I’m so excited to head to Loring Park in Minneapolis with my family for the second annual FREE Chipotle Cultivate Festival!

Chipotle Mexican Grill hosts this one-day festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will include cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music, food artisans and other activities emphasizing fresh and affordable food made with sustainable ingredients.

Oh, and I did I mention admission is FREE?!?!?

Last year I attended with my family and was so impressed with the whole event, from the live music to the free food samples to the fun Kids Zone.

Want to see what it was like last year? Here’s my review with lots of pictures!

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s event: [Read more…]

Teen drivers and parents! Check out this fun, FREE experience this weekend in Shakopee!

The Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience, with its innovative and potentially life-saving instructional program, will visit the Minneapolis area to help combat the ongoing problem of motor vehicle crashes among teens. On August 8 and 9, young drivers can benefit from this free program as the 2015 Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience visits Canterbury Park.

The Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience is a free, half-day program designed to equip teens and young adults with the skills to handle the challenges associated with driving on today’s roads. Each session combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving exercises – including a skid pad – to teach defensive driving skills and reinforce smart decision-making behind the wheel; all within a fun and interactive driving experience. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Saturday August 8, 2015                        Sunday August 9, 2015

Session One:  8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.              Session One: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Session Two:  1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.                Session Two: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location:
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Road
Shakopee, MN 55379

TO ATTEND:  Participants must be between the ages of 15-21 and have a valid driver‘s license or learner’s permit. Attendees with at least 30 hours of driving experience gain the most benefit from the Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Driving Experience. The event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required. Visit www.teensdrivesmart.com/tour to register and learn more.

Last week I shared a post about Focus Pointe Global, a national market research company with locations throughout the country – including Minneapolis! Focus Pointe Global is looking for MOMS in the Twin Cities area to participate in fun studies that will earn you some extra money! Learn more about them here.

I received info about some upcoming studies they have coming up – with links to apply! – and I’m sharing them here. I applied for some myself – it’s SUPER easy to set up a free account. There are simple questions to answer about yourself and your family – and you can answer as many as or as few as you want (though the more you answer, the more easily they can pair you up with an upcoming study that you’re a good fit for!).

Take a look at these upcoming studies and if you think you’d be a good fit, give it a shot – if you apply, that doesn’t mean you’re chosen, but you have a chance and will be contacted if you’re a good fit. Good luck!

Week of 8/10

1. Parents with teens ages 13-17. Topic: Consumer Products. Duration: 60 min Compensation $60. application link:http://bit.ly/86530CM
2. People ages 25-55. Topic: Consumer Products. Duration: 90 min. Compensation: $70. Application link:http://bit.ly/86579CM
3. People 25-49. Topic: Television. Duration: 2 hours. Compensation: $100. Application Link: http://bit.ly/86536CM

Week of 8/17

1. People ages 21-55. Topic: Consumer Products. Duration: 90 min. Compensation: $70. Application Link:http://bit.ly/86548CM

Finally! For a limited test run, Noodles & Company is offering $5.00 KIDS MEALS for kids under the age of 10!

Noodles & Company serves classic noodle and pasta dishes from around the world, and I love their many menu options, but their large portions haven’t been suitable for kids (I usually take home lots of leftovers from my kids’ plates or just share with them!).

So I’m very happy that kids now have their very own meals, which they can customize however they want!

Kids can choose their entrée, two sides and a drink, all for the price of $5.00.

The Kids Meal menu includes Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Buttered Noodles and Grilled Chicken with BBQ Dip and sides, such as broccoli, carrots, fruit or applesauce.

Protein or veggies can be added to any dish for the regular protein/veggie add-on price. They also have the option of substituting gluten free pasta, free of charge!

Hurry up to try the new Kids Meals before September 30th, and if you love them, tell them so they keep them on the menu!

National Root Beer Float Day is Thursday, August 6th, and A&W Restaurants want to provide support in the homecoming of our service members.

Stop in to your local A&W anytime between 2 p.m. and store closing (times will vary) for a FREE small A&W Root Beer Float. As a part of the celebration, they will be collecting donations to honor and empower wounded warriors across the country through Wounded Warrior Project. Give generously!

(This is a guest post by Focus Pointe Global, a national market research company with locations throughout the country including Minneapolis. On a personal note, I’ve done market research and it’s a GREAT way to make some extra money while having fun! I definitely recommend checking out this company for opportunities.)

For moms, it can be tough to make extra money, especially when balancing work, kids, pets, and whatever else life throws your way on a daily basis. As expenses pile up, the opportunity to make some extra money can be really hard to find. Some moms turn to selling used items on eBay or having a garage sale, but have you ever thought of participating in focus groups or other market research opportunities? [Read more…]

If you have a college bound student or are looking to upgrade technology in your home or business, visit the Microsoft Store at the Mall of America this Wednesday! Check this out:

Microsoft at MOA will host a series of in-store activities and events on Wednesday, July 29 to celebrate the launch of Windows 10. Microsoft stores are the best place to experience Windows 10, get an upgrade assessment for your PC or tablet from Answer Desk, get familiar with Windows 10 with free workshops, and receive advice directly from the experts – so come out and join us!

• Visit the Answer Desk where our knowledgeable and friendly technicians will be on-hand to answer any Windows 10 questions and provide a free upgrade assessment on all devices.
• Free Windows 10 Workshops will be offered throughout the day, so you can learn how get the most out of new features, how to personalize your Windows experience, work and play across all your devices, and achieve more with new productivity capabilities.
• Windows 10 Experience Zones at MOA will be located at the Macy’s Court in the mall from July 29 – Aug. 9, featuring Windows 10 demos and new Windows 10 PCs and Microsoft products like Surface Pro 3, Xbox One and Minecraft. Visitors to these locations will have a chance to experience Windows 10, and receive giveaways.

To find more details visit your local store event page, visit the Windows blog post and the Facebook event. Microsoft stores are committed to delivering outstanding choice, value and service, including Answer Desk services and free in-store workshops that will help customers learn how to get the most out of Windows 10.