This is the ultimate giveaway package! I have to admit, I really, really wanted to keep it for myself. I’d even considered sharing it with Kristin. But instead, one lucky Manic Mommies listener and her guest is going to win an exclusive Real Simple “Time for You” luxury hotel package at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago April 9-11, 2010. This giveaway package includes coach airfare for two.
You must be able to go to Chicago on Friday, April 9. If you can’t PLEASE do not enter.
Real Simple is turning 10 — and to celebrate, Real Simple is taking over Chicago! Join Managing Editor Kristin van Ogtrop and top lifestyle personalities at the Great Hall at Union Station from 12-7pm as they mark the anniversary with a day dedicated to getting more of what you value most: time.
Then whisk away to the Trump Tower where you’ll enjoy a Spa guest room, massages, and a special welcome reception. On Saturday you’ll enjoy exclusive Real Simple classes and an afternoon on your own in the city. On Sunday enjoy a group yoga class and a late 4pm checkout!
To enter, you must be a subscriber to the Manic Mommies podcast and a fan of Real Simple magazine. We do have ways of checking this. (OK, not really, but we so want this to go to a listener and not some random fly-by-mommy blog reader). Leave a comment below telling us why you listen to Manic Mommies or read Real Simple. The contest will be open for one week. Good luck!
p.s. Erin will be in Chicago that same Friday and will meet the winners for a celebratory cocktail.
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169 Responses to Giveaway: Real Simple 10th Anniversary Celebration in Chicago!
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I listen to Manic Mommies because you guys are so real! I look forward to downloading the podcast each week and am amazed that you keep up the pace. You guys also provide the best resources and tips – I have lately started listening to the Meal Makeover Moms because of you all.
Real Simple is also a treat. It’s like eye candy with useful tips.
Thanks to you both for what you do.
You gals know me, and if you don’t remember me, I would be totally offended. Not really, but I am a subscriber, and really only got turned on to Real Simple because of you. I only read your columns and other tech ones on realsimple.com, but I might change my tune if I get this trip
I love listening to your podcasts. Your honesty is refreshing and it makes me feel like all of the craziness of my life can be fun as well as good for my son! I listen every week during one of my 1 hour commutes and you ladies just make the time fly by! Thanks! (oh & I love to read Real Simple when I get a chance!)
I love Manic Mommies! I have been listening for over two years. With four kids and two jobs, listening to their podcast keeps me sane. keep up the hard work! Tasha
I have been a manic mommies listening since almost the very beginning. When my sisters miss an episode I clue them all in. I actually know which voice goes with which name now, and that took years! Real Simple Magazine is a breath of fresh air in the world filled with stuff we don’t really need. I appreciate the value in the stuff I have and don’t feel the need to buy more, newer, and better stuff all the time. This isn’t easy, but the economy is helping us all a little in this department.
I love listening to mm because E/K are REAL and don’t sugar-coat what being a mom is really like, the good, the bad, and the ugly. You guys make me laugh and remind me that I am normal. Keep up the good work ladies!!
Both Real Simple Magazine and The Manic Mommies podcast help me return to earth when I feel the chaos all around firing me up and me catapulting me into space!
Kristin, Erin and Kristin (van Ogtrop) are 3 of my working Mommy heroes!
Keep up the good work!
I love both Manic Mommies and Real Simple. Two of my favorite things. I love listening to Manic Mommies because I feel normal. I’m a laidback mom and feel like I’m listening to my older sisters Erin and Kristin give me advice. You are keeping motherhood real! I love Real Simple for their great ideas and articles. I’ve learned so much from them. I always get excited when the magazine arrives in my mail.
I love listening to the Manic Mommies every week because Erin and Kristin make me feel like I’m not alone! They help me to remember to see the humor in the everyday, mundane situations. You two are great!
I look forward to receiving my Real Simple in the mail so I can grab a good cup of coffee and a comfy couch and relax!
Love you guys, I am a subsriber since the early days and NEVER miss a show. Can’t get enough of you! Real Simple is fave too. So much info, so practical and so easy to read. Love it! Thank you for everything you guys do. You are wonderful!
Love the MM, you guys are sooooo fuunnnnyyyyy! I love to listen because you have great interviews and good discussion. I have learned so much from you guys and MY gal pals on the Big Tent. I don’t feel so alone as a working Mommy. It is because of you that I read Real Simple, thanks for that too!
Manic Mommies keep me sane … and laughing … and learning. Real Simple gives me “me” time to learn, relax & renew. LOVE both MM’s & Real Simple!
Hi ladies,
I love your show and you guys. You are awesome. I have recently ordered a subscription to Real Simple, because of the two of you. Thanks for all you do.
Beth in SC
Ha! Well, I’m on a one-year road trip so don’t presently subscribe to Real Simple, but I still pick up copies to read while on the road. I like the many home ideas they have that spur my imagination. Also, I just listened to your interview with Mary Henige — it’s about the 10th show I’ve downloaded since beginning my trip. I am no longer a young mom, but I love the stories. They make me feel sentimental.
I listen to Manic Mommies because they are funny, entertaining and real. I can relate to them. They are a great duo and I’m so glad I found their podcast a few years ago. You guys make me laugh, enough said
I subscribe and read Real Simple magazine (for many years) because I love the common sense advice, and the magazine appeals to the “organizer and neat freak” in me. I love how clean and easy to read the magazine is. It’s my favorite and I always look foward to receiving it in the mail!
I listen to MM because they provide great companionship during my commute to and from work, but more importantly I learn some great stuff, I am always saying, I listen to this great podcast of two moms out of Boston and they were talking about ___. I also love Real Simple, it is my favorite magazine, great tips, recipies and I love the “ten things” article each month, I subscribe but have been known to buy a copy on the road while traveling for business because I can’t wait to see my mailed issue at home (we get the issues a lot later in Hawaii)
Thanks Ladies!
It has been stated but Manic Mommies is REAL! I love it and don’t miss a week. I also enjoy my Real Simple magazine. I could sit and read the issue cover to cover and enjoy it for hours… I rarely get to do that. My birthday is in April and I would LOVE to celebrate it in Chi town!
Manic Mommies and Real Simple are BOTH necessary for my mental health!
I look forward to both while I navigate through this crazy word of motherhood!
I’ve been listening to the podcast for the last couple of years…ever since I changed desks in the office and was suddenly surrounded by male co-workers. I had also recently had a little boy and was feeling a whole heap of mommy guilt (that I have long since left behind). Thanks for the great podcast. I know it must take a lot of work to put it together every week – please know that we appreciate you guys sharing the conversations between friends that unfortunately not all of us moms get to have!
Real Simple has always been one of my favorites, and I’ve been a fellow Manic Mommy for almost 3 years now, I think. Thanks for always reminding me that I am not alone.
I actually live in the Chicagoland area. Even if I’m not the winner, Erin, are you going to be available for a local MM get-together?
I’ve never been to Chicago! Please pick me! (I also happen to think you guys are doing an AMAZING job…just getting better and better!)
I have been a fan for A LONG time (maybe not as long as Adena) but let’s just say I remember the original intro! I love you ladies and can’t wait till a new podcast is in the feed to download it! I also love and adore Real Simple and actually shed some tears the other day as I was uncluttering my house and had to throw away some back issues (thank goodness I can access it all online!) I would love a trip to chicago to getaway with my hubby. We desperately need a weekend away but due to money being a little tight we haven’t been able to swing it. so pick me pick me pick me!!
Long time listener and would love to treat my close friend to a little R&R for a weekend. Hoping we win!!
I listen to the mommies when I go for runs to laugh and realize that I am not alone in this crazy life as a working mom. I am hooked on Real Simple now ever since I started following Erin & Kristen’s blog posts.
I’ve been listening to you two for a few years, since my first son was born. You make me laugh EVERY week, and remind me that there are “real” moms out there just like me, who may not be perfect but who do their best, and then some. Thanks!
Manic Mommies + Real Simple = very happy mommy. My two favorite things mixed together…what could be better? I would love to have a pom cosmo with Erin in the Windy City.
I listen to MMM because you girls tell it like it is, open, up front and honest talk about parenting and life. It’s so hard to find parents these days willing to talk about their trials and battles in the day to day. It’s usually the gushy, mushy, my kids are so perfect parents, ugh! So many times I’ve felt a relief after listening that I’m not the only one dealing with such and such an issue. Keep up the great work!
Hi, I’m a fan of your show as well as Real Simple. There are so many great ideas and stories in both. I also want to thank you all for the show. I’ve listened to every one since I found it. Such a great show!
I love Manic Mommies pod casts they make me smile.
Real Simple the best mag. on the market.
Keep up the good work both of you.
You guys crack me up! I laugh and laugh whenever I listen. I can totally relate to the stuff you talk about. Thank you for what you do. And I love Real Simple! I am always looking to simplify my life and I love the tips they give. When I buy a magazine (which isn’t that often unfortunately, it is Real Simple. Nuff said.
I listen every week. I helps my day at the desk go by much faster. Love the repitoire between you two.
Love the real simple. I look mostly for organizing ideas which usually leads to decorating ideas.
Om my. I could so use this getaway. Bring on the Windy City.
I listen to Manic Mommies because ya’ll ROCK! I always laugh and you tell the truth…mommyhood isn’t always wonderful, but it has its wonderful moments.
I listen to manic mommies, because I feel like you are people I can relate to! It was great meeting you at the escape in Napa (looking forward to 2010 too!)…
And, I read real simple because it has some good ideas, products I don’t find normally, or reviews of said products I’ve seen, but want another opinion about before I fork over my hard earned cash.
Since I LOVE manic mommies and am a fan of Real Simple, this would be awesome!!! I appreciate all of the “real” examples of how life with children is not all roses and we need support to get through each day. Your podcasts does just that!
real simple & manic mommies. those are 2 of my favorite things! Real simple is how I want my life to be BUT Manic mommies is how my live truly is.
I love LOVE Chicago and would love a free trip!
Hey ladies –
I absolutly LOVE the manic mommies and listen every Monday. I actually look forward to Monday’s. And thanks to you I am a fan of Real Simple as well.
Manic Mommies provides a much-needed reality check on parenting. Real Simple, one of my favorite magazines, gives readers the basics they need to handle everything life might throw at them. Both are sanity savers!
I have listened to the MM since episode 11 and have listened every week since. I love that the MM’s are real and honest although sometimes being honest may not put you in the best light. In a time when it seems that everyone else is a “perfect” Mom or “perfect” Wife, it is nice to hear that I am not the only one who feels or does some of the same things. And Erin and Kristin are funny too.
I have a subscription to Real Simple which actually just arrived today and as I was sitting in the driveway while the kids were playing ball I was able to get to page 28 (reader poll, very funny) before the phone rang.
I must sign off now because it is 4:00 and the roast in the crock pot is sans potatos because I forgot to add them so I need to peel and cut and microwave them to catch up.
I discovered the Manic Mommies podcast right after the birth of my second son. My husband got me an I-phone for my birthday to help me keep my “mommy brain” organized. I saw Manic Mommies on i-tunes, loaded it up and was immediately hooked. The transition to parenting 2 was harder than I expected. The Manic Mommies helped me cope with my new reality and actually laugh about the trials and tribulations of motherhood.
Real Simple has been a long time favorite. My love of the magazine even preceded meeting my husband. Now that my time is limited more than ever, Real Simple has become even more useful (and a bunch of my old favorites have gone by the wayside).
I LOVE listening to Manic Mommies – I listen to it on my ipod and rarely miss a show by listening to it while I walk. I have been listening for over a year. The guests that you choose are so interesting and your candid stories are so fun to listen to.
I started reading Real Simple well before I found the podcast and have gathered some helpful tips over the years. My husband has a guys get away this weekend so I would love to fly to Chicago -I have never been.
I listen to Manic Mommies for fun, parenting knowledge, laughs, and to know that I’m not the only feels-like-life-is-crazy mommy out there. I love reading Real Simple and am always looking for tips to make home/work/food easier.
There are so many things that I love about MM that it is hard to just narrow it down to one. Listening to Erin and Kristin I realize that I am not alone out here in my world of craziness. The tips, advice, special guests, bookclub, galpals all keep me grounded.
Real Simple: I look forward to it every month. My favorit part is the “other uses” for common household items and the monthly question that readers reply too. I have gotten lots of great ideas from the mag. Once I am done with it, I take to work and give it a co-worker, whose husband love the mag too!
Thanks for the chance to win!!
I’m a subscriber to both Real Simple and Manic Mommies – have been for years. Validation, ideas, and sanity – what more could a mommy ask for??
I subscribe to Real Simple and also the MM podcast because they both help me feel like I am normal, and my life is NOT out of control! I get tips, but most of all I enjoy feeling like part of a group of women who have similar goals and priorities to my own.
I listen to Manic Mommies because they make me feel normal. I also listen to it with my husband a lot, and it gets some really good conversations going. I also subscribe to Real Simple because the magazine has a calming affect. It’s published in such a way that it’s lovely to look at. The articles are also extremely helpful.
Well, I’m a subscriber to Real Simple magazine, and I LOVE it. I love the variety of topics that they cover, and everything is fresh and hip, too!
I’m fairly new to Manic Mommies—a friend just recently sent me the link/recommended it to me
I love Manic Mommies! I made your site an icon on my iPhone so I can follow you easily. I also enjoy Real Simple and finding ways to make my life run more smoothly. Well, I like to believe my life runs smoothly, but then again…how can it all the time? I’ve never been to Chicago and would love the chance to visit. Maybe this trip would help save my marriage!
Hi,
I have been a real simple subscriber for 10 years (!) since the start of the magazine….I started getting the magazine right when I started living on my own after college. I first fell in love with the paper crafts intro to each section, and now as a mom of 2 under 2, the recipes keep me sane and well-fed. I’m also a faithful manic mommies listener from Ashland, and would love to win this trip! Thanks for considering me.
I am from Chicago and just started listening regularly to the show. I love it! What a way to share ideas and frustrations as a working mother! We all could use the help and support and it is great to hear that “you” are not the only one! I love to listen while working so that I can multitask and get something valuable for my family out of my time as well.
Hi,
I love Manic Mommies because you helped me make the decision to return to work after an extended maternity leave. It was the right choice for me and my family. I also enjoy listening because I live very close to Ashland and get ideas for things to do with my son.
Thanks,
Maggi
The reason I’m a fan of both Manic Mommies and Real simple? It’s simple… They both, more often than not, are filled with exactly what need when I need it.