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Angry Birds Press Coverage #AngryBirdsMovie #SonyPictures 

24 Mar

How many of you are excited about the new Angry Birds movie coming to theaters in May, 2016? I am beyond excited can’t wait for my family and I to experience the life of the birds! There’s been so many promotions and events taking place since last year and I’ve been enjoying them. 

In November, 2015 the Sony Screening Room held a Birdless Thanksgiving Feast and first look at footage from The Angry Birds Screening. Producer John Cohen showed footage and explained what was happening in a scene and how Angry Birds turned into a movie. This was the first time I met John Cohen. 

     

 Who could forget the Thanksgiving Day Parade with Red (Angry Bird) front and center? We enjoy the parade every year.   

Next was an Angry Birds pre-screening hour of footage with Producer John Cohen at the Paley Center. My kids accompanied me to this and even though it wasn’t the entire movie we still had fun and couldn’t stop laughing.   

Press Junket Day was finally here. Kidz Vuz and Sony Pictures made this day possible. I knew this was going to be fun but I was still nervous. I don’t know why I nervous because I meet celebrities non-stop. It took place at The Ritz Central Park.   

I interviewed Producers John Cohen & Catherine Winder, Executive Producers Mikael Hed & David Maisel and Actors: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad and Maya Rudolph.  

Everyone was great. A room of bloggers met with each person and asked great questions and the Actors didn’t want to leave. They loved the bloggers and they were a pleasure to interview. Maya Rudolph and I talked about motherhood and Josh Gad asked me about my cell phone case and Jason Sudeikis told me about new projects he’s working on with the TriBeCa Film Festival and his movie Mother’s Day. Of course we also talked about Angry Birds. Every time Josh spiked I pictured Olaf from Frozen and when I looked at Maya I kept picturing her doing her Beyonce skit on SNL. She didn’t want to leave the room. Each actor enjoyed playing their part in the film. Looking forward to more animation films with these three.   

  
This Press Junket I truly did enjoy with bloggers and actors that make my job easy and enjoyable. Immediately following the press junket was International Day of Happiness at the U.N. This red carpet and ceremony was one I had to miss. From the pictures I saw looks like everyone that attended had a great time. I’ve lived in New York all of my life and never been inside the U.N. 

  
I’m ready for whatever else Sony has coming. If there’s a press trip include me in. My suitcase is ready. Thank you for all the fun I’m having promoting this film. We can’t wait to see the full movie. 

Check out hashtag #AngryBirdsMovie and @angrybirdsofficial on Instagram and @sonypictures for more info. 

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

Easter Recipes with Jennie-O

24 Mar

With Easter a few days away Jennie-O is going the extra mile this spring to help home cooks plan a delicious, stress-free Easter with all new themed menus (that go beyond turkey to include creative side dishes and desserts), holiday hosting how-tos and much more! The updated JennieO.com “Holidays and Events” page is the new go-to guide to help celebrate a favorite springtime tradition. 

 

You know how much I enjoy finding and creating new recipes. There are two recipes that I am going to prepare found on the website. One is the Mexican Turkey Frittata. Here is the link:  http://www.jennieo.com/recipes/971-Mexican-Turkey-Frittata 

 

The other is Deviled Eggs with Bacon and BBQ. Click this link: http://www.jennieo.com/recipes/1062-Deviled-Eggs-with-Bacon-and-BBQ 

 There’s a recipe for everything Easter, Brunch, Modern Easter Dinner, Easy Easter Dinner and even Gluten-Free.  

    
 Which recipe will you try? Check out @JennieO on Instagram and @SwitchToTurkey on Twitter. 

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

My Review of @MonsterProducts #YouDeserveBetter 

21 Mar

As a blogger, traveler and mom I am constantly on the go and so are my tablets and cell phones. Nowadays just about everyone owns a cell phone and or tablet but I don’t see lots of people with portable cell phone chargers and I always wondered why. If there’s one thing I hate its looking for an outlet. I rather keep it moving and get to where I have to go instead of searching for a place with an outlet that half the time doesn’t work or is being used. 

I was so happy when portable chargers made the scene but some were so worthless it only charged my phone half way that I would have to still find a place to charge. Was there a powerful portable charger that could handle my phone and tablet and give me more than one charge for the entire day that I was out and about?

Monster Products saved my day. I don’t leave home without my portable Monster charger. Monster Mobile PowerCard Turbo Portable Battery. Monster’s Power Card packs serious punch. Super thin, it fits into your wallet for power on the go. A great value and easy to transport, it’s perfect for quick emergency charges. 

The Power Card charges up to 3 times faster than standard USB chargers. 3 LEDs on the Power Card show your battery level and charge indicator. Use it with anything that requires USB charging. Power Card quickly provides five hours of energy to your smartphone. 

Check out the link for details: http://www.monsterproducts.com/Monster_Mobile_PowerCard_Turbo_Portable_Battery#productDetailsTabs1

  
When it comes to my music I must have the best in-ear headphones so I can hear every beat, base and word in the song I’m listening to. My headphones have to zone out background noise so I can be at peace with my music. I also don’t like in-ear headphones or earbuds that fall out of my ear. 

Monster has done it again with their Clarity HD High Definition In-Ear Headphones. I mean just the name alone should make you say I need to know more about these headphones. I don’t know how many headphones I’ve purchased in the past but I know they are no where to be seen or found. That was money wasted. I’m not saying things don’t break  or just ware out I’m saying I shouldn’t have spent all that money knowing I wouldn’t own at least one pair that I can say I’ve had longer than a month or two. 

With the Monster Clarity HD High Definition headphones I have stopped looking. These headphones have superior noise isolation that keeps the outside world out so you can focus on the music. Combined with Monster’s ControlTalk Universal in-line microphone, you can take and make crystal-clear calls and control music from any smartphone or tablet. Multiple ear tips ensure the best possible fit for any set of ears–and they won’t fall out like other earbuds. 

Look at them here: http://www.monsterproducts.com/ClarityHD-Earbuds?id=e54221d0-7ec6-4f3a-8fba-06670fde0a55#productDetailsTabs1

  
What’s a selfie without a selfie case? Selfie sticks are so banned and played out that Monster came up with a better idea. A selfie case for your IPhone that mounts to glass, mirror, acrylic, marble and other smooth, flat and glossy vertical surfaces. Special gel material functions like millions of tiny suction cups. It is also shock absorbent and impact resistant. Has high quality, flexible case body and provides improved grip. You can video chat and use GPS navigation hands free as well.

Did you see what I just wrote? It mounts to glass, mirrors, etc.. Hands free selfie case. When I first saw this demonstrated my mouth dropped. I love it and as much selfies as I take i couldn’t be more happier to own this. Want to see what I’m talking about? Here you go: http://www.monsterproducts.com/Monster-Mobile-Selfie-Case-for-iPhone?id=d60c593d-a4cb-422a-bd17-4a5ff65c8e44#productDetailsTabs1

  
Disclosure: I am a Monster Nation Reviewer. Items were given in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

@3M Young Scientist Challenge #spon #YoungScientist

21 Mar

As a parent of a child in middle school, I am excited to generate awareness and increase submissions for the Young Scientist Challenge and bring renewed attention to the importance of STEM education using our social influence and hope you will do the same. 

Science is a big part of my kids and their school and at a recent award ceremony you should have seen how many awards were handed out in this subject. It was great to see so many kids enjoy science and the benefits that could take them far. 

  
When first launched by Discovery Communications in 1999, the Young Scientist Challenge had the same mission it does today: to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education joined forces with 3M – one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and give students the unique opportunity to work directly with 3M scientists.
The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premiere science competition for grades 5-8. Through the program, young inventors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor, compete for $25,000, and earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, please visit http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com. Submissions will be accepted through April 13, 2016.

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

Disney’s Zootopia Review & Behind the Scenes with Animator Darrin Butters

2 Mar

We recently attended an advanced 3D screening of Disney’s animation film Zootopia. In the city of Zootopia there’s all types of animals from every environment living together. It reminds me of New York with neighborhoods like Sahara Square and Tundratown.  

When rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack acase, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman),to solve the mystery. 

My favorite characters were the Sloths. They’re in the DMV scene where it’s actually showing you how slow the DMV really is and the Sloths represent the workers. That was the funniest scene in my opinion. My kids enjoyed that part too. Another scene we enjoyed were the elephants in the ice cream shop. Wait till you see the giant pop that the so-called kid wanted. 

Voice Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Nate Torrence, Jenny Slate, Tommy Chong, Octavia Spencer, Bonnie Hunt 

Hits theaters Friday, March 4, 2016

http://movies.disney.com/zootopia

@DisneyZootopia on Twitter 

I also attended a behind the scenes animation event with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Darrin Butters. Darrin has been an animator on many of Disney’s top films including TANGLED, BOLT, WRECK IT RALPH and FROZEN. Butters began his career as an assistant animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios in September 1996. He shared exclusive clips and behind the scenes info on the upcoming ZOOTOPIA, and there was a Q&A session.

It was great to see what goes on in the making of animated films and how a persons expression can turn into something so funny when it’s shown on the big screen. Darrin Butters is a genius. His work is amazing. It was a pleasure listening and meeting him. 

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

   
 

My Family Weekend Getaway with Residence Inn Central Park 

26 Feb

I promised myself that 2016 would be the year of travel for my family and I. Whether it’s local or abroad we deserve to travel more and go on lots of vacations. My hometown New York is so big and things are constantly being built. I’m not one to walk looking up but I have been noticing the architecture on buildings and have found some interesting things. Sometimes I feel like a tourist in my own city especially when I attend an event in a building I know I’ve passed more than a hundred times. Honestly I like finding things because I like to help guide people to the best places my city have to offer. 

In January I attended Central Park Neighborhood Block Party at Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan-Central Park. Two hotels in one building and not just any hotel, the tallest hotel in North America. I am proud to say my city has the tallest hotel in North America. How great is that? 

As I walked in I was greeted by amazing staff and directed to the Bistro which is located on the 4th floor till my event started. Drinks and food can be purchased at the Bistro and you can also grab a personal booth with a television and outlets to charge your devices. 

Later I made my way down to the 3rd floor, another spacious dining area where the event took place. I was there to meet clients, enjoy food, cocktails, live music and try to win amazing prizes. 

There were also tours of the two hotels (Courtyard & Residence Inn) that I made sure to go on. As I walked into the rooms I  was in heaven. I knew I just had to bring my family back to experience what I was seeing at that moment. 

Everything was perfect from the beds to the incredible views from the 65th floor. One side of the hotel shows views of Times Square and you can even see the New Year’s Eve ball, so if you’re looking to stay in a hotel for NYE and want to see the ball drop up close I suggest you book early. 

After the tour lots of raffles were given away. Lots of people took home very generous prizes. I won a complimentary 2-night stay at Residence Inn Central Park. You already know I was very excited because I wanted this and it was given to me. When I told my kids they were equally excited and wanted to go right away. 

I decided to go the week of my son’s birthday which also happen to be their week off from school. I took 3 of my kids and we had a great weekend together. Awaiting us in our room was popcorn, soda and candy for a fun movie night and we were also given food from the Bistro. We appreciated that so much.   

  Residence Inn Central Park is a suite-hotel with floor to ceiling windows and awesome views of NYC. There’s also free wifi and breakfast. Inside the room there’s also a microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer, coffee machine, toaster, crockpot, dishes, glassware and silverware. These suites are great for anyone staying longer than a week. It’s a home away from home. My kids said they wanted to live there. We loved the dishwasher. We all took turns using it. I did shopping in the area and made use of the refrigerator and microwave. My son enjoyed popping his popcorn in the microwave.  

 We watched movies, ate lots of food, had pillow fights, played cards and made shadow figures on the ceiling. We also took pictures outside like tourists, did grocery shopping and enjoyed the weather. We all loved waking up to the beautiful views of New York from the 42nd floor.  

 A full American Breakfast is served on the 3rd floor from 7-10a.m., Saturday and Sunday and 6:30-9:30a.m. Monday thru Friday. They have everything from coffee, tea, juice, scrambled eggs, french toast, sausage, muffins, bagels, oatmeal, cereal, potatoes, fruit, biscuits, waffles that you can make yourself in the waffle maker which my kids enjoyed doing. If you miss breakfast you can head to the Bistro for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, drinks and Starbucks Coffee.   

  The fitness center, sky terrace seasonal outdoor space, ice machine and guest laundromat is located on the 35th floor. Happy hour is from 4-7p.m. in the Bistro 7 days a week.  
 There’s so much to do in the area. Times Square is not far away and you can catch a Broadway Play, go shopping, and take plenty of pictures with all the lights that are so bright up and down Times Square. Also across from the hotel is talk show The Late Show. I don’t know how far in advance you should put in a request for tickets but if you happen to be in town when you do get tickets enjoy! There might even be standby tickets available if you ask.  

 We didn’t want the weekend to end and the kids are ready to return. Our home away from home will always be with Residence Inn no matter where we travel. Thank you for a great weekend getaway Residence Inn.  

 For more info check out @residenceinncentralpark on Instagram. Here is the link to the website : http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycpr-residence-inn-new-york-manhattan-central-park/

Disclosure: I won a 2-night stay at Residence Inn. I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Kidpik Girls Fashion Subscription Box Launches This Spring 

11 Feb

Kidpik is the newest launch from prolific NYC fashion entrepreneur Ezra Dabah and the executive and creative teams behind classic children’s brands including The Children’s Place and Ruum. 

 A word from Ezra and Nina: Children’s preferences in clothing have evolved over the decades and so should the shopping and delivery system. We are excited to be in the position to deliver personalized fashionable outfits directly to your door: the ultimate new shopping experience. At kidpik, every item is designed and curated in our NYC studio specifically for the girls in your life. Our stylists and proprietary algorithms remove all the difficulty, time and guesswork from your shopping experience. 

 EACH CURATED KIDPIK BOX CONTAINS APPROXIMATELY 6 HIGH-QUALITY ITEMS. KEEP THE ENTIRE BOX AT AN AVERAGE COST OF $75 PER BOX (ABOUT $12.50 PER ITEM). 

Pay for the entire box and enjoy a 30% discount. 

STYLED JUST FOR YOUR GIRL

CONVENIENT & TIME SAVING

ALWAYS TRENDY, NOT SPENDY

7 DAYS TRY-AT-HOME

FREE SHIPPING AND RETURNS

I was invited to the media launch and got a look at all the amazing girls fashion that’s about to be delivered to my door. Shopping for my daughter will be special with her to pick how much sparkles she wants in her clothes and if she wants to be Classic Chic, Girly Glam or five of the other lifestyle looks. Her first box will come in March and Kidpik launches this Spring. I can’t wait to see her face when she opens her box and tries on her new outfits.  Of course there will be pictures.  

 I love the message that Kidpik EMPOWERS girls to express their individuality through fashion. Check it out @kidpik on Instagram and http://www.kidpik.com for more info. Happy shopping!! 

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

Sunday Funday w/ Léman Manhattan Prep. School & Children’s Museum of Manhattan 

4 Feb

For the second year running, hundreds of families celebrated Sunday Funday with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan on January 31, 2016. CMOM brought together the best in family entertainment, indoor sports and games, creative workshops and fabulous food for the whole family. Children 0 to 12 enjoyed age-appropriate activities from live performances to obstacle courses, sports celebrity appearances to bouncy castles. Infants and toddlers enjoyed soft play areas and sing-alongs, and themed workshops were for all ages by Museum educators. Favorite costume characters, magicians and face painters added to the family fun. 

   The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) was founded by families and individuals to create a place of joy and learning for all children. All funds raised at Sunday Funday supported top-notch cultural programming enjoyed by 350,000 people a year, free access to CMOM for over 50,000 low-income individuals a year and outreach programs in over 50 sites in high-need neighborhoods across New York City. 

   

My kids and I were invited by  Léman Manhattan Preparatory School to attend Sunday Funday. The first time my kids and I visited Leman we were invited to a swimming event and we fell in love with the school which is located in the Financial District and serves Pre-K – 12th grade. It is also a boarding school for international students. My son and daughter both want to attend.  

   
    
   
So back to Sunday Funday, we spent an amazing day with lots of parents, kids, celebrities, fun activities and lots of food. The basketball court was where you could find my son and my daughter loves the castle bouncy house. There was so much to do and my kids even decorated their own tote bags at the Léman Manhattan Preparatory School table. Laurie Berkner sung her famous songs for the kids and Prince Amukamara (Giants) made an appearance and did the whip & nae nae and my kids got pictures with him as well. My daughter also enjoyed dancing on stage with the kids pop dance party. Also NBA and WNBA players played basketball and my son got a pic with them too.  

   
Picnic tables added a great touch to the event. Finger sized foods and drinks made it easy for the kids to grab and the ice cream sundae bar was a hit with everyone. Nickelodeon costume characters came out and gave hugs and photos to their fans.  

  
    
    
    
 

Check out this link to Léman Manhattan Preparatory School for further info: http://www.lemanmanhattan.org/

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

The Joker Will Wreak Total Mayhem at Six Flags This Spring

27 Jan

Chaos reigns supreme at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2016 as one of the world’s most iconic DC Comics Super-Villains commandeers the park’s 14th and most unique scream machine in its history, The Joker.  
 

Earlier this fall, the world’s largest theme park announced “Total Mayhem,” which quickly became one of the world’s most anticipated new coasters of 2016. But behind the scenes, criminal mastermind The Joker was secretly plotting to take over the new 4D, free-fly coaster and name it as his own.

 “The Joker is undeniably one of the greatest DC Comics Super-Villains ever created. Only someone with his warped sense of humor could provide this level of insanity ─ or spinsanity ─ with a new, vertical coaster that delivers gravity-defying somersaults with utter unpredictability. It is the perfect addition to our dynamic line-up of award-winning roller coasters because this ride delivers total mayhem with its next-generation, cutting-edge thrills,” said Six Flags Great Adventure President John Fitzgerald.

After being lifted straight up a 12-story, 90-degree hill, this 4-D, free-fly coaster will wreak havoc as riders flip head-over-heels at least six times along the weightless journey. Thrill seekers will experience exhilarating leaps and dives along a horizontal plane, along with unexpected drops as they tumble from one level to the next. The wing seats amp up the pandemonium since riders will experience all of this chaos with no track above or below ─ just the sky, ground and adjacent Great Lake churning around them. 

   
 

The unique design of The Joker features:

· Massive, imposing, floating and twisting I-box track frame in a unique two-tone design

· One-of-a-kind onboard magnetic technology featuring smooth head-over-heels free-fly flips providing guests the feeling of weightlessness as they soar outside the confines of a traditional track

· 4-D wing vehicles that seat up to 8 per vehicle with a total of 5 vehicles

· Face-off seats that allow riders to face each other as they tumble head over heels

· A 120-foot-tall, 90-degree hill that is ascended by an elevator-style, chain link lift

· Two beyond 90-degree “raven” drops giving the sensation of free-falling 

    
   
The Joker is expected to wreak total mayhem beginning in the spring of 2016, and join the ranks of all legendary roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure.

I love rollercoasters but I’m thinking about attempting to ride this one. Once I see it up close I know I’m going to get on. I love the flips and twists. 

For more information about the 2016 season at Six Flags Great Adventure, visit http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. 

 

Build-A-Bear Workshop Welcomes Care Bears 

22 Jan

Care Bears made their debut to Build-A-Bear Workshops® nationwide for a year-long promotion highlighting the loveable, caring and sharing bunch. You can also order online at http://www.buildabear.com  

 I was invited to see how it all went down at the Empire State Building location. I’ve never experienced the Build-A-Bear Workshop before but was glad to finally get a chance to now that Care Bears joined them.   

  Care Bears have always been one of my favorite stuffed animals. My kids are also fans. I was able to pick out two bears, outfits and accessories, then see how the bears were stuffed, given their beating hearts, a cotton candy and bubble gum scent, theme music and birth certificates. I also received backpacks and the cardboard house that it travels in. Hmm, was I giving these to my daughter or keeping one for myself? Well you should know the answer. She got both. She was very surprised and thankful.   

    
   
  
 
Tenderheart Bear and Cheer Bear are ready for you take home to your little ones for Valentine’s Day, Birthdays or any occasion. Create your personalized bear today. I chose Cheer Bear. Which bear will you choose?  

   
Cheer Bear is a very happy Care Bear who helps others see the bright side of life. She will sometimes even do a cheer to help make someone happier! Wherever she goes, Cheer Bear wears a belly badge of hope and happiness- a colorful rainbow. Cheer Bear has soft pink fur. 

Now open at Build-A-Bear Workshop Empire State 350 5th Avenue, on 34th street, New York NY.

Check out @carebearsfriend and @buildabear on Twitter 

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

                                         

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