Chrysa, Author at Thrifty Minnesota

Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest Minneapolis – Half Price Discount Tickets

April 23, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

The Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest is coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center May 19-20, 2018. At the event, you can sample a wide assortment of free food samples from over 90 exhibitors and check out the ongoing presentations and lectures from celiac and nutrition experts, as well as cooking demos from world-class chefs with a gluten-free diet in mind.

The show is all about helping consumers make living gluten-free easier. Whether you’re thinking about going gluten-free or you’re a gluten-free pro looking for new products and ideas, the Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest has something for everyone.

Tickets are regularly $15 each, but right now you can 2-for-1 tickets HERE. Plus, use the coupon code SALE3 through 4/24 to drop the price to just $12 ($6 per person). Child admission is $5 up to age 12, so for kids you’re better off buying full-price tickets.

Order discount Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest tickets HERE.

Filed Under: Events, Great Deals

Twisted Deaths from Uprising Theatre Company

April 22, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

The world premiere of a new work by Shannon TL Kearns, Twisted Deaths, is now playing at the Phoenix Theater through April 28th. It features Anthony Neuman, Holly Windle, Jamila Joiner, Kendra Alaura, Julia Alvarez and Jeff Miller.

About the play:

Ryan is a transgender man with his whole life ahead of him. Pam is a spunky conservative woman with an estranged daughter. The lives of these two cancer patients collide when a chance meeting causes their journey through illness to intersect in ways that neither of them could have ever imagined.

This world premiere of a new work explores questions of identity, relationships, our health care system, and who has control over your body and life.

I had a chance to catch a preview performance this week and encourage you to see the show. It approaches many difficult topics all within the course of the two hour and twenty minute play, but does so in an engaging way that only ads to the story, rather than detracting or seeming like an effort to “hit all the issues”. The acting is good all around with an extra strong shout out to both Jamila Joiner, as Ryan’s wife Melissa, and Holly Windle, as Pam.

After the show, the audience is invited to stick around for a “talkback”, which gives you a chance to discuss the work and the issues expressed in the performance. It’s a chance to both process your thoughts about the performance and further engage.

Twisted Deaths is at the Phoenix Theater through April 28. For tickets visit www.uprisingtheatreco.com/tickets.

Filed Under: Theater

Great Wolf Lodge (Bloomington) – As Low As $99/Night + Extra 10% Off!

April 20, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

Yay! I’m so excited to share with you that the new Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington is now available on Groupon for discounted stays! With the Groupon, you and your family will be able to stay overnight with daily water park passes for as low as $99 per night!

Options include:

$119+/night – Deluxe Bunk Bed Suite
$99+/night – Deluxe Bunk Bed Suite (2 night minimum; includes $25 dining credit)
$129+/night – Family Suite
$189+/night – Queen Cabin Suite
$169+/night – Queen Cabin Suite (2 night minimum; includes $25 dining credit)

Note that these are the starting prices; your price may vary depending on which night you choose. Select dates are available from April 11th to July 5th.

Plus, you can save an extra 10% off these prices with coupon code SALE3 through April 20th! Note that there is a $50 maximum discount with the extra 10% off code.

The heart and soul of Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington is its 75,000-square-foot indoor water park. Splashy rides such as River Canyon Run—a four-story raft water slide—and a zero-depth-entry wave pool with 3-foot swells surround the park’s iconic hub: a four-story treehouse with a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Younger kids will have a blast with the gentle spray features of Cub Paw Pool.

The water park, which hovers around 84 degrees all year long, isn’t the resort’s only family-friendly activity. You’ll also find an arcade with more than 100 games and Scooops Boutique, where visitors can get fun nail polish and glitter tattoos.

Extended and exclusive water park access: You can enter the water park at 1 pm on the day you check in and stay until close on the day you check out (essentially 2 days’ water park admission). And since there are no day passes for outside visitors, resort guests have exclusive access and won’t get stuck in long lines.

Family-friendly fun: The resort has games and activities for kids of all ages. Explore options by age group here.

Hands-on crafts and activities such as face painting and balloon twisting during the Lunch Time Lineup can keep kids entertained when they want a break from the water park action.

Roomy suites comfortably sleep up to six guests. Some suites offer extra privacy with enclosed bunk beds.

Fuel up with food and drinks at eight restaurants and snack bars.

Add a Paw Pass or Pup Pass to your stay to enjoy kid-friendly activities and sweets at Creation Station, Oliver’s Mining Co., and more at a discounted rate. See everything that’s included—as well as other available packages—here (additional fees apply).

Safety first: Complimentary life jackets in multiple sizes and trained lifeguards help keep families safe and secure.

Distance from Minneapolis: 10 miles

Great Wolf Adventure Park

Besides the water park, don’t forget that there is plenty of dry fun, too! Great Wolf Adventure Park is filled with activities and experiences that are fun for the whole family. There are lots of active experiences to work off that never-ending kid energy and ways for them to put their thinking caps on, too. Check out our crew’s experience with Great Wolf Adventure Park in Bloomington to see what they have to offer!

This offer is only available for a limited time, so get your Groupon HERE!

Filed Under: Attractions, Great Deals

Join Us for a TULLY Advance Screening

April 17, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

Starring Charlize Theron, TULLY is an honest comedy about a parent stretched to her limit, the bonds of female friendship and how we can embrace the messiness of life. It’s written by Diablo Cody, who has local ties having spent part of her life in the Twin Cities and setting her Academy Award-winning screenplay for JUNO in a fictional Minnesota town.

About the movie:

A new comedy from Academy Award®-nominated director Jason Reitman (“Up in the Air”) and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody (“Juno”). Marlo (Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron), a mother of three including a newborn, is gifted a night nanny by her brother (Mark Duplass). Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully (Mackenzie Davis)

TULLY opens in theaters on May 4th but you could see a special advance screening on April 25th at Southdale! Follow the link below to download a screening pass while supplies last. Please note that guests are advised to arrive early as seating is first come, first served. http://focusfeaturesscreenings.com/TullyThrifty

Filed Under: Advanced Screening

Amy Schumer’s I FEEL PRETTY Free Advance Screening Passes

April 16, 2018 by Chrysa 3 Comments

Amy Schumer’s new movie I FEEL PRETTY comes to theaters everywhere on April 20th, but you and a guest are invited to a very special advance screening of I FEEL PRETTY on April 18 at Showplace ICON at 7pm, including a photo booth and a chance to win a Sigma Beauty gift bag! To download a pair of passes click on the link below (while supplies last). Seating is based on first come, first served bases, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

Aidy Bryant, Busy Philipps, and Amy Schumer star in I FEEL PRETTY

About the Movie:

In I FEEL PRETTY an ordinary woman who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy on a daily basis wakes from a fall believing she is suddenly the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. With this newfound confidence she is empowered to live her life fearlessly and flawlessly, but what will happen when she realizes her appearance never changed?

Rory Scovel and Amy Schumer I FEEL PRETTY

Download your passes HERE while supplies last. Don’t forget to arrive early!

Filed Under: Advanced Screening

Save 50% on Lindt Chocolate at Mall of America or Eagan Outlets!

April 12, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

Who else loves Lindt chocolate as much as I do? The dark chocolate truffles are my favorite. My mom put them in our Easter baskets this year (yes, my nice Mom still makes baskets for us “grown ups”) and we were joking about how we call them “Lindt Balls”, which sounds like something that comes out of your dryer – – not delicious chocolate.

Anyway, if you’re a fan or if you know someone who is a fan and want to get them a great gift, now is your chance to do it at half off. Score this Groupon deal to get $30 to Spend on Chocolate at Lindt Chocolate Shops for only $15! It can be used at the shop at Mall of America or Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan.

About Lindt Chocolate Shops:

Lindt Chocolate Shops offer a wide selection of every-day and seasonal chocolate products. Customers can mix and match their favorite flavors, from classics such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and caramel sea salt, to more unique flavors, such as cappuccino, hazelnut, and coconut, or seasonal favorites, like pumpkin spice. In addition to the iconic LINDOR truffles, Lindt Chocolate Shops sells a selection of exclusive gifts and premium chocolate bars. To find a local Lindt Chocolate Shop, visit the store locator.

Grab the Lindt Chocolate Groupon HERE!

Filed Under: Great Deals

Party with PANDAS at IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo!

April 4, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

This Saturday, April 7, you’re invited to celebrate the 21st birthday of the IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo! There will be cake and fun activities plus FREE admission to the new movie PANDAS in IMAX 3D.

I had a chance to watch an advanced screening of PANDAS and it is awesome. We were smiling from ear to ear watching the baby pandas and giggling at their antics. The film has beautiful shots of China’s wilderness and panda habitat. And, while we did ooh and aah over the adorable pandas a lot, we also left much more informed about pandas and the importance of working to improve the chances of the survival of wild pandas.

About the Movie:

Pandas are beloved around the world, and now they are coming to the big screen in the IMAX® original film “Pandas,” a breathtaking documentary adventure and amazing experience for the whole family narrated by Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” TV’s “The Good Place”).

After years of success breeding captive pandas, scientists at the Chengdu Research Base For Giant Panda Breeding (aka Chengdu Panda Base) in China are taking their efforts to the next stage and preparing captive-born cubs for release in the wild. This film follows one such researcher, whose passion leads her to initiate a new reintroduction technique inspired by a black bear rehabilitator in rural New Hampshire. What starts as a cross-cultural collaboration becomes a life-changing journey for a team of scientists and one special panda named Qian Qian (pronounced Chen Chen). The film, captured with IMAX® cameras, follows Qian Qian on an exciting new adventure into the mountains of Sichuan as she experiences nature for the first time and discovers the freedom – and perils – of the wild side.

David Douglas and Drew Fellman, the filmmakers behind “Born to be Wild” and “Island of Lemurs: Madagascar,” directed the film, which Fellman wrote and produced, with Douglas as director of photography. Donald Kushner and Steve Ransohoff also produced the film, with Li Xiao Dong, David Haring, and Elie Samaha executive producing. “Born to be Wild” and “Island of Lemurs: Madagascar” editor Beth Spiegel and composer Mark Mothersbaugh collaborated with Douglas and Fellman once again, with sound design by Gus Koven.

IMAX Entertainment presents, in association with IMAX Documentary Films Capital, Jin Yi Culture Investment (HK) and Panda Productions, “Pandas.” This film, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX, will be released in select IMAX® and IMAX® 3D theaters. It is rated G.

The IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo’s 21st Birthday party starts at 10:30 am with PANDAS playing at 11:30am. Admission is free if you mention THRIFTY MINNESOTA at the door. Seating for the event is limited and is on a first come, first served basis, so get there early!

Filed Under: Events, Movies

Awesome 80s Prom Discount Tickets

March 31, 2018 by Chrysa Leave a Comment

If you want to relive some of the fun parts of your high school years, or if you want a prom do-over, I highly recommend Awesome 80’s Prom. I went a few years back with my sister (who is an awesome prom date) and we had a blast!

Awesome 80’s Prom is a blast-from-the-past party in the style of Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding that invites you to join the senior class of Wanaget High School for prom night — in 1989. Like a John Hughes movie come to life, this on-your-feet interactive theater event features a cast of instantly recognizable ’80s teens, from the Captain of the Football Team and the Head Cheerleader to the Geek and the clueless Exchange Student.

Their dresses are frilly, their ties are skinny, and everybody is dancing, flirting, fighting and jockeying to be voted Prom King and Queen. Strut your stuff in the breakdance circle or just hang back and watch the teen drama unfold when Awesome 80’s Prom comes to the Cabaret Theater at CAMP Bar.

If you order your discount Awesome 80’s Prom tickets now, you can save $10 off the ticket price, making your tickets only $19 to $29 each. Multiple show dates are available. Get your tickets HERE.

While prom attire is optional, it makes the evening a lot more fun and offers some great photo opps!

Filed Under: Great Deals, Theater

THE MIRACLE SEASON Advance Screening

March 23, 2018 by Chrysa 2 Comments

Even though I’m not a big sports fan, I love sports movies! A movie that has a regional tie makes me even more interested! That’s what we get with THE MIRACLE SEASON, coming to theaters April 6th, which is based on the true story of a high school volleyball team in Iowa.

THE MIRACLE SEASON is based on the inspiring true story of West High School girls’ volleyball team. After the tragic death of the school’s star player Caroline “Line” Found, the remaining players must band together under the guidance of their tough-love coach in hopes of winning the state championship. The film stars Helen Hunt, William Hurt, Erin Moriarty and Danika Yarosh.

While the movie doesn’t open in theaters until April 6, YOU could see it before then! Download a pass here to see it on March 29 in Roseville at AMC Rosedale. Passes are available to download while supplies last. Be sure to arrive early as seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Filed Under: Advanced Screening, Movies

Sherlock Gnomes in Theaters this Week! + Reader Prize Pack Giveaway

March 21, 2018 by Chrysa 34 Comments

Get ready Gnomeo and Juliet fans – our favorite garden gnomes are back for a brand new exciting (and funny) adventure in London with SHERLOCK GNOMES heading to theaters this week on March 23! Take a look at the trailer:

When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… SHERLOCK GNOMES. The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city.

Juliet Saves the Day! (Sherlock Gnomes)On the Case (Sherlock Gnomes)

This action-packed sequel features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Johnny Depp as Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene.

Sherlock Gnomes looks to be a ton of fun with a brand new adventure-filled story that’s also filled with laughs! With all the action it looks like it will be extra fun in Real D 3D! Order your tickets now.

Reader Giveaway: One lucky Thrifty Minnesota reader will win a Sherlock Gnomes Spring Flower Planting Kit Prize Pack! The pack includes:

Flower seeds
Bag of soil
Gnome
Tattoos
Bookmarks
4 passes to see SHERLOCK GNOMES at any Twin Cities Marcus Theater (Valid Monday-Thursday beginning 3/26)

To enter, just complete the entry form below by 11:59 PM ET on 4/9/18. Good luck!

Sherlock Gnomes Movie Prize Pack Giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaway, Movies