Jill Cataldo


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I won a family trip, but I can’t go! Can you?

By: 193 Comments

clights

Earlier this month, I entered a contest on the Chicago Tribune’s website to win an “Ultimate Staycation” trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin — and guess what? I won! The trip includes:

  • One-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee (6401 S. 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
  • Four VIP tickets ($30 each) to the China Lights festival at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corner, WisconsinM

Have you seen China Lights? It looks absolutely breathtaking! These tickets include a backstage tour of the festival, your own lantern, and participation in the festival’s light parade. 

For the past week, our family has been wrestling with how we can make this work. October is extremely busy for us between school, scout, church, and family activities — I am actually looking forward to November so our schedule can breathe a bit! We have finally concluded that as much as we’d love to go, we simply can’t swing this amidst all of our other commitments this month.

This hotel stay and visit to China Lights must be used by October 31, 2016.  Can you go? If you’re serious about taking a trip to Milwaukee this month, please leave a comment below. I would love to pass this along to someone who can use this trip! As this isn’t a formal giveaway, I’m going to pick the comment that I enjoy the most, so let’s hear how much you love Milwaukee, how much you need a little getaway, or how much you’d enjoy spending a fall evening surrounded by gorgeous Chinese lanterns. 

I’d like to overnight these tickets and hotel voucher to one of my readers as soon as possible, so if you can go, leave a comment. At 11:00AM Central tomorrow, October 20th, 2016, I will select a winner — any comments received after 11:00am will not be part of the giveaway. If you’re selected, I’ll email you at the address you used to comment, and I will overnight the package to you in tomorrow’s mail. If you’re unable to respond by noon, I’ll select another winner. 

So… who wants to go to Milwaukee?

UPDATE – GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED: There have been SO many amazing responses to this! I’ve really enjoyed reading every single one of them. I wish I had a bunch of these to give away, as it seems so many of you would truly love a little getaway.

As I read your posts though, there was one that I really related to. Deborah H. wrote about her recent marriage, new blended family, and lack of honeymoom budget. Back in the summer of 2003, I found myself in a similar situation. My husband and I got married on a shoestring budget – $2000 for the ceremony, reception, and the dress. We had a very small wedding with 40 guests, and we really couldn’t afford a honeymoon afterward. Our “honeymoon” was one night at a hotel in Schaumburg and lunch at a salad bar the next day!

My marriage also made me a mother to an gorgeous 7-year-old little girl. I presented her with her own ring during our wedding ceremony, and since then, many you have since watched her, via this blog, grow into adulthood and head off to college. Along the way, we’ve also been blessed with two amazing boys who made our family complete. (Incredibly, to this day, my husband and I have never taken a vacation without at least one child along — we have been parents since day one!  We keep vowing to change that and finally take a honeymoon at some point, but I digress…)

Deborah, I can appreciate everything about your situation. Congratulations on your new marriage and your new life together as a family. You’re off to Milwaukee! 

10/21/16 UPDATE: Discount ticket site Goldstar just added half-price admissions to China Lights today! For those of you that didn’t win but are still interested in seeing the festival, check out these deals: Goldstar has regular admissions for $7.50 each (reg. $15) and VIP admissions for $15 (reg. $30!)

Comments

    • That sounds like an AMAZING get away… we recently went on a much needed vacation (10/6-10/11) to Punta Cana- it was a great trip but trying to have a good time was so hard – we had to put out almost 16 yr old Husky down on 10/4 – It was horrible. We felt guilty going but we went anyway… then I came home and have been sick w/bronchitis ever since – I told my husband I need a DO-OVER! We LOVE Milwaukee… I’m sure whoever gets it I’m sure will have a FABULOUS time!!

      Reply

    • Jill,

      I would love to go! October 7th was my birthday and October 15th my twins turned 12. I didn’t even have cake for them. I’ve been so depressed over my daughter’s death. It’s been 4 years but it’s starting to hit me worse. I would love to take them for a special day/night.
      Thanks!!

      Reply

    • I would love to take a trip since we have not taken one in a long time, really need a getaway with family after my brothers fiance just passed a week ago due lung cancer and she was only 45, has a 2 yr old too–alot of stress for 8 short months of diagnosis.

      Good Luck everyone!

      Reply

  3. Oh my gosh! I have lived so close forever and have still It been able to make this happen!! I would LOVE to go this year!!! ❤️

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  4. I would love to go. My hisband’s birthday is 11/3 and this would be a great gift. Sadly we have never been to Wisconsin so this would be an awesome adventure for our family.

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  7. Hi Jill,

    How very nice of you to pass these along to one of your fans. How grateful I would be to getaway for a night. My husband & I have 3 kiddos. It’s pretty difficult to get away with him not having a job at the moment and to enjoy ourselves. We have been going to Milwaukee , Wi every year for Summerfest since I was a little girl. We have been bringing out kids there now too to experience what I did when I was there age. I hope whoever gets these tickets are grateful that you selected them. Thanks again!!! And also thanks for all the great advice & hardwork you put into giving us readers the tips & tricks to coupon.
    Sincerely,
    Vicky Skulski

    Reply

  9. I would love to go to Milwaukee! The China Lights look beautiful and my husband and I could use a getaway. My favorite thing to do in Milwaukee are the brewery tours, and I may need to drown my sorrows there soon based on the way my Cubbies are playing in this series!

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  11. I would love to go! My birthday is on Halloween…which means I don’t get to celebrate a whole lot …it’s always too busy with work, getting the kids in costume and handing out candy. …I would love this as a little getaway with my husband & kids! What a treat it would be!!

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  12. Hello! My family and I would LOVE to go to Milwaukee to see the China Lights! Actually, this would be a perfect “honeymoon” for our family of four. My husband and I just got married on October 1st – and, similar to your family,with two busy girls (age 8 and 9) – we have identified a night or two that we could skate up to Wisconsin to celebrate our new, blended family! How perfect would this be?!? We haven’t booked anything yet as there isn’t much of a budget after the wedding- and then I saw this!! The girls would be thrilled to see the Lights & the parade (as would we adults!) and our family can celebrate with some time together.

    Thank you so much for the opportunity! Someone will really be blessed to do this – looks awesome!!!

    Reply

  17. I would absolutely love to go. I’ve got one daughter planning a wedding for March and the other daughter is due with her first kid 2 weeks before that. Between the wedding shower, baby shower,wedding, thanksgiving at my house,holidays and all the family birthdays in between it’d be fantastic to get away for a little relaxation. Whether I win or lose this was awesome of you to do. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

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  18. Would love to go and be a great opportunity to spend some much needed one on one time with my family. Coming off a crazy work/travel season bring away from my kiddos/hubby. Laura Loebbaka

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  19. I would love to go…. My family & I could use a break too. We have been on the go since the end of August…. Between work, football and working a side project in any spare time we have. We are exhausted…. Will continue through First week in Nov. So we have a few more weeks to go…. But we WILL squeeze this in…. Cuz we need a break. Thank you for the opportunity ?

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  21. Jill,
    I’m also a Jill ? I have a 18 month old son who I know would have a blast seeing these lights. He’s already in love with all the Christmas lights up at menards lol. Last year we didn’t do too much celebrating of anything. We lost my mom in Feb at 61 from cancer. So since then it’s been hard to focus on anything other than her, especially around the holidays. I’ll be hosting thanksgiving this year (which was her holiday) so this trip would be a great opportunity to recoop before this difficult upcoming holiday season.

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  26. I would love to take my family there. Very stressful past 6 weeks for all of us and could use a break away from all of it.

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  27. This is amazing. Would love to take my kiddos for their birthday this month. So kind of you to pass this onto someone. ?

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  28. I have lived in Milwaukee my entire life. I would love to take my husband and children to see this show because they deserve a night out and a little getaway at an hotel. My husband works so hard for our family. My kids are doing great in school and my youngest is being homeschooled and would love to see the China lights.

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  32. I have never seen the China Lights and would love to go too! I’ve been looking for an excuse to go up to Milwaukee! Thanks for all you do, Jill.

    Reply

  34. They have beer in Milwaukee. right?! After my week, I need a break. With beer!
    Last night DH’s backpack was stolen from his car.
    A week ago, on Wednesday, I was “wrong place/wrong time” and had a bullet hit my car as the occupants of two other vehicles were apparently having some sort of disagreement! Fortunately it was a *JFK bullet* which changed direction, so by the time it hit me, it was hardly moving.
    Either Milwaukee, or I’m going to hide under a rock.
    And thank you for sharing! :-)

    Reply

  37. Oh how I would love to take my family on a lil respite. I am recovering from full knee replacement surgery and my recovery has been very taxing on all of them…more than I even thought it could be. We have not been able to go on any vacation for some time now as I have been unable to walk due to my knees, I am going to have the other knee replaced early next year and not looking forward to it! This would be such an enjoyable vacation for them. We have never been to Milwaukee, but I understand it is a great city. In any event…. how kind of you to share your good fortune with another family! Thank you for your consideration.

    Reply

  40. Hi Jill,

    My four kids and I would love to go see the lights! I have been working a lot of hours and wanted to take them to do something fun, this sounds perfect :)

    Thanks for sharing your winnings, so generous.

    Reply

  43. I would love to take this trip with my husband and sons. Since we all enjoy looking at the lights, it sure would help put us in the holiday mood.

    Reply

  45. I was recently blessed to be granted custody of my 2 youngest grandchildren. They had to make a big move from South Carolina to Wisconsin and that’s pretty major stuff for a 4 and 5 year old. As money allows, (yes, budget changes were a big deal in my one salary household) I am trying to show them all of the different and wonderful things our beautiful state has to offer. This would be an awesome chance to show them something I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. How great that you are giving someone the chance to witness this event first hand. Love it when someone takes the time to restore a bit of faith in humanity!! Whomever benefits from your gift will surely have a chance to make a lasting and happy memory. Thank you for being so generous.

    Reply

  46. Holy Cow, I would ♡ to win this! What a nice trip for my family!

    Thank you for your generosity and giving this wonderful trip away…

    Of course I hope to win, but whoever does, please enjoy your family time, it’s do precious nowadays :)

    Reply

  47. Would love some free time to take our kids there,been busy with 2 jobs to find any family time-we would love to go :)

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  48. I’d love to go and take my boys! It would be a nice getaway for us as my husband is going to India for 3 weeks for a work trip. He leaves next Wednesday. It would be a wonderful trip for us! Thank you for the consideration.

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  49. My birthday is on the 26th and I’m gonna be 52. Does that make it a double golden birthday? I’m in a bit of a funk so I’m gonna take that day off and have declared it my day to be slovenly. I will be attempting to take advantage of all the free things offered to one on their birthday. Breakfast, burger, cake. Your generous gift could be the most awesome way for my family and I to cap off my birthday week! Kick that funk to the curb!

    Reply

  50. We already have a trip to Milwaukee planned (the rest of my family lives there). Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  51. Hi Jill,

    I’d love to go with my family to Milwaukee. We were actually just talking about taking a family trip over the Veteran’s day weekend, but like you, it is a busy season for us and we’re not sure if we can swing it (Cub Scout pack night, church youth choir rehearsal, etc). As my husband and I talked more, we said maybe we should try a getaway somewhere closer just for a night (we had talked about Columbus), and Milwaukee was brought forth as an idea (since I’ve only been there to go to the zoo.) We can definitely adjust the timing, and can go October 29. We’d love a getaway because I am expecting a baby in February, and since a babymoon is definitely not something we can swing, we definitely want an opportunity for a trip with our older kids. This would be the perfect distance away, and a trip we would truly appreciate.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  52. Jill, it’s so nice of you to pass it on to someone else. It just so happens were a family of four that would love an outing like this! Sounds amazing!

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  53. This looks amazing!!! I could use a little get away, I love my family but mommy needs a refresh!!!! This is really sweet of you to give this away to one of your followers!!!

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  55. Oh my goodness! Thank You for doing this! You could have given it to any family and friends but instead you are giving it away. Thank You!

    Reply

  58. How fun would this be! I was just looking into a trip to Milwaukee as it’s not too far & it’s a great meeting point for my family in Minnesota!

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  60. It would be amazing to show my young daughter this…their eyes light up when we go looking at Christmas lights and we’ve never been to Milwaukee. It’s the 2 year anniversary of a house fire we had this month and this would make a great new October family memory for us.

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  61. This would be an amazing trip for my family! We love going to look at lights every year. One of the best things I get to still enjoy

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  62. Just enough time to recover before the crazy election. Have not been to Milwaukee for years. Our family of 4 would love to do this together. Need another trip after the election.

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  65. Oh man, I’d love to go with just my hubby after a year of lack of sleep nursing my babe! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  66. Hey, Jill- I don’t have a moving or inspiring story why I deserve this. I’d just like to get out of town and see some pretty lights. Also, a trip to the Botanical Gardens might just be the bribe I need to give my mildly anti-social botanist husband to get him to go with me to a wedding in Evanston that last weekend of October. So…help a girl not be dateless? We’ll send pics!

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  71. How generous of you. We need to get away badly. This would be such a blessing to us. God bless you for your generosity, Jill.

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  72. This is an amazingly nice thing to do! I would love to go to Milwaukee and so would my kids! And, as my son says, ‘just going to a hotel, mom, is a vacation in itself!

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  73. This would be so great for us. I’d love to go with my husband and 5 year old daughter. She’s having a hard time transitioning into kindergarten and with also having busy busy 2 year old twins, it would be great to take her away for some undivided attention without the little ones.

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  74. The photo is incredible so I bet in person is breathtaking! Thank you for the chance and for all your hard work. My budget thanks you, too!

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  76. This would be the perfect little getaway for our family after our recent fail of a trip to Disney during Hurricane Matthew! As our five year old said, “well that wasn’t the most magical vacation!” Maybe this one can be our magical trip!

    Love your blog and all the coupon advice that saves us all money!

    Reply

  77. I would love to surprise my family with a family trip! This would be a treat! It is very generous and kind of you to offer this opportunity.

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  79. Oh my….I know how a crazy schedule gets but I love Milwaukee and have never seen the lights. I would love to take my 2 kids. Thanks for the opportunity to win jill!

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  81. WOW ! How very generous of you! We have talked about taking our boys for a trip to Milwaukee for a couple of years now, but never seem to find the extra money in our budget. My birthday is the 26th and taking a little getaway that next weekend would be a great treat! PLUS – I’m in Huntley also, I could save you the overnight mail expense! ;)

    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  83. Hi Jill, we would be so lit up. ;) to be win this! I’ve been taking care of my 93yr old Nana and my 45yr old sister who is in the hospital with a stroke. My 5yr old Preskey ( as in Elvis lol) has been so patient with me not being as available to nim lately. Would enjoy going to Mars cheese castle, Apple hollar along the way to make some great memories! Sorry you have to miss thiss opportunity.

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  85. Thanks so much for the chance to win!! My sister lives in Milwaukee so this would be the perfect excuse to go visit her!!

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  87. Wow! What a great opportunity. This trip to the China Lights Festival looks like so much fun! My daughter would love it and I would love to get away with her and my husband. I enjoy teaching my daughter about cultures around the world because I feel that is so important for us to understand about other people and cultures. My sister in law spent some time in China and I would love to teach my daughter about that time that her aunt spent in China by attending this weekend.

    Thank you so much for this great opportunity to go on a trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin as we have never been there!

    Reply

  88. This would be a great trip for my family. My daughter turns 18, Nov 1, and won’t be here to celebrate. She will be in Indianapolis for fall conference with FBLA. We would be able to go this weekend if we win this trip. Like your family, we have things scheduled until mid-December every weekend, except this one.

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  91. We have parent teacher conferences this weekend so we would love to go! Being new to the area (moved from the West) we have only been to Milwaukee once for an airport trip but would love the opportunity to explore this local treasure

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  92. What an amazing opportunity! My hubby’s bday is the 21st and this would be a great getaway for the two of us to celebrate! Thanks!

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  93. I would love to go to this! I am jealous of all my local friends who have been posting their fantastic pictures of the display so far. Being a family of 5, the cost of this type of outing is a bit cost prohibited. And while I am already Milwaukee – I would love to still be considered for the trip. If selected, I’d love to share some pictures from the visit with your fb page! An excellent teaching moment about the culture and beauty for our kids.

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  97. We would love to go! We just moved close to Mikwaukee, and this move has been a bit difficult on my oldest child especially. Thanks for your generous heart to give this away rather than letting it go unused!

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  98. Good Afternoon Jill,

    I could really use a mini vacation, and would appreciate these tickets for me and my 2 daughters. As a single mom, I’ve had a few reminders of what family means to me and therefore, will be moving, near them, to the Northwest (Seattle area) in January and would love one last reminder of the Midwest.

    It has been such a pleasure being a member of your site. Keep helping others, God Bless.

    Maifee Y.

    Reply

  101. Wow! That looks so cool! My 11 year old is fascinated with China and hopes to visit there on his Golden Birthday! Since that is several years away, this would hold him over! Our family has been so busy it would be great to get away for some much needs family time! Thanks so much?

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  102. This would be a great trip and it is very generous of you to pass it on to one of your readers.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
    Nan P

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  103. My husband and I just celebrated the 20th anniversary of when he proposed to me. We would love to take a family vacation to Milwaukee to celebrate that and our 27th year together. What better way than to see the China Lights?

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  105. I don’t want this to win this give-a-way.

    For I too, am extremely busy with life & retail busy season = offers to get in to customers mail & email boxes.

    “I’m going to pick the comment that I enjoy the most, so let’s hear how much you love Milwaukee, how much you need a little getaway, or how much you’d enjoy spending a fall evening surrounded by gorgeous Chinese lanterns.”

    I’m going to pick the comment that I enjoy the most.
    I hope it’s not one like: “Ready togo!”

    LOL!

    Good luck everyone else!

    -Mark

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  108. I would love to experience the lights with my family! I would love to just get out of the house much less win an amazing trip! What an awesome trip you are giving away. Love Milwaukee! Thank you!!

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  109. Omg!! I would be sad too if I couldn’t go! Thank you for passing them on!! I have never heard of this festival!! I live 1.5 hrs away from Milwaukee. This would be awesome to attend. It would be a night my family wouldn’t forget!! We could go anytime since baseball is now over, too cold for golfing and I am recouperating from a hysterrctomy.

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  111. I would love to relax and enjoy a magical outing like this ! We live closeby but haven’t made it into Milwaukee much lately. We are still due to celebrate our anniversary this month so this would be a lot of fun to go see! It looks amazing ! I love when people pay it forward, thanks for the chance to have a special night out out for the 4 of us !

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  113. I would love to go. Recovering from kidney transplant surgery. My daughter goes to school in Milwaukee and I haven’t seen her in ages.

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  114. I have lived in Chicago my entire life and I have honestly never visited Milwaukee nor Wisconsin in my whole forty years, as of this past Labor Day. Although I may have turned 40 this Labor Day, lucky for me I am a Goff and this is the year we start going backwards, so I am 39 and sticking to it…I am not 100% sure why because in all honesty I would have loved to go anywhere for my birthday including Milwaukee, WI but due to financial circumstances that was not possible, so a card and cake from the most valued people in my life completed my day and I treasured it as one of my favorites. Now I will not say that seeing a beautiful display of lights would be a wonderful way for my husband and I to enjoy an evening alone but it would sure be a marvelous prayed for blessing and much needed break. As much as I love being a mother and their is nothing under God’s great universe that I would not do for them, I would also love an evening to feel like a woman in love with her man. Thank you, Jill for all the great saving tips and articles. Now if I could just have your luck! (wink)…

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  115. My family LOVES holiday lights! We have traveled near and far for different light festivals and I have never heard of this one!! I would love to share the experience with my family! There are lantern festivals in China that we hope to one day enjoy, this would be step one to that excitement!
    I have followed your page for quite a few years and love all the tips! You have helped me make Christmas great many times when I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to!

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  116. I love Milwaukee and Wisconsin in general! It reminds me of the mini trips I took there as a kid. I have family that lives there and our family had planned to visit last weekend but unfortunately my car broke down right before and due to the expensive repair we were unable to go. This trip would be amazing blessing for my family allowing us to visit as we had orginally planned.

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  118. Hello, mu husband is a US Navy Veteran, after being honorably discharged and working for an insurace company for 15 years, they downsized. We and our 2 kids spent 6 months beinh homeless. We are starting over and this would be a blessing. Thank you.

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  122. Hi, would love to go and actually live in Milwaukee, but can’t afford to buy tickets for our family of 4. What a great prize giveaway!
    Thanks for doing this.

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  126. Our family loves Milwaukee and we would love an opportunity to get away for a short while. Been a hard past month for various reasons, and the bonding time with my family would be a needed break. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  127. This is great! I have never head of this but looks so interesting. I would love to be able to take a family va-ca up there over night and experience this. I have a 14 year old son who just finished High School football and it seems like my husband and I never get to see him anymore because of practice every night and then homework. It ends this Friday and so I finally get my family back! This would be an awesome event to experience together as a family (before basketball starts and we loose him to High School sports again!) Thanks for this opportunity :)

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  128. My family would love to go…especially since we celebrate two birthdays on Oct. 27 and 28. It would be so much fun to surprise my husband for his birthday!

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  129. Ever since Laverne and Shirley, I have wanted to visit Milwaukee. And we are long-overdue for some time away. But after reading some of the comments, I see that there are people in this world who need this more. I cannot cross it off my bucket-list just yet and hope whoever you chose has a well-deserved great experience!

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  130. OMG! I would love to win this. We never go on vacation unless it is a car trip to visit family. My husbands birthday is later this month. This would be perfect! Thank you for the chance.

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  131. Thank you for your kindness! We love Milwaukee for so many reasons! Seeing the Botanic Gardens is on our list of things to see there. These lanterns look amazing!!! Hopefully you pick us. Small family trips can mean so much!

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  132. Picking a teacher that has had both of your boys is always a good pick….kidding. It would be perfect for John to do with the kids when I am at conferences!!!

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  133. Oh Jill
    Halloween is my wedding anniversary. I would love to surprise my family (especially my husband) with such a great trip

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  134. I would love to bring my nephew and his family. i consider Milwaukee my home away from home. When my dad came to America he first lived in Milwaukee for a number of years and it has a special place in my heart.

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  135. I recently fell through my garage ceiling. Not all the way, my hip fat caught a support beam and I was able to catch myself. Seriously, my fat hip probably saved my life. It was frightening and funny at the same time. ?Anyway, now we need to get the hole fixed. Hubby’s 40th is Nov 2nd and it would be awesome to arrange someone to fix it as a surprise while we take this fun trip!
    I’ve had fun reading all the entries, thanks for doing this!

    Reply

  137. This sounds like so much fun! Love Milwaukee, love lights, love familytime and love anything Fall! My husband recently started a new job and the Fall is our families birthday season. As a family of 6, 5 of us have birthdays in October, November and December, add in the holidays and it makes anything else that requires money pretty near impossible! We would love the opportunity to take this trip off your hands :)

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  140. Hi Jill,
    what a great opportunity to go and enjoy the beauty of the midwest in the fall! Going to the Boerner Botanical Gardens would be a first for us! and to top it off with the China Lights Festival!
    So very kind of you to share this experience with your readers .

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  143. I would love to take my two disabled adult children. We can’t afford to go on vacation so this would be perfect. I read your deals of the week and it helps me save at Meijer my favorite store. Thank you for the offer it’s nice of you. Have a wonderful holiday season .

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  144. My 12 year old has been taking Mandarin for 2 years now. She told me about this, and would love for me to take her. My husband is actually heading to China this week, so I have the 3 kids to entertain by myself. It would be fun to take them to a little piece of China while their Dad is in China!

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  145. This is extremely kind of you to pass on your wonderful trip and unique experience…I have no idea how you will be able to choose one person from all of those interested…sorry you cannot go ..

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  147. My husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary soon and this would be a great get away. Our only son is in the military and currently training with no communication available with us for some time. It’s been tough on both of us and a get away would be a nice distraction. His last rotation was in Korea so Chinese lights seem appropriate. Go Army Beat Navy.

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  148. Would love this! Live about 30 minutes away and would be a nice way to breakup the kids next 2 days off of school!

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  149. Hi Jill! Thanks for the generous opportunity and all your contributions to the coupon world! It is always a pleasure to visit your blog. My family and I haven’t visited Milwaukee in a few years and would love to go back now that my daughters are old enough to hold memories. Enjoying a weekend in Wisconsin would be such a joy before our family of 4 turns into 5! The lights sound amazing and a fall road trip would be marvelous!

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  150. I would love to take my fanily. We have 3 children and they would be thrilled! I went to China years ago and my kids love to look at my pictures and listen to stories. They keep asking me to take them someday. This could be our mini adventure.

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  151. I would love to visit Milwaukee again. It is such a beautiful city. Would love to see the China Lights. It is the start of my vacation and would be a great way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Thank you for this chance to enjoy life.

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  152. Hi Jill, My husband recently retired after many hard years of work. Would love to treat him to this trip, as a celebration. We rarely have gone on a trip because of schedules. This trip would be so appreciated by both of us. Blessings….

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  153. What a generous offer, Jill! I would love to go to Milwaukee for this amazing experience. I teach World History at a high school with many students from China, and one of my coworkers/friends teaches the Chinese language class. My husband recently went through a job change and the start to the school year for my four children and our family has been “crazy-ville” on a new level, so an opportunity to visit Milwaukee for this experience would truly be an incredible opportunity that our regular budget doesn’t allow right now. Thanks for all that you do!

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  156. Hi Jill! Thanks for this opportunity. I’d love to take my Girl Scouts to this event! We took a weekend trip to Milwaukee several years ago & feel in love with the city. A trip we still talk about. This is their final year as girls in Girl Scouts, as they’re all in 12th grade. Thanks again for this generous offer! :)

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  157. This sounds like a great event and stinks that you can’t go. My mom’s birthday was on Monday and it would be such a fun trip to take her on with my children. I would be lost without my mom who helps me daily with watching my children. She would do anything for us and I know she would love to get away for the weekend and this would be such a great time!

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  158. My family and I love Milwaukee. I think it’s is a wonderful city and we are lucky it is so close to us living in the Chicago suburbs. Their museums and zoo are top-notch. Have you ever taken your boys to the Discovery Center? You guys would love it!
    I would really like to go on this trip with “just the kids”, no offense to my husband! – but sometimes it’s good to get quality time with just the kids! And as a stay at home Mom, I could use a get-away!
    I have never heard of China Lights, but it looks beautiful! I would LOVE to spend a fall evening outdoors surrounded by gorgeous Chinese lanterns! What a perfect time of year for this!

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  161. Me nephew was born with a cleft lip and pallet and has now been diagnosed with Craniosynostosis (which is separate from his cleft) and just underwent another surgery. In his two years of life he has had several surgeries and numerous doctor visits but he still remains to always have a smile on his face and put a smile on anyone’s face that meets him. My sister and brother-in law work really hard and could really use a little family getaway and my nephew loves Christmas, so I know he would be amazed by the lights. Milwaukee is also not too far from their house, which would be easy for them to get to as they do not have any vacation time left after having to take off for all the doctor visits and surgeries.

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  163. The last time my husband and I went to Milwaukee was 6 years ago because we had a free hotel room voucher that was about to expire so we figured why not Milwaukee. We had a lot of fun on our spur of the moment 1 night vacation….we tried beer of course….ate butter burgers and played BINGO at the casino…and believe it or not my husband actually won a round of BINGO so since we were $200 richer we added a night at our hotel and gorged ourselves on all you can eat crab. We still laugh at what a fun silly trip it was! Now, that we have added to our family we don’t seem to do much spur of them moment anymore but sure would love the opportunity and I know my daughter would love all the lights! Thanks for sharing with everyone!

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  165. Jill – what a wonderful prize to pass along. This would be awesome for my family for a quick get-away. To whomever wins – enjoy! And Jill kudos to you for passing this along, you are awesome.

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  166. My family would love this. I would love the chance for my children to have a wonderful experience and share in their culture on my husbands side. Never mind in the nearly 6 years since our youngest was born we’ve only been away as a family once.

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  169. This looks amazing! My kids (9, 7.11 and 5 1/2 year old identical twin boys) would be over the moon for something like this! We always say we are going to do something and for whatever reason it never works (schedule, money, life)! What an awesome surprise it would be for my munchkins and my husband! My daughter always tries to re-create things like this! Thank you for your kindness of sharing this experience with someone!

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  170. This would be a great treat for my kids. We didn’t have a vacation this summer. I was taking care of my mom with medical issues. My husband was making important decisions about his dad. If we are lucky to go it would be a nice break

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  171. I live near milwaukee and would love a vacation in my home town! I heard the china lights are awesome but it’s too expensive to take my family!

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  173. What a treasure Milwaukee is for those us in the northern suburbs. This would be a fantastic opportunity. Thanks for being so generous.

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  174. am actually starting my staycation next week! that would be awesome with my three girls!!!! with one in collage , staycation is the only option!! lol!!!!

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  176. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,eight.
    Shlemiel, Schlemazel, Hasenpfeffer Incorporated
    We’re gonna do it!

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  177. Wow – how kind of you to pass this along! My son is turning 16 in a couple of days and this would be a fun little adventure. Our kids have never been to Milwaukee. I’m sure they would love it! Thanks for sharing!

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  178. Wow! That sounds like an Amazing Event! I am a single mom and have been wanting to plan a short get away for my daughter and I this would be a perfect option. Thank you for sharing with you loyal fans!

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  179. Hi, my family and I saw this on the news. It looks amazing! We had planned on going, but my husband has been sick and had to take off of work for a few weeks. It’s left us in a financial bind and we were disappointed we wouldn’t be able to go. I have an autistic son who has been battling so many things that we were hoping for a break from reality so to speak to check this out. We would love to win these. How thoughtful of you to pick someone to hand them down to! Blessings to you :)

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  180. So generous of you to give them away! My family would love to do this! My birthday is this weekend, so it would make a great birthday present. Thanks again for doing this!

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  183. Would love to go on a vacation like that after having another surgery for cataracts caused from having diabetes and cancer. Would love to get away for a night.

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  184. People please read! It is over and a family has already run the prize. Don’t enter any more. It must be frustrating for Jill to see how many people don’t even read the post.

    Reply

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jillcataldoheadshotI'm Jill Cataldo, founder of Super-Couponing® workshops and author of the nationally-syndicated newspaper column and video series "Super-Couponing Tips" enjoyed by over 20 million people each week.

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