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MOTHER’S DAY AT BELMONT PARK VIP STYLE #ABRMomsDayAtBelmont

12 May

This year I celebrated Mother’s Day at Belmont Park. America’s Best Racing invited mommy bloggers and their families to a VIP fun filled day with food, drinks, racing and activities. 

My kids and I were very excited to go to Belmont. This was our first time. We took the LIRR train and once there was escorted to the private area where there are picnic tables with umbrellas, grills and a front row to see the horses up close when they’re racing. 

Food was great! Everything from sandwiches, bagels, burgers, hotdogs, salads, desserts, and drinks.

I didn’t wear a fancy hat but my kids and did dress up. Everyone looked nice. 

My son and I learned how to pick horses by their name, number or how many wins they have, the jockey, his weight, his age, etc, etc. My first bet of the day I won some money. However, I’m still not a millionaire. I will be one day. All the kids had their favorites and were calling out the numbers that they wanted to win. 

We took a tour of the Paddock. That’s where the horses, jockeys, trainers and owners meet. The horses were calm walking around by their trainer getting a little exercise . The owners stood around waiting to meet with the jockeys. The jockeys were very friendly and even stopped and spoke with our kids and took pictures. After a hope you win wish from the kids the jockeys got on their horses and headed to the track. 

In the back of Belmont near the Paddock is a park for the kids. We didn’t get a chance to go but my kids saw it and we will go back and visit next time. 

Dan Tordjman and Victoria Garofalo Brand Ambassadors for Team ABR Live were just the sweetest. They made everyone feel welcomed, conversated with all and told us everything about Belmont Park. It’s as if we knew each other for years. I want to thank both of them for inviting us so we could experience this. It was a great add-on to my Mother’s Day. 

Check out Americas Best Racing on Twitter: @TeamABRLive  Instagram: @AmericasBestRacing 

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

   
                  

#SHAREYOURCARE AND WIN! CARE BEARS ONLINE VIDEO CHALLENGE 

7 May

  


For more than 30 years, the Care Bears have been on a mission to help make the world a better place by spreading messages of sharing and caring wherever they go. Now, in an online campaign, the Care Bears are asking people to #ShareYourCare and post videos telling the Care Bears how you make the world a better place by showing how you LOVE, CARE, SHARE and HELP others every day! The #ShareYourCare contest will award some lucky Care Bears fans with pre-paid Care Bears branded Mastercards and themed merchandise.

 

From May 4TH through May 31ST, participants can enter the challenge by uploading 15-30 second videos to www.CareBearsShare.com, and using hashtag #ShareYourCare. Videos should identify how Care Bears fans share their care, based on four themes: Love, Care, Share and Help. Here is an example of New York – Sharing Their Care: https://youtu.be/JDIKmzEG4uM

 

Each week, one video will be chosen and the winner awarded a $500 pre-paid Care Bears branded Mastercard and prize pack. Videos will be judged on the following criteria:

·         Originality

·         Best use of Care Bears brand

·         Best use of Love, Care, Share or Help theme

·         Most charitable

·         “Awwhhh factor”

Then, from June 1 through June 7, fans will be able to vote on the four weekly winning videos to determine the video that will be selected as the grand prize winner. This winner will be announced on June 8 via social media and receive a $1000 pre-paid Care Bears branded MasterCard.

  

 

In addition to viewing submissions on CareBearsShare.com, fans can find highlights of the #ShareYourCare video challenge on all of the Care Bears social media. All winners and announcements will be communicated via social media. (see below)

 

Care Bears Social Media Handles:

Website:  www.CareBears.com
Twitter and Instagram: @CareBearsFriend
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CareBears
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/CareBears
Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/CareBearsAGP 
Hashtag: #ShareYourCare

  

 

CHARM IT! Design A Charm Contest #charmit

23 Apr

Saturday, April 18th partners CHARM IT! and Crayola held an event at Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC. It was for their Design-A -Charm Contest. Kids were invited to the event and encouraged to design an original charm for the chance to have it produced as an actual CHARM IT! charm.

It was a packed house and my daughter was very excited to get creative and design a charm. I think she did over ten designs. She loves drawing and I was happy to see her put her skills to good use. Hopefully one of her designs will come to life. 

She’s always been a fan of charms and girly accessories. I loved the way the staff wore the charms for necklaces as well as bracelets. They showed us the winning charms from their last contest. Kids know what they like and it shows in these wonderful charms. 

There was a photo booth for the kids and parents with different charm it props and a cute background. We had fun with that. Cupcakes that looked like one of the charms. Breakfast foods and beverages were also provided. 

These charms were tested in highly accredited labs and are safe. This is a big plus in my book. Here is a list of ways to care for your charms courtesy of CHARM IT!

Follow these basic care tips and enjoy your CHARM IT! collection! 

Remove CHARM IT! before engaging in rigorous activities or sports for safety. 

Remove CHARM IT! before hand-washing, bath and showers and swimming in chlorine pools or salt water. 

Remove CHARM IT! from all pockets before doing laundry. 

Do not clean CHARM IT! with any jewelry cleansers or chemicals intended for precious metal jewelry. 

Do. It wear CHARM IT! immediately after application of body lotions, sunscreen, creams and perfumes. 

The contest hasn’t ended yet. There’s still time to enter. You have till May 6, 2015. To enter head to http://www.shopcharm-it.com/contest and download the official entry form and let your kids get their charm skills on. Also check out @Charm_It and @Crayola on Twitter. 

What will your child create? 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. We were invited to the event and given gift bags. Opinions are mine 100% as always.

   

 

   

  


  

  

  

  

  

  

THE PERFECTLY POWERFUL PEANUT POP-UP #peanutpower

29 Mar

The National Peanut Board, which represents America’s more than 7,000 peanut farming families, is in New York City for a week of consumer and influencer events.  At the heart of the experience is two days of consumer sampling and engagement. Inside the Pop-Up space, visitors can meet and have their picture taken with peanut farmers, learn about peanut farming and sustainability and find out more about how peanut products are helping to feed people in need here and around the world.  And of course, you’ll be able to sample peanuts and peanut butter – as well as innovative creations from dietitians, chefs and other culinary professionals.

On Thursday, peanut farmers and other volunteers are making sandwiches with a local nonprofit organization that feeds hungry people in New York City.

 

The Perfectly Powerful Peanut Pop-Up space will be open to the public as follows: Tuesday, March 31 & Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. 


 Guests will have the opportunity to sample free, peanut powered breakfast and snacks, take their picture with a peanut farmer and learn how America’s peanuts are grown and feeding the world. The event will be held at The Corner at the Roger Smith Hotel(47th St. and Lexington) from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. both days. For more information, visit perfectlypowerfulpeanut.com and follow #peanutpower on Twitter.

   

     

@Bearpawshoes THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING IN NY AND BEYOND!!

20 Mar

It’s official that I totally need a walk in closet for my shoes/boots. It’s also official that I am a BEARPAW BRAND AMBASSADOR. I was so honored that BearPaw picked me as one of their ambassador’s. I have always been a huge fan and always made sure I owned a pair of their comfy, stylish, warm boots. I even love the way the boots look on my daughter, and she approves. There’s so many to choose from like wedges, booties, knits and also slippers. Bearpaw also made sure to have a men’s and kids collection and casual footwear. From hikers, slip on’s, all weather, you name it. Sheepskin naturally regulates body temperature so feet stay cooler and drier in the heat and warmer in the cold. This is why my feet are warm all winter and why I appreciate a good pair of boots. 

It didn’t take me long to pick out a few of my favorites. The pictures below will show you what I like. The three I picked are: 

Tigris: 5.5″ tall pull on with rabbit fur collar. Color is Hickory. They run big so get your true size or even a size smaller. DO NOT order a size bigger. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on these. I like wearing them with skinny jeans. 

Emma: 10″ medium height soft suede. These can be worn with skirts, sweats, jeans, leggings, etc. Lining is very cushioned and cozy sometimes I just want to wear them without socks. These you need to order one size up. I also got these in Hickory.

Isabella: I recommend these 100%. I love these in the cold, rain and snow. They kept my feet very dry and warm and are very lightweight and waterproof.  Rubber toe cap and outsole. I should have had these a long time ago. Better late than never. I loved these with jeans or leggings. I just love the color Hickory so I also got these in that color as well. I got these in my true size. 

All of these are extremely comfortable and I will do my best to keep these boots looking fresh year after year. I will never get rid of my BEARPAWS. 

If you need help deciding what to get here is Bearpaw’s description of the collections:

The Classic Collection leads the pack with comfortable styles featuring sheepskin linings and classic detailing.

The Boutique Collection features eye-catching silhouettes in stunning shapes and exotic materials.

The Campus Collection was designed for a “laid back” atmosphere in mind… quick, easy, and most important, comfortable.

The Tahoe Collection was inspired by those ski trips and hanging out in the lodge. Combining a more traditional, rugged outsole with the highest quality materials to deliver style and comfort.


The Slipper Collection is summed up by stating “…these aren’t your parent’s house shoes.” This collection offers unprecedented comfort with all-around functionality.

Disclosure: I am a BEARPAW Brand Ambassador and I receive boots, etc to review. I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are always mine 100%. 

What’s your favorite pair?

Enjoy the pictures and check out BEARPAW on their web: http://www.bearpaw.com and on Twitter: @bearpawshoes and on Instagram: @bearpawstyle 

Stay tuned for more posts to come with boots that I will review.

As BEARPAW would say: Comfortably yours!! 

   

   


MY BIG HERO 6 OSCAR #DISNEYSIDE @HOME CELEBRATION PARTY

6 Mar

I was so excited I was picked again to host a #DisneySide @Home Celebration party. This years theme was multigenerational. Last year I did Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in my daughter’s 1st grade class. The kids loved it and I enjoyed hosting. This year was a little different. The weather was bad and sickness took a toll on everyone in our house. I was admitted in the hospital with asthma and my kids stayed in and out of the emergency room with colds and asthma. They missed so much school. 

I was sad hoping my kids would get better. Disney puts a smile on everyone’s face, so I  knew I had to make this party happen and even with the kids still under the weather I was gonna brighten up their day. 

I decided to do a #DisneySide Big Hero 6 Oscar Party. We weren’t able to invite guests over but we had our family was just right. I decorated with what was given to us in our box. I made buffalo wings, vegetable rolls, cole slaw and mashed potatoes. I wasn’t able to make the tie-dye cake but will make it one day. I did have red velvet cake. We also had Izze’s and sparkling cider to toast Big Hero 6 for winning an Oscar that night. I made mallomars with whipped cream as treats. We also played games and did word search that were provided in our box. 

A majority of the items that were sent to me were used and I will be using the rest soon. They came in handy like the Twinnings Herbal Tea for those that wer sick and the All mighty Pacs with Oxi for all the laundry that needed to be done and the luggage tags will come in handy next month for our cruise. 

I wish I had more pictures of my kids but they were still under the weather. I appreciated hosting again this year and hope I’m picked again for the next round. We hope you enjoy our #DisneySide multigenerational party re-cap. 

Thank you to everyone who made this party possible and to all the sponsors. Mom Select, BSM Media, Disney Parks, Maria Bailey, Leanne Jakubowski O’ Regan. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a box full of free products to host my Disney Side party. Opinions are 100% mine as always. 





ALMOST TIME TO CRUISE LIKE A NORWEGIAN #travel #cruise 

4 Mar

My kids and I are so excited to get away from New York and head to the Bahamas on Norwegian, Breakaway Cruise Lines for 7-days. This was a blessing to win this amazing vacation thanks to @themoms from Twitter. I want us to enjoy every minute and really take in the sights and explore. 

In about 4 weeks we will be saying Bon Voyage to this crazy weather and sailing to Paradise. I wish my oldest son could go but he has to work. He did go on a cruise when he was younger but would have been fun if all my kids were with me. Hopefully he can go on the next one. Oh, I didn’t tell you I won an 11-day cruise with another cruise line as well. That will be taken in 2016. Back to Norwegian. The Moms had an event where we got to go on the Breakaway Norwegian boat and see what it looks like, find out about all the activities and tour the rooms, taste the delicious foods and take in a few shows. The kids also got to meet the Nickelodeon characters. We had a great time and appreciated getting to see what a cruise ship looked like inside. My kids know exactly what they want to do on board. 

We’ve been talking about the cruise ever since we won and now comes the hard part. PACKING!! I’m going to start a list and take care of the packing ASAP. I’m so glad we don’t have to fly to Miami. The Breakaway leaves from New York. Hallelujah!! I just found my passport and found out it expired in Aughst 2014. Ten years goes by fast. I went to the DMV instead and got an enhanced driver’s license that can be used as a passport. Problem solved. Now I have to get my 18 year old son one too. A fellow mom blogger told me to take walkie-talkies because cell phones don’t always work. That was a great tip. My other blogger friend said she will loan me the two she has. That’s so sweet of her. 

Plenty of pictures will be taken so I’m glad I received my Lyve Home photo storage device that holds 1 TB of photos and videos. Whatever pictures or videos I take will be sent right to the device without taking up storage on my phone. I also won this device from another event The Moms had this year. 

I’m also glad the kids will be on Easter/Spring break for the entire time we’re on the cruise and won’t miss school. After a rough winter with kids sick from colds and asthma, and myself being admitted in hospital with asthma this vacation couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m gonna soak up all the Caribbean sun and bring some back to New York.  

One last thing, found great sales on summer clothes at Old Navy. So glad shorts, swimming trunks and flip flops are already in stores. I racked up for all three kids. Still need more stuff and will take care of that soon. 

We will be CRUISING LIKE A NORWEGIAN!!!!!! 



@Lacoste SPRING/SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION MEN’S UNDERWEAR & LOUNGEWEAR #LacosteUnderwear

2 Feb

I’ve always been a fan of Lacoste so when the opportunity came to attend their Spring/Summer 2015 preview I couldn’t say no. I headed downtown to the west side, NYC for the launch.

From their polo shirts to their tennis skirts and sneakers I always made sure my kids and I owned a piece of Lacoste. The next best thing that they did was introduce Lacoste Underwear. I’m sure every man wants to be comfortable when wearing underwear and Lacoste took care of that. There’s even loungewear and I can’t wait to purchase these for my boys/young men. Day to Night comfort!!!

Amazing colors, patterns and prints for the men. Loungewear very stylish and comfortable. Vibrant colors is where it’s at.

The event was packed and there were models and guys jumping on trampolines and dancing to house music. Food and drinks were on deck and I loved the displays. Everyone took home a sample of the underwear which I gave to my oldest.

There’s so many to choose from like the Pique L.12.12 Single Pack in the boxer brief, trunk and bikini hip brief in cotton with colors like: Jester Red, Rose Brown, Marine Blue and Faded Denim to name a few.

The Motion Single Pack micro mesh, in trunk, boxer brief and brief with the colors: Dazing Blue and White piping, Marine Blue and Sulphur Spring Piping and White and Lacoste Green piping.

You also have the Colours Multi Pack with the vibrant colors: Empire Yellow, Victoria Blue, and patterns like Check Print or combinations. These also come in trunk, boxer brief and brief in a 2-pack. These underwear keeps you cool and dry with a tag free waistband and flexible fit. Also, in the Colours Multi Pack are Tee shirts in a 2-pack in basic colors like grey, black and white in v-neck or round neck.

The Essentials Multi Pack has 3per pack in the boxer brief, knit boxer and mid rise brief. Colors are: Mars Red, Deep Ultramarine and stripes or combination.

These are just some of the underwear. There’s so much more to see.
The loungewear come in great prints like the Baseline Single Hanging in premium woven cotton, which is a single pack lounge pant or sleep short in Croc Print Navy, Croc Print Victoria and Croc Print Lacoste Green.

Service Line Single Hanging lounge pant and sleep short in stretch cotton, available in single packs also with great patterns like Long Check Navy, Grid Green and Narrow Slate Pin Blue Chambray.

I know my boys will be very happy when this collection launches. I might even get myself some of the lounge pants. Super comfy!! Definitely stocking up in the tee shirts for myself and my boys as well.

Sizes available will come in S-XXL.
For prices and more info check out their website : http://www.shop.lacoste.com and On Twitter : @LACOSTE

DISCLOSURE: I was not compensated for this post. I was given gift for attending. Opinions are always mine 100%.

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@Shortbread I’M SHARING X’s & O’s ACTIVITIES WITH MY SWEETHEARTS

2 Feb

Valentine’s Day this year will be all about the great recipes my kids and I have been creating. I’m glad it falls on a Saturday because we don’t have to worry about school the next day. I’ve been incorporating more recipes on my blog and I love when my kids get in the kitchen with me and give me ideas.

Walkers Shortbread of Scotland sent me a bag of their mini rounds and a bag of their mini fingers to come up with a fun activity of creating X’s and O’s as a gift for that special person in your life or as a treat. I love shortbread cookies. They melt in your mouth with that buttery taste. I don’t know if you would actually call this a recipe or activity but I did add to the cookies so I’ll say it can be a recipe/activity. How’s that?

This time my daughter and I came up with two fun activities using the X’s and O’s to give to each other and play a game with the next.

For the first activity we decorated a plate with two hearts made out of chocolate syrup and added sprinkles then put our rounds and mini fingers out of X’s and O’s to represent the love we have for each other and everyone in our family. This would be one of our gifts to everyone in the house to pass around. My daughter loved rolling the cookies in the sprinkles and chocolate syrup. She also created a cookie sandwich.

The next activity is out tic tac toe game using again chocolate syrup to make the tic tac toe and the mini rounds and mini fingers to make the X’s and O’s. We had fun with this one and yes, my daughter won, then I ate all the leftovers.

How fun are these? It took no time at all, easy clean up ( in your mouth). This can be done any day or month you like. I don’t wait for one day a year to show or tell my kids I love them but if you’re looking for cool activities/recipes for you and your kids this would be nice to try. X’s and O’s are so cool.

What I love about Walkers Shortbread cookies is the fact that they are a family owned company established in 1898 in Scotland. No GMO ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors, 100% vegetarian, , no animal fats, no hydrogenated fats, kosher, no artificial preservatives, no antibiotics or bovine growth hormones. Their classic shortbread is made from only flour, butter, sugar and salt. Love it!!!!!

We had a great time coming up with these fun things to do with your loved ones. Hope you get to try them out. Please check out Walkers Shortbread on their website: http://www.us.walkersshortbread.com and on Twitter @Shortbread

Disclosure: I received product to create these recipes/activities. Opinions are mine and my daughter 100% as always.

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TAILGATING INDOORS WITH @Johnsonville BRAT CROCK TURKEY CHILI DOGS

1 Feb

Tailgating will be done at home this year. With the help of Johnsonville brats it gonna be a slow cooker fun time. Instead of getting up early and prepping to feed my large family my slow cooker will come in handy. This Brat Crock recipe will be calling your name.

I was asked by Johnsonville to come up with my creation of a Brat Crock tailgater’s paradise indoors. My recipe is so easy you will be done way before the game starts. This will leave you time to make side dishes, desserts, and play bartender. The most important one is you will have time to actually sit down with family and friends and watch the game. I think crock pots are the best thing ever invented. I can go out and come back and the house is smelling amazing. I don’t have to worry about anything because of how long I programmed the slow cooker. It automatically turns to warm after it finish cooking.

My family and I have been a fan of Johnsonville for years and I love coming up with recipes. So whose ready for a touchdown Johnsonville brat crock recipe?

What you’ll need:
*1 large slow cooker
*Johnsonville Brats ( I used beef and beer brats)
*3-4 cans (12 ounces) beer ( I used 1 (24 ounce) can
*1 medium yellow or white onion, sliced into rings ( I used lots of onions & a red onion as well)
*1 large green pepper
*1 large red pepper
*2 (15 oz.) cans turkey chili with beans
*Jalapeños to top
*Mustard
*Potato rolls

What to do:
*Pour in the beer, add butter, peppers, onions and turn slow cooker on high
*Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet to medium high and grill or sear the brats on all sides until fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 160F.
*Add your Johnsonville Brats to the slow cooker and heat till brats are cooked about 2 hours.
*Reduce heat to low to keep the brats hot throughout the game.
*Heat chili as instructed on can
*Open a potato roll, add brats and onion mixture then top with chili, jalapeños and mustard.
*Enjoy!!

I had two so far. Maybe going back for thirds. I have to save room for dessert too. I had fun creating this brat crock recipe.
Please let me know what you think of my recipe and if you make the recipe for your friends and family let me know how you like it.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post with a gift card to buy groceries and coupons for the brats. As always opinions are mine 100%.

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