The Microsoft Store at the Mall of America

Last week I had the privilege of attending a mini class at the Microsoft Store at the Mall of America.  A few bloggers (including myself) got a look at Windows 8 and the new Microsoft Surface tablet.  It was very informative and a ton of fun.

I'll start off by saying that the commercials for the Surface do NOT do it justice!  To be honest, I was a bit confused by the Surface at first and Windows 8 didn't make it any better.  After a bit of hands-on playing with the tablet and a tutorial on how Windows 8 works, I am in love!

In my opinion, the Surface blows the competition out of the water as far as functionality goes.  It's got a mini HDMI port for HD output, a USB port, and a microSD­™ card slot to expand memory.  It's biggest competitor doesn't have all three of those and neither does my current tablet.  The Surface tablet itself is super durable and the keyboard accessory (once clicked onto it) completes a perfect "case" for it.  Being completely set up for windows makes this a computer in a tablet size.  Pay a little more for the Pro and you can upload 3rd party software such as Quicken!  The only disadvantage I see to the Surface is that there are not currently as many apps for Microsoft as their are for Andriod or Apple.

As far as the Microsoft store at the Mall of America goes, this place is awesome!  In fact, we're hoping to have a gathering their for our readers and their kids in the near future!  In the first photo is their theater area in the back of the store.  They host all kinds of gatherings back there.

Did you know they will host birthday parties for FREE!?  Gather all you child's friends and play Xbox or Kinect on their HUGE 103 in touch screen!  They also hold FREE camps for kids!  Check out MicrosoftStore.com/Bloomington for more details.  Hurry!  Programs start in June!!

The other really cool thing about the Microsoft Store in the MOA is that they can print Skinit right in the store!  Yes, they have their own Skinit printer.  No waiting for shipping, just wait 15 minutes for printing!  See how cute mine turned out?!  I think I'll make another one to advertise Toys In The Dryer when I'm at the coffee shop or at a conference.

What are you waiting for?  Go head on over to the Microsoft Store at the MOA, check it out, and check out the Surface while you're at it!  What about trying out a FREE camp or birthday party??

I was NOT asked to blog about the Surface or the Microsoft Store.  I am simply doing it because I was impressed.  I received my Skinit for free as well as a swag bag at the event however these did not affect my opinion.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Silhouettes by Clay Rice

Back by popular demand…Silhouettes by Clay Rice! Clay is hitting Creative Kidstuff Twin Cities stores 5/2 –5/5 just in time for Mother's Day!  Silhouettes are available by appointment only so follow the link below and sign up your child today.

 

  Clay Rice will create a silhouette of your child in just five minutes! 

He will be at the the following stores:
Galleria, Thursday May 2, 10am - 5pm 
St. Paul, Friday May 3, 10am - 5pm 
Maple Grove, Saturday May 4, 10am - 5pm 
Minneapolis, Sunday May 5, 11am - 2pm 

Link to Register: http://www.creativekidstuff.com/clayrice.html Pricing: $42.00 per person $10.00 for additional copies $24.00 5x7 Frame and Mat $38.00 8 X 10 Frame and Mat $58.00 8 x 20 Frame and Mat $75.00 Package choose between: Lonely Shadow Book with 1 silhouette Mama Let's Make a Moon with 1 silhouette 2 silhouettes of one child

Give Your Teacher a "High Five"!

Did you know May is Teacher Appreciation Month? 

My sister is an elementary school teacher and I know all too well how much she goes unnoticed and unappreciated.  Without teachers most of us would not be where we are today.  I am a successful nurse because of the teachers I had growing up.  

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month, and educators all across the country, Emmy Award-Winning Educational Program Green Screen Adventures has invited your elementary school student to Give Your Teacher A High-Five! 

How to Give Your Teacher A High-Five!: 

• Who:  Students from 2^nd to 8^th grade 
• What:  In 40 words or less, students write an explanation of why their teacher deserves a “High-Five,” including the teacher’s name, location, and school. Optionally, students can submit photos and drawings. 
• When:  Tuesday, April 16 through Tuesday, May 14 
• Where:  Submissions can be made online at http://greenscreenadventures.tv/give-your-teacher-a-high-five/ 

Five student submissions will be read on-air by one of the actors on Green Screen Adventures on the Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 shows on Me-TV. Plus, an honor roll of an additional 50 “High-Fives” will be featured on the show! 

For more information and guidelines, visit the brand new Green Screen Adventures website at www.greenscreenadventures.tv or check them out on twitter and facebook for upcoming episodes, national coverage on student writers, and other news.

This information in this post was provided to us by Green Screen Adventures.  We received no compensation for this post.