British Soccer Camps: Summer Camp Fun

Last year Anika attended a summer soccer camp held by Challenger Sports, and this year I think that I will have Noah attend soccer camp. He has fallen in love with soccer and I think he is at the perfect age to attend something like this.

Marvel Universe Live: 2 Hours of Non-Stop Action For Fans

Last Friday we drove up to the Moda Center to see Marvel Universe Live. We took Noah’s best bud with him since he hasn’t had the opportunity to hang out with friends as much as the girls have. I knew it would be a performance that they would like, but I wasn’t sure how much the rest of the family would be entertained.

Living Locally: The Wizard of Oz at The Keller Auditorium

The Company of The Wizard of Oz in “Merry Old Land of Oz.” PHOTOGRAPHY: © DANIEL A. SWALEC

Next week the U.S. Bank Broadway in Portland series is presenting the North American tour of the new stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz! It is playing at the Keller Auditorium on March 8th - 13th.

 

I’m excited to see this production of one of the most classic stories around. This production is developed from the popular MGM screenplay and shares everyone’s favorite characters including the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy, and Toto. We will follow along with the iconic moments we love as they journey through the magical Land of Oz to meet the Wizard, plus there will be a few new surprises along the way, including new songs from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

My First Time at a Monster Jam®

Last weekend we did something that for some might seem a little unusual for Valentine’s weekend - we went as a family to see Monster Jam®.

Living Locally: A Fun Live Event for Marvel Fans

I love taking my family to fun events that come to town - it’s a fun way to entertain the kids as well as make fun memories together. Introducing them to a variety of shows and experiences is just another good way to also teach them about many different fun careers that are available out there.

Next month we are going to head up to the Moda Center for an exciting evening to go see Marvel Universe LIVE. It’s the first show of its kind - a live stunt show with everyone’s favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man and the Avengers (Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk, and more) plus menacing villains that come to life in an action-packed extravaganza! It’s going to be in Portland, Oregon March 3rd-6th!

Living Locally: Marvel Universe Live

To all of my local friends – here is an exciting event coming to Portland! We are super excited to go and see the Portland debut of Marvel Universe LIVE!

Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new groundbreaking level, with a mind-blowing stunt show unlike anything experienced before! You can watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man and the Avengers (Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk, and more) plus menacing villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza debuting in the Pacific Northwest for the first time ever playing March 3rd–6th at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

Living Locally: Win 4 Tickets to Monster Jam®!

Last week I posted that Monster Jam was coming back toPortland on February 13th and 14th, and today I want to share a fun giveaway for all of my local readers! I have 4 tickets available for the February 13th show at 2pm that I would love to give to one local reader. My family and I have been blessed with many fun opportunities through this blog and this year I’d love to try and give back in some way to you.

Living Locally: Monster Jam®

I'm excited to take the kids to see The Monster Jam® next month! The Monster Jam® tour is heading to Portland at the Moda center on February 13th and 14th 2016! The Monster Jam® show is a fun-filled and actioned packed live motorsport event tour that is a must see for anyone who loves to be entertained. This year the Monster Jam tour is delivering even more things that fans want to see, including more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, and more action.

Living Locally: Shrek the Musical

A couple of weekends ago I took the family up to the Northwest Children’s Theater in Portland to see Shrek the Musical. I occasionally contribute online as a reviewer for a local parent magazine and website, The PDX Kids Calendar, and they sent me to the show to check it out for their viewers.

Living Locally: Beauty and the Beast

This year I fell in love with Broadway performances. From Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, I LOVE LUCY live on stage, The Phantom ofthe Opera, Wicked (and more!) there has always been something so magical about them, and each time I go and see a performance I am blown away at the quality of the orchestra, singing, dancing, and the sets. It’s simply the best.

Living Locally: Zoolights at The Oregon Zoo

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving this last week and had the opportunity to feast with friends, family and make memories. I had a whirlwind of a long weekend which included dinner at my house, a friendsgiving at my friend's home, black Friday shopping, an overnight solo trip to southern Oregon to visit my Mom, and lastly, our annual visit to the Oregon Zoo's Zoolights. 

Quite a Day + Frozen on Ice

Hello! Remember me? That blogger who has left you hanging since last week? Well that was unintentional, believe me! I’ve wanted to sit down and get a full day’s worth of writing and photos to upload on here and just haven’t had the chance to do so – until today.

A Recap of Feast Portland 2015

Last month (I can’t believe it’s been 4 weeks already!) I attended one of the best foodie festivals around: Feast Portland.

This was the second year I was given a blogger pass, and after the amazing time I had last year at Feast, I couldn’t pass up another opportunity to attend. Feast is made up of many events across 4 days; marquee events, hands on classes, dinners, and plenty of additional parties throughout, with proceeds going to a good cause.

Living Locally: Feast Portland Happening This Week!

You guys! I'm so excited for Feast Portland! It begins in just two short days! This will be my second year attending Feast, so I know just how much fun it's going to be. I'll be up there for a full day of events on Friday,Saturday, and Sunday! If you want to follow along catch me over on Instagram, and be sure to check out the hashtag #FeastPDX to see everyone's drool-worthy pictures.

Living Locally: Feast is Coming to Portland!

Things have been so incredibly busy lately with my trip to New York that I haven't had a chance to remind you of an amazing event coming to Portland next month! Feast Portland  was founded in 2012, and this will be my second year attending this fun food event that is presented by BonAppétit. Feast a big celebration that is broken down into many smaller events, so it's great because you can pick and choose what interested you. There's Grand Tastings, Dinner series, hands on classes - but several of the events are already sold out, so if you are considering attending I'd buy your tickets soon. :)

Living Locally: Wicked at The Keller Auditorium

Last night I had a girl’s night out with one of my friends and we drove up to the Keller Auditorium and saw Wicked for the first time. Over the years I’ve heard the name “Wicked” here and there, and friends have told me before that “you just HAVE to see it”.  Not knowing the exact story-line I knew that it had something to do with the witches from the Wizard of Oz, but I didn’t know just how in depth the story was.

Living Locally: Camp Macy's

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Society; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 

Have I ever mentioned before just how much I love Macy's? From fun fashion shows to culinary events, they are always hosting something fun while giving back to the community.

Next Sunday, June 14th, Macy's will be hosting a family fun event called Camp Macy's - and it will be held at the Clackamas store here in Oregon, but I know they will be hosting events across the country - so keep your eyes open for one near you!

What is Camp Macy's? It's part of their summer American Icons Campaign, and Camp Macy's will be having all sorts of in-store activities that will bring back camp nostalgia from people of all ages. There will be readings, storytelling, bingo, snacks - as well as crafts to show off your American spirit - refreshments, giveaways and more! 

This camp is all about enjoying family time and summer activities - and I just love how Macy's is bringing families together for these events to create lasting memories!

The event begins at 2:00 pm - and while you're there, take a few photos and use the hashtag #AmericanSelfies - Macy's is donating $1 for each hashtag (up to $250K ) to support American Veteran's with Got You 6. A handful of winners will be selected for a spectacular moment in the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show on NBC!

Hope to see you there!

~Melissa

Living Locally: Macy's American Icons

I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  

You're invited! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, Macy's is hosting a party this Saturday at their Washington Square location at 2PM, and you are invited to join for some in-store excitement! As part of Macy's salute to all things that make us proud to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, you can discover everything you need to put together a timeless all-American ensemble at a fashion party hosted by Grasie Mercedes of StyleMeGrasie. You can join Grasie for a special fashion show celebrating iconic style from some of everyone's favorite American designers! Afterwards you can meet Grasie, shop the latest collections for spring, jam to a live DJ, and enjoy complimentary sips and sweets!

Macy's is also proud to partner with those who have served our country alongside Got Your 6 - a campaign that unites nonprofit, Hollywood, and government partners. Got Your 6 believes that veterans are leaders, team builders, and problem solvers who have the unique potential to strengthen communities across the country.Through nonprofit and government partners, Got Your 6 ensures successful veteran reintegration and empowers veterans to lead here at home. Together, Got Your 6 and its partners are shifting public perceptions so that veterans’ leadership and skills are recognized and utilized at home to strengthen communities. Got Your 6 means "got your back" in the military - and it's nice that here in America we have campaigns that do so.

So if you are in the area and would like to join in on the fun with an afternoon of American fashion, food, music and more - RVSP online to this FREE event! Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot at: AmericanIconsWashingtonSquare.eventbrite.com

If you aren't in the Portland area, there will be events across the country - Seattle and San Francisco also have events happening tomorrow!

5/16 San Fransisco (Union Square)

5/16 Seattle (Alderwood)

Every event is different - check them all out at macys.com/americanicons for more details! 

And while you are there, make sure you take an #AmericanSelfie with one of Macy's patriotic photo opps in the store and share it on Instagram so we can all join in on the fun! :) 

~Melissa

Living Locally: Discover the Dinosaur's Family Four Pack Giveaway!

On May 16th and 17th Discover the Dinosaurs will be in Portland! Discover the Dinosaurs is a traveling hands-on exhibit featuring up to 40 different animatronic and museum quality dinosaur replicas. There's a 20 foot T-Rex, life size Triceratops, and Stegosaurus. The kids are allowed to get up close and touch the dinosaurs!

The Exhibit Only Admission includes the Dinosaur Exhibit, Dino Dig, Dino Den, Dino Theater, Dino Coloring area, and Scavenger Hunt.

The Exhibit Plus Admission includes the Dinosaur Exhibit, plus unlimited Dinosaur Rides, Mini Golf, and inflatables! (Gem & fossil mining, and face painting are available for an additional charge). 

School age children LOVE dinosaurs, and Discover the Dinosaurs engages the imaginations of kids to learn, hands on activities (they can actually ride on the back of a dinosaur!) With all of the fun activities the kids will be entertained for the day at Discover the Dinosaurs!

The Exhibit runs Saturday May 16th from 9-9 and Sunday May 17th from 10-7. Admission for 13 years and older is $20, Seniors 65 + is $18. Children ages 2-12: Exhibit PLUS is $25, Exhibit only is $18. Children 1 year and under FREE.

I'm so excited to partner up with Discover the Dinosaurs and giveaway a family four pack of tickets to TWO readers! Enter below and share this fun contest with a friend...or two!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Melissa
Disclaimer: We received passes to Discover the Dinosaurs, no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own

Living Locally: The Phantom of The Opera

This year I've finally discovered the wonder of Broadway shows - and have attended three in the past few months. They are an amazing production - only the best - and I'm very excited to attend the latest Broadway show coming to Portland this month - Andrew Lloyd Webber's: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which will be at the Keller Auditorium May 13-23!

Here's a little more information if you are interested in attending this fabulous production!

Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA are on sale now for the Portland engagement at Keller Auditorium.  With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM, one of the most successful musicals of all-time,will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. 

For more information on the production and a video sneak peek, please visit www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA became the first stage production to reach worldwide grosses of $6 billion, which it did this past summer.  Revenues far surpass the world’s highest-grossing film Avatar (at $2.8 billion), as well as such other blockbusters as Titanic, The Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park and Star Wars. 

Worldwide, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has played more than 65,000 performances that have been seen by 140 million people in 30 countries and 151 cities in 14 languages. The show has won more than 70 major theater awards.

There have been three previous U.S. National Tours of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA that grossed over $1.5 billion in combined box office sales and played 216 engagements in 77 cities for an unprecedented total of 36 years and over 14,500 performances to 31 million people.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.  He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

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TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

May 13 - 23, 2015  |  Keller Auditorium, SW 3rd & Clay

Wednesday, May 13  |  7:30pm

Thursday, May 14 |  1:00pm and 7:30pm (7:30pm is an ASL Interpreted Performance)

Friday, May 15 |  7:30pm
Saturday, May 16  |  2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, May 17  |  1:00pm and 6:30pm (6:30pm is an Open Captioned Performance)

Monday, May 18  |  7:30pm
Tuesday, May 19  |  7:30pm

Wednesday, May 20  |  7:30pm

Thursday, May 21  |  1:00pm and 7:30pm

Friday, May 22 |  7:30pm – Open Captioned Performance
Saturday, May 23  |  2:00pm & 7:30pm – (2:00pm is an ASL Interpreted Performance)

For information on ADA seating, please call the Portland Opera Box Office at 503-241-1802 or email boxoffice@portlandopera.org

Ticket can be purchased:

www.BroadwayInPortland.com,
Portland Opera Box Office: 503- 241-1802 or toll free at 866-739-6737
Portland’5 Box Office: 800-273-1530, All TicketsWest locations

U.S. Bank Broadway in Portland is a partnership between Portland Opera and Broadway Across America.