Virtual Tech Camps at iD Tech

During this time of school closings, keeping kids learning and entertained is tough to do. If you are like me, you are still working either from home or as essential personnel which makes it hard to homeschool kids. I have found a great solution! Did you know that iD Tech is providing virtual learning at an affordable price? Plus, I have a discount code so read on for that. This post was sponsored by iD Tech but as always, all opinions are my own.

Evan participated in iD Tech last year in a one-week Python coding class, which hopefully he will be able to continue this summer. In the meantime, they are offering Virtual Tech Camps for $499.

Use my code: GILDA125 and save $125!!!!

These online courses are limited to 5 participants per instructor and last a week for many different time zones. The camp includes 2 hours of live instruction and 2 hours of self-paced project development per day. It includes awesome topics that teenagers (and younger) love, including Minecraft, Roblox, Python, Java, AI, Unreal, 3D modeling. Classes are for ages 7-19 for all experience levels. Great STEM learning! 

There are even private lessons available year-round with iD Tech. You can purchase 5 and 12-packs of lessons.

More about iD Tech's Online Onsite Options:

iD Tech has 20+ years of experience with 450,000 alumni. There are 150 campuses worldwide, so you most likely can find one near you. Evan went to Bentley University. With all the uncertainty right now they are also offering unlimited changes and a flexible cancellation policy, you can read more here.

Evan's Python Camp was a week-long where they built their own laptop from a Raspberry Pi and other circuit boards! Evan is into coding and robotics too, so this was right up his alley. With lots of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) options students ages 7 to 19 can find something that interests them.

I liked that during the camp they got outside and got active, too. Here they are having water balloon fights during one of their camp days.

They also have overnight options, but we didn't take advantage of that option. Something that makes me love iD Tech even more is that they also offer all-girls camps (GIRL POWER!!!). As a woman engineer, I can really appreciate this. When I went to Worcester Polytechnic Institute I was one of 3 Aerospace Engineering majors with another 65 boys.

Register now for a Virtual Class!!

https://www.idtech.com/

USE CODE: GILDA125 to save $125!!!

Sessions sell out quickly so do it today!

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WITH iD TECH!

Disclosure: I was provided monetary compensation for promotion of iD Tech. As always, all opinions are my own.

Giveaway for Riverdance at the Boch Center Wang Theatre

I have exciting news, the 25th Anniversary show of Riverdance is coming to the Boch Center Wang Theatre March 31 – April 5! But that is not all, I am giving away four tickets to the show on their opening night performance on Tuesday, March 31st at 7:00 pm. Ok, now I am going to sound a bit like an infomercial...but wait....there's more! You also have a chance to dance on stage! Read on to learn more.

More about the show:

See Riverdance as you’ve never seen or heard it before in the new 25th Anniversary production! For over 25 years, nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. In a powerful and stirring re-invention of this beloved favorite, renowned composer Bill Whelan brings this mesmerizing, Grammy Award®-winning soundtrack back to life, completely revitalized for the first time since those original orchestral recordings. 

Producer Moya Doherty and Director John McColgan have produced an amazing new 25th Anniversary production with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, staging and costume design, and an all-new finale number which will blow audiences away.

Have you ever dreamed of performing on the big stage in Boston? Now is your chance with Riverdance Dance Contest. More details here: https://www.bochcenter.org/riverdancecontest

New England Irish Dance groups are invited to compete for a chance to perform on stage at the Boch Center Wang Theatre prior to performance of the international Irish dance phenomenon, Riverdance. Irish Dance groups can now submit videos (up to 3 minutes in length) showing their best footwork. Three winning dance companies will be chosen to perform LIVE onstage (in front of house curtain, max 3 min in length) at the Wang Theatre on Wednesday, April 1, prior to the performance of the Riverdance. The winning​ dance companies will also receive complimentary tickets (one for each dancer, max. of 20 per company).

Tickets are now on sale at the Boch Center box office, through www.bochcenter.org or by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787).

Enter below for a chance to win 4 tickets to the show on March 31st a 7 pm at the Boch Center Wang Theatre!

Disclosure: I was provided with four tickets for the show and four tickets to giveaway for promotional purposes. No other compensation was received and as always all opinions are my own.

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Shear Madness Boston Giveaway

Shear Madness is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in January and I am giving away 4 tickets to see it in Boston at the Charles Playhouse!! My 14 year old son saw it on his school trip to DC and loved it. He is hard to please so I can't wait to see it!

This show  has played at theatres all over the world and is embarking upon 40 years where it all began, in Boston. Did you know that Shear Madness is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running play in the history of the USA. The flagship Boston company has given birth to 50 productions in the U.S. and Shear Madness has been translated into 23 foreign languages, playing worldwide in a host of cities including Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Paris, Rejkavik, Rome, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, Johannesburg and Seoul. Over 12.5 million people worldwide have joined in the fun. 

More about the show:
This unique comedy-whodunit takes place today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon and is chock full of up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor. During the course of the action, a murder is committed and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects, and solve the funniest mystery in the annals of crime. The outcome is never the same, which is why many audience members return again and again to the scene of the mayhem.

Enter below to win tickets of your choice of day and time from the following:

Saturday January 11th at 5 pm or 8 pm 

Sunday January 12th at 3 pm

Disclosure: I was given tickets to Shear Madness for my family and for giveaway for promotional purposes. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Boxes and a Recipe

Disclosure: I received a Perdue Farms Box and compensation for promotional purposes. As always all opinions are my own.

Our family eats a lot of chicken! I have always bought Perdue products and now I am happy to introduce the first Perdue Farms direct-to-consumer boxes which just launched on December 17th! I recently received a box called the “Gatherings (Medium)” with some awesome products including more than just chicken. Best of all it was delivered straight to my door!

The box includes much more than just chicken with a full line of premium protein products and brands, including Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural, Perdue Chicken, Perdue Harvestland, Panorama Meats, Spot Farms, Full Moon and more. This box included: Sonoma Red Organic Pasture Raised Whole Chicken With Giblets, Niman Ranch Pulled Pork, Perdue Herbed Olive Oil Seasoned Wings, Niman Ranch Kielbasa, Niman Ranch Fat Tire Ribs, and Coleman Organic Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders. The “Gatherings (Medium)” box is priced at $82.99 on the site. This is an 11% bundle discount vs. purchasing all products individually.

The products were packaged nicely in a box with dry ice keeping everything perfectly frozen.

My son loves wings and these came in the perfect time for watching the Patriots game. They are PERDUE® Herbed Olive Oil Seasoned Wings. What I loved is that you don't have to thaw them. I always forget to take food out of the freezer in the morning to make it later in the day. These are also seasoned in a roasted garlic and sea salt-infused olive oil before being frozen and have a resealable bag. They were yummy!

For 100 years, the company has worked with small family farmers to raise animals with care. Perdue Farms is passionate about farming, land preservation and healthy and nutritious food. Plus you can receive free shipping on orders over $119.

https://www.perduefarms.com

 For every bundle shipped, Perdue Farms will donate to the Arbor Day Foundation, which is working to replant damaged areas of our nation’s forests. This donation will help reduce the carbon footprint required to ship our products to you. Every box is made out of 100 percent recyclable cardboard and insulated with Green Cell Foam®. You’ll also receive a reusable and recyclable grocery bag with every purchase. Reach for our bag next time you go to the store to avoid using paper or plastic. A pollinator seed packet is also included in every box. 

As a bonus I wanted to give you a quick and easy recipe that my family loves made with Perdue Thin Chicken Breasts. It is Chicken Roulades. Or as my kids call it, chicken wrapped with cheese!

To make it preheat your oven to 350 degrees and lay out thin chicken breasts and lay a piece of swiss and provolone cheese. You can also add a thin slice of prosciutto.

Roll the chicken around the cheese and place toothpicks in to hold it together.

Heat a pan with some butter and place the chicken in. Turn and cook until the chicken is almost all white.

Place all of the chicken in to a glass pan in the pre-heated 350 degree oven.

Cook for about 30 minutes and Voila you have a yummy dish. I pair it with a vegetable and rice. The kids love it!

I hope you will check out Perdue Farms direct-to-consumer boxes! They give you plenty of options for great meals! Order now and get 10% Off + free Perdue Harvestland Diced Chicken Breasts on your first order.

Win 4 Tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL

I have another awesome giveaway! Win four tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL at the DCU Center for the show of your choice!

More about the show:

Cirque du Soleil is proud to announce its return on ice with a new creation that will spin you into the vibrant world of Cirque du Soleil AXEL. This unique experience will showcase world-class acrobatic skating performances set in fantastical universes combining full-spectrum visual effects and awesome live music that seamlessly integrates popular songs with new original scores. Cirque du Soleil AXEL will be presented at the DCU Center for 6 performances only, starting December 5, 2019. 

 “The success of our first creation on ice has reinforced our ambition to further explore the extensive creative possibilities of a frozen playground,” says Daniel Fortin, Vice President Creation. “With Cirque du Soleil AXEL, we will offer a truly electrifying experience to all audiences, pushing the boundaries of creativity with the unique approach that has forged the reputation of Cirque du Soleil.” Embark on the journey of Axel, a young man and his dynamic group of friends, whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us all that our dreams are within reach. 

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Get lifted by the electrifying experience of Cirque du Soleil AXEL, with stunning performances blending ice-skating, acrobatics and live music that will leave all audiences astounded! 

 Tickets for Worcester performances of Cirque du Soleil AXEL are available at cirquedusoleil.com/AXEL.

 Show Schedule:

Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 pm 

 Friday, December 6 at 7:30 pm 

 Saturday, December 7 at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm 

 Sunday, December 8 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Disclosure: I received tickets for my family and for giveaway in exchange for promotional purposes. No other compensation was received and as always all opinions are my own.

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Win 4 Tickets to The Office! A Musical Parody in Boston

I am so excited to have another cool giveaway, this time for The Office! A Musical Parody at the The Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts on November 6th! Enter below!

Dunder Mifflin is opening an office near you! Producers of the sold out, unauthorized Off-Broadway sensation The Office! A Musical Parody announced the North American tour will play a four-week engagement at Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, November 5-December 1, 2019. The Office! A Musical Parody is written by Bob and Tobly McSmith, directed and choreographed by Donald Garverick, and composed by Assaf Gleizner. It’s a typical morning at Scranton’s third largest paper company until, for no logical reason, a documentary crew begins filming the lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin. 

Don’t miss this hilarious, unauthorized parody of your favorite TV show, now coming to Boston. Mashable calls the show "the world's most elaborate inside joke, created with a whole lot of love, just for fans.” Writers Bob and Tobly McSmith are ecstatic that "The Office! A Musical Parody is on track to be our most successful New York production in 10 years," says Tobly McSmith. The Office! A Musical Parody is now one of the most successful off-Broadway shows in history. As Michael might say, ‘It's been a dream come thru.’" The cast includes original Off-Broadway cast member Madeline Glenn Thomas as everyone's favorite receptionist, Pam, and former Off-Broadway cast member Emma Brock as Michael. The Office! A Musical Parody is currently running at the Jerry Orbach Theatre in New York City. Writers Bob and Tobly McSmith are distinguished gentlemen who met while applying for jobs at the Dippin' Dots in the mall. They did not get the job but went on to create the following masterpieces: FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, Bayside! The Saved by the Bell Musical, Full! House! The Musical (starring Perez Hilton), Katdashians! The Musical, Showgirls! The Musical and JonBenet! Murder Mystery Theatre. They are hard at work on their next musical: The Passion of the Teletubbies. Tickets are $25.00-$89.00, with discounts available for students and seniors. They can be purchased at www.bostontheatrescene.com, at the Boston Center for the Arts box office (539 Tremont St., Boston, MA), or by phone at 617-933-8600.

Disclosure: I was provided with tickets for my family and for giveaway to The Office! A Musical Parody. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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Stone Zoo Brick Safari Fun

We love going to the Stone Zoo and my son has always loved LEGOs. When I heard both were combined I couldn't wait to go! Brick Safari, presented by Metro by T-Mobile, has over 40 life-size animal sculptures made from millions of colorful bricks to be on display from October 12 through January 5. 

As you stroll along the paths of the zoo you can see your favorite animals in LEGO form and in real life.

The creations are quite impressive. As we went through the zoo we would places guesses on how many bricks were used in each animal. I won't tell you what the elephant has but it has the most!

Love the parrots too. Sometimes you have to do a double take if it is bricks or the real thing.

Every animal sculpture, built by BRICKLIVE, relies upon thousands of bricks to keep it strong, and each brick has a part to play. Our ecosystem is much the same way – every species, large and small, plays a crucial role in a balanced ecosystem. As species are removed, the system weakens. We invite you to become a biodiversity builder!

So cool!

There are even some aquatic friends.

Love the giraffe. 

Definitely go check it out!

https://www.zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo/exhibits/brick-safari/

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets for my family to attend. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Have a Blast at The SpongeBob Musical

My kids have been watching Nickelodeon's SpongeBob for a while, and to be honest my husband and I would watch it too. I love his carefree and positive attitude. I knew when The SpongeBob Musical came to Boston we had to see it! This award winning show is at the Boch Center Wang Theatre until October 27th! Get tickets now as this show is a blast!

 Lauren was excited to see the show. She especially was looking forward to all the songs created by wonderful artists. During the show she would look at the program and tell me who wrote each song. The show features original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At The Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. (Clifford Harris, Jr.) Domani Harris and Darwin Quinn and a song by David Bowie and by Tom Kenny and Andy Paley.

There was music playing when we entered and I knew we were in for a fun show. More musicians kept showing up on stage. During the show I  also enjoyed one performer on stage that handled all of the sound effects.

There were so many standouts in this show. I have a bit of a soft spot for tap dancing as I still take tap as an adult and Cody Cooley as Squidward Q. Tentacles danced and sang in a wonderful musical number with tap dancers. His costume with the four legs was fantastic and he acted out the character perfectly!

Another huge standout was the powerful voice of Meami Maszewski as Pearl Krabs! She was so wonderful!

Of course Lorenzo Pugliese as SpongeBob was wonderful and I really enjoyed his interaction with Sandy Cheeks (Daria Pilar Redus) and Patrick Star (Beau Bradshaw).

I loved all of the characters and how they were portrayed. Plus the music was awesome! 

They really brought the characters to life. Plus it was so funny everyone was laughing out loud.

For ticket information and additional dates, visit www.TheSpongeBobMusical.com

Definitely check out this show when it comes to your city so you can have the best day ever! I say it is the feel good show of the year!

Disclosure: I received four tickets for my family to attend the show. No other compensation was received and as always all opinions are my own.