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School Of Rock The Musical on Broadway

21 Feb

It was a night out on the town for my son and I as we took in a Musical Broadway Play, School Of Rock. We loved the movie with Jack Black and couldn’t wait to see the play. 

Everything was great even with the script adding on things that made it just as great as the movie. The young cast was amazing and I was rocking out in my seat. Of course everything Live is better. I felt like I was in a concert. The pipes on these kids was incredible. 

We had the chance to talk to the cast after and they told us they started singing and playing instruments when they were young. The ages of the cast range from about 9-13. They also mentioned how excited they were when they got the call that they were chosen to be in the play. Two of the boys are brothers in real life and one said it was hard seeing his brother get the job first after auditioning over and over and being told he was too short he finally got the part. 

I encourage you to head to Broadway and see School Of Rock. You will want to join a band or your kids will wasn’t to join a band after the show is over. Also if you haven’t seen the movie check it out before you go so you can compare the two. The role of “Dewey “was played by Merritt David Janes the night we went. 

Social media:

Facebook: @schoolofrockmusical

Twitter: @SoRmusical

Instagram: @sormusical
Ticketing message:

Prices as low as $59!

Orchestra seats as low as $89!

Visit schoolofrockthemusical.com to learn more and to book tickets
Other info:

Show is 2 hrs 30 mins with one intermission

Recommended for ages 8 and up – children under 4 not permitted in the theatre
Standard About the Show copy:

Currently in performances at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway), School of Rock – The Musical is based on the smash hit 2003 film of the same, featuring music from the movie, as well as an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, a book by Julian Fellowes and direction by Laurence Connor. School of Rock – The Musical opened to rave reviews on Sunday, December 6, 2015. This Ben Brantley New York Times ‘Critics’ Pick’ “is an inspiring jolt of energy and mad skillz,” raves Jesse Oxfeld of Entertainment Weekly. And in his four-star Critics’ Pick review, Time Out’s David Cote proclaimed, “School’s IN – forever!” School of Rock – The Musical was nominated for four 2016 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Lloyd Webber and Slater), Best Book (Fellowes), and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Alex Brightman).

 

Based on the hit film, School of Rock – The Musical is a hilarious new musical that follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

Disclosure: This play was hosted and tickets were given for my honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you for a great night out with my son. We really enjoyed it. 

Staying Fit & Healthy With Crunch Fitness

21 Feb

I’m on a 60 day diet and what better way to take care of my body by eliminating unhealthy foods and getting my workout on at none other than Crunch Fitness Gym. My number one workout I love is definitely walking. I walk over 10,000 steps at least 5 or 6 days a week, but something about working out in a gym with lots to offer like aerobic classes, yoga, pilates, swimming, saunas, indoor track, basketball and the best state of the art equipment. I also prefer a gym that’s not too crowded but if it is I must have access to the equipment without having to wait. 

What I love about Crunch Fitness is they’re all over. The newest location is 1131 3rd ave (66th st) in Manhattan. Now that I have a very busy schedule it’s good to know the hours so I can add in a few classes before or after work. I like the fact they open 5 a.m. Mon-Friday and close late. Check the website for locations and full hours. https://www.crunch.com/locations/e-66th-st

I’m aiming to lose a few pounds and I was given a free membership for a month and can’t wait to get there and try everything.    You can make online class reservations, there’s also online nutrition program, live video workouts, personal trainers, full service locker rooms and free wi-fi. My kind of gym indeed. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend classes at Crunch Fitness with blogger Brianne Manz from (Stroller In The City). Opinions are mine 100% as always. Swag was given from sponsors which included Living Proof Dry Shampoo, Bliss Spa, Ounce Water, KIND bars, Purity Organic Juice, Just Salad, Boom Boom Brow Bar, Enlightened Snacks, and of course, Crunch Fitness. 

Nintendo Switch Approaching Fast 3/3/17 #nintendoswitch

9 Feb

Back in January of this year my kids and I were invited to a Nintendo Switch event where we were the first to test out the new console. My kids were counting down the days. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a console since the NES. The Switch hits stores March 3rd.

When we walked in it was like a home filled with nothing but video games. We tested out Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, my daughter loved dancing with the Just Dance 2017 game. She was there practically the whole time. My son enjoyed Street Fighter 2  The Legends Of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Arms, Splatoon 2 and so many others they both enjoyed. 


I was impressed how the console looks, how many people can play and where it can be taken. We do a lot of traveling and this is great to take on the road, hotels, airplane, picnics, bbq’s, etc. I was also impressed with the price of $299. Battery life can last more than six hours depending on the software and usage conditions. 32 GB of internal memory. Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards.6.2-inch, multi-touch capacitive touch screen; can display a resolution of 1280 x 720.Keep the focus on fun by using parental controls to manage how your family interacts with Nintendo Switch. Link up to eight systems together to play anywhere.


I’m going to enjoy Just Dance 2017 with my daughter at home and on the go. We love dancing and this is great for exercise too. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the whole family is gonna love. Bring all the games to us. 


We are back at it again this Sunday 2/12 this time for a Nintendo Switch exclusive event at the Nintendo NY store in Rockefeller Center. This time we are going to play the 1-2-Switch game. What do milking a cow, a samurai duel and an eating contest all have in common? NINTENDO, of course!!  1-2-Switch is a ridiculously fun “Party in a Box” game. What makes the party? Fun and crazy competitions that let you literally face off with your friends and family: everything from a wild-west duel to a cow-milking competition to a copycat dance-off. With 1-2-Switch you can throw an impromptu party anywhere thanks to a new play style in which players look at each other—not the screen.

This games launches March 3rd. We can’t wait for this one. We had a great time at the first event and are super excited about the next one. We will be even more excited to get the Nintendo Switch in our house and have friendly competitions. Nintendo for life!! 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to attend these events. Opinions are mine and my kids 100% as always. My kids are Nintendo game reviewers. 

All Day Play At Camelback and Aquatopia #MTCamelback

1 Feb

Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing OH MY!!! That’s what we were doing in Camelback Resort January 22nd. Momtrends had Ski Day for bloggers and their families and we packed up the 2017 Toyota RAV4 and headed to Tannersville, Pennsylvania for the day. 

We were very excited because this was our first time ever going skiing. I signed the kids up for snowboarding lessons. I decided to snowboard on my own and it was pretty fun. You can see my skills on my Instagram page here: https://instagram.com/p/BPmI4CwhBKZ/


My daughter took lessons with her age group and my son went with his. Lessons are 90 minutes long. This gives the adults time to do other things like ski or snowboard themselves or stand on the side and take pics and video of your kids. 


My daughter said she enjoyed her lesson. My son on the other hand had an accident and I was contacted on my cell phone to come quickly. I was so scared and worried but hoping it wasn’t too serious. When I got there my son’s arm was in a sling and he was waiting for the snowmobile to take him to fist aid. I wanted to cry because as parents we never want to see our kids in pain. I definitely wanted to know what happened and if he was ok to finish out the day or did we have to leave right away. Since first aid is not an actual hospital with doctors all they could do is tell us to keep it in the sling and go to a hospital to make sure his wrist wasn’t broken. Yes, when my son fell he landed on his wrists. Out of all people to break something I thought it would be me. 


I was also told we should have had helmets and wrist guards for first time snowboarders. I had no clue we could have rented this there. It was not part of my package but I definitely would have purchased it. Good to know for future visits. 

After a lollipop was given to my son he wanted to eat. First aid told us to go to a clinic nearby and get an X-ray but the clinic didn’t take our insurance so we decided to go to our hospital once we got back to the city. 

I really was sad my son couldn’t go snowtubing and have fun in the waterpark (Aquatopia). He’s a trooper and hung in there so his sister could have fun. I was still hoping his wrist was ok at that point. 


Aquatopia and snowtubing is amazing. I don’t know how many times my daughter went snowtubing with friends. Hopefully we will go back and make a day out of it again minus the snowboarding. It was a good day and the weather was great it was in the 50’s. 

Made it to the emergency and after 3 X-rays my son had a few broken bones. He was numbed with a needle and some of the bones were pushed back in place. I couldn’t look but I’m glad he didn’t feel anything. I feel like I felt all the pain. The other bones will heal with the cast that was put on. He had an orthopedic appointment the other day and must keep the cast on for 4-6 weeks. It’s his left hand. He’s a righty so I’m glad if he needs to write he’s able to. 
I remember having a cast on my right arm when I was in elementary school and taking a fall at the playground. It’s not fun. All he wants is for the bones to heal so he can play video games but he’s not complaining about being out of school. Typical teenager. A teacher will come to our place and study with him a few days a week till he’s ready to go back. I’m so glad his school provides this service. 

I still would like to thank Momtrends for having Ski Day at Camelback Resort as we still will always remember this trip. As I said on my Instagram post We came, We played, We conquered. This is a great place for families especially Aquatopia which is indoors at Camelback Lodge. So many water rides to choose from. 

For more info check out: 

Facebook

@CamelbackMountainResort

@CamelbackLodge&IndoorWaterpark

 

Twitter 

@SkiCamelback

@CamelbackLodge

 

Instagram 

@SkiCamelback

@CamelbackLodge


Disclosure: This was a hosted event courtesy of Momtrends. Opinions are mine as always. 

Olive Garden In Harlem Grand Opening Today

13 Dec

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for. It’s the grand opening of Olive Garden in Harlem at 100 W. 125th St. If you grew up in Harlem like I did you know how Harlem used to look and what a big difference it is now. Who would ever think we would have a Olive Garden in Harlem or for that case any of the stores and restaurants that are there now? If my father, great grandmother and grandmother could see it now. 

Yesterday, December 12 was the ribbon cutting ceremony and city officials, in partnership with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. came out and supported General Manager, Daryl Cunningham whose been with Olive Garden for 12 years. There was a live band, food and great conversation wishing Daryl success and supporting the restaurant by coming back to dine with friends and family. It was a great turn out. 


The new restaurant will feature an updated design with new artwork, fabrics and materials, lighting, seating, countertops and flooring, as well as a display of the new “Olive Garden Italian Kitchen” logo sign. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant will accommodate more than 300 guests and will create more than 170 new jobs for the surrounding community. Prior to the opening, the Harlem Olive Garden restaurant hosted Friends and Family events with free meals and proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.


The Harlem restaurant, Olive Garden’s third location in New York City, features 19 bar tables, more than twice the number in a typical Olive Garden. It also has an elegant wine wall that reinforces the integral role wine plays in Italian dining.

The thing that excites me most about NROs (New Restaurant Opening) is the opportunity it gives us to add value and exposure to both the community and our company,” said General Manager Daryl Cunningham at the Harlem restaurant. “So much effort goes into selecting great new team members who reflect the best each new community has to offer, and I love watching them grow!”

Olive Garden’s menu continues to feature guest favorites, such as the Lasagna Classico and unlimited Soup, Salad and Breadsticks, as well as new Lighter Italian Fare dishes, like Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Piccata, inspired by the Mediterranean region of Italy. Additionally, guests can enjoy new innovations, such as the Grilled Chicken Piadina and the Spicy Calabrian Chicken Breadstick Sandwich.

I have quite a few favorites to share with you when you come to the restaurant. Just ask me and don’t forget dessert. 

I attended another event Olive Garden had in the summer on the High Line and that’s where I met Daryl Cunningham. He mentioned Olive Garden was coming to Harlem and I told him I would love to be part of the restaurant and applied for a job and now I am proud to be a Certified Host. So come bring your family and friends and join us. Experience a family friendly restaurant, very delicious food, great ambience and the best friendly staff and service you ever had. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event. This is not a compensated post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. My employment with Olive Garden did not have an influence on my opinions. I am writing this post as a blogger. Some pictures courtesy of Hubert Williams.

ELLIE KRIEGER #RENEWLIFEPROBIOTICS LUNCH #ad 

12 Dec

Ellie Krieger, RDN, the rockstar culinary nutritionist, who is the host of “Ellie’s Real Good Food” show, author of several cookbooks, and a columnist for The Washington Post hosted a private lunch to talk about recent survey results that confirm most women consider a taboo topic — the gut. They say it’s a “yucky” word, but gut issues affect the entire body, from mood, to memory, immunity, digestion and more — prompting Renew Life Probiotics to start the “Get to Know Your Gut” campaign to better share the benefits.


Ellie revealed the surprising ways the gut impacts your readers’ overall health and wellness, and talked about her expert go-to guide for replenishing and infusing balance back into the gut. In addition to good-for-your-gut foods, Ellie shared her not-so-secret weapon of a healthy regimen of probiotics, and she even helped us create a personal probiotic mixture.


The “gut”is considered the core of your body’s overall health and well-being and can affect your entire body, including immunity, digestion and more. According to a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of women (72%) have experienced a digestive/gut issue in the past twelve months and nearly two-thirds (64%) of women aren’t willing to talk about it with their friends. 

70% of the immune system is located in the intestinal ttact, therefore, maintaining gut health is a key part of maintaining your overall health. 

Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics wants to educate women about digestive health, how vital it’s ecosystem isotope our body’s overall health and well-being, and the benefits everyone can reap from taking a probiotic. Visit http://www.RenewLife.com for more information. 

Renew Life Probiotics are available at health food stores and major retailers including Target and Walmart. 

Social Handles:

Facebook @RenewLifeFormulas

Twitter @RenewLifeInc

YouTube @RenewLife
Ellie Krieger:

Twitter: @EllieKrieger
Instagram: @ellie_krieger

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. Opinions are mine 100%. 

 

#NintendoDisneyMagicalWorld2 

5 Dec

Family of gamers are what we are. Video games, board games, computer, app, card games you name it we love playing. Nintendo invited us to their Rockefeller  Plaza location to get a look at the new Disney game for 3DS that launched. What game is it? Disney Magical World 2. 

We had so much fun at Nintendo with Olivia Holt. The girls dressed up as their favorite princess and the boys picked their favorite Disney characters as well. Olivia Holt danced with the kids and showed us how much fun she has playing the game. She also danced with the kids. My daughter enjoyed teaching her how to do the whip and nae nae dance. My daughter had her hair and makeup done at Minnie’s Style Salon, was given accessories and also picked out Princess Elsa for her costume that she got to take home. Everyone enjoyed cupcakes and snacks. 


Ever since this game launched my kids have played non stop. They also are fans of Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and Super Mario 3D Land. 

The Nintendo 3DS XL is one handheld  system that I don’t mind my kids faces buried in. Whether it’s at home or on the go I know their enjoying every minute of it. I also think I need to get one too, then we all can play. 

There’s so many games to choose from and they make great gifts. If you have a tween or teen or even an adult gamer that you know would love a 3DS or any of the games mentioned you should click on this website for more info or visit the Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Center in NYC. (www.nintendo.com)

The 2DS is still being sold at the incredible price of $79.99. The Disney Magical World 2 game is only $39.99. The 3DS XL is $199.99

Disclosure: My family were invited to attend this media event. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Moana Review #MoanaArtistTour #Disney #Moana 

23 Nov

I was invited to attend a very special presentation on the making of MOANA with Disney’s Creative Executive Jessica Julius at the Crosby Street Hotel. The presentation featured exclusive clips and behind the scenes information on the film, along with a Q&A session. I enjoyed seeing clips and learning what went on behind the scenes and how they created the characters, songs and dances. The island looked amazing. I also enjoyed seeing how the animals or Moana’s pets played a part in the film. 

Jessica Julius has been involved with “Moana” since day one, supporting the filmmakers’ development efforts. In addition to taking part in story/character/world development, Julius conducted intensive research for the film, utilizing books, online resources, expert consultants, local field trips and targeted island treks.

My family and I was also invited to see a screening of Moana. We loved it so much we saw it twice. I also purchased lots of toys because the film was that good and I just couldn’t resist. The cast was amazing. Very family friendly film and we loved the songs. We give the film 10 thumbs up. I loved how determined and strong Moana is as a young female. Take the whole family and enjoy this Disney film. 
ABOUT THE FILM: Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters today, Nov. 23, 2016.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend Moana Artist Tour and my family and I was invited to attend the Moana Screening. Thank you for the invite. 

I Toured The Set of Comedy Show #KevinCanWait

28 Oct

What are you doing Monday night at 8pm? Hopefully you’ll be indoors stuffing your face with your kids candy and watching a hilarious episode of Kevin Can Wait on CBS at its new time. 

I was invited to tour the set of Kevin Can Wait and there was also a Q&A with none other Kevin James and Erinn Hayes who plays his wife. Bloggers took a bus and headed to Long Island. Director Andy Fickman welcomed us and asked Kevin and Erinn questions that we wrote down. I asked Kevin and Erinn since the show is about Kevin retiring When so you see yourself retiring and what would be the first thing you would do when you retire? Do they have a bucket list? 

Erinn said she wants a Volkswagen camper van to go cruise around on an adventure. Kevin said he loves what he do and want to do it as long as he can (stand up, movies, comedy). No retiring anytime soon. Then Erinn said she wants t retire between seasons. She also enjoys what she’s doing. 

Andy gave us the behind the scenes scoop on how the cameras capture those moments, showed us the pictures on the wall are of the actual actors, Mets souvenirs ( Kevin said if you’re a Yankee fan you shouldn’t be there) Lol. If there’s a scene in the bathroom that requires running water they have to call in a plumber to start the water and stop it as soon as that scene finishes because it doesn’t really work. Who would have known? Andy also mentioned they love when there’s a pizza scene because the staff can’t wait to eat the pizza. He said the pizza is very good. I also believed he said the audience gets some too. Ok can I just be an extra? I need an agent. I absolutely loved the set and live the show even more. I’ve been a Kevin James fan for a long time. I like his character and the fact that he’s playing a husband and father. The whole cast is funny. ​


This is my second time meeting him. I also can’t wait to see his Netflix movie TRUE MEMOIRS OF AN INTERNATIONAL ASSASSIN. 

Here is a clip of the upcoming Halloween episode airing 10/31 8pm on CBS. Check your local listings. Enjoy! 

https://cbs.box.com/s/god1ie7q5iju04p11ap52jukizes94x8

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

POM Wonderful Recipes & Cocktails #CookwithPom #ad 

27 Oct

Pomegranate season is in full effect and POM Wonderful and Momtrends invited me to a hands on cooking experience to make and try delicious recipes made with fresh pomegranate arils and juice. I headed to the Miette Culinary Studio to cook with professional chefs. Looking for new recipes for the holidays? 


Have you ever had Guacamole or Moroccan Shrimp with POM POMS Fresh Arils? What about Whole Wheat Waffles with POM POMS or Roasted Salmon with POM POMS Salsa? How heavenly do they sound? I even had a drink called the Dapper Devil. This drink contained Pomegranate Wonderful 100% juice, Aviation Gin, Club Soda, Fresh Gin and a twist of lime. Great for any party or celebration. 

I even made a smoothie with POM Wonderful juice and it was amazing. Take your favorite fruit and POM Wonderful juice, Ice and I also used tropical coconut water. Blend well then serve. 


The Guacamole station was calling my name and I really wanted to know how Pomegranate would be incorporated into guacamole. It was so easy, tasted great and brightened it up. The recipes are below. Give them a try and discover what POM can do for you. 

Click here for more info: http://www.pomwonderful.com/



Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you Momtrends and POM Wonderful for a great night and amazing food/recipes to take home and share with my family and friends. Some pictures courtesy of Momtrends. 

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