The Momnificent™ Blog

Avoid the Holiday Stress this Year

If you’re starting to feel the pressure of purchasing the perfect gifts while throwing the most amazing dinner or just how you are going to get your family packed and off to visit the relatives during the worst traffic or most congested airports, you are not alone. Life in my household is about to hit 100MPH and there’s no looking back (at least not until I finish the photo album sometime around March). As I brace myself for warp speed ahead, Life Coach Lori Radun of Momnificent gave Breezy Mama her tips for keeping chill during the time of Frosty and friends. Plus, comedian Valerie Peterson’s solutions.

Read 5 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress and enter to win an autographed copy of Valerie Peterson's Holiday Helper book.

Announcing the Winners of Zing Zang Zoom Circus Tickets

Two lucky families are going to see the opening night of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey's Zing Zang Zoom circus!  A few weeks ago, Momnificent! ran a contest to give away four circus tickets to two lucky families in the Chicagoland area.  The contest ended last night and the two lucky winners have been selected:

Lucky Mom #1 - Karen Cryder

Lucky Mom #2 - Lisa Sobecki

Karen and Lisa receive four free tickets to see the circus at either of the two opening nights.  All other families can still receive the special discounted price of $11 each by using the code "MOM" when ordering tickets from Ticketmaster.

List of Circus Show Times and Locations

Momnificent! is Giving Away FREE Circus Tickets

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents

ZING ZANG ZOOM

Momnificent! is giving away FREE tickets to the circus!  Two lucky families will receive a four-pack of tickets to see the opening night show at either Chicago's Allstate Arena on Thursday, November 5th, or at Chicago's United Center on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009.  What a fun way to ring in the holidays!

WANT TO SEE A SNEAK PEAK OF THE SHOW?

To Enter the Contest:  Leave a comment on this blog post and tell us your family's favorite circus act.  Please make sure you leave your name and email address when posting your comment.

Contest Ends:  Sunday, October 25, 2009

Winners Will Be Announced:  Monday, October 26, 2009

Mom Central and Feld Entertainment have a special offer for you!

Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows by logging onto Ticketmaster and entering the coupon code:

MOM

Show Times

Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL

November 5-15, 2009

Thurs. Nov. 5 - 7:00 PM (opening night)

Fri. Nov. 6 - 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM

Sat. Nov. 7 - 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Sun. Nov. 8 - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Wed. Nov. 11 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. Nov. 12 - 7:00 PM

Fri. Nov. 13 - 7:00 PM

Sat. Nov. 14 - 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Sun. Nov. 15 - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

United Center in Chicago, IL

November 17 - 29, 2009

Tues. Nov. 17 - Community Night

Wed. Nov. 18 - 7:00 PM (opening night)

Thurs. Nov. 19 - 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM

Fri. Nov. 20 - 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM

Sat. Nov. 21 - 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Sun. Nov. 22 - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Tues. Nov. 24 - 7:00 PM

Wed. Nov. 25 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving

Fri. Nov. 27 - 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Sat. Nov. 28 - 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Sun. Nov. 29 - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

*Use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required. Not valid on Circus Celebrity, Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.

Win a Full Year of Childcare - $12,000 Value!

I remember when my first son was born, and I had to go back to work.  If I had it my way, I would have been able to stay home and take care of my son, but the fact was I needed to work.  I was so torn between finding a good quality daycare, or an in-home situation for my son.  Back then, 18 years ago, we had to find quality childcare the good old fashioned way - running an ad in the paper.  I remember putting together interview questions, and interviewing so many women for the position.  In the first two years of my son's life, I went through four different childcare providers.

Moms are always looking for quality childcare providers, babysitters, pet sitters and even elderly care for their aging parents.  Today, the industry has evolved and there are good quality services that help you match a care provider to your unique situation.

Care.com is the leader in babysitter and nanny referrals on the internet.  As a member of Care.com, you receive great benefits like free background checks, access to a discount shopping portal, and other great features.  They provide access to all your care needs:

• Childcare (Babysitters and Nannies)
• Special Needs Care
• Tutoring
• Senior Care
• Pet Care
• Housekeeping
• Concierge Services

Right now they are running a great promotion where 1 lucky person will win a year of free child care, a $12,000 value.  This sweepstakes expires October 9th, so you have to hurry and sign up.  This is a resource definitely worth checking out.