Disney On Ice Giveaway

Alright, kids.  Let's do this.  I've got a family 4 pack for Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey to give away!  This show is happening at the DCU Center on April 19th at 7pm (Doors open at 6pm.)  It'd be a great event to take the kids to during school vacation week.  A great mid-week treat worthy of excellent behavior all the days prior!

If you'd like to win tickets, please leave a comment below telling us which Disney movie is your favorite!  (Mandatory entry.)

For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each that you complete) you can:

 Tweet this giveaway (limit once per day)

Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall

LIKE Stowed Stuff on Facebook

Follow @anniestow on Twitter

There you have it.  Contest period ends Saturday, April 14th at 8pm EST.  Winner will be chosen using random.org and will have 24 hours to claim prize before another winner is chosen.  U.S. residents only.  Please be sure to leave a valid email address.  

Good luck everyone!  Here's a coloring sheet for the littles to enjoy!  Looks like a fabulous night of fun!  Feel free to purchase tickets here!  

Stroller Goodness: Giveaway!

I'm feeling generous.  It's probably because I've been hanging out with a number of cute babies with my bloggy friends.  I got cuddles with 5 week old Tessa, from Don't Mind the Mess, this past weekend.  Man, is she a sweet one.  Tessa's mom says #4 is headed my way.  She says she can "see it in my eyes," whatever that means.  Tessa's pretty damn cute, but I'm pissed that no one took our picture together.

And then there were the Blissdom babies.  I make friends with babies and their mommies wherever I go.  I like to talk to people at Target about shampoo for goodness sake, can you imagine what I do when I see a newborn?  Yup, I ask a lot of questions, make faces and embarassing baby-talk noises.

And now, for the Blissdom babies...

Not sure of this one, but mom knew I was being intrusive during a photography session.  Isn't it nice?  I was  learning about aperture.  

Callan and his beautiful baby-wearing Mommy from Stilettos and Diapers.  Yup, there's a baby sleeping in there during a Rascal Flatts concert!

Dylan from Love Live Grow

Let's get back to generous.  I'm giving away a super soft Special Collection Bugaboo Paul Frank stroller blanket and Hold On Handles for strollers!  We all know fleece blankets keep kids warm, but this one is especially cute.  The Bizzy Bugs (ladybug single handle set) teach kids to stay within arms reach when walking alongside mom or dad.  It's an adorable little handle keeping everyone under control while walking around town or at the mall.  It snaps easily onto most strollers.

Here's how to enter to win: 

• Leave a comment below

For extra entries, you can do the following!  Please leave one extra comment for each that you complete.

• LIKE Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook Wall
• Tweet this giveaway (Limit, once per day.)
• Follow my boards on Pinterest

The Goods

Sound good?  Sure it does. Good luck.  Contest period ends on April 12th, 2012 at 8pm.  One winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected.  Continental U.S. entries only please.  Good luck!  

Traverse Cleans Up Nice!

Whilst I was away at a blogging conference all day yesterday (yes, again!) in Cambridge, my darling husband and six-year-old daughter managed to clean and vacuum and scrub and polish my Chevy Traverse.  OH MY GOD.

Ready for me

Spotless

Will the kids ever be allowed in again?

I get to drive it tonight to the Gender Reveal Party!?  A what, you say?  You can get in on the action and win some amazing prizes over on the Twitter around 8pm.  More information can be found here!  Don't forget to guess boy or girl for your chance to win some stuff!

Oh, and I made so many new friends over at Blog Better Boston yesterday.  Much fun was had.  I made friends with the drink ticket girl, Katy Rose.  She was a love, passing out extra tickets to the old fogie blogger lush crowd in the back.  She even takes amazing bloggy notes.  See what I learned?  I love new friends.  

Now, go make your husband clean out your car!  Oh, I can't wait to drive it!

National Reading Month: Give A Book!

Did you know that there is only 1 book for every 300 kids in poverty?  Have you ever heard of RIF?  It stands for Reading is Fundamental, and that it is.  As a reading specialist, I witness the varying skills and abilities of children entering Kindergarten each year in our very own little suburb just south of Boston.  Think about it.  Do all homes have the opportunity to provide shelves and shelves of picture books?  Does socio-economic status matter when it comes to achievement?  What if mom and dad don't speak English?  What if that child has never been read to?  This stuff sure does matter.  And it is my job to narrow that gap.  It's a BIG job.


In honor of National Reading Month, Dollops of Diane and I have decided to team up and do some social good here on the world wide web.  Since reading education is very near and dear to my heart, I am calling YOU to action. Whether you are a mom, a dad, a grandparent, a teacher, a Dr, or a CEO, we can all make a difference in a child's life by providing ALL kids with more experiences with books.  By raising money for RIF, we can narrow the gaps and give kids the foundation they need to succeed in school.


It's simple.  All you have to do is click DONATE and enter the dollar amount you'd like to give to kids who really need it.  I'm also calling all of you to SHARE the widget with your friends and family to do the same.  Want the widget for yourself?  I invite you to take it and join our cause!  Share it on twitter, facebook, email and pinterest.  We can make a difference one book at a time.  The more people we inspire to help, the more kids we reach.  Let's do this.

And here's what RIF will do with the money we raise:

"Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States. We prepare and motivate children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. We inspire children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice. RIF provides new, free books for children to choose from and make their own. The seeds of inspiration in these books have motivated children to follow their dreams and achieve their potential. Yes, it seems incredible for a book to launch a life, but it happens every day as hungry, inquisitive young minds reach out and grab hold of the new people, places, and ideas that books bring them.

Nearly two-thirds of low-income families in the U.S. own no books.

Planting seeds of inspiration in our nation’s most vulnerable children is what RIF and a network of more than 400,000 volunteers do. Whether in schools, homeless shelters, or community centers—wherever you find children—RIF volunteers spend countless hours distributing books, staging reading motivation activities, and promoting the importance of literacy in their communities.

RIF is generously supported by corporations, foundations, community organizations, and thousands of individuals. Your generosity is what allows us to fulfill our mission and positively impact the lives of our nation’s children and their families."

Diane and I have set a personal goal for this campaign and we want to raise $1,000 in the month of March.  Can we count on you to help us reach that goal?  No amount is too small.  Imagine what could be done with just $1 from all of us.  Let's make the world a better place with more books.  Thanks for your support!  Donate today!  And don't forget to press that SHARE button!

National Reading Month Begins Tomorrow!

Get excited folks!  The National Education Association's Read Across America month kicks off tomorrow, March 1st!  Mrs. Stow is so excited to celebrate National Reading Month with all of you!  Here, I'll be sharing some great tips and techniques that you can practice at home to help your children become avid readers.

Stay tuned for ways to help your children learn how to read, techniques to guide comprehension, some great book reviews, giveaways and MORE!  Do you have a specific question you need answered?  Please leave a comment below or email me!

What is your child's school doing to celebrate Read Across America?  What are you doing to promote a love for reading in your home?  You can even share your own wonderful ideas and creations with the world at SchoolTube and upload your own video!  Have fun and take some time out for books!  Happy Reading!

Wordless Wednesday: What I Found at Blissdom

I had to travel to Nashville, TN to "dig a little deeper" to get to know Diane.  Who knew this match made in heaven would ever take place, on a tiny plane (or 4), in a city that wasn't Foxborough, MA?

You've got a friend in me, Dollops.  I can't wait for our next spring break, I mean blogging conference!

Watch Out, Nashville!

I haven't flown since Ellen.  Seems like eons ago.

A blogging conference, for real.  I've dreamed of this opportunity.

I'd like to thank all my Stow people for making this a reality.  Dear husband, Chris, you will be missed.  I'm not sure how I'm gonna make it through the next 5 days without you.  You best be following me on twitter! To my wonderful in-laws, coming to sit for my kids for the next few days ~ this is the best birthday present ever - just remember, night-time Pull-Ups, night-time diapers, and lots of wine and you'll be golden!  And to Blissdom, for holding a huge, awesome blogging conference during February school vacation week!  Woot woot!

I am nervous about cords and wires and exploding creams and shampoos in my suitcase.  The rest is a cake-walk. Watch out, Nashville ~ Annie and Diane are coming for ya!  We are kidless and ready to party it up in Nashville. Stay tuned world, there will be plenty of photos, tweets and status updates.

And a big shout out to my sponsor for Blissdom, Happy Baby Food!  This mama has left plenty of Happy Baby goodness for the crew while she's gone.  Stay tuned folks, my bags are packed!

My Mess...My Bliss.

Well, maybe.  It's a work in progress.  See you all in Nashville!

Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream

We had the pleasure of seeing Dare to Dream in Boston on Friday night.  A lot of friends have been asking about the show...

"Should we go?"

"Is it a good one?"

It really was an amazing show!  We left both boys at home, however.  I think it was a super smart move since Dare to Dream is chock full of princesses, princesses and more princesses!  So many fun surprises and so well done!  Buy your tickets today!

Finding Great Family Care: Care Fair Boston

Annie's baby shower confections!  

A dear friend of mine from college and her husband are expecting their first baby this summer.  I'm thrilled with their great news and know it's the most exciting time in a couple's life.  Like most moms I know, my dear friend will have to return to work when the baby arrives. She is already wondering what to do about childcare and how to find a great nanny - one who will be a perfect fit for her her family and their schedule. Finding the perfect nanny is not an easy task and it can sometimes be very overwhelming for a new mom.  

Well, all you moms and dads currently searching for childcare are in luck! Care.com is offering Boston parents an opportunity to connect with local providers at a lunchtime event on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Grill 23 in Copley Square ~ YUM!

Whether you are seeking full or part-time care, Care.com can help.  The Waltham-based online site will help ease the process of finding the right child care, pet sitters and even senior care for your family.  

If you are a nanny who is currently seeking work, you should also attend.  It's the perfect opportunity to network and meet new local families.  Moms, dads, nannies and sitters who are interested in this event should register at Care Fair Boston by Wednesday, January 11, 2012.  

So take the stress out of the entire process and enjoy a delicious meal at Grill 23 next Thursday.  I can't think of a better event to help jumpstart the process of hiring a nanny or finding a great family to work for.  Care Fair Boston might just be the answer to your prayers.  

Care Fair Boston

Thursday, January 12, 2012

11:30 - 1:30pm

Grill 23 (161 Berkeley Street, Copley Square)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was compensated for this post.  

Baby's First Hair Cut: After

And in with the new... (see the before pics here!)

"Ok, maybe it won't be so bad!"

One last look

Tonsils

"This sucks!"  

"Pop!"  

No pain, no gain...

Big boy

Time for another one...

Baby's First Hair Cut: Before

Out with the old... (see after pics here!)

Bath mullet

Lovely baby locks

Whispy bits

"I'm not so sure about this, Mom."  The forehead comb over in full effect

Calling All Sponsors for January!

The new year is upon us.  Not so sure how that happened so fast, but it's here.  I have had so much fun sharing my blog with the world this past year.  After attending Bloggy Boot Camp in May, I realized that blogging is much more than just a hobby for me.  I am absolutely immersed in social media and I'm loving the super fun opportunities that are ahead in 2012.  Get excited.

I'm heading to two amazing conferences this year (Blissdom and BlogHer) and would jump at the chance to get to travel more.  I have set new goals and have a new vision for blogging.  It doesn't stop there.  My readership is growing each month and I am so incredibly thankful for all of you who come here for entertainment, tips, reviews, contests and fun.  Thanks for being so kind and supportive!  Keep spreading the Stowed Stuff love!

Consider starting the new year off with a bang!  If you are interested in sponsoring Stowed Stuff in January, you can find more information on my PR/Brands page.  I am always looking for new brands to work with!  I'd love to hear from more Etsy shop owners in 2012 and help spread the crafty love.  If you have a blog or small business you'd like me to promote, we can do that too!  I will be offering three different ad sizes available for placement in my sidebar, so please get in touch if you are interested!  It's a super inexpensive way to advertise!

Email me at annie@stowedstuff.com for more information!

10 Reasons to See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

1. The production will put a holly jolly in your step!  As a dancer from Christmas past (I danced in the Ballet Theatre of Boston's Nutcracker as a kid), I was in awe the entire time.  
2. Holy Costumes!  Dazzling crystals, light up antlers, and candy cane tutus.
3. Watching my kids' eyes light up during "Here Comes Santa Claus."  Never mind, getting waves and winks from all the Santas as they ran through the orchestra section!  
4. Any excuse to set foot in the Wang Theatre - love that place.
5. The stunning Amy Biddle Owens.  She's center-line and GORGEOUS!
6. The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers was totally great.  
7. Streamers!
8. Camels, sheep and donkeys!
9. A 50 food LED Screen



We even took the streamers home!

10. "New York at Christmas" includes a lifelike double-decker tour bus moving through the streets of New York City - super cool.  

The opulent Wang Theatre!

Don't forget, you can use my PROMO CODE  "STOWED" to save 25% on tickets at checkout and you can enter for your chance to win tickets to the show here at Stowed Stuff as well!  Enjoy the show!  It was simply amazing!  

Win Four Tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular!

Contest is now closed.  Congratulations to Heidi M. on winning the tickets!  

Yup, those pretty ladies are The Rockettes!  Did you know that they are coming to Boston's Wang Theatre on Friday?  I've always dreamed of a fun getaway to NYC to see them during Christmas time, but look no further! These high kickers are coming to us!

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an all new show this year - new scenes, new songs, new music!  You won't want to miss it!  I can't think of a more exciting way to turn on my holly jolly this holiday season!  I don't know who's more excited, me or my kids!?  

You can purchase tickets here.  Get this - I'm offering all of you a very special PROMO CODE at checkout!  Just type in the word "STOWED" at checkout, and you'll save 25% on all NON-PEAK performances!  How do you like that?  Wouldn't tickets to the show make a perfect holiday gift?

But there's more.  One lucky winner will WIN four tickets to The Radio City Christmas Spectacular on December 28, 2011 (5pm show.)  Here's what you have to do to win:

• MANDATORY ENTRY:  Leave a comment below with a valid email address and tell me you'd like to win!

Extra Entries:  (Please leave additional comments for each extra entry you complete.)

• Follow Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Share this contest on your own Facebook Wall  (use the Facebook button on the bottom of this post)
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter using @anniestow
• Follow Stowed Stuff on Google Friend Connect

Contest period ends on December 22nd at 8pm (EST)  Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to claim the prize before a new winner is picked.  Must be able to see the show on December 28th, at 5pm at the Wang Theatre.  Good luck!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Disclosure:  I was given 4 tickets to the show to participate in this review and giveaway.  

Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove: Ticket Giveaway!

Looking for something really fun to do with the family over school vacation week?  I've got something fun for you!  How about a family 4 pack of tickets to Disney On Ice Treasure Trove!?  One lucky winner will receive tickets to the 7pm show taking place at TD Garden on Monday, December 26th.  Tickets to the show can be purchased here.


Leave a comment below to be entered to win!


Extra Entries:  

• Follow me on Twitter (one entry)
• Follow Stowed Stuff on Facebook (one entry)
• Follow using Google Friend Connect (one entry)
• Tweet this giveaway and be sure to include @anniestow in your tweet! (one entry per tweet)  Tweet as much a you like!
• Share this post on your own Facebook page (two entries)

See all the fancy buttons (they're called widgets) on the bottom of this post? Hit the t button, and this turns into a tweet! Just don't forget to add @anniestow to the tweet! Hit the f button, and this post will appear on your Facebook wall! You can also share it on Facebook by hitting SHARE underneath my post on Facebook. It's easy as pie!  Good luck!  

**Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure I have a valid email address.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond.  

Entry period ends on 12/10/11 at 9pm EST.   Winner will be chosen using random.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------My family was given a family 4 pack of tickets to participate in this giveaway.  All opinions are my own.  A big thank you goes out to Feld Entertainment and Disney!  

11/11 Brings Luck for Disney On Ice TIckets! Big Sale!

Who doesn't love a Disney On Ice show?  I've got a great opportunity to share with you today.  Get some amazingly cheap tickets to Disney On Ice Treasure Trove at TD Garden taking place on holiday vacation week in December!

11/11/11

Is Your Lucky Day!

Tickets to the all-new Disney On Ice skating spectacular performing at the TD Garden December 26-29, 2011 go on sale November 11, 2011 - which just happens to be the luckiest day of the year.

To commemorate this unique date, your wishes have come true. For one day only, 11/11/11, use promo code: MOMLUCK to purchase tickets for - you guessed it - $11.11* to Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove, playing at the TD Garden from December 26-29, 2011.

Offer valid on 11/11/11 from 11:11 AM to 11:11 PM only, for select performances of Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove at the TD Garden in Boston.

Mon. DEC. 26 - Thu. DEC. 29 | TD Garden
Holiday Vacation Week!

ONE DAY ONLY -

GET TICKETS FOR $11.11!
OFFER VALID ON $25 TICKETS

ON OPENING DAY PERFORMANCES:

Mon., DEC. 26 - 11:00 AM

Mon., DEC. 26 - 3:00 PM

Mon., DEC. 26 - 7:00 PM

(Excludes Rinkside, VIP and Club seats. No double discounts. Cannot be used for prior purchases or group sales orders. Individual tickets $11.11 each with code. Additional service charges, handling and facility fees will apply. Please note that prices reflected on Ticketmaster.com INCLUDE service charges and facility fees. Select “Price Details” on the purchase page to confirm discount price.)

Share with all of your friends!3 Easy Steps To Purchase!

CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/uCPdD3

Step 1: Choose your performance

          Step 2: Under Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection, choose the $25 price level

Step 3: Enter code MOMLUCK

Queen of the Road Commercial with Peter Pan

This was so much fun.  Check it out!  Will you be going to the show?  Enter for your chance to win!

Buy tickets to Peter Pan the Show here!

Read and Romp Boston: Giveaway!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, November is Family Literacy Month in Massachusetts.  Have you ever heard of Reach Out and Read? They are a nonprofit organization that helps to promote early literacy in coordination with pediatricians all over the U.S.  By offering developmentally appropriate books to young children during a well visit, this organization is helping millions of young children in the fight against illiteracy.  Did you know that 88% of first graders who are below grade level in reading will continue to read below grade level in fourth grade?  (Juel, 1988)  This is a frightening statistic.  Please keep reading to your children.

Reach Out and Read has put together a fabulous literacy event, which is being held in Boston next Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 10:30 - 2:00 at the Seaport Hotel.  It's called the Read and Romp and all proceeds go directly to Reach Out and Read.  The Read and Romp promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family. Here's what you'll get when you purchase your tickets:

• Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog
• Get your passport stamped as you travel through storybook adventures with Curious George, Fancy Nancy, The Runaway Bunny and MORE!
• 12 storybook stations with fun-filled activities
• Gift bag that includes a book, toys and other goodies
• Meet and Greet with some amazing authors, such as Peter Reynolds, the creator of Judy Moody!
• A yummy Buffet lunch with entertainment from Stacey Peasley  (I love her!!)
• Raffle and online auction with a chance to win some great prizes

Doesn't that sound like fun?  Tickets are $50/person (under 2 are admitted free) and all proceeds go to Reach out and Read.  I have some great news for the readers here at Stowed Stuff.  I'm giving away 4 tickets to this amazing event being held next Sunday!  Here's what you have to do for your chance to win:

1. Leave a comment below telling me you or your child's favorite storybook.
2. For an extra entry, leave a comment on Reach Out and Read's Facebook page telling them Annie sent you.  
3. For an extra entry, follow me on Twitter.  
4. For an extra entry, follow me with Google Friend Connect.
5. For an extra entry, leave a comment on my Facebook wall.  

Your family will have a blast at this event.  Entry period ends on Thursday, November 11th at 8pm.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond.  Good luck!  

Queen of the Road Meets Peter Pan the Show

Sisters with the Cap'n

We just finished up production for the next  Chevy Traverse commerical.  This time we filmed on the streets of Boston in the rain!  I got to bring my big sister along for the ride and we had a lot of fun meeting some of the cast members from Peter Pan the Show.  Have you seen the big white tent on City Hall Plaza?  Have you purchased your tickets yet?  You can win some tickets by following @ChevyQOTR on Twitter and LIKING Queen of the Road on Facebook.  And keep an eye out for our new 30 second spot on WCVB 5!  This one promises a few good laughs!  We can't wait for it!

Some friends needed a ride

Is that Nana the Dog in my third row?

Buckle up Hook!

Swashbuckling trio!

Rain

Camera man Carl with the sisters

It's a cushy job, right Dave?

Post-production meet-up with the hubs at The Whiskey Priest

Making Strides: Boston

Team Queen of the Road

Hatch Shell

Thanks for helping us reach our goal!