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Bratz Dolls Empower Girls To Create Their Own Worlds #BratzBesties 

31 Jul

Back in June I was invited to a never-before-seen preview of the re-launched Bratz doll. It was held at Hundred Acres down on MacDougal St. In NYC. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and took a look at the dolls and their accessories.  

 On July 25, MGA Entertainment’s popular fashion doll franchise, Bratz, made its comeback with a new mantra to empower girls to create their own worlds. Celebrating creativity, confidence and friendship, the event was held at the flagship Toys”R”Us in New York City’s Time Square and featured activity stations including braid bars and a photo booth. 

My daughter was very excited to see the collection, hang out at the activity stations, get her nails and hair done, have breakfast in the Skybox and take pictures with teen pop sensation, Skylar Stecker. She also signed her autograph on a cute pair of lips which is a iPhone 6 cell case. My daughter also got a picture with real-life Bratz and the inspiration for the Yasmin doll, Jasmin Larian who also talked about all the ways the brand has evolved over the years. Actress Nathalia Ramos also made an appearance and took pictures. 

There was a huge pair of pink lips cake that was so delicious. You know we just couldn’t leave Toys R Us without getting in the Ferris Wheel. We got in the Barbie car. 

Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPH4uD4nJw 

Bratz Brand Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPH4uD4nJw

Bratz ‘Meet the Bratz’ (stop motion animation teaser): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL1LGEMljAA

 http://www.bratz.com/

It’s always hard to choose one doll as your favorite when there’s a collection. I like them all. My daughter was sent Sasha from the Sleepover party collection (Walmart exclusive). She loves the accessories and is having fun with Sasha. She can’t wait to get the entire collection. 

You can find the Bratz dolls at Toys at Us. Walmart & Target now. 

Disclosure: I was given a gift card in June for attending and my daughter received a doll for review. Opinions are 100% ours as always. Thank you to everyone involved in inviting us to these events.

   
    
    
    
    
   
    
    

    
    
     

2015 Blogger Bash Recap #BBNYC 

30 Jul

Blogger Bash came and went so fast if I had to  do it all again I would. July 16,17, two days of meeting new people, seeing friends, taking notes, networking and just doing what I love doing. 

This was the best one yet. I loved the location at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers NYC. Everything looked absolutely stunning and held just the right amount of people without it being overcrowded. 

There were so many exhibitors I can’t even begin to mention them all but it was great meeting all of them and seeing the ones I already knew.

The first day started with a Share Your Care Brunch. Of course it wouldn’t be a brunch if Care Bear wasn’t there. Brunch was delicious and we also got to take pics with Care Bear. I am also happy to say I am officially a Care Bear Ambassador. How cool is that? 

After brunch The Blue Man Group gave an exclusive performance for BBNYC attendees at Astor Place Theater. I chose to skip only because I want to experience this with my family first. I heard it was great and can’t wait for us to see. 

Sweet Suite was the final adventure of the afternoon. With over 80 toy and game sponsors I couldn’t wait to play with toys and see what’s in store this year. It was packed and I tested out so many toys and just had a fabulous time. The food and drinks were off the chain. After having fun inside my friends and I went on the outside deck to take in the views and take pics. It ended at 9 p.m.. 

Day 2: If you’re a Disney Infinity fan then you should have been at the Disney Infinity breakfast not just for the amazing food but you could have been one of the first to play Disney Infinity’s latest installment Disney Infinity 3.0, which features new Star Wars toys and gameplay. We took home two Disney Infinty 3.0 characters. 

Speaker sessions, Speaker panels and Brand speed dating were available throughout the day. Bloganthropy Awards which recognizes and honors bloggers who use their social media influence to support charitable causes which I think is wonderful was held at Blogger Bash. 

Baby Palooza was up next with baby photographer Anne Geddes. Tons of baby products were on deck to check out. 

The Peanuts Keynote Lunch was one of my favorites. Blogger Bash sure knows how to spoil us with all the delicious food they had. Cast members from the Peanuts were there to talk about the characters they played, how much fun they had and how they were picked. They were so cute and very funny. My kids and I can’t wait for this movie. Snoopy himself made an appearance and we took home fun swag form The Peanuts. 

Rite Aid sponsored a fantastic Recharge Lounge overlooking the Hudson River at BBNYC. Everyone were able to relax and recharge while learning about Rite Aid and their cool initiatives, products, and services. Loved all the products they gave out. Especially loved the Chocolate Pecan Clusters. 

Rene Syler spoke at the Brand New You event about health and wellness. Rene is deep and doesn’t let anything stop her. She’s been through a lot but she’s a go-getter. I love her inspiring words. 

Teleflora, the world’s leading flower delivery service, served as the official flower sponsor of BBNYC! Teleflora’s beautiful floral arrangements was on display throughout both days. 

Last event of the night was the Canadian Lentils Closing Carnival. Upon entering I noticed the game booths where I immediately tested my skills and won a few prizes. There were jugglers, magicians, a lady hanging from a chandelier upside down serving you champagne. Band, dancers, tall guy on stilts  and on and on. The food was made with none other than Lentils. Cupcakes with lentil, hamburgers,, pretzels, even the ice cream which was the best thing for me. I didn’t think I would like it but it was good. Loved the photo booth and all the acts. 

Until next year! It’s been a blast. 

Disclosure: I was given a ticket to attend. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 

2015 Getting Gorgeous Recap

24 Jul

Take a look at these brands/sponsors below. 

Title Sponsor – Restylane Silk – http://www.restalynesilk.com

Livestream Sponsor: Stokke – @StokkeBaby

BALI – @BALIIntimates

Kodak – @MyKodakMoments

Trollbeads – @TrollTweetsUS

Chobani – @Chobani

Liquid Oxygen – @luvliquidoxygen

KeVita – @KeVitaDrinks

Cocktail Caviar – @CocktailCaviar

Spa Chicks on the Go – @thespachick

The Backyard Food Company – @BackyardFoodCo

Wouldn’t you be excited to walk into a room filled with staff from every single one of them ready to give you samples, take your business card and tell you about how you can work with them? I’m always excited when opportunities like these arise. One on one attention and working with amazing brands is what I love doing. 

Getting Gorgeous has given me that. Audrey and Vera definitely know how to throw an event. I’ve been attending every single event they have given and will always support these amazing ladies. 

The Metropolitan Pavillion was on and popping July 15th. Filled with bloggers from all over I had the early session. 

Restylane Silk had complimentary consultations with top NYC dermatologists, where we learned about the recent release of the first and only FDA-approved product specifically for the lips and mouth area that is uniquely designed to restore natural youthful definition, symmetry and smooth wrinkles. Restylane Silk can gently restore natural-looking lip volume, while also defining the lip shape and smoothing fine ‘barcode’ lines around the mouth. I had a consultation and will make an in office appointment. 

Chobani had a DIY lunchbox station where you wrote whatever you wanted in the lunchbox with a cool marker and stickers that can be written on in chalk. Samples of their products were also given out and insulated lunch bags.
Bali Intimates measured the ladies for their correct bra size. Big shocker when I found out my real size. Love the new collection of bras and picked out my favorite to be sent to me. 

Kodak has a new app coming out where you can print pictures from your phone and send to CVS or from your printer at home. 

The Backyard Food Co had me at their booth half the day with amazing gourmet condiments. From sweet tomato jam, wholly jalapeño, red hot relish and red sweet relish. I loved them all. I can do some major damage with those and couldn’t stop eating. Praying these come to Whole Foods in New York. I’ll even buy bulk if they come to Costcos.

Trollbeads jewelry included beads, bracelets, bangles, etc.. Attendees were given a bracelet and was told to choose a bead which was attached and we made ourselves a trollbead. Very nice. 

Kevita Organic, non-GMO, Sparkling Probiotic Drinks. Pineapple Coconut and Lemon Cayenne were my favorites. Need to stock up on these delicious drinks.

Stokke always have the best baby products to choose from. Love the strollers. Too bad I don’t have any babies or my apartment would be filled. 

Liquid Oxygen skin care solution for acne recommended by Dermatologists. Al natural, benzoyl peroxide free, paraben free, fragrance free, for all skin types. Can’t wait to give this a try. 

Cocktail Caviar edible pearls that can be put in the bottom of your glass of wine or served as a dessert. Made with Premium Vodka. Basically liquor in a stackable jarrah at looks like caviar. Variety of flavors like: Raspberry, Green Apple, Blueberry, Lychee and Peach. 

Spa Chicks on the Go spa event company that delivers onsite beauty and wellness in NYC. That they did! Hair, makeup, nails and massages is what every girl wants. These ladies did amazing jobs hooking everyone up with these services. 

I also had fun with my blogger buddy friends in the photo booth. I even won a Sephora gift card. Woo-hoo!! The day was great and big shout out to Vera and Audrey and the Getting Gorgeous team. Looking forward to next year. A few pics from Audrey and Vera photography. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are always mine 100%. I was given swag and invited to attend this event. 

   
    
    
   

  

    
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   

EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY GIRLS ITALY INSPIRED DOLL COLLECTION AT TOYS R US

23 Jul

My daughter was so excited to hear that we were invited to Toys R Us in Times Square, NYC to get a sneak peek of the latest Journey Girls collection – dolls, fashions, accessories and feast on playful dishes and treats inspired by the country that the Journey Girls are exploring in 2015.

As we arrived we were greeted by al the beautiful dolls. Each child was told to pick the doll they liked. Some kids wanted more than one. Can you blame them? They all rock!! I wanted all the outfits. Lol. Very fashionable and had awesome accessories. 

Here are the names and descriptions of the Journey Girls dolls which will be available for $39.99 each, exclusively at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/JourneyGirls for ages 6 years and up, beginning this September:

Chavonne, a multi-talented performer, will guide the girls through Milan, the City of Theatres, in a black-and-white striped top under a vibrant pink petite coat and trendy floral pants that match her navy slip-on shoes. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Callie from Toys“R”Us®

Callie will seek out the best shops to show her friends the latest fashion trends, while wearing a black-and-white mini dress paired with an embroidered, blush colored jacket and elegant pink shoes and headband to complement her entire look. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Dana from Toys“R”Us®

Dana, an animal lover, will be sure to stop by her favorite parco nazionale and protected reserves which are home to a variety of wildlife, all while dressed in a silver knit sweater and brown faux-fur vest with jeans, along with a leopard-print tote bag and chic brown boots. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Kelsey from Toys“R”Us®

Adventure seeker Kelsey will challenge herself by taking on the best hiking trails and exploring marine life within Italy’s 4,000-plus miles of coastline! While out on the town, Kelsey will sport a grey and blue embroidered shift dress with navy headband, as well as a navy and emerald faux-leather shoulder handbag and navy flat shoes. No batteries required.
Journey Girl® Kyla from Toys“R”Us®

Kyla is ready to find the best spots rich with art and culture, dressed to explore the Italian art scene in a ‘Ciao!’ printed top with striped sleeves, pink wrap skirt, a black and white clutch and floral and classic pink flats. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Meredith from Toys“R”Us®

Meredith’s athletic charm will help inspire all her friends to partake in awesome quests in Italy, and her sense of style will shine bright, as she dons a blue sparkle t-shirt, white striped circle skirt, pink handbag and trendy pink shoes. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Mikaella from Toys“R”Us®

Mikaella, outfitted in a purple knit sweater with silver embroidery detail, metallic silver brocade pants, black flats and an elegant silver and pink envelope clutch handbag, will lead her friends to the finest cafes and pasticcerias in town. No batteries required. Available now in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. 

Dana was the most popular doll of the afternoon which is who my daughter picked. Of course she would also love to collect them all. Once inside the kids took their dolls to the accessories station to collect new outfits, shoes, hair clips, etc. there was a photo booth with backdrops of Italy, canolli making table, arts and craft and the lunch and dessert was so delicious. 

Here’s what Toys R Us had to say: 

 Toys“R”Us® announced that it is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its award-winning*, private label Journey Girls® brand with an updated collection of artfully crafted fashions and highly detailed accessories. Beginning this September, customers will find their favorite dolls outfitted in styles perfect for their next Journey Girls adventure, an Italian excursion, in stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/JourneyGirls. The company designed this quality 18-inch doll line in 2010 as an affordable option – at $39.99 – for doll enthusiasts and collectors of all ages. What began as a collection of four dolls and complementary fashions, has expanded to a selection of seven dolls, hundreds of mix-and-match clothing options and dozens of must-have accessories. In the five years since the brand’s inception, Journey Girls characters have gone on worldwide adventures spanning 20,000 miles around the globe, from London to Paris and now Italy, adding to their individual and collective backstory.

In preparation for the 2015 holiday season, Toys“R”Us is stocking its inventory with new, adorable fashions and accessories that help extend imaginative play. From furniture and pets, to stylish clothing and hair salon sets, all fashions and accessories are quality made, realistically detailed and scaled to fit 18-inch dolls. The brand also offers a wheelchair and crutch accessories set, providing children with disabilities the opportunity to reflect themselves during playtime. To coincide with the launch of the latest dolls, new Journey Girls accessories will debut in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com this September, including a Best in Class School Set, Birthday Celebration Set and Pet Grooming Set.

 The Journey Girls brand is currently available for purchase at all Toys“R”Us stores across the U.S., and select stores in International  markets across the world, including Australia, Canada, France, Spain and the U.K., among many others.

Additionally, to celebrate the gal-pals’ fifth anniversary trip to Italy, the company is encouraging parents and kids to share their Journey Girls experiences with @ToysRUs on Instagram and Twitter, as well as Facebook.com/Toysrus. Fans are invited to post photos of themselves and their dolls traveling the country – or even the globe – as well as engage with one another and Toys“R”Us using #JourneyGirls. For enthusiasts looking for Journey Girls inspiration online, the Toys“R”Us Pinterest page, Pinterest.com/Toysrus, will feature the dolls’ different fashion looks, delicious Italian treat ideas, do-it-yourself arts and crafts and more.

We had a fabulous time and even the boys came and supported Journey Girls. It was a fun day that will always be remembered. My daughter plays with her doll everyday and can’t wait to get her some siblings. Maybe one day we can visit Italy. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. We were invited to this event at Toys R Us and was given a doll. Opinions are 100% mine as always. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   

Momtrends Back To School Bash Recap 

23 Jul

I still have two kids to go that are still in school so when there’s a Back to School Bash to attend I’m down. I want to see the latest trends in school supplies, clothes and even a few things for myself. Did someone say Lysol? 

I was ready to see what Momtrends Back to School Bash was bringing to the table this year. Well all I have to say is Marvelous Darling!!! Of course it was all about the models. All of the kids did an amazing job showing clothing from Matilda Jane and Stride Rite. This year it was all about the girls. Sorry boys. Love the ruffles and prints that Matilda Jane offer. I’ve always been a fan. Even the book bag has ruffles. We got one in our swag bag. My daughter loves it. Stride Rite took it up a notch and came out with machine washable Made2Play kid shoes line. Say what now? Yes parents, let your kids get dirty. No more worrying because those muddy shoes can go right in the washing machine. Separate from clothes of course. Those are on my back to school list. 

Mabel’s Labels are always a must when school is in session. My daughter and I take pride in labeling everything. Folders, backpacks, clothes, lunchboxes, we do it all. I was glad to stock up on more and there’s a few new labels as well. 

Lysol anyone? Uh, yes!!!! Not only is my apartment stocked with Lysol but I make sure the teachers get a decent supply as well. I’m a germaphobe and if you’re ever around me you know I always pull out some type of sanitizer or wipes. Germs, deleted!! My kids know I don’t play. Don’t touch nothing. Lol. 99.9% viruses and bacteria are killed thanks to Lysol. 

The majority of attendees are parents and sometimes our babysitters cancel at the last minute or we just don’t know who to trust. What about date nights? Shouldn’t  the adults enjoy a few nights out too? Thanks to Date Night now by SitterCity this amazing company will help you find trusted babysitters that were hand picked. How awesome is that? They got you covered. 

Inside the swag bag was Play-Doh. My daughter loves her some Play-Doh. Growing up I loved it too so I see where she gets it from. She can make amazing things. I often find myself playing with her and sometimes without. Lol. It’s so fun. 

WallPops are the hottest wall art around. The most fashionable peel and stick wall decals. My daughter likes to stick her calendar on her desk. I want to decorate my bathroom or kitchen. The patterns and colors are fun. Dry erase maps and calendars and wall word decals are just some of the wall art you can choose from. Have a ball and get to decorating!!

More Sponsors:
Vamousse

ThredUp

Indigo Rooftop

GlamSquad

I had a great time with friends and a big shout out to Momtrends and all the Sponsors. 

For more info check out @Momtrends on Twitter.

Some photos compliments of Momtrends.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
 

BATMAN THE RIDE BACKWARDS AT SIX FLAGS, GREAT ADVENTURE 

19 Jul

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ is our favorite amusement park. We were invited to the Press/VIP event July 7th to experience the Batman The Ride Backwards rollercoaster. I’ve always loved the Batman rollercoaster and when I found out it was going backwards I knew I was going to enjoy it even more. Joining us was Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and the Dynamic Duo Batman and Robin. I even got my mother on the ride with me. When I told her I was staying on to go again she said she would sit that one out. Lol. Don’t get me wrong, she loves rollercoasters but wanted to space them out. If my two oldest sons were there they would have went on again with me. It was amazing! No lines, media went on first and I could have rode on it all day. 

After the event ended we stayed at the park and got on more rides. My mother, sister and my two younger kids enjoyed the day. There’s so much to do and it was such a beautiful day. We stuffed our faces with delicious food,  kept cool with drinks and unlimited refills, found shaded areas and covered the whole park. My daughter took pictures with cartoon characters including Batman and Robin. Skull Mountain, Superman, Green Lantern, El Diablo, Great American Road Race and Buccaneer are just a few of our favorites. Can’t forget Bugs Bunny National Park, Bumper Cars, Skyway, Tea Cups, Carousel, and many more kid rides. 

You know I never leave without getting the famous Funnel Cake for everyone. We stayed till a little after 8pm and will be returning again this year. My family can’t stop talking about the fun we had. It’s always a pleasure when we spend the day with Six Flags Great Adventure. 

Six Flags Great Adventure, the world’s largest theme park, unveils a second thrilling roller coaster experience for 2015 as it flips one of its most innovative and adrenaline-charged coasters backwards for a limited time.

BATMAN™: The Ride becomes even more intense as it undergoes a gravity-defying role reversal from July 4th weekend to Labor Day weekend. Guests can dare to take on an all-new experience on the world-famous suspended, looping coaster when its chair lift-style train is flipped 180 degrees on the track.

BATMAN™: The Ride Backwards Fast Facts:

Soar backwards, chair-lift style (beneath the track)

50-mph juggernaut

Five gut-wrenching inversions guests never see coming

2,700 feet of twisted track

Since opening in 1993, BATMAN™: The Ride has given more than 27 million thrilling rides and reigns as one of the most popular roller coasters in the world. 

Video of Batman the Ride Backwards can be found here: https://youtu.be/Cf_S0DIXO3c

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to this Press event. Opinions are 100% mine and my family. 

   
    
    
    
 

KIDS BY SAFILO NEW CHILDREN’S EYEWEAR COLLECTION 

19 Jul

I joined Kids by Safilo for a children’s vision and eyewear discussion held at their showroom in NY downtown on Fifth Avenue. They were featuring their new eyewear collection designed for children ages 0-8 with a medical-scientific approach and engineered with advanced technologies and materials. We heared from esteemed speakers, Dr. Andrea Thau (President-Elect of the American Ootometric Association), Ken K. Nischal, MD (Director of the Pediatric Ophthalmology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC), and Bruce Abramson, (Director of Brand Management at Safilo). We learned about the importance of addressing a child’s quality of vision at an early age and the science behind KIDS BY SAFILO. 

I found out my daughter sight wasn’t good when she would walk up to the television just to see what was on the screen. She was about 2 yrs old. I’m glad it was detected early and she has been wearing glasses since then. My son had surgery on his eyes to correct crossing when he was about 6 yrs old. He now has reading glasses when needed. My 19 yr old started wearing glasses in elementary. It is very important to get thorough eye exams. 1 in 4 kids have a vision problem and 80% of learning takes place by way of vision. 

What I love about the new KIDS by SAFILO LINE is the outcome of careful observation of children’s needs, meeting their requirements with solution designed specifically for them. For kids who play, jump and run these glasses are always firm on the nose whatever the situation, no metal parts, no sharp corners or edges and includes shockproof hinges, bio-based, hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials. Colorful glasses with fronts designed to adequately cover their field of vision and ensure proper eyesight. They do not weigh on the nose, don’t hurt behind  the ears, and if worn all day never tiring, resistant to perspiration and dirt. They are super lightweight and weigh less than 18 grams thanks to tuper-light materials. Flexible, stable, sturdy materials to stop the frames from deforming or weakening. Safely 100% made in Italy. 

The colors and decorations are designed to appeal to children. The fronts pieces are always translucent and become almost invisible in styles for young children so that the glasses have a discreet presence on their face. Take a look at the pictures of the cutie pie models I took below and you can see how they look in them. I love all the styles and colors. I wish these were around when my kids were growing up. 

Check out Safilo website: http://Safilo.com/kids/

http://www.solsticesunglasses.com/sunglasses/safilo-kids?splash=true&viewall=true (Solstice Sunglasses) 

Disclosure: I was given a travel stipend but all opinions are mine 100% as always. KIDS BY SAFILO provided me with information and invited me to attend this special event to learn about the new collection.

   
    
    
 

CABANA COVE GRILL BLOG-B-Q AT HUURICANE HARBOR, SIX FLAGS

30 Jun

The last day of school for NYC kids was June 26 which was also a half-day. Were my kids going to miss out on anything? No, not really because they said goodbye to their classmates and teachers the day before knowing they were going to have an awesome time at Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Who wouldn’t want to hang out in a water park for the day? So their summer vacation started a day early and they were happy. 

Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is located in Jackson, NJ. We were invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Cabana Cove Grill and test out their delicious food with a Blog-B-Q. From jerk chicken sandwiches , salads, Tri-tip steak sandwiches, fruit salad, hot dogs, brownies, cookies, cotton candy, drinks and the best part we were given a Cabana for the day. The food was amazing and we received souvenir cups for free drink refills all day. The Cabana boys kept serving us delicious mango or strawberry-banana smoothies. Those were very good. Our Cabana kept us cool with fan and a refrigerator for our food and drinks a table, chairs and a couch. Outside our Cabana we had two lounge chairs. 

We were steps away from the Wave Pool and Cabana Cove Grill. There is also more lounge chairs around the wave pool and benches with umbrellas at the Grill. This was our first time at Hurricane Harbor but we are regulars at Six Flags, Great Adventure. Everyone was so polite and catered to our every need. We didn’t need lockers because our things were safe in our Cabanas that were guarded while we walked around park. We also were given wrist bands for the day. One of those were proof you belong in the Cabana area. 

After lunch we headed to the Wave Pool (Blue Lagoon). Little did we know they have safety drills every 45 minutes that lasts for 15 minutes. We though someone was really drowning until a worker told us the real deal. We were glad it wasn’t a real person in trouble and I was glad to see they take their jobs seriously and practice these safety drills. 

Once our blogger friends came we went exploring and took the kids to the lazy pool (Taak It Eez Ee Creek) and a few water slides in the park like: King Cobra and Boreas. There were no lines we got back on as much as we liked. I enjoyed all the rides as much as my kids. I love amusement parks and every summer that’s on everyone’s agenda. 

All of our kids kept calling the Cabanas their homes. I thought that was cute. The day turned out to be great without rain. I love seeing my kids enjoying themselves and just being kids. This was for them and I will continue to keep them smiling. We will definitely return hopefully with another Cabana and amazing food. You know we couldn’t leave without getting Funnel Cake and Churros. Our favorites. 

We enjoyed ourselves and recommend everyone to come check out Hurricane Harbor water rides, the New Cabana Cove Grill and rent a Cabana while you’re there. Visit their website: https://www.sixflags.com for more info. Follow on Twitter: @sixflags 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to attend a Blog-B-Q Grand Opening of Cabana Cove Grill at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure. Opinions are 100% mine as always. 

   
                

SoFabUOTR NYC Recap 

29 Jun

I was was provided a free ticket to attend SoFabU on the Road by Collective Bias, Inc. All opinions are mine alone. #SoFabUOTR #CollectiveBias

I woke up around 2 a.m. Saturday morning beyond excited to get my day started with SofabUOTR. I was so happy I didn’t have far to travel being a few stops away from We Work at the Bryant Park location. I had about an hour to spare so I sat in the lobby and met attendees on their way in. As we made our way up the stairs there was a table full of cute lunch totes filled with goodies. I found a table and the breakfast found me. Fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, muffins, coffee, juice, etc. 

After the Sofab introduction and review from Debba Haupert (Senior Manager, Education & Development Sofab University & SofabU on The Road) the first panel discussion of the day was “How to excel with Sponsored Posts.” Kim Janoko (Senior Director of Community), Kristin Wheeler (Senior Manager Community Programming & Engagement), Diane Nassey (Social Party Coordinator), & Dania Santana (Community Coordinator, Colectiva Latina) led this discussion. I appreciated this topic a lot. Who doesn’t want sponsored posts? Whatever I need to do to increase my sponsored posts I’m all ears. There was so much great information told. 

There were a few favorite tips by Monica Pruitt on Landing a Campaign. 

*Share awesome existing content. When applying for a new campaign make sure to share links for similar posts. 

*Photos are extremely important. Make sure to take courses on Sofab University to increase your skills and expertise on photography. 

* Create content that is going to bring traffic to your blog. 

*Network. Make sure you join the Facebook group for Social Fabric. 

*Bes ure to visit Sofab University regularly and take classes to improve your skills. 

Next up, Phil Hollows (CEO,FeedBlitz) Growing your Influence, Traffic, and Making Money with Email Marketing. A few of my favorites from the slides he showed. 

  
Jessica Woodbury (dontmindthemess.com) discussed How to Use SEO to Supercharge Your Posts. With SEO there are more blogger opportunities, more traffic and new readers. Make sure your blog is mobile friendly. Think beyond keywords, organic content, higher word count sends stronger signals (700 + words). Check spam score in Moz. (https://moz.com/researchtools/ose/) Having a 4 or less spam score is great! I have a 2. I’m very happy. Loved all these tips. 

  
After break and a delicious lunch provided by Panera we continued with Part 2 of How to Use SEO to Supercharge Your Posts. 

  
Ice cream from Graeters was sooo delicious. get ready NY they are coming. Muller Yogurt was very creamy and delicious. So many choices to choose from. Kind bars were on all the tables for a quick healthy snack. Noble Juice naturally pure juices came in amazing flavors like Apple Mandarin Chai, Tangerine Ginger Pomeganate, Honeybell Blueberry and Royal Mandarin Greens juice. They also provided cute lunch bags with goodies inside. IBlog Magazine, Coty, Kraft and Liberty Science Center were also sponsors. We also participated in contests. 

Josh Hicks from Mitsubishi (Drive Shop) taught us Video Tips, Tricks & Tools. Before he started his presentation he went Oprah on us and gave everyone a selfie stick. That made my day. 

One of my favorite tips: Storyboard. Make a visual plan of the shot list. This will help you get all the shots you need and streamline editing. A little extra time here will save hours later.

  
 We divided into groups and headed outside for an Afternoon Education Adventure with NYC Photo Safari. I chose the food group because I wanted to get extra tips on how to work the camera on my food photos. We started at the NYPL on 42nd and 5th Avenue then worked our way over to Penn Station and from there we met everyone at the Strand Hotel for Happy Hour. Once again, I learned so much how to take pics in certain light, up close, and tricks with the filters on the iPhone. I don’t own a DSLR but hope to one day. Happy Hour was great with SoFab attendees, food, drinks, gifts and socializing. 

It turned out to be a great day andthese tips will come in handy and be put to good use. I can’t wait for the next one. Slides provided by Debba Haupert. 

  

   
    

  
  

Rides, Food, Boardwalk Fun Day at Coney Island with Family 

22 May

When it comes to Amusement Parks I am a big kid who loves the rides, especially roller coasters. When my family and I were invited to Coney Island (Luna Park) for Family Blogger Day May 2nd I immediately said YES!!! My kids love rides as well and since most amusement parks are further away or not open this was so close in Brooklyn, NY. My BFF Denise was happy to drive me and my kids with her and her son. 

It was chilly that day but we were wrapped up and got there early. We walked the Boardwalk until everyone arrived. After meeting up with more of our blogger buddies we checked in at B&B Carousell and had breakfast provided by Luna Park and learned about all the fun Coney Island has to offer. The Carousel was the first ride the kids rode on then staff took everyone to Luna Park and the People’s Playground. 

Of course the kids were the first to get on the new rides while the parents stood by and took pics. One of the new rides is called Rocking Tug. The kids loved it! They rode a few before the park opened at noon. We were VIP so our wristbands didn’t activate till 12 so they jumped on a few rides before that. The wristbands are unlimited for 4 hours and that’s what I purchase when at Coney Island and only $35. Kiddie Area wristband for $20 or a Ride and Play 4-hr unlimited wristband with 20 credit game card for $45. All these deals are great. From roller coasters (Cyclone), to Deno Wonder Wheel, Bumper Cars, all the kids and parents had a great time!! There’s something for everyone.

Who goes to Coney Island without eating at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs? Well we all ate there for lunch. Hot dogs, burgers, fries, lobster sandwiches, soft shell crab sandwiches were all being devoured. It’s a must have. There are two different ones. One is located on the Boardwalk and the original on Surf Ave. The original one sells kid meals and comes with a toy. 1310 Surf Avenue. There’s other great places to eat in the neighborhood like Applebee’s, Rita’s Italian Ice, Famiglia Pizzeria and Grimaldi’s to name a few. Later this summer Wahlburgers franchise will be the newest addition to Coney Island. Definitley don’t forget Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest for the 4th of July. 

Lots of events are coming up too. Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Deno’s Wonder Wheel 95th Birthday Seaon, 5th Annual Pet Day at Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Sunday Karaoke on the Boardwalk, School’s Out Celebration, etc. For a full schedule of events check out http://www.coneyislandfunguide.com because these events are happening this week until September 2015. You can also view directions to the park, attractions and where to eat and shop. Don’t forget to check out the Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park a few steps away. The games are affordable and they have a special on Wednesday. Any seat for $10. How great is that? Opening Day is June 20. They also have t-shirt giveaways, Star Wars night, kids run the bases, fireworks and more. Check out their website: http://www.brooklyncyclones.com for tickets and schedule.

The beach is another way to cool down and have fun. Bring your blanket, swimsuit, and umbrella and just enjoy the water and sand. The beach officially opens May 23rd just in time for Memorial Day weekend from 10am-6pm daily through September 7. 

We had a great time and can’t wait to go back this summer. Thank you to Alliance for Coney Island. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to this event for bloggers and given gift bag. Opinions like always are mine 100%. 

Enjoy my pics!!

   
                                                            

Photo credit to @boyzruleourwrld for picture below

   
                       

This last picture of the bloggers and families was taken by staff from Coney Island

  

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