Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Harlem Globetrotters Giveaway!

I can hear the theme of the Harlem Globetrotters in my head right now, Sweet Georgia Brown! As a kid I remember going to a couple of the shows and I remember that the Washington Generals always lost. I also remember Curly Neal sliding around dribbling on his knees and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. The classic staple of the show was when they came out with a bucket of water and they pretended to throw the water on the audience. Somehow, they always switched the bucket of water for a bucket of confetti. Good times.
2010 marks the 84th season for the Globetrotters as they do their "Magical Memories” World Tour to over 215 cities across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. In February, they come to southern California! I can't wait to share this experience with my toddler!
Discount Tickets!!! Use the code HGMOM to get a $7 discount for each ticket purchased*. Ticket prices do vary slightly at the various arenas, but they typically average $25 each, thus allowing a family of four to save $28 in total. Go to http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/ locate a game in your area and purchase tickets using the promotional code: HGMOM to redeem the coupon.

*Please Note:
-Not valid on VIP or courtside seats
-Available online only
-Valid until the day before the show

GIVEAWAY!!!
The giveaway will include a Harlem Globetrotter mini-basketball, authentic Globetrotter wristbands, an autographed Harlem Globetrotter team photo and a 2010 game program. Giveaway ends February 12th, 2010.
How to enter?
Mandatory (1 entry) - Follow my blog and add a comment on why you like the Globetrotters
Extra entries
Add my button - 5 entries (add one comment for each entry and leave me the link to your site)
Blog about the giveaway and link to my site - 5 entries (post one comment for each entry)
Tweet about the giveaway - 1 entry
Disclaimer: In compliance with the FTC, The Harlem Globetrotters provided me with free product, information and tickets through Coyne Public Relations. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Gold Class Cinema Review

If you're looking to treat yourself to the latest new release out in the theaters and you have a little extra money to burn, then Gold Class Cinemas is the place to go. Currently, they only have 4 locations in the United States with 2 in Illinois, one in Washington, and one in Pasadena, CA. Now, why would you want to spend $22 per ticket compared to $11.50? Let me tell you why.

Sure, it's a little more expensive and I will only go on special occassions, but the experience is one not to forget. The waiting area has a full bar with nice seating to relax before and after the movie. Each theater occupies about 50 people and is well equiped with very comfortable recliners. Similar to an airline flight in first class, they offer you a nice pillow and blanket to make your stay more comfortable. The left arm rest opens so you can put your personal belongings (jacket,purse) and each pair of chairs has a call button for your waiter.The menu consists of appetizers, wine, beer, main courses, or dessert. And don't forget your traditional gourmet popcorn as well. I went with my wife and inlaws and we ordered a nice bottle of pinot noir, some popcorn, and a cookie tray. I must say that the popcorn was top notch and the cookies were out of this world! There weren't that many, but they had some chocolate cookies, shortbread cookies, and something else that was very delicious! It wasn't the wine talking either.

The experience was a memorable one and a fun adventure. It's worth checking out if you have one nearby. Oh ya, we saw a movie while we were there too. We saw Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The movie was not great and it dragged on a little, but it was entertaining.


Robert Downey Jr.'s performance was average and his accent slipped a little from time to time, but more and more I am impressed with his acting. Over the last couple years he has done Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, The Soloist, and more. I used to hate him, but now I'm a fan.

In the old words of Siskel and Ebert, for those of you that are old enough to remember them. We gave the entire movie experience Two Thumbs Up!

Burke Williams Spa Review

For the last six months I've been a pretty high stress individual. Fortunately enough for me, my wife recognized that before Christmas and she got me a 50 minute spa treatment at Burke Williams. Although I loved the idea of getting a relaxing massage, I was very hesitant because I had only had one other massage before in my life and that was a couples massage on our honeymoon in Tahiti.

I arrived 30 minutes early and walked around the place. I had just enough time to check out the steam room and then get ready for my massage. So far so good, right? I went to the waiting room and was finally received for my massage. I signed up for a 50 minute pure relaxation massage and it was fantastic! Next time I need to find out what those warm bags of rocks were that they put under my neck. Very relaxing and I was able to put my mind at ease and not have a care in the world.

The one thing that kind of annoyed me was that about 10 minutes into the massage the lady said that I indeed had a lot of stress points and that I could benefit from a deep tissue massage for an extra $20. Now, I wasn't sure if she was telling the truth or if it was standard practice to try to upsell each customer into a better massage. I declined and then quickly forgot about it.

After the massage, I used the steam room and the dry sauna. I think I was there for almost 3 hours. The experience was awesome and I was so relaxed after it! I thanked my wife and I told her that she should get one too. Then I told her that I wanted to go on a quarterly basis and she laughed. I'm sure I'll go back soon...