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Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove Review

March 25, 2013

This weekend, we had the wonderful opportunity to attend Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove in Council Bluffs! The minute we walked in the door, our kids eyes lit up when they saw the posters and souvenirs of all the Disney favorites all around them.

The show began with The Incredibles getting everyone excited and jumping in their seats. Then Peter Pan and Tinkerbell amazed us as they flew through air, and joined the rest of the Lost Boys skating and fighting Captain Hook.

Many Disney favorites followed including the Lion King, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, plus more, and several appearances by Minnie, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy!

The kids loved dancing to the music, the performers were extremely talented, and the costumes and sets were amazing! We had so much fun going to Disney On Ice together!

Disclosure: Disney and Feld Entertainment are not the sponsors, endorsers or administrators of this promotion. I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Giveaway: 6 Tickets to Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove in Council Bluffs!

February 12, 2013

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove is coming to Council Bluffs! I am very excited to give away tickets to one lucky The Spirit of Saving reader as part of our fun giveaways all month!

Where: Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs

When: March 21, 2013 – March 24, 2013

Show Times:

Thursday, March 21, 2013, 7:00PM
Friday, March 22, 2013, 7:00PM
Saturday, March 23, 2013, 11:00AM
Saturday, March 23, 2013, 3:00PM
Saturday, March 23, 2013, 7:00PM
Sunday, March 24, 2013, 1:30PM

Ticket Prices: $60 (Rinkside), $35 (VIP), $22, $15

Discount Offer: Purchase your tickets here and save $6 on Tickets when you use promo code: 6NALA!

**Discount valid on all non-VIP tickets with the code 6NALA. Excludes Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts. Offer subject to ticket availability. Not valid on the Thursday, March 21 7pm, Saturday, March 23 3pm and Sunday, March 24 1:30pm performances. Not valid day of show. Tickets subject to handling, facility and convenience charges.

Giveaway – Win Six Tickets to Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove!

The Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Christine E.! Thank you to everyone who entered!

Celebrate our 1-year Blog Birthday with fun giveaways all month! One lucky The Spirit of Saving reader will win up to six passes to Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove! The giveaway is for the Saturday, March 23, 2013, 11:00AM performance only.

TO ENTER:

Simply fill out your name and email address in the form below.
(Be sure to use the form for entry. Comments left on the post will not be counted towards entry.)

BONUS ENTRIES:

Receive one bonus entry for completing each of the following, up to three bonus entries:

Like The Spirit of Saving on Facebook. Already do? That counts, too!
Sign up to receive free once daily email updates from The Spirit of Saving. Already do? That counts, too!
Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (Chick Share at the bottom of this post)

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at 10pm, CST.

OTHER: Entrants must be 19 or older and located in the US only. The winner will be selected using random.org and notified via email. Email addresses are only used in order to contact the winner. Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Up to four entries per person, including the three Bonus Entries.

Nature Connects LEGO® Exhibit at Lauritzen Gardens Review + Giveaway!

February 6, 2013

Lauritzen Gardens comes alive once again with beautiful colors, intricate creations, and natural surroundings in the amazing Nature Connects exhibit. This time it is with nearly half a million LEGO® pieces used to create 27 elaborate sculptures. As we strolled through the indoor exhibit, it felt as if we were in an outdoor art studio.

I remember playing with LEGO® bricks when I was little, building forts, houses, and towers, only to knock them down and start all over again. To see these creations with such detail, delicate angles, and unique use of LEGO® pieces (check out the frog’s eyes – very cool!) left us often questioning, how did he do that? Look closer, and you can see each LEGO® brick carefully selected and positioned.

My favorite sculpture was the Goldfinches, the one with the fewest amount of pieces. Each bird was positioned differently in the birdfeeder preparing to get their food, which was, of course, made of LEGO® bricks, too. The Lawn Mower was a close second because of the detail and true appearance. Apparently, at one of the previous locations of this exhibit, the Lawn Mower was placed up on a hill. Many people passed by it assuming it was real, and not part of the exhibit!

Create Your Own LEGO® Sculptures

After being inspired by all of the amazing sculptures, we all had the opportunity in two locations to build our own creations using a variety of LEGO® pieces of all shapes and sizes. My son was so proud of his airplane that swooshed through the air! Families worked together to spell out their names, build the highest tower, and create new masterpieces. It was so much fun!

Nature Connects is open 9am to 5pm daily through May 19th. Admission is $6 for adults through March ($7 beginning in April), $3 for children 6-12. Enjoy these additional events at Lauritzen Gardens during Nature Connects:

Build-a-breakfast with LEGO® bricks and EGGO® waffles, Saturdays and Sundays from February 2 through May 19, 10am-2pm.
Orchid Show – Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3, 10am-4pm. Pick up a $1 off admission coupon at Lauritzen Gardens.
Lego® Brick Sculpture Invitational – March 17. Bring your own LEGO® brick sculpture to exhibit at the garden for a chance to win great prizes. All participants will receive a complimentary pass to Lauritzen Gardens to use on the day of the exhibit (two passes for exhibitors 17 and under). Register by March 14. This sounds like so much fun!
Celebrate with a LEGO® Brick Birthday Party at the Gardens.

Giveaway – Win Four Passes to Nature Connects!

The Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Kelly O.! Thank you to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for more chances to win through May!

Celebrate our 1-year Blog Birthday with fun giveaways all month! One lucky The Spirit of Saving reader will win four passes for admission to the Nature Connects exhibit at Lauritzen Gardens! [Stay tuned, we will have more giveaways for passes to Nature Connects through May!]

TO ENTER:

Simply fill out your name and email address in the form below.
(Be sure to use the form for entry. Comments left on the post will not be counted towards entry.)

BONUS ENTRIES:

Receive one bonus entry for completing each of the following, up to three bonus entries:

Like The Spirit of Saving on Facebook. Already do? That counts, too!
Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (Chick Share at the bottom of this post)
Complete this 2-minute survey – How can The Spirit of Saving be more helpful to you?

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, February 10, 2013, at 10pm, CST.

OTHER: Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. The winners will be selected using random.org and notified via email. Email addresses are only used in order to contact the winner. Winners will have 48 hours in which to provide me with their mailing address so that the prize can be forwarded to them. If the winners do not respond within 48 hours, alternate winners will be selected. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Up to four entries per person, including the three Bonus Entries.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lauritzen Gardens who provided the tickets for my family and for the giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own. See disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

10 Fun & Free Cabin Fever Relievers in Omaha

February 1, 2013

$A snowy scene with trees and overlay text that reads, \"10 Fun and Free Cabin Fever Relievers in Omaha.\"$

I am very excited to be guest posting at ParentSavvy, a wonderful resource of parenting and health information for local parents!

Got cabin fever? Staying active and finding fun activities to do with your family can be a bit more challenging in the winter. Fortunately, Omaha is a wonderful place to live and visit and is full of family-friendly activities and events, including many that are free!

Head on over to check out 10 Fun and Free Cabin Fever Relievers in Omaha!

How do you stay active with your kids in the winter?

5 Excellent Reasons to Visit the Omaha Zoo in the Winter

January 16, 2013

We love to visit the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in the Winter. Although wonderful to visit at all times of the year, visiting during the Winter offers a different experience than other times of the year.

5 Excellent Reasons to Visit the Omaha Zoo in the Winter:

Amazing Indoor Exhibits

Most of the Omaha Zoo’s major attractions are housed indoors, and are fairly close to one another. Enjoy the balmy Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, and Butterfly Pavilion. Stroll through the impressive Kingdoms of the Night. Watch the gorillas play in Gorilla Valley. Walk through the newly renovated Aquarium. For a moment, you might just forget it is winter outside.

Less crowds

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium brought in record crowds last year, which will only continue to increase as more and more people come to visit the best zoo in the country! In the Winter, there are many times we are the only visitors in an entire building. The little ones can get up close to the windows and see all of the animals easily. Additionally, with fewer crowds, it seems that the animals are actually more active.

IMAX Theater

With a zoo membership, the IMAX Theater is free! Choose from 3 shows daily.

Peacefulness

With less crowds, there is less noise, less activity around you. There is a wonderful sense of peacefulness, the sense you get when being out in nature. The last time we visited, we walked through the entire Kingdoms of the Night exhibit by ourselves, not another person in sight. We could clearly hear all of the wonderful sounds of the animals while walking through the swamp – it almost felt like we were really there.

Baby Animals

Five African lions cubs (pictured above), two males and three females, were born on December 29, 2012. With smaller crowds, we were able to stay and watch the 2-week-old cubs up close, and observe one being fed from a bottle. This is reason enough to visit this Winter!

Looking for more Winter fun? Enjoy 80+ Things to Do in Omaha this Winter (Many Free!)! New to the Zoo? Be sure to read Helpful Tips for Visiting!

What do you love about visiting the Omaha Zoo in the Winter? Please share in the comments below!

Free Family Flicks at Aksarben Cinema!

January 9, 2013

Aksarben Cinema is once again offering Free Family Flicks this Winter! Starting January 26th, enjoy free movies on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 11am with ticket.

Free tickets will be available at these sponsors: Enterprise Bank, Learning HQ, Ponzu Sushi and Grill, Jones Bros. Cupcakes, and Together, starting the Monday of the week of each screening. Doors will open at 10:30am and seating will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Note: It is a good idea to arrive early, as having a ticket does not guarantee a seat.

Guests are also asked to bring one non-perishable food item to donate to Together. Enjoy!

Jan 26-27: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
Feb 2-3: Ice Age: Continental Drift
Feb 9-10: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Feb 16-17: Hotel Transylvania
Feb 23-24: The Lorax

Enjoy $2 Movies at Marcus Theatres this Winter, too!

See more Upcoming Free and Inexpensive Family Events here and in the Event Calendar! Plus, enjoy 80+ Things to Do in Omaha this Winter (Many Free!)!

Free Crafts and Activities at Lakeshore Learning Store

January 7, 2013

Have you visited the new Lakeshore Learning Store at 120th and Center? Every Saturday, they offer Free Crafts for Kids from 11am-3pm! On January 19th, kids can join in their Science Fair with free hands-on activities and experiments, and receive Free Science Software with any in-store purchase during the event.

Check out these FUN crafts and activities coming up:

Jan 12 – All About Me Flipbook
Jan 19 – Science Fair
Jan 26 – Magnetic Snowman Notepad
Feb 2 – Just Hanging Around Puppy Pal
Feb 9 – Chinese New Year Dragon
Feb 16 – Desk Buddy Pencil Holder
Feb 23 – People Shapes Dancing Puppet

See these and many more Free Family Events in the Event Calendar!

Charity of the Month: Heart Ministry Center

January 4, 2013

Through the Holiday season and beyond, many of us donate clothes and food, volunteer our time, and help in numerous other ways with local organizations. We are blessed with many wonderful charities and non-profits in Omaha that are doing amazing work.

I am very excited to begin the series with The Heart Ministry Center. I personally met John, the director, last year, and have been inspired by his passion, vision, and desire to help others. When visiting the Center, there is an excitement there, not only through helping others’ physical needs, but truly reaching out and saying hello to everyone who walks through their doors, making them feel welcome. Additionally, a large number of the Center’s clients are their most consistent volunteers. Because they cannot afford to make a donation, volunteering is their way of giving back.

Let’s get to know this special place:

1. What is the mission of the Heart Ministry Center?

The Heart Ministry Center provides basic necessities, educational opportunities, health outreach events and support to individuals and families in north Omaha and surrounding areas.

2. What is your greatest need?

Dedicated and caring volunteers that are able to show empathy and compassion for others.

3. How can we help support the awesome work you are doing?

Volunteer your time and spread the word about the work we are doing at the Center.

4. What makes the Heart Ministry Center special or unique? What do you love most about working there?

We truly believe in the dignity of all and want to make sure each person visiting the center not only leaves with having their needs met but also feeling good about themselves.

Please contact The Heart Ministry Center for more information. You can find their logo in the sidebar here all month.

FUN Holiday Giveaway: Win One of 3 Great Prizes!

November 29, 2012

$A close up of the Omaha Children\'s Museum entrance sign.$

The Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Dawn, Sarah and Amanda! Thank you very much to everyone who entered. It was so much fun to read what everyone loves to do together during the Holidays!

In celebration of the Holidays, we have a very fun Giveaway! Three prizes, three lucky The Spirit of Saving readers!

Enter below for your chance to win one of the following:

A Family Four-Pack of Tickets for Free Admission to the Omaha Children’s Museum, including Itty Bitty City, and their new Holiday exhibit, Santa’s Magic! (Read the review of our fun-filled visit to Itty Bitty City here!)

A Pass for Free General Admission for two adults and up to four children to Joslyn Art Museum! (Pass expires March 31, 2013.)

$15 Starbucks Giftcard!

If you already have a Family Membership to either of the Museums, that is awesome! Consider sharing this giveaway with friends or family who do not have a membership, or enter yourself as these tickets would make a great gift!

TO ENTER:

Simply leave a comment on this post below and share, “What family activity do you enjoy doing together during the Holidays?”

BONUS ENTRIES:

(Remember to leave a separate comment for each one sharing what you did (for example, “I shared this giveaway on Facebook!” or “I subscribe to your emails!”), up to three bonus entries):

Like The Spirit of Saving on Facebook. Already do? That counts, too!
Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook and receive a bonus entry. Click the Share buttons at the bottom of this post.
Subscribe to The Spirit of Saving through Email or RSS. Already do? That counts, too!

New visitor to The Spirit of Saving? Welcome! You might also enjoy:

Free Upcoming Events in Omaha
Free Holiday Family-Friendly Events in Omaha!
80+ Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omaha this Winter (Many Free!)
Visit Santa in Omaha and Council Bluffs
Kids Eat Free or Cheap in Omaha

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Sunday, December 9th, at midnight, CST.

OTHER: Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. All comments must be left on the blog here to be included. The winners will be selected using random.org and notified via email. Email addresses are only used in order to contact the winners. Winners will have 48 hours in which to provide me with their mailing address so that the prize can be forwarded to them. If the winners do not respond within 48 hours, alternate winners will be selected. Up to four entries per person, including the three Bonus Entries.

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK!

Disclosure: Many thanks to the Omaha Children’s Museum who provided their tickets for the giveaway. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own. See full disclosure and privacy policy here. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Giving Tuesday – Give Back in Omaha

November 27, 2012

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are all focused on Holiday Shopping. This year, we have a new day to help encourage and celebrate Holiday Giving and Service.

“We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals….Wouldn’t it be great to have a day for giving back?” Giving Tuesday was created to encourage and inspire giving throughout the Holiday Season.

Many individuals and families already make volunteering a part of their Holiday tradition including participating in an Angel Tree program through work, Adopting-A-Family through Church, delivering Thanksgiving meals, or ringing bells for Salvation Army. I am always inspired by those who work in non-profit agencies – they truly love their work and give so much more than the material items they might provide. Thank you for giving of yourself to help others. Let your service brighten the Holidays for many, and inspire others to do the same.

There are many wonderful organizations in and around Omaha whose mission is to help others. Here are a few that I have had the privilege to work with:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands – “Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.”

Completely KIDS – “Completely KIDS is an Omaha nonprofit whose mission is to develop youth and their families through out-of-school time and family strengthening programs in communities where they live.”

Heartland Hope Mission – “Our mission is to provide food, clothing and promote self sufficiency for people in need.”

Hope Center for Kids – “Hope Center for Kids strives to faithfully inspire hope in youth and children in the inner city through education, employability, collaboration and faith.”

Ted E. Bear Hollow – “Ted E. Bear Hollow is the community resource where our grieving children and teens come to heal.”

United Way Omaha – “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.”

Desiring to volunteer over the Holidays or throughout the year? Search the United Way’s online database for Adult & Youth Volunteer Opportunities at dozens of local nonprofit organizations. Give the gift of joy and time this Holiday Season. Together, we can all make a difference!

CC image courtesy of Gisela Giardino

Do you have a favorite organization that you volunteer with? Please share in the comments below!

Giveaway – Win Six Tickets to Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove!

The Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Christine E.! Thank you to everyone who entered!

TO ENTER:

BONUS ENTRIES:

Create Your Own LEGO® Sculptures

Giveaway – Win Four Passes to Nature Connects!

TO ENTER:

BONUS ENTRIES:

5 Excellent Reasons to Visit the Omaha Zoo in the Winter:

Amazing Indoor Exhibits

Less crowds

IMAX Theater

Peacefulness

Baby Animals

1. What is the mission of the Heart Ministry Center?

2. What is your greatest need?

3. How can we help support the awesome work you are doing?

4. What makes the Heart Ministry Center special or unique? What do you love most about working there?

TO ENTER:

BONUS ENTRIES:

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