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In The Heights Movie Review #InTheHeightsMovie

8 Jun

My family and I were invited to a early screening of In The Heights and couldn’t wait for showtime. As soon as it started I was already clapping, singing and dancing in my seat. It’s like being at an actual Broadway play. You just want to get up out your seat and join in on the fun. That’s the kind of block party I like (one big happy community).

I didn’t grow up in Washington Heights but wasn’t far. I grew up in Harlem and it’s good when your neighbors all know each other, everyone in the Dominican beauty salon knows me and know that I only let one person style me and my daughter hair, the bodegas know how I like my coffee and my son’s favorite sandwich and the little elderly ladies are your Abuelas. I have a neighbor who always shares plates of her amazing dinners with us and one neighbor who we hold their packages for and vice versa and another neighbor who always calls and check in on us while giving encouraging words about how she’s watched my sister and I become the beautiful, strong women that we are and how I’ve raised four beautiful, amazing children. We do her grocery shopping and make meals for her. She reminds me of my abuela. My American community is strong, friendly and caring. We have yearly block parties but I wish we could all do a dance routine one day (lol). I miss the elderly ones who have moved or passed away but the new neighbors aren’t bad. We look out for each other and that’s what make this neighborhood a great one.

I wish I could have seen In The Heights on Broadway but I’m so glad this is in the big screen in the theaters or in the comfort of your house. Just make sure to turn it up and stand up and dance if you’re home. I’m gonna get the soundtrack.

In The Heights is a celebration of Latino culture featuring and entire Latino cast including Anthony Ramos (who plays Usnavi DeLa Vega), Melissa Barrera (who plays Vanessa), Leslie Grace (who plays Nina), Olga Merediz (who plays Abuela Claudia), Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Dascha Polanco, Jimmy Smiths, Marc Anthony and Corey Hawkins (who plays Benny). If you saw the original play on Broadway keep an eye out for cameos from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Christopher Jackson. Also look out for the restaurant Floridita. They have amazing Cuban food.

FUN FACTS: Miranda began writing In the Heights as a sophomore at Wesleyan College, and later collaborated with playwright Hudes on the musical book. In the Heights went on to become an off-Broadway musical before it premiered on Broadway in 2008. After a year-long delay due to the pandemic, the movie version is finally coming out, both in theaters and on HBO Max, on June 10.

The Perez family gives this movie 10 stars and an award for best musical/film. We loved it and will see it again and support our Latinos and American family. Please go In The Heights with family, friends or alone if you choose. You will absolutely love it. I danced, singed, laughed, cried and laughed some more. Follow on social here:

#InTheHeightsMovie

 

INSTAGRAM: @InTheHeightsMovie

FACEBOOK: @InTheHeights

TWITTER:  @InTheHeightsMovie

In The HeightsScreening
In The Heights Screening
In The Heights Screening

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. My family and I were invited to attend the screening of In The Heights and opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you Warner Bros Pictures.

#Entenmanns #MiniActsofKindness Sweepstakes #sponsored #Giveaway

1 Sep
  • With Entenmann’s, everyone’s got a favorite!
  • Entenmann’s Minis are the same delicious variety of baked goods you know and love, from donuts, crumb cake, apple pie and more, perfectly portioned, and individually wrapped.
  • Entenmann’s knows you are busy and always on the move, so your snack options should help make life easier while satisfying your cravings.
  • Minis are perfectly portioned and individually wrapped to make on the go snacking and lunchtime packing a breeze!
  • From August 31st through October 9th, fans can enter the Entenmann’s® Mini Acts of Kindness sweepstakes by submitting their mini act of kindness at www.entenmanns.com/miniacts
  • In addition to a grand prize of $10,000, each week, one fan will be randomly selected to win $500, one fan will win free Entenmann’s minis for a year, and 10 fans will win $100 throughout the duration of the sweepstakes.
  • For every act of kindness submitted, Entenmann’s will donate $1, up to $15,000, to Stomp Out Bullying which helps bring awareness to the bullying and cyber-bullying students face in school and raises funds toward assisting students in need of help.
  • All sweepstakes entries must be submitted by October 9th via the online landing page linked here to qualify.

We’re obsessed with Entenmann’s Minis apple pies and pound cake. Sometimes we hear it up and add ice cream or whipped cream. It’s so delicious and I even take a few with me to work. It’s good anytime.

GIVEAWAY: I’m giving one of my readers a Visa $25 gift card and 3 coupons worth $7 off the purchase of Entenmann’s Minis. Head to my Twitter account and retweet this blog post. That’s it! My Twitter account is @nilimonicky I will pick a winner and announce on my account. I am responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway begins September 7, 2020 and ends September 28, 2020.

Disclosure: The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s.”

NEW Entenmann’s Little Bites Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies #ChipChipHooray #LoveLittleBites #AD #Giveaway!!

18 Aug

#AD Little Bites® snacks invites cookie lovers to enter the “Chip, Chip, Hooray Giveaway!” where 10,000 fans will have the chance to receive a free box of NEW Entenmann’s Little Bites Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Fans will enter their name and email address via entry form on www.littlebites.com/chocolate-chip-cookiesbetween July 27th-August 27th.

  • Entenmann’s Little Bites baked snacks are delicious, quality choices for on-the-go or in the lunchbox – always soft and moist – the perfect portion of happiness for everyone!
  • NEW Entenmann’s Little Bites Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies are deliciously soft baked and bursting with real chocolate chips and contain NO High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Available in a convenient, easy snack-sized pouch, perfect for school lunches and on-the-go
  • Little Bites Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfectly portioned, containing 6 mini cookies per pouch

My family and I enjoy snacking on Entenmann’s Little Bites Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies whether we are home or outdoors. They fit in any bag and have just the right amount in each pouch to satisfy our cravings. Check out the variety of Little Bites products.

GIVEAWAY: I am also hosting a giveaway on Twitter for one lucky reader to receive three coupons, each valid for $5.00 off the purchase of Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks, and a $25 virtual Visa gift card. The virtual gift card can be used for online purchases only. Head over to my Twitter page @nilimonicky and retweet the post with this blog announcement. Five Little Words is responsible for the giveaway and Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks is only providing the $25 Visa digital gift card and (3) coupons for $5.00 off the purchase of any Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks. Giveaway starts today August 18, 2020 and winner will be picked and announced on my Twitter account Thursday August 20,2020.

Disclosure: The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s Little Bites so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s Little Bites. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s Little Bites.”

Indoor Activities For Your Kids from Razor

27 Mar

Let’s face it…it’s a crazy time in the world and people lives are being turned upside down, but we will get through this. One of the main issues we see, is parents trying to keep their kids busy during all of these school closings.

Razor has some great suggestions for keeping kids busy and entertained, as well as getting kids up and active and outside…and with Spring just around the corner the weather is great for getting some fresh air and having some fun!

Indoor Activity Ideas to Keep Kids Busy from Razor

The Spring weather is here and you may have the option of getting kids outside for some fresh air and play time during these school shut downs…and bikes, skateboards, scooters and electric rides are the perfect solution for kids with some energy to burn….but what about when they are inside?

Razor has got some great energy-burning activity ideas perfect for indoor play!

Get kids of all ages to unplug, get up, and MOVE, even inside, with ideas like:

  • Simon Says – This classic game gets an indoor twist with commands like “Simon says hop to your pillow and back,” “Simon Says run up the stairs and back,” and “Simon Says bring me a spoon”
  • Dance Party – Nothing gets kids going like a dance party! Pick a favorite playlist and crank up the jams! Learn a new move on YouTube or try a round of freeze dance, pausing your music and holding statue-still til it starts up again (Alexa is a great freeze dance partner!)
  • Tape Shapes – Clear some space on a non-carpeted floor and use painter’s tape to make large triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles on the floor. Assign each child a starting space, then call moves like “crab walk to the circle,” “crawl to the square,” or “jump backwards to the rectangle.”
  • Balloon Ball – Blow up some balloons, toss a sheet over two chairs to make a “net”, and serve up a round of indoor balloon volleyball – just don’t let that balloon touch the floor!
  • Laundry Basketball – If your kids are bonkers for basketball, empty out a laundry basket and take turns tossing a Nerf ball into the basket, backing up two steps each time you score. See who can shoot from the farthest distance!
  • Soda Bottle Bowling – Dig some empty soda or water bottles out of the recycling and set up an indoor bowling alley in your hallway. Roll a soft ball toward your targets and see who can knock down the most “pins” and reset them the fastest.
  • Long Jump – Using painter’s tape, lay six 2-foot strips, each about a foot apart. Assign a starting spot and see who can jump the farthest!
  • Potato Pass – Kids waddle their way toward a bucket or bowl – with a potato between their knees – and see who can drop it in first in this half-baked indoor game! Make it tricky by placing the bucket in another room, forcing turns or steps along the way.
  • Be My Mirror – Pair up your kids and assign a starter to make a series of moves while their partner tries to mirror what they’re doing. Get through the series and switch roles – miss one and begin again!
  • Hula Hoop Marathon – Grab a hoop and set the timer to see who can last the longest. Expert “hoopers” can try swiveling their hula hoops on their necks, arms, and ankles.

Just because they are playing inside doesn’t mean they have to be couch potatoes. Get creative and your kids will follow suit. And these can all be played outside as well!

Touring Behind the Scenes with Spies In Disguise at Blue Sky Studio #spiesindisguise #hosted

4 Dec

Ever since I took a behind-the-scenes experience for SPIES IN DISGUISE at Blue Sky Studios in Greenwich, CT back in October I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the movie. It hits theaters on Christmas Day December 25, 2019. Our day included filmmaker/director interviews, “making of” presentations, clips, animators, a lead sculptor and a sneak peek at some of the movie.

I’ve never been so amazed at what I experienced that day. The time and amount of people it takes to make a movie is mind blowing, especially animation.

I’m the type who stays for all the credits after a movie and appreciate those who made the film possible. I told the directors/filmmakers and they thanked me for that. Do you see how many names pop up at the end? You have to give thanks to all of those amazing people.

SPIES IN DISGUISE:

Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is … not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.

In the roundtable interview the directors said “in Lance they wanted him to be not just a character that made fun of other spies, they wanted to have fun with the genre but to create their own spy a character who stands shoulder to shoulder with Ethan Hunt and James Bond, Jason Bourne and not just be a joke. Lance Sterling makes a mess everywhere he goes but he does it in style. He drinks the best drinks, eats the best food and wants to make an impression. He even shows up with his own soundtrack. He’s smart, he’s fast, he’s sleek, he likes the adventure, he likes the adrenaline. He even has his own spy plane. Lance’s specific philosophy of taking out the bad guys: you gotta hit them first before they hit you but if they do hit first you hit them so hard that they don’t get back up.”

“Audi helped design Lance’s spy car. When you think super spy the biggest thing you think about is that spy car. They felt Lance deserved to have his very own real world car that made him feel legit. Audi came in and designed a car strictly for animation. That has never happened before. “

How cool was that of Audi to collaborate with animation? Can you collaborate with me Audi? It doesn’t have to be a spy car just a cool blogger car. Lol.

“Scientist, Walter Beckett is super optimistic and socially awkward. Walter believes he can save the world with a hug. Growing he felt if there’s no violence then everyone can be safe so he invented unique gadgets. He’s all alone and his only friends are pigeons.” As Walter would say, “if you have a bag of stale bread you have all the friends you ever need.”

I’m impressed with one of his gadgets his backpack which is his mobile lab and on his adventure he can create gadgets along the way. His smart watch is cool too and inspired by ‘Game Boy” because he loves video games too. He tricked out the home he grew up in into his gadget lab.

“Lance and Walter live two totally different lifestyles. Lance is more posh but he’s always on the move so he doesn’t have that place that feels like home and Walter’s home is more cozy, warm and full of life. However they both are really alone and have nobody so that’s where this story takes you on an adventure to see how they can come together and try to save the world. “

“When Lance is turned into a pigeon he is given eyebrows because the directors wanted you to relate to that human character that he was. They wanted you to get Lance expressions, emotionality and attitude so even when you’re looking at the other pigeons you’re still reading Lance Sterling’s character.”

Fanboy, Crazy Eyes and Lovey are the pigeons who’s on this crazy adventure with Lance when he becomes a pigeon.

Who would’ve thought a pigeon as a spy but look at why it’s a great idea. I absolutely loved this part of the interview. “Pigeons fly fast, their only predator is a peregrine falcon who can only fly fast in a straight line but pigeons can bang almost 90 degrees at top speed. They can fly up to 92.7 miles per hour. Very impressive. They’ve got eyes inside of their head which mean they’ve got almost 360 degree vision so no one is sneaking up behind them. Because they can fly so fast and see so wide they see at a faster rate than humans do which means they can slow time down called (pigeon bullet time) so that means when you’re out in the street and you try to kick a pigeon (not that you should) they’re always that split second ahead because they can actually see at a faster rate than you can and they can see in UV light so they can see things not visible to the human eye.”

“Walter tells Lance I can make you disappear but what he means by that is: Pigeons are found in every major city around the world. You don’t even notice them. They blend in everywhere. So in Walter’s head being a pigeon is one of the greatest covers a spy can take.” Built in gadgets and no one is paying attention to you.

Big shoutout to the directors, animators, lead sculptor filmmakers, head of story, storyboard artist, lighting supervisor, senior tech director of materials and artists who were just incredible. I enjoyed learning about pigeons and the process behind everything. I even took a drawing class. Everyone was fun to listen to and I can’t wait for Spies in Disguise to come to theaters. My kids are very excited and wish they could have went behind the scenes with me but also can’t wait to see the movie. You’ll be thinking pigeons are really spies once you see the movie.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was hosted/invited to attend/cover this amazing event and opinions are mine 100% as always.

New Entenmann’s Little Bites Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies! #LoveLittleBites #AD

21 Nov

When it comes to snacks I am the Queen of all those goodies. My family and I have our favorites that we can’t get enough of. If we could eat them everyday we would but we know how to slow it down and still keep our cravings under portion control. That’s where Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks come in.

We were already big fans of Entenmann’s delicious cakes, donuts and pies and their Little Bites snacks just put the icing on the cake.

  • Entenmann’s Little Bites baked snacks are delicious, quality choices for on-the-go or in the lunchbox – always soft and moist – the perfect portion of happiness for everyone!
  • NEW Entenmann’s Little Bites Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies are deliciously soft baked and bursting with real chocolate chips and contain NO High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Available in a convenient, easy snack-sized pouch, perfect for school lunches and on-the-go
  • Little Bites Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfectly portioned, containing 6 mini cookies per pouch 

How cool is that info you just read? I strongly believe in products not containing high fructose corn syrup. Six cookies per pouch is just enough to give as a snack in school or after school. These cookies were so soft and good as if I baked all day. We loved them and Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks were nice enough to provide me with coupons to redeem product and a gift card so I could give you my honest opinion about this product.

Check out their Entenmann’s social media:

·   Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks website

·   Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks Facebook

·   Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks Instagram

·   Entenmann’s YouTube

Watch our video^

GIVEAWAY: I am hosting a giveaway on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nilimonicky

Five Little Words is responsible for the giveaway and Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks is providing the $25 Visa digital gift card and (3) coupons for $5.00 off the purchase of any Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks.

How to enter giveaway: Head to my Twitter and retweet with comment the post about Entenmann’s giveaway and why you’re excited to try Entenmann’s Little Bites Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies. Giveaway starts 11/21 and ends 11/24. Winner announced on Twitter 11/25.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks.” 

Who’s Ready To #MeetTheAddams ?#ValpakSpookySavings #Ad

10 Oct

This post is sponsored by Valpak.

Hubby and I attended a screening of Meet The Addams and it was an absolute dreadful, dark movie. Translation: It was a riot. We loved it 100%. If you didn’t realize I’m describing the movie as if I’m one of the Addams expressing my feelings. We love animated movies as much as the kids. There were lots of funny scenes and it reminded me of the original Addams Family I used to watch on television. I’m still laughing.

I was always a Wednesday fan and it’s funny now how I’m constantly wearing black but for work of course (haha).

Lurch was another favorite and wait till you see what he’s bringing to the big screen. You’ll be amazed. Can Morticia’s waist get any smaller? I mean what’s the name of the corset or spanx you’re wearing? Hook a girl up. Lol. I have to say I did miss Gomez kissing Morticia’s arm the way he did in the tv show but of course he’s still crazy about his wife.

Believe it or not I wouldn’t mind having The Addams Family as neighbors. Wait, I better be careful what I wish for. In the movie they really are closer than you think. So technically they are my neighbors. Lol. You’ll see when you check out the movie.

The soundtrack had me dancing and singing in my seat from Snoop Dogg to Christina Aguilera. Her new song “Haunted Heart “was catchy. I could recognize her voice anywhere.

Fun cast line up includes: Charlize Theron, Snoop Dogg, Bette Midler, Martin Short, Jennifer Lewis and so on.

So of course I have to see it again because my kids want to see it and once they read this post or see my pics on Instagram they will realize we went without them. Sorry. But we really enjoyed it so we don’t mind. They deserve to see it anyway. They’ve waited patiently.

Meet The Addams opens in theaters Friday, October 11. Visit https://www.valpak.com/boo to find:

•The Addams Family movie trailer.

  • Halloween deals & coupons.
  • A $5000 sweepstakes.

Also open your Valpak envelope for a chance to find a free Fandango movie code good towards two (2) movie tickets ($15 each, $30 total value)

Disclosure: As I mentioned in the very beginning this is a sponsored post. Opinions are mine/ours 100% as always.

Going Down Memory Lane with Google Photos New Features #GooglePhotos #Google

23 Sep

I recently attended a Google Photos event and should have known better for not having the Google Photos app in my phone. I felt like I was living in the Bedrock days. What was I thinking? Now that I was informed how easy and important it was to use this app I was blown away even more about all the new features that recently rolled out.

  • Memories: A digital version of a walk down memory lane of your private photos – rolled out on Android and iOS.

  • Canvas prints: Now, you can decorate your home with your favorite memories with canvas prints from Google Photos —you can order canvas prints from Google Photos in the U.S., and they’ll be delivered straight to your home. Canvas prints start at $19.99 and come in three different sizes, 8×8, 11×14, and 16×20.

  • Photo prints: You can order 4×6 photo prints directly from Google Photos and pick them up same day at CVS Pharmacy or Walmart, at over 11,000 locations with print centers across the U.S.

Now when you feel nostalgic, you can search your photos by the text in them, for example, for home cooking you can just search “carrot cake” and find your mom’s recipe right away. 

Do you know how many times I wish I could just go to my 30,000 pics and search by word to find a certain picture. Now I can. Amazing!!! I tried it and it works.

  • In the coming months, it’ll be even easier to send photos directly to your friends or family within Google Photos. Photos will now be added to an ongoing, private conversation so there’s one place to find the photos you’ve shared with each other and keep the conversation going.

With all of these new features, you can relive your best memories, share them with the people that matter, and get them off of your phone and into your home.

I also can’t wait to test out my Google Nest Hub to share photos and connect with family as well.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I received a gift for attending this event. Opinions are mine 100% as always.

Hover-1 Journey Electric Scooter For Back To School @RideHover1 #ad @BestBuy

25 Aug

My younger kids grew up riding scooters instead of bicycles and my 16 year old son recently told me he would like an electric scooter. I told him that would be great to have. After researching I found an amazing electric folding scooter by Hover-1 from Best Buy. I also had to make sure it was a folding electric scooter because the less space it takes up the better.

Ride in style back to school Hover-1 Electric Folding Scooter. Let the Hover-1 Electric Folding Scooter take you back to school and give your student easy way to get to and around campus or the neighborhood.

Get around town on this Hover-1 Electric Folding Scooter. It has a range of 16 miles before it needs a charge, and it tackles hills at angles of up to 15 degrees effortlessly, so you can ride almost anywhere. This Hover-1 electric folding scooter has 8.5-inch tires that can handle rough terrain without a problem.  

36V UL certified battery pack
Simple to charge with the provided easy-to-use charger.
 
Foldable design
Offers a convenient, stylish, and exciting form of transportation.
 
Weight capacity of 220 lbs.
Ensures safe riding.
This electric scooter has a full 16-mile battery life, a 14 MPH top speed, and a bright LED headlight for safety.
– The Hover-1 Journey folds neatly in half for easy storage.
– At 27 pounds it’s light enough to lift and stow after it gets you where you want to go.
– Shop this and more electric scooters plus electric bikes and boards at Best Buy.
 
Ride Responsibly:
The purchaser and rider of this product are responsible for knowing and obeying all state and local regulations regarding the use of this product. It is highly encouraged that you read and follow the product instructions including all safety precautions and use protective gear. Protective gear can be found at http://www.bestbuy.com/protectivegear

Click this link to learn more: https://bby.me/fb6f6

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

Win An Oceanfront Condo or $50,000 Cash #MyrtleBeach #ContestAlert @VacationMB

17 Aug

ENTER TO WIN AN OCEANFRONT CONDO or $50,000 CASH! 
https://woobox.com/hsfeoo?source=usfam 
Win an Oceanfront Condo and Change Your Life! Vacation Myrtle Beach, one of the largest providers of family vacation accommodations in Myrtle Beach, SC, is pleased to announce the launch of The Great Myrtle Beach Condo Giveaway contest, which features the grand prize of a furnished oceanfront condo at The Caravelle Resort located in Myrtle Beach, SC, valued at nearly $100,000 (or $50,000 CASH, winner’s choice)!!! Other lucky winners will receive a 7-night stay or a 3-night stay at one of Vacation Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront properties.

The newly renovated, oceanfront efficiency condo offers room for up to four guests and includes a fully-equipped kitchen. In addition to its prime Myrtle Beach location, the resort provides convenient access to all of the area’s major attractions, restaurants, and things to do. Families and couples enjoy a wide variety of on-site amenities including an indoor pool, a block-long poolscape complete with a large pool, whirlpool, lazy river, kiddie lazy river, kids’ pool, poolside bar, and plenty of relaxing deck options. In addition to everything you need for fun in the sun, the resort offers an array of dining options as well as an opportunity for rejuvenation and relaxation at its on-site spa.
The Great Myrtle Beach Condo Giveaway sweepstakes is now open for entries.

Vacation Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts are family-friendly and offer a variety of accommodation types, choices, and amenities that include oceanfront rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor pools, waterparks, lazy rivers, a mini-golf course, and even a bowling alley!

For Official Rules and for more information about Vacation Myrtle Beach properties and deals, please go to https://woobox.com/hsfeoo?source=usfam

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.

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