Make A Messterpiece - Recipe for DISASTER!

I would guess that the majority of readers don't know about Make A Messterpiece located in The Glen in Glenview, IL. It opened in late September on the very end of the center, just a stones throw from Kohl's Children's Museum. Make A Messterpiece is a huge 'art studio oriented' play place for children, sponsored by Proctor and Gamble and Bounty Paper Towels (thus the "mess" terpiece). The first issue I have with them is that they NEVER answer their phone, nor do they return phone calls! Second, the price is almost as costly as going to Six Flags for the day. They say the entry fee is $10, however, all that covers is the entry fee, a small slide/climbing play area and a couple of tables with paper, crayons and some paint. Your child will never be happy with just that when there are 5 exciting, colorful studios in front of them and other children participating for the cost of $35 total ($5 for each activity, NOT INCLUDING the item they may paint in the scheduled session). So, for a family with three kids that comes to a total of $105! Are you kidding me?! Who in their right mind is going to pay that much for a few hours of fun? Perhaps once a year, but if you have more than one child it is extremely cost prohibitive. The check in line takes forever (even in a adults mind) as the cashier has to go into their 5 minutes schpeil of how the center works. Most parents buy it all out of nothing more than sheer confusion. Yes, there is a sitting area for parents while your child takes studio classes, but I an sit at Starbucks for less than $2! Some of the studio offerings are a giant colored bubble producing machine, a 'cook your own treat section', and other 'art related' sessions. Even their website is vague (makeamessterpiece.com). You can't tell what it is or how much it is. Don't they know parents want MORE INFORMATION! The staff is generally college age and clueless but super nice. Shame on Proctor and Gamble. If you want to go, you had better go quickly because this place won't last long!

Ooooh La La, It's Rue La La (that is ruelala.com)!

By invitation only (they will give you one, trust me!), click on the link below to access private sales of some of the worlds leading designers. Did you know that Tracy Reese made home decor items? I had no clue until this week. Super cute and sold out before I could even click on some of the items. This is a hot site with some great (and just okay) savings. You will definitely find items you have never seen anywhere before that all your friends will rave over. Sales only last 2 days so you better log on quick when you get your sale notice!

http://www.ruelala.com/invite/ghanson03

"I just found Rue La La, the destination for 2-day-only Boutiques, filled with the designers we love at private sale prices. It's free, fabulous, and invitation-only. Here's your invitation!" Thanks to reader Joy for sending us this fabulous link!

TwoBuckDuck.com: Daily Deals for Darn Little - Sign Up for Advance Notices Today!

TwoBuckDuck.com: Daily Deals for Darn Little - Sign Up for Advance Notices Today!

Museum of Science & Industry 2010 FREE Days!

I have had lots of requests from readers for FREE days to Science & Industry. Below is the schedule for free general admission to the museum located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. If you want to tour the Submarine or Green House there is an extra charge.

2010 Free Day Schedule

General admission is free on the following dates:
January 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
February 8 14
March 18
April 19 20 21 22 23
May 3
June 7 8 9 10 11
August 30
September 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 20 21 27 28
October 4 5 6
November 11
December 6