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Part 1 Of My Trip To Memphis,Tennessee For St Jude Blogger Tour

26 Oct

Back in September myself along with other bloggers were invited to Memphis, Tennessee to tour St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and I was grateful to get to experience this in person.

I haven’t been on a plane since probably 2002 or 2003. Something like that. I wasn’t going to let that stop me from meeting the staff, kids and families of St. Jude. I wasn’t going for a vacation. I was going for a behind the scenes look, answers to questions I’ve always wanted to know. I’m sure everyone like me wants to know how St. Jude could never ask for a penny from the families for anything. They never receive a bill which is beyond amazing. 

   
    
 September 15-17 was going to be intense and worth it. We took a tour of the facilities and met with nutritionists, scientists, chefs,child life specialist, teachers, kids, families, staff members, tour guides that grew up into healthy adults after being cured and are now working for St. Jude.

Walking into St. Jude felt like you were on a private island. It was not like any hospital you see in the city. No kids are waiting to be seen in the lobby, no kids crying, wall murals are amazing and the artist made the kids on the wall favor the kids at St. Jude. Very bright, colorful and happy, and everyone is so friendly. Kids are transported throughout the halls in red wagons which were so cute. 

Even though this was a hospital that treats kids with cancer it was like a happy place. They really take care of the children even down to the meals they eat. There’s even a campus organic garden on the property for fresh vegetables. 

The St. Jude Farmer’s Market offers employees, patients and their families the chance to purchase fresh produce and farm-raised meat from local farmers. The market is held on-site every other Friday from May through the end of October. 

The first day we arrived we had lunch in the St. Jude cafeteria. Named Kay Kafe by Sterling Jewelers, who donated $16 million for its renovation, the cafeteria seats 500 and serves up to 1,000 patients, families, faculty and staff during a busy lunch hour. Display cooking includes a grill, deli, pizza oven, and a wok area, among other options. Kay Kafe offers a variety of choices in a friendly, relaxed setting. There are so many food choices, and everything tasted great.

  
 
  
  
   
The Kay Kafe has a child-friendly design that include lower counters so that patients can interact face-to-face with staff. I also noticed lower sinks in bathroom and lower counters at receptionists desks when patients check in. 

Next was a tour of the hospital with our tour guide Tayde who was once a patient and now working for St. Jude. She was great and told us her story and how St. Jude saved her life. We saw the lab, classrooms (yes patients attend school). I loved the cute classrooms. We were told what a typical school day is like. There is also graduations and proms for some of the grades. 

   
    

  
    
    

  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
I don’t remember crying too much the first day but the next two days I turned into a fountain. 

We went to dinner later that night which again was amazing. I turned in early because I knew the next day was going to be a full day. 

   
    
    
    
 This is Part 1 of my post. I will continue to write more on my trip so stay tuned. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post but was invited to Memphis Tennessee on a blogger tour to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

First Time Walking Across Brooklyn Bridge Using Runkeeper App 

24 Oct

Momtrends and Runkeeper (health & fitness app) teamed up together to invite a few bloggers to run/walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve always wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge but never got around to doing it so I said this would be a great time to scratch this off my bucket list and get fit at the same time with a bunch of colleagues. I also wanted to use the new & improved Runkeeper app and track my status. 

We met Thursday morning in Brooklyn in our baby blue Runkeeper t-shirts and with my iced coffee in hand some of us ran and some walked across the bridge. I also periscoped some of my journey. You know if you’re walking with someone and talking and taking pics it doesn’t seem as far as you think. I just walked from one borough to another and back again. How cool was that? 

I have my Runkeeper app hooked up to my Spotify so I could hear music but I was acting like a tourist in my own city that I didn’t even have time to listen to my music. The Runkeeper app tracks your workout in real time and let other runners become your running buddy and we could see each other’s progress and also check your running history. It’s a cool app. It also has GPS. 

After our run/walk we headed to Almar restaurant in Brooklyn (Dumbo) for lunch. It was great. We were given a gift bag with goodies and I felt good. I think I will walk the bridge again. This time I will do it with my kids. 

Thanks for a great morning on a beautiful 70 degree day. Now go download the Runkeeper app in the App Store and get out there and run!!! 

Disclosure: This is a compensated post however opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
   

 

 
  
    
 

Join Me In Taking The 7-Day Switch Up With Viva® Vantage®

6 Oct

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Viva® Vantage®.Opinions are mine 100% as always. 
Viva® Vantage® understands that people fall into all kinds of routines in life, including the household products they buy, and sometimes miss out on other great options in the process. Therefore, Viva® Brand is asking consumers to switch up their normal routine by trying Viva® Vantage® for seven days to see what they have been missing with their regular paper towel. Experience the stretchy-strength and great scrubbing power of Viva® Vantage®, recently named a 2015 Product of the Year.

I was invited to a Viva® Vantage® Live Party to the house of Amy Oztan from selfish mom.com in Brookyln, NY to learn more about the product. I learned some great tips that I will incorporate in my home. 

One of my favorite tips and newest kitchen switch up is to use a damp Viva® towel in the bottom of a container and put your washed strawberries on top and close with lid. They will last longer. 

Another tip is to use a damp Viva® towel under your cutting board to prevent it from shifting while slicing and dicing. I learned this from culinary classes years ago and still use this tip till this day. 

Ditch the bulky colander in favor of a paper towel. Place veggies and fruit on a sheet of Viva® Vantage® paper towels under a running faucet to function as a strainer; the stretchy-strength will keep the towel intact when wet. 

Need to chill white wine quickly? Don’t dilute it with ice; wrap a damp paper towel around the bottle and put in the freezer to chill rapidly.

I also enjoyed decorating wine glasses after I hand washed and dried the glass using the cloth-like texture of Viva® Vantage®. There was also a sparkling finish. 

I’d like to thank Amy for being a great host and making amazing food and sangria for her guests and also showing us her tips using Viva® Towels.  

Check out the website and kick off your own “7-Day Switch Up” by visiting http://bit.ly/1T3mdFX for a Viva® Vantage® coupon to purchase and try the product. After experiencing the stretchy-strength and great scrubbing power of Viva® Vantage®, return to the website to dish on your switch and enter for a chance to instantly win a $100 gift card.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Viva® Vantage®.Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
 

  
   
 

#SummerSocial InStyle Recap 

27 Aug

In Style hosted their #SummerSocial event at 404 NYC highlighting all the must haves in beauty, fashion and lifestyle brands. It’s an event not to be missed. 

Some brands that caught my eye were Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel. I remember this smell growing up from my mother and grandmother. I still use it till this day and now my kids love the towelettes and the face wipes. I will be taking these with me when traveling as well. They are also good after a workout in the gym. They also handed out a cute notepad with a key attached which was very nice. 

Gardein meat free foods were the treats of the night. The fishless fish & chips and beefless tacos were spicy and so good. The crabless crab cakes were banging. 

Thierry Mugler perfumes were amazing. I’m in love with the Alien scent. The other scent available was Angel. I was able to get both samples and a large Angel sample came in the gift bag. I will be stocking up on the Alien perfume. My favorite new perfume. 

Peony had gorgeous leggings with animal and floral prints and asymmetrical tops and luxe tees to sports bras. Fashionable activewear that’s comfortable and can be mixed and matched. Leggings are versatile and can go from work to workout. Everyone received a great headband from them. 

Sun Chips gave out samples of their chips. I love the Harvest Cheddar and French Onion. There were raffles throughout the night and I won a pair of Ross & Brown sunglasses. Loved it! I also enjoyed receiving Ponds cleansing towlettes in my gift bag as well. Essie nail polish in copper was also included. Can’t wait to try that color. I also decorated a cool cell phone case with gems and bling courtesy of Brancott Estate. 

I had a great time with friends and connecting with brands and can’t wait till the next one. Thank you for the invite Single Edition Media. 

Here is the full list of brands: 

Essie

Brancott Estate

Dickinson’s

Gardein

Jose Eber

Neutrogena

Nicole Benisti

Peony

Sally Hansen

Sarah Potempa

Sun Chips

Thiery Mugler

Think Thin

Zico

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

    
   

French Toast A Uniform For A Kids Life

24 Aug

French Toast America’s leading uniform brand is expanding and they invited me and a few bloggers to a Back-To-School breakfast to unveil their new look of play and weekend wear. I’ve always been a fan of French Toast uniforms. The adjustable waists and power knees in the pants are my absolute favorite. Kids always seem to rip their pants at the knees first so to know these power knees are double protected makes me a happy parent. Adjustable waists I always look for because I buy my kids clothes a size bigger to last longer and having that is good so when it’s time to let a button loose they still can fit the pants or skirt. 

You can check out the new commercial which highlights the Power Knees and 50 Wash Test. In the 30-second spot, acrobatic kids put French Toast to a uniform test by doing the things they do throughout their day: running, jumping and flipping through sporty and sticky situations while wearing French Toast. At the end of the spot, the kids…and their uniforms…look great.  

The commercial highlights the versatility of the brand’s fashions. French Toast is a uniform for a kids life, offering both school uniforms as well as essentials to mix and match for everyday wear. It is durable with Power Knees to withstand even the most energetic kids. It’s comfortable with adjustable waistbands and soft fabrics that allow for easy wear. And most importantly, it will stand up to the 50 Wash Test and lasts throughout the school year and beyond. French Toast has been refreshed and reimagined to better fit every student’s school needs. Check it out here: http://youtu.be/Z1GXrdZ6ziM 

The play and weekend wear is perfect. I can’t wait for 2016 to release these comfortable, fun clothes. Graphic tanks and tees, leggings, raincoats, sweaters, colorful shorts and cool hats. The accessories are great and compliment the outfits. I wish my son could still fit into French Toast but my daughter will love the new collection.  

Breakfast was great. Of course you know we had to have french toast right? Check out French Toast on the web at: http://www.frenchtoast.com and on Twitter: @FrenchToastcom

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

   
    
     
    
    
    
   

#ShopkinsSwap Preview Event Recap at Toys R Us 

24 Aug

If there’s one thing my daughter is obsessed with its Shopkins. She’s been collecting since Season 1 and to be honest I absolutely don’t mind. I like them myself. They are so cute. It’s fun not knowing what she’s  getting in the package then seeing her face light up when she gets a shopkin or the special limited edition, rare or ultra rare. She plays with them everyday. They’re not expensive and you can get a pack with two or the bigger packs with twenty. There’s so many and we won’t stop till we collect them all. 

We were invited to the Media Preview Shopkins Swapkins Party at Toys R Us in Times Square, NYC on August 14. My daughter had no idea until we got to Toys R Us and she saw a character in costume and figured it out. However, I did tell her to bring a few Shopkins with her just incase she saw someone there with a Shopkin she wanted to swap with. She kept asking me “why if the swap wasn’t till that Saturday?”. “I said you never know”. 

It was amazing. We were greeted by two Shopkins characters and led into the skybox for a great breakfast and to see what’s new. We love the new Lego Shopkins. There were Shopkins on the tables to also trade with and cookie decorating table, coloring and just swapping away. My daughter did good and got a few Shopkins she’s been wanting. She loved swapping with MommyandGracieShow and DisneyCarsToys. 

Kids were also given a Limited Edition NY Apple Blossom Shopkins. Only 800 of these were made. That made my daughter’s day. Looking forward to collecting Lego Shopkins for my daughter and I’m sure Season 4 will be just as fun. 

We had a great time. Thank you Toys R Us and Moose Toys for the invite. Yes, once again we rode the ferris wheel. It’s a must!! 

Check out @ShopkinsWorld @ToysRUs and @Moose_Toys on Twitter. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. My daughter was given swag. Opinions are ours 100% as always. 

   
      
   

Swim Classes With SwimToday #FunnestSport 

17 Aug

My daughter is enjoying her swim lessons courtesy of Momtrends and SwimToday. She took swim lessons with her class the whole school year and didn’t want it to end so I was happy when Momtrends held an event with 5 time Olympian Dara Torres and SwimToday to discuss why swimming is the funnest sport and she also shared her experiences as a swimmer and a swim mom, address common misconceptions and educate parents on the sport’s top 10 benefits. 

My daughter attends swimming lessons once a week at Asphalt Green on upper east side in NYC. This class is much smaller than her classmates at school so she gets that one on one attention to really focus so she can be the best swimmer. Her swim instructors are amazing. There’s been a few kids crying their eyes out but the instructors know how to talk to them and give them the confidence that they can do it.  Her class ends the end of August and I know she will miss it but she has learned so much and made big improvements. She even practices in the bathtub at home. Lol. She was given a bathing suit,  backpack, goggles and a swim cap. She will also receive a certificate of completion signed by Dara Torres. When we receive her certificate I will add a picture to this post and share on social media. 

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Why is swimming growing at such an immense rate? FUN is the number one reason that 99 percent of swim parents stated why their kids swim and swimming tops every category most important to parents. 

SwimToday ambassador Dara Torres, a five-time Olympic swimmer-turned-swim-mom, and 13 industry partners are banding together to show non-swimmers and their parents why swimming is the #FunnestSport and provide a warm invitation to join in.

Through SwimToday, teams nationwide are inviting new swimmers and families to experience the sport with incentives such as free swim team trial periods, customized swim caps and promotional materials from kits sent to 1,500 swim teams to use locally. Parents can learn more about participating teams and find those nearest them by searching their zip code at http://www.SwimToday.org.

It’s closer than you think – 62 percent of families live within 10 minutes of a pool; 52 percent of households with combined income of $50,000 or less report they have access to a pool nearby

· Everyone participates – Swimming is inclusive, there are no benchwarmers (nor benches)

· Swimming is a team sport – Only 16 percent of non-swimming parents view swimming as a team sport but parents of swimmers associate the sport with teamwork more than any other sport

· Suit up and go – Only a swimsuit, cap and goggles are necessary to get started

· Life skills – Swimming increases self-confidence, self-esteem, time management, goal-setting and social development

· Easy to learn – 76 percent of parents said the ease of learning to swim was high

· Low risk of injury – No contact makes for a safer environment

· Swimming = total body fitness – Burn 650 calories in an hour – more than walking, biking or team sports

· Sport for life – Once you learn to swim, you can enjoy no matter your age

· Swimming is FUN – Parents confirm that swimming is the #FunnestSport

Disclosure: My daughter was given swimming lessons courtesy of Momtrends, SwimToday and Asphalt Green. Opinions are ours 100% as always. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
   

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  

Fiji Water & Momtrends Had Me #FijiFit  

9 Aug

Momtrends invited bloggers to a morning of fitness with Fiji Water at Peloton Cycle on West 23rd in NYC, August 6, 2015. We were going to cycle for thirty-minutes and learn of a top secret announcement from Fiji Water. 

I never took a indoor cycling class in my life. I’ve always avoided those type of classes because it’s non-stop up and down and working your legs. Yeah, I’ve been on bicycles and bikes in the gym but I get to control those. This was more like crank that level up to 40 and up and down. You talk about sweating. I’m still sweating just thinking about it while writing this post. Lol. Sometimes you need someone to kick your butt and tell you “come on you can do it!”. Especially when your doctor says exercise everyday. I wouldn’t mind taking more classes. I enjoyed with with my friends very much and my Fiji Water kept me hydrated throughout the class. Cody Rigsby our instructor was great and the class is streamed live. I also shot a Periscope of the workout before the lights turned out. 

Fiji Water has always been me and my family’s favorite water. I am telling you the honest truth. I’ve always liked the bottles. It stands out in the store and it tastes great! So, you know when I here’s there was a secret announcement I had to know what it was. 

Fiji Water has changed the look of its bottle with a narrow bodied shape by offering a 700ml bottle. How cool is that? It fits easily in strollers, car and equipment fitness cup holders. Slim looking bottle but still tastes great. I love the new shape. My kids immediately each grabbed a bottle and also noticed the difference and said they liked it and wanted more. Fiji Water it doesn’t matter what shape you come out with my family and I will always be your biggest fans. 

Nicole Feliciano of Momtrends said to “pencil exercise in your schedule/calendar at least two to three times a week”. Grab a friend and have fun! 

It was an awesome morning followed by a healthy delicious brunch. Love the gym bag that was given filled with Fiji Water and healthy snacks. Fiji Water is sending everyone that attended a 2 month supply of water and one of my readers will also win a 2 month supply so stay tuned on how to enter. Thank you Momtrends for a great #FijiFit morning. I needed that. 

Visit: @FijiWater on Twitter and http://www.fijiwater.com for more info. 

Nicole Feliciano @Momtrends on Twitter 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Swag was given.  Most photos courtesy of Momtrends. 

    
    
   

#NewTucson 2016 Hyundai Midsize Crossover

7 Aug

Hyundai hosted a special launch in NYC August 5th for its recently redesigned midsize crossover vehicle, the 2016 Tucson. This was the first time journalists had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle before the model hits dealer showrooms across America later this month. 

Crossovers are one of the top selling vehicles and Hyundai has re-invented the popular segment by adding industry first features into the Tucson. 

We met at The Park in Chelsea with breakfast , presentation then we got to test drive The Sport through a scenic route up the Palisades Interstate Parkway, through the Harriman State Park and back to The Park for lunch.

  
   
  
Our Tucson’s were across the street from The Park in the garage. Our first stop was the Rockefeller lookout which absolutely amazing. That is a great spot. Next we were off to Lake Kanawauke. When we arrived we traded our Sport for the Limited Edition. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
   I just have to say I really loved the way the Tucson drove. The blind spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert is always good to have as well as the rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. 

The ventilated front seats kept me cool so that got two thumbs up. The rear seats have adjustable recline which my kids will love. Hands free smart power liftgate with auto open and heigh setting. Just wait three seconds and your trunk will automatically open. There’s also a dual- level cargo floor. Improved road noise isolation which I appreciated very much. Premium 19″ alloy wheels. 

The Limited Edition was my favorite. Leather seats, and huge sun roof was just some of the interior features. 

The prominent hexagonal-shaped grille, stylishly efficient LED low-beam headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights are presented below a sculpted hood.

The standard integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition lets you take calls and stream audio, without taking your hands off the wheel. There’s also a standard 5-inch color touchscreen audio system and rearview camera. At the top of the tech wish list is the 8-inch color touchscreen navigation system with a rearview camera, and NavTraffic which provides real-time road conditions that’ll help you avoid traffic jams and give a clear picture of alternative routes. Also if you have an Apple Watch it is compatible with it using Hyundai’s blue link system. 

The Tucson SE 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets up to an EPA-estimated 31 MPG Highway.The Eco, Sport and Limited’s 1.6 Turbo GDI engine steps up the horsepower to 175 and can still deliver up to an EPA-estimated 33 MPG Highway. Both engines were designed to give you the optimal balance of horsepower and MPG.

Tucson SE from $22,700

Tucson ECO from $24,150

Tucson Sport from $26,150

Tucson Limited from $29,900

Comes in beautiful colors like Caribbean Blue, Sedona Sunset, Ruby Wine, Chromium Silver, Coliseum Grey, Mojave Sand, Winter White and Ash Black. I loved all the colors but my top 3 were Caribbean Blue, Sedona Sunset and Chromium Silver. 

I’m ready to take this baby on a road trip or an adventure with the family. Hope to bring you more pictures. 

What color and features do you like? 

Check out http://www.hyundaiusa.com for more info and @Hyundai on Twitter and @HyundaiUSA on Instagram. 

   
    
    
    
 

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

#KidzVuzBTS Bash Recap 2015 

31 Jul

KidzVuz Back to School Bash was held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel on West 52nd St. this year July,18. The space was just right for everyone in the Central Park East and West ballrooms. 

My kids were first to run inside and we didn’t know where to start first. There were so many tables filled with great toys. Here is the list of sponsors who attended: 

Lysol : #LysolThat

LG – @LGUS

Lego – @LEGO_group

Wonder Workshop – @WonderWorkshop

Chuze – @GetChuze

WWE – @WWE, @NatbyNature @theMarkHenry

Lego Dimensions @LegoDimensions

Star Stable @StarStable

Game Stop @gameStop

Simply Mac @SimplyMacStore

Hasbro – @HasbroNews

ClassroomDirect @ClassroomDirect

Pixels – @PixelsMovie

Laser Pegs – @laserpegs

Domain.me @DomainMe

Philips @PhilipsSound

Dentek @Dentek

AVG @AVGFree

Mommy Nearest @MommyNearest

No Kid Hungry @NoKidHungry

Metropolitan Museum @metmuseum

The Broadway League @TheBroadwayLeague

LG was one of my favorites. I love their appliances and got to see the newest in washer and dryers and refrigerators. The kids made lunches to take in their plastic containers and even got aprons at the LG station. For every tweet LG donated $10 to No Kid Hungry so each tweet could connect a child struggling with hunger with up to 100 meals. I thought that was great and support No Kid Hungry through their blogger program. 

Dentek showed us the latest in their kids fun flossers , toothbrushes and toothpaste. You could also decorate cookies with edible markers. 

Wonder Workshop had a fun robots for the kids to control using a tablet and they were called Dash and Dot robots. My kids loved stopping here and working the robots. 

Phillips had this Mix DJ sound system and my son was definitely the DJ. He did a great job mixing music. I have to get one for him. (My 12 yr old) My oldest son DJ’s and this would be great for them to work on this together. They also had screen cleaners which I picked the Rose scent to clean my phone and kill bacteria and germs. There was also the wireless portable speaker asked the FL3X which was cool. 

Lysol had a cute station where kids played a game called Kill the Germs like a whack a mole version and took a picture in a cutout cardboard posing like a scientist, then a classroom set up with tablets learning about germs. I loved the coupons that were given out because I am a Lysol fanatic. 

For all those Broadway fans out there like our family The Broadway League was in the house handing out swag. 

My daughter got her hair done with glitter at Star Stable station along with a goodie bag. Laser Pegs handed out light up necklaces. Classroom Direct gave a backpack and school supplies. 

Met Museum letting parents know about their new digital feature MetKids launching in September 2015. 

WWE wrestler/diva Mark Henry and Natalya took pictures and gave autographs. They are both down to earth. Mark Henry is a big teddy bear. Glad to be a #wwemom

My kids enjoyed seeing the Game Stop table and playing video games. My daughter made sure to talk about germs with KidzVuz camera crew. There were treats throughout the room for the kids to snack on. Mommy Nearest had cupcakes for the kids to decorate. 

We enjoyed all the sponsors and can’t wait to do it again next year. Thank you to the KidzVuz team for another amazing Bash! Big shout out to my daughter Taylinn who had my business cards in her bag and handed them out to the sponsors. Great job!! 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are ours 100% as always. We were given swag. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 

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