$55. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, as well as CST for $20 tickets for patrons under 35. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets or a season subscription, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com.  Isango Ensemble performs THE MAGIC FLUTE, a Chicago Shakespeare Theater World’s Stage presentation from South Africa, presented in the Skyline Stage September 25–28, 2014. Photo by Keith Pattison.  ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company and the recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary production of classics, new works and family fare; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 600 performances, CST attracts 200,000 audience members annually. One in four of its audience members is under eighteen years old, and today its education programs have impacted the learning of over one million students. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com.

Netflix Stream Team Back to School With Kindness #StreamTeam

Here at ChiIL Mama we're half way through our final week of summer vacation before school starts after Labor Day. It's been a sedentary week, since my 11 year old is down with the stomach flu and my 13 year old is recovering from ingrown toe nail surgery to permanently remove both sides of one of his big toe nails. Thank goodness for Netflix and great books!! Our kids know we're all about kindness and anti-bullying. And as we prep for back to school once again, we know learning life lessons like making friends, learning social skills and learning peaceful conflict resolution can be as important as reading, writing and 'rithmatic. Need a little family refresher on treating others well, that's entertaining and fun, instead of heavy handed? Netflix has you covered. Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is a proud member of the Netflix Stream Team. We've been compensated for sharing monthly posts with our readers.  As always, all opinions are our own. Kindness is magic. Taking a cue from Derek – star of the Netflix original series – this month we’re focusing on kindness. Derek's mantra of acceptance, no matter age or ability, inspired our list of titles which are a great resource to remind your kids about how to see the good in everyone. Because in the end, teaching the values of kindness and acceptance are just as important as any academic learnings. In our family, one of our all time favorite magic and kindness movies is Harriet the Spy. We highly recommend it and you can easily stream it on Netflix on your TV, computer or portable devices!  ChiIL Mama's thrilled to partner up with Netflix and the Stream Team once again this month and to share their list of titles that model kindness & respect to stream on Netflix. In addition to those below, Derek is a great way to foster a conversation about acceptance with your teens – from the creative mind of Ricky Gervais, a comedy genius with fans of all ages, this mockumentary style comedy-drama makes tough discussions more approachable. 12 Netflix Titles to Promote Kindness and Acceptance For your big kids: 1. Rudy 2. Mulan 3. A Mile in His Shoes 4. Radio 5. Good Luck Charlie: Down a Tree 6. Glee Want even more titles about kindness and acceptance? Our friends at Common Sense Media have shared a list of TV and movie titles that teach empathy - check out the list here. And your little ones: 1. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Vol. 1 Ep. 6: Friends Help Each Other 2. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Season 3, Ep. 4: One Bad Apple 3. Arthur, Season 15, Ep. 8: Muffy's Classic Classy Club / Best Enemies 4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame 5. Super Why, Season 1, Ep. 61: The Ugly Duckling: Becoming a Swan 6. The Fox and the Hound Disclosure:  Once again, ChiIL Mama is a proud member of the Netflix Stream Team. We've been compensated for sharing monthly posts with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Budweiser MADE IN AMERICA Fest Will Rock Both Coasts Simultaneously! #MadeInAmericaFest

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Disclosure: It's our pleasure here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows to partner up with Budweiser Made In America Fest and Markerly. We have been compensated for sharing this info with our readers.

Be able to say YOU were there for the first ever Budweiser Made In America Fests in LA or the 3rd in Philly. This year Budweiser Made in America festival is the first American festival to run simultaneously on both coasts. It's going to be epic!



**Los Angeles**

Labor Day Weekend
August 30th & 31st
Grand Park, Downtown LA

This is the inaugural year of the Budweiser Made in America festival in Los Angeles. The festival benefits the United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Budweiser Made in America festival is the first American festival to run simultaneously on both coasts

Lineup
Imagine Dragons, Kanye West, John Mayer, Steve Aoki, Juanes, Afrojack, Kendrick Lamar, Rise Against, Weezer, Sublime with Rome, Metric, Capital Cities, Chance the Rapper, Cypress Hill, Gareth Emery, R3HAB, Schoolboy Q, Wolfgang Gartner, Borgore, DVBBS, 12th Planet, YG, Mute Math, Rita Ora, Nipsey Hussle, Dr. Dog, Terraplane Sun, ZZ Ward, Classixx, Hit-Boy, DJ Mustard, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, SZA, Yellow Claw, Grits & Biscuits, Will Sparks, Cut Snake, Scavenger Hunt, A Tribe Called Red

Cause Village Vendors
Shawn Carter Foundation, United Way, Headcount, Budweiser Veterans, Tyler Robinson Foundation (Imagine Dragons charity), Dogs without Border, Hire LA, Food Forward, United States Green Building Council, LIFT Los Angeles, Skid Row Housing, LA Street Car, LA Street Gallery

*Click here to purchase 2 day tickets or single day Aug 30 or Aug 31st tickets for LA.**


**Philly**

Labor Day weekend
August 30th & 31st
Benjamin Franklin Parkway





Budweiser Made in America festival returns to Philadelphia for the third consecutive year. Festival benefits the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and United Way of Lancaster County
Budweiser Made in America festival is the first American festival to run simultaneously on both coasts

Lineup
Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Tiesto, The National, Steve Aoki, Pharrell Williams, J. Cole, Girl Talk, Spoon, Chromeo, City and Colour, Grimes, AWOLNATION, R3HAB, Gareth Emery, De La Soul, Baauer, Tommy Trash, Mayer Hawthorne, Kongos, 3LAU, The Neighborhood, Danny Brown, YG, Holy Ghost, Penguin Prison, Destructo, Bleachers, DJ Cassidy, Cherub, Will Sparks, Young & Sick, Vacationer, Cut Snake, Kaneholler

Cause Village Vendors
Shawn Carter Foundation, United Way, Headcount/NAACP, Budweiser Veterans, Donda House (Kanye West’s charity), St. Jude Hospital (Kings of Leon supported charity), Partners in Health (The National), World Childhood Foundation (Tiesto), Philly Paws, Drive Change, Born this Way Foundation, Why Hunger, Mural Arts

*Click here to purchase 2 day tickets or a single day Aug 30th or Aug 31st tickets for Philly.*

Disclosure: Once again, it's our pleasure here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows to partner up with Budweiser Made In America Fest and Markerly. We have been compensated for sharing this info with our readers.

PHOTO RECAP: End Summer With A Splash at Deep River Waterpark #review #ad

Enjoy every last bit of summer with weekends at Deep River Waterpark through Labor Day. We just went on the 8th and the whole family had a blast! We were pleasantly surprised at how affordable the food and amenities were. And the slides were awesome! Highly recommended family friendly fun.





Disclosure:  Thanks to Deep River Waterpark for providing us with tickets & food vouchers for review purposes and for our giveaway.  As always, all opinions are our own.

We live on Chicago's northwest side and still got to Deep River in just a little over an hour. Click here for our past coverage, and the full scoop on the park and check out our photo filled review below.

**Congrats again to Sarah P.--our 4 ticket/food voucher winner out of 330 entries!**

ChiIL Tips:
1. We love that the park allows outside food and drinks!
At first, your kids may not be thrilled you packed sandwiches at home instead of buying them tacos, nachos, or other tasty treats from the Deep River Waterpark restaurants...
  


...till you tell them they can buy ice cream and snacks with the money you saved!!

You may be tempted by the Dippin Dots, frozen bananas and other treats, but we highly recommend you hold out for #22 Milo's Ice Cream Shop behind the Rip Tide Wave Pool. Three words for you... Funnel Cake Sundaes!

There are plenty of tables, lounge chairs and grassy areas where you can eat. 





2.  My tween & teen adored the slides and went on just about everything but the ginormous Dragon Speed Slides. They enjoyed #4 The Storm Tube Ride quite a bit and rode all 3. But their ultimate favorite was the #23 Double Dueling CannonBowl. Also note, if the Lazy River is more your speed, there are TWO of them and the one by #23 is MUCH warmer.



3. The "boys"--my husband and son--bought Big Squirts at the Surf Shop and had a ton of fun with them. Back in the day they were called Water Wienies... No matter what you call 'em, they're sure to make you smile!

Whether your idea of an ideal day is relaxing in the sun with a great book or packing in as many thrill rides as possible, or a bit of both, Deep River's got you covered.

Disclosure:  Once again, thanks to Deep River Waterpark for providing us with tickets & food vouchers for review purposes and for our giveaway.  As always, all opinions are our own.