I attended “Aida” at the American Fork Amphitheater. I must admit that “Aida” is one of my favorite plays. This was only the third performance I have seen of the rock-opera, but I spent countless hours listening to and memorizing the soundtrack. I may be a little bit of a harsh critic for that reason. Having said that, I believe we have an abundance of talent here in Utah County. We are lucky to be able to see musicals on a community theater level with very talented voices. “Aida” was no exception.
To be honest the play began quite slowly and even clumsily but definitely picked up as the lovers, Radames and Aida, were introduced. The two stars had great stage presence and beautiful voices. Their romance was believable and the two had a good chemistry. The actors who portrayed Amneris and Mereb also shined. I was extremely impressed by their voices, especially Jacob Nilson who played Mereb. He is a high school student who I believe will only get better and better.
Where the play fell flat was during the ensemble pieces. I think this partially had to do with the venue. They didn’t have the ability to mic everyone, which caused the audience to be unable to hear most of the background vocals.
Luckily, most of “Aida” is carried by the four main vocalists, who were outstanding. I would encourage people to go and see the play tonight on its final night. Partly because I believe the vocal talent was great, but mostly because I believe supporting community theater is important. Not just financially, but by physically being in the seats to support the actors. Know going in that it is a community theater adaptation in which many of the actors are young, but I think you’ll be sucked in by the amazing music of Elton John and Tim Rice, the beautiful love story, and the wonderful job done by the soloists.
Tonight, Saturday, August 17, is the last night you will be able to catch this play at the American Fork Ampitheater. It begins at 8 pm and tickets are $8-10.
The American Fork/Highland Arts Councils present the classic musical “Aida” at the American Fork Amphitheater. The four-act opera takes place in ancient Egypt, where the Egyptians have captured Ethiopian princess Aida — the romantic interest of a conflicted Egyptian military commander. The amphitheater is at 851 E. 700 North in American Fork. Tickets are $8-$10 and can be purchased at www.showtix4u.com and possibly at the door.
Here is a little sneak peak before you go:
Shows will be held Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17 at 8 pm.
UCM received this discount code for readers, however, all opinions are our own.
So remember how I was terrified of chiropractors and now am not because I went to see Dr. Nate Roberts, DDS, in West Jordan and it wasn’t scary at all?
Well, lucky for you, now that you’ve contemplated needing an adjustment because of pregnancy or whatever other reason, or you have a sports injury (or any other injury), or you just feel like you’re a little sore, and you’re ready to go see a great chiropractor, make an appointment to go to Dr. Roberts and get 45% off your first visit.
That’s right. Forty-five percent!
Sure, it’s a little far to travel if you’re in Utah County, but I made the drive, and it was worth it.
Trust me.
When you make your appointment, just mention that you were referred by Utah Valley Moms and that it is your first visit, and they will be able to give you the discount.
Dr. Nate Roberts
7669 S. Redwood Road
West Jordan, UT 84084
801-566-2465
Free Swim Day at SCERA Park Pools Come celebrate the end of summer and beginning of school with a free family swim day at SCERA Park Pools! “Splash Back to School” will take place on Saturday, August 17th, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. All admissions will be paid for by Timpanogos Regional Hospital!
This is a great way to end your summer! For more information visit the Orem Recreation webpage.
Zumbini is new to Utah County, and in fact, it’s new to Utah!
These classes are amazing! Designed to let you and your little ones 0 to 3 years old wiggle, sing and learn together, the Zumbini™program is where the science of child development meets the magic of Zumba® – for the ultimate bonding experience! Classes happen in 10 to 12-week sessions*, and each term you’ll get a brand new Zumbini™ Bundle containing a songbook and two copies of the class music CD, so you can take the class experience wherever you go!
Sessions start the second week in September and can be found in Lehi, Orem, and Springville. Cost for the 11-week session this Fall is $150 for the first child and $110 for the second. The last week of August, Kim, the instructor of Zumbini, will be doing demo classes at each location for only $8.50 per child. For every person that comes from Utah Valley Moms and signs up for one of the demo classes will be put into a raffle for a FREE 11-week session at the location of their choice (you would only have to pay for the Bundle at $40). That’s a $110 value.
To find out more about Zumbini, visit the site at
This giveaway will stay open until the end of the demo classes (August 30) or until all the classes are full. The classes are scheduled for the following times:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 – LEHI 9:00 am – 9:45 am; 10:15 am – 11:00 am
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 – SPRINGVILLE 9:45 am – 10:30 am; 10:45 am – 11:30 am
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 – OREM 9:00 am – 9:45 am; 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Giveaway: Every person that comes from Utah Valley Moms and signs up for one of the demo classes will be put them into a raffle for a FREE 11-week session at the location of their choice (you would only have to pay for the Bundle at $40). That’s a $110 value. Winner must pay the $8.50 class fee AND attend the demo class in order to be entered into the drawing.
Guys, are you following the Provo Treasure Hunt yet? If not, I suggest you get on it. There are still a lot more treasures to find and we can’t let all the same people find them, can we?! (It hasn’t happened yet, I just don’t want it to.)
Sign up for the emails or follow on Facebook to get all of the clues … and maybe if you’re lucky enough, a hint.
Here’s what we know so far about hunt #3 for $20 to Sub Zero:
#1: What is the name of the guy on the Sub Zero catering video (http://bit.ly/1970BE5)? The one making the Ice Cream? I wonder if he was the guy that used to own the hamburger stand. Those burgers were good, but I can tell you, his ice cream is amazing!
#2: If I ever got injured, I know the exact Sub Zero ice cream flavours that would save me. Malt, Maple (I am Canadian after all), Pumpkin, Mayonnaise, Dr. Pepper or Hot Cinnamon. Unfortunately, they don’t carry one of those flavours. Which one is it?
#3: Do you see how it works? They use Nitrogen to get the smoothest ice cream imaginable (the flash freezing reduces ice crystals). However, for you, the key is behind the Carbon.
He says that he really liked #2 – I just found it frustrating, although I think I might be onto it. I guess we’ll just have to see!
Tickets were given to UCM in exchange for this post. All opinions are our own.
There are only about 6 more weeks until Cowabunga Bay closes for the summer and we here at Utah Valley Moms want to give you the opportunity for some last-minute fun at Cowabunga!
Although we have not yet been to Cowabunga Bay, I have seen and heard that there are a lot of fun slides to go down with a splash pad area for all ages. The “Cowabunga River,” or their lazy river, looks fantastic and inner tubes are free which is great so that all of your kids can go down the river without having to worry about the extra cost. And for those who are there for multiple hours, Cowabunga Bay has you covered on the food – I’ve heard the fries are amazing!
Utah Valley Moms will be headed there in about a week to bring you some pictures but for now, we just want to give away four tickets for you and your family to check out Cowabunga Bay!
Giveaway: Enter in the form below to enter to win four tickets to Cowabunga Bay. They must be used before Cowabunga closes for 2013. Personal information is required for entry, however, it will not be sold or used for any other purposes other than to mail the winner the tickets. Entrants must be 18 years or older and must be able to go to Draper, Utah before September 15, 2013 to use the passes.
Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest do not sponsor, nor do they endorse this giveaway. All entries will be checked and not completing one step that was marked completed will result in forfeit of the prize.
UCM was compensated for this post, however, all opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links.
When I was young, I saw a lot of moms in “mom clothes.” To me, “mom clothes,” meant that you couldn’t dress up (unless you were going to church) and you were rarely in fashion.
Now that I’m a mom, I hate wearing “mom clothes,” unless I’m exhausted or am getting ready for bed. ModCloth is a great place to find some great clothes that don’t make me feel as much like a mom.
Angles of Mine Dress from ModCloth – I’d pair this little dress with a cardigan Porch Swing Dance Skirt from ModCloth – I am in love with this skirt. Nice and flowy and perfect for whatever occasion – dress it up or down. Sea the Light Skirt from ModCloth – I love this color and I love these skirts. Teenagers look great in them but I love these because they don’t make me look like I’m 40. 🙂 And they’re just fantastic! The Drape Pretender Top from ModCloth – doesn’t this just look so classy and comfortable?ModCloth currently has some great sale items that you’re not going to want to miss.
UCM was provided a membership to Revolt Fitness in exchange for these posts.
Well, I’m checking in for week 6. My biggest downfall was food this week. I did really well up until the end of the week when the stress hit. I had planned too many things for a 24-hour time period and not to mention, I had a family reunion which means lots of food and lots of sitting around. Although I didn’t eat a lot of sugary foods, I just overate in general (what? 3 sandwiches in one sitting isn’t normal?!) and felt really bad about it by the time Saturday night hit.
This month is White Hot August with a before and after photo challenge. Last week I took a photo of myself in a white shirt that I want to fit differently … well, I just don’t want to see my little pooch that makes me look 12 weeks pregnant anymore. You’ll get to see that photo at the end of the month. Anyway, Saturday night, I looked at my belly in the mirror and was disappointed that I had worked so hard during the week to completely binge during the weekend.
However, in good news, I have lost one pound and exercises are getting easier which means my body is improving. And it’s exciting.
Jessica Haderlie Photography will be doing a Family Session Giveaway this week. Family sessions are a time of laughter and meaningful interaction. Lots of playing and being together so that you almost forget you are having your photos done. Throughout the years, each time you see those photos, you will remember how wonderful it is to be a family and how much joy you bring to each other’s lives. Imagine how it will feel to look at your family photos and share them with loved ones many years from now, and to have them bring you right back to the emotions of the day.
Entering is super easy.
-Simply head over to Jessica Haderlie’s blog and leaved a comment! Tell her a story about a favorite family photo you or your parents are in or share an emotional memory about one of your favorite family pictures. If neither of those options conjures up a story for you, tell us when the last time you had family photos taken. The recipient of the session giveaway will be chosen and announced on Thursday, August 15th so be sure to comment right away, and also to share this giveaway with a friend who might want to be a part of it. For everyone who comments and is not chosen as the winner, we are offering $50 off your family session fee or package if it happens in 2013. To find out who the winner is (and to read all the beautiful comments left as entries), be sure to check back on August 15th.
-Please LIKE Jessica Haderlie Photography on my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JessicaHaderliePhotography)
-Make sure to leave a valid email address for Jessica Haderlie to contact you.
Get an extra bonus entry!
If you follow Jessica Haderlie on Instagram (http://instagram.com/jessicahaderlie) Come back to this blog post and tell me you followed me on Instagram.
and/or
If you link to this blog post on your own Facebook page. Just come back to this blog post and show me the link to your post on Facebook.
Sessions will take place in Utah County. It will include a one hour family session with a copy of 30-40 high resolution images. Sessions must take place before October 2013.
Soon after having my first child, I knew I wanted to make my own baby food. But sometimes it was hard and very messy.
Have you thought about making your own baby food, but decided not because you thought it would be too hard or take too much time? Have you heard of the Baby Bullet? It is a food puree system by the makers of Magic Bullet – but with special blades and cups just for baby food! This easy to use machine is convenient, fun and fast! Krista over at Savory Savings had a chance to review the Baby Bullet and has shared her thoughts on why she wishes she had this when her little ladies were babies and how she is using it now when they are toddlers!
I am really excited about this upcoming Back to School Donation Drive. Please take a look at the below flier and after you have the items collected that you would like to donate, if you prefer not to deliver them on Saturday, August 17 in Sandy, please email or message us and we can work out a way to meet you in Utah County to collect the items.
As I have worked with many families who are low income, I know how important it is to help with these donation drives. Plus, I always think, if my children were in need, I would be so grateful for anyone who was willing to help and donate. And, this is a great way to get kids involved with helping other kids.
Hosted By: Simply Southern Couponers
Sponsored By: Newman’s Own Organic
Newman’s Own Organic offers a wide variety of different snacks that are organic, healthy and packed full of flavor for you to enjoy. Some of Newman’s Own Organic products are Pretzels, Cookies, Candy, Chocolates and many more. You can see more about Newman’s Own Organic and what Simply Southern Couponers thought about it by reading our full review here.
How would you and your family like to enjoy some of the tastiest snacks that are healthy to eat? I know my family is in love with Newman’s Own Organic products. For your chance to win our favorite snacks that we picked just for you continue reading below for all the giveaway details.
These foods are such a great way to keep the family healthy and they’re from a great, trusted company.
Giveaway Details:
August 6th- August 20th at 11:59 pm EST.
Open to US residents only. Must be ages 18 years of age or older to participate.
Prize: One lucky winner will receive one Newman’s Own Organic Salted Pretzel Sticks, Newman-O’s Chocolate Creme Filled Cookies, Newman’s Own Organic Raisins, and one Newman’s Own Organic (N) Signature Series Mocha Milk Chocolate.
Thanks to our Sponsor and a great group of blogger friends for helping us with this event. Please stop by and visit/follow them.
To enter complete the Rafflecopter form below. All winning entries will be verified.
Good Luck and thanks for entering.