Frugal Fridays with Melanie Taylor & Pittsburgh Frugal Mom #Bubbashow

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." FTC Endorsement Guide Please see our Disclosure Policy.
November 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

Me and Melanie Taylor!

This week it’s all about the Sparkle, Sparkle Season that is and you will have a great time with all the FREE that will leave your Sparkle(money) in your wallet! Yeah…

THINGS FOR YOU

Do you hate lugging those shopping bags all around town? This Friday kicks off the Fabulous Holly Trolley.  Each Weekend -  November 24,2012- December 22nd, 2012 from 11a-5p the Holly Trolley travels throughout the Downtown area and picks up at many shops FREE.  This happens every 15 minutes.  Rest those feet and don’t drag those shopping bags, let the Holly Trolley Help you out! Hosted by Santa’s Little Helpers

OXFORD CENTRE

If you are going to Oxford Centre On Friday Night to see the tree lighting at 5:45p, you might want to hang around because there is a lot of fun, free stuff going on. The Rick Gallagher Trio will offer some great entertainment while the Centre’s 30 Foot Tree is going to be lit.  Starting at 6p  Santa Claus will arrive and there will be a plethora of activities for the kids from face painting, to caricatures, and balloon art.  Outside of One Oxford Centre will offer you a bit of Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides and if you want to see live reindeer this will be your chance as they will be on display outside.

The Party Continues on Saturday November 17, 2012 at Oxford Centre from 11a-3p there are more Family Activities, visits with Santa and great activities like face painting, balloon art and free gift wrapping with any purchase from the shops in the Atrium of One Oxford Centre. Don’t forget the Holly Trolley does stop at Oxford Centre and you can take a Free horse-drawn carriage ride! Fun, and Free!

Sewickley Public Library has a ton of fun for kids and families. Registration is necessary Check out their site.  Here are the top three for this weekend:

Pumpkin Pie & A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – November 17, 3-4p, Apple or Pumpkin Pie and eat this while watching  “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!” Family Program.

On Sunday, there is a Barbie Party – November 18, 2 – 3PM – Barbie Party with games and stories. Preschool – Grade 3.

Star Wars Trivia – Monday, November 19, 7- PM – Test your knowledge with other Star  Wars fans.  You will be making Fortune Wookies! Grades K-5.

KEEP THEM BUILDING

With Santa coming to town there is not better time to join the Lowe’s Build & Grow for a North’s Sleigh Creation. Saturday at participating Lowe’s from 10-11.

BUILDING  ANYONE?

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and all of its branches offer wonderful FREE programs and this one is super exciting for those LEGO fans! Mt. Washington Branch: Saturday, November 17, 2012 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM  – Bring your imagination and build structures with building blocks and building toys! What fun!

 

KIDS, FOOD, MOVIES & MORE

Market District, Eagle’s Nest has a great Movie for the kids this weekend. Friday Night, the 16th Kids can watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 7p.  This will be shown in the Learning & Activity Center.  Did I remember to mention it is FREE! (Robinson)

On Sunday November 18, at 9am, come create a Fun Food Craft of Cornucopia.   Again this will be at the Learning & Activity Center.(Robinson)

 

 

 

sleigh

The following Items May not be mentioned with Melanie Taylor, but they are happening around the Burg’

Happy holidays and we are off. Light up Night is this weekend and that always brings in great Family Entertainment Free: This is one of the most fabulous time of the year in Pittsburgh~ LIGHT UP NIGHT ~ Friday, November 16, 2012. Bring the family out and enjoy all the fun free things to do.

THINGS FOR YOU  All of the following can be found in depth HERE and on the Pittsburgh Light Up Night FB Page

MUSIC TO MY EARS  & OTHER GREAT NOISES

If you love  music,& great  entertainment, then you will want to visit any of the three stages as there will be performances at different times all night, all free:  Northwest Savings Bank Stage -Market, Square, The EQT Jazzmasters Stage-EQT Plaza, and Trib Total Media Bridge Party-Clemente Bridge.  Each will have entertainment at various times starting at 5pm at all locations.  Music from Dancing Queen, Joe Gruschecky and The Houserocker, Roger Humphries Quintet, The Billy Price Band and more. See site for details.  Oh, did I mention this is all FREE!

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN!

Your family will love the Celebrate Santa™ -Lighting of Market Square Season of Lights is at 7:15P, & The Light Up® Night Fireworks, at the Warhol Bridge scheduled for 9:38p! Makes Sparkle Season… Sparkle.

Here are some of the main things you might want to be the first to see this year:

The Official Lighting Ceremony Schedule means that you get to see things unveiled and ready for Sparkle Season.

12p – Enjoy the City-County Buildding Tree Lighting by Mayor Ravenstahl & the U.S. Steel Tower will Dedicate the Crèche at the same time.  The beautiful tree in One Oxford Centre will be lit at 5:45p, Macy’s will premier their windows in an unveiling at 6:15p and at 7p Highmark Unity Tree Lighting with Rooftop Fireworks will happen.  The biggest part of the party will be at 7:15 with Celebrate Santa™   , but the fun does not stop there.  At 9:38p from the Fireworks will be launched from the Warhol Bridge, a display that makes the Holidays Sparkle BIG!
MACY’S WINDOWS

This is always a huge event, the unveiling of the Macy’s windows.  This year there will be activities for your whole family starting at 5:30p.  There will be everything from trivia to giveaways, face painting and more.  Performances of  “The Nutcracker” will be on the 4th floor, and the windows will be unveiled at 6:15p.

OXFORD CENTRE

If you are going to Oxford Center On Friday Night to see the tree lighting at 5:45p, you might want to hang around because there is a lot of fun, free stuff going on. The Rick Gallagher Trio will offer some great entertainment while the Centre’s 30 Foot Tree is going to be lit.  Starting at 6p  Santa Claus will arrive and there will be a plethora of activities for the kids from face painting, to caricatures, and balloon art.  Outside of One Oxford Center will offer you a bit of Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides and if you want to see live reindeer this will be your chance as they will be on display outside.

The Party Continues on Saturday November 17, 2012 at Oxford Centre from 11a-3p there are more Family Activities, visits with Santa and great activities like face painting, balloon art and free gift wrapping with any purchase from the shops in the Atrium of One Oxford Centre.

Don’t forget to drop by Fifth Avenue Place for Fifth Avenue Freeze.

 

 

Remember, these are only based on events found on websites. All events are subject to change, and as always please contact venue before attending to make sure event is scheduled to happen.  We have no affiliation with any of the aforementioned.

Cite Source: Much of the Light Up Night Info was taken from and credited to:

http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/play/market-square/light-up-night-2012

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LEGO KidsFest Returns ~ Pittsburgh, PA

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." FTC Endorsement Guide Please see our Disclosure Policy.
November 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

LEGO KidsFest Pittsburgh

November 30 – December 2 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center

LEGO KidsFest

LEGO KidsFest

My boys are counting the days down until they get to start building, start shopping and begin enjoying those small ‘bricks’ that cause so much joy it is almost undescribable. I love to see my kids building with their LEGO sets because I know they are thinking, dreaming and using their imagination to create the next ‘big thing’ in their minds. I love seeing the beginning of the project and the end. I can not tell you how many rainy days were cured because of LEGO sets being built!

THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE? ALL THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGO KidsFest~ Pittsburgh, PA

LEGO KidsFest

WHO: The LEGO KidsFest is a giant traveling LEGO expo.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click Here to be taken to the site.
WHERE: Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center
WHEN: November 30 – December 2, 2012. Five identical sessions are available.
WHAT: This hands-on, educational, all-ages LEGO extravaganza features millions of LEGO bricks not to mention lots of construction zones, dozens of life-sized LEGO models and displays, LEGO Ninjago and LEGO Games, group builds such as Creation Nation, live LEGO Master Builders, and so much more covering three acres of space.
COST: Tickets are $18 for kids and $20 for adults.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

BUT WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT LEGO KidsFest?

Don’t worry about what there is to do, it will be more like what did you not get to do, because there is so much!

      • LEGO Model Gallery: 40 life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks (these are incredible, my kids made me take pictures of many of them last time, including Sponge Bob and Darth Vader)

      • LEGO KidsFest

        Previously at LEGO KidsFest

      • LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
      • Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
      • Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family

aerial view

LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games

  • Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas
  • LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
  • LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
  • Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
  • Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
  • LEGO Friends: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets

Brick Pile

*“Any family who likes to be inspired, get hands-on and have fun together won’t want to miss LEGO KidsFest,” said Vince Rubino, LEGO events manager. “We’re bringing so many activities for Pittsburgh-area families to test and showcase their creativity and building skills in what is sure to be a family event to remember.” 

 Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

Five sessions – all identical – are available for the Pittsburgh November 30 – December 2 tour stop.  LEGO KidsFest tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for children and can be purchased online.

 

 

 

LEGO Fun Facts
More than 400 billion LEGO® bricks have been produced since 1949.

The LEGO® minifigure represents the world’s largest population of people! Over 4 billion minifigures have been produced in the last 30 years. This is almost 12 times the population of the United States!

LEGO® minifigures are out of this world, literally. The 2 Mars Rovers have an image of the LEGO® minifigure etched into their front grill.

Approximately 7 LEGO® sets are sold each second.

There are about 62 LEGO® bricks for every one of the world’s 6 billion inhabitants.

Laid end to end, the number of LEGO® bricks sold in a year would reach more than 5 times around the world.

There are 915 million ways to combine six eight-stud LEGO® bricks.

Children around the world spend 5 billion hours a year playing with LEGO® bricks.

With a production of about 306 million tires produced a year, the LEGO® group is the largest producer of tires in the world.

LEGO® is the contraction of two Danish words, “leg godt” which means “play well”.

There are about 62 LEGO® bricks for every one of the world’s 6 billion inhabitants.

19 billion LEGO® elements are produced every year. 2.16 million LEGO® elements are molded every hour, or 36,000 per minute.

LEGO KidsFestArt

LEGO

LEGO Systems, Inc. is the North American division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children.  The company is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: “Only the best is good enough.”  Visit the virtual LEGO world at www.LEGO.com.  LEGO, the LEGO logo, and DUPLO, are trademarks of the LEGO Group.

© 2011 The LEGO Group.

 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

* (*press release quotes)

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HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS ONE NIGHT ONLY DECEMBER 26, 2012 7PM

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." FTC Endorsement Guide Please see our Disclosure Policy.
November 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS LET FANS DETERMINE RULES OF THE GAME IN Pittsburgh ON Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012

2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour brings unprecedented fan participation to

CONSOL Energy Center

PITTSBURGH EVENT

DECEMBER 26, 2012

(PHOENIX, Oct. 15, 2012) – Known as innovators of the game of basketball for decades, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters are again introducing something unparalleled in the history of sports and family entertainment, taking kid participation and fun to a whole new level when the Globetrotters come to CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.

 

For the first time ever, during the Globetrotters’ 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour, your family’s smiles will begin before you even get to the show. Fans will decide the rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. This could be anything from playing with two basketballs at once, to getting double the points for each basket made.

 

Go online with your kids to www.harlemglobetrotters.com to vote for which ground-breaking rule you want to see implemented in the game.  Then, get your tickets, and see the winning rules in live action at the Globetrotters’ world championship game.

 

Tickets, starting at $19.00, are on sale now at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

 

Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you get to actually spend time on the court with the Globetrotters one-on-one – shooting, trying out ball tricks, autographs and photos.  The unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,” will create memories of a lifetime.#  After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.*

 

This year’s Globetrotters roster features stars such as Hi-Lite Bruton, Dizzy Grant, Ant Atkinson, and female star Mighty Mitchell.**

 

-more-


 

The North American leg of the 2013 “Your Write the Rules” World Tour will tip-off on December 26, 2012, and will run through April 2013.  The team will play over 270 games in nearly 240 cities in 45 states and nine Canadian provinces.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 87th consecutive year in 2013, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

 

* Subject to availability.

** Rosters may vary in each city and are subject to change.

# All customers must have a game ticket AND Magic Pass for entry. Magic Pass sold separately. Soft/rubber soled shoes must be worn on court.

 

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

CONTACT: (602) 258-0000

PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF

-

 

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OLD ECONOMY ACTIVITY RICH STARTING NOVEMBER 10, 2012

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." FTC Endorsement Guide Please see our Disclosure Policy.
November 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Have you visited Old Economy Village? We have and we love it there as a family or just as adults.  Old Economy Village is culture-rich and informative and makes a great place to gather as a family or as adults.  It is in this spirit that the following events are schedule to occur.  You are most welcomed to partake in any of them.  Please see the Old Economy Website for more details.

 

Calling all those 18 and over.  The very next event is also for YOU!  This event is a trade workshop where participants can either craft a 19th century lantern or learn to spin on a drop spindle and receive a knitting lesson.  This takes place on Saturday November 10th from 9-3 and also requires advanced reservations.  The cost is $6.00 which includes all materials.  There is a member discount so inquire within!

 

Do you love grand events and getting dressed up? This is your opportunity.  You will meet a great group of people!  This is the annual Christmas Fundraiser Dinner.  Sunday November 25th .  A great evening for ADULTS.

Cocktails start at 6pm in our historic Feast Hall where dinner will be served at 7pm.  The menu looks like this:  Dinner is set to include hand carved roast beef and Chicken Chardonnay.  There will be live entertainment, door prizes and a raffle.  The cost for this event is $75.00 and advanced reservations are required.

 

Christmas at the Village is up and coming and what a great time of the year! The dates for this wonderful FAMILY event are ~December 8th and 9th from 2-9 on Saturday and 2-7 on Sunday.

WHAT DO WE DO WHILE WE ARE THERE?

I can answer this so many ways, but you get to spend QUALITY time as a family, learning, and enjoying traditions that are gone astray in the current day and age.  You can:

Tour the decorated village.

See the lighting of the  Christmas tree,  while hearing choirs performing traditional Christmas Carols.

There are shops you can shop in for unique gifts provided by traditional craftsmen.

Enjoy homemade apple strudel and hot mulled cider along with traditional German fare prepared and served at Saint John’s Lutheran Church on Saturday.

Children can meet with Belsnickel and find their name in his book to see if they are on his naughty or nice list and enjoy many hands on activities.

Horse drawn carriage rides will be available to transport you from the visitor center to the candle-lit village.

Purchase homemade baked goods in the Community Kitchen.

Stroll through the village you may encounter Herr Jacob Henrici handing out candy sticks to die Kinder (children) and Herr  Baker will be working in his store.

Toy makers will be assembling toys in the cabinet shop.

The cost is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children.  Members are free.

The event can become a Holiday Tradition in your home and your family will learn so much.  Each time we attend an event at the Village we learn more and more and the children are able to talk history of PA! It is amazing what they listen to when you think they are not!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please refer to the Old Economy Website for more information As PFM is not affiliated with Old Economy Village. I am merely reposting events found.

 

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STOMP FAMILY FOUR PACKS $100

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." FTC Endorsement Guide Please see our Disclosure Policy.
October 19, 2012 by 7 Comments

This is so exciting! STOMP Is coming to the Pittsburgh! The  great news does not stop there – How about Family Four Packs for $100!  Use the code for this great price!  Take the family out for a great SHOW at a Great Price!

STOMP is Coming to the Benedum!

Family Four Packs At a Great Price

 

USE CODE:  FAMILYSTOMP  TO ORDER A FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS FOR $100!

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

Purchase tickets now at TrustArts.org and use promo code FAMILYSTOMP to access a Family Four Pack for $100.

Offer valid only on select seating for all performances. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in conjunction with any other offer. Additional handling fees will apply at the time of purchase.

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