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I Celebrated National Tequila Day With Patron & “Art Of Patron” Bottle Art Contest

10 Aug

I celebrated National Tequila Day in July with Patron and tons of tequila fans and had an amazing time. There were plenty of cocktails to try and interactive mixology stations and food stations from around the world. I enjoyed trying oysters for the first time and creating my very own Bloody Maria drink garnished with shrimp, crab legs, celery and bacon. There were even pina colada ice pops that were so good. Everything was great, company, food, drinks, music and staff. Patron outdid themselves and gave everyone a great party at an amazing venue and can’t wait to see what they’re gonna do next year. Thank you Patron for an awesome party. 

Patrón tequila proudly announces the third edition of the “Art of Patrón” Bottle Art Contest, celebrating unique creativity and artistry – for the chance to win $10,000.


Over the years, the iconic Patrón glass bottle has become a symbol of the brand and its premium craftsmanship, and has inspired countless artists – professional and amateur alike – to transform the Patrón bottle into handmade visual and functional arts. The “Art of Patrón” Bottle Art Contest celebrates this consumer enthusiasm by encouraging people across the U.S. to share their artistic vision, using Patrón’s signature bottles as inspiration.


“People often tell us that empty Patrón bottles, and even our distinctive round corks, are just too beautiful to throw away. As a matter of fact, thousands of images of Patrón bottles transformed into interesting and unique art pieces have been posted on social channels and online,” said Lee Applbaum, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Patrón Spirits. “At Patrón, we perfected the craft of making high-quality tequila, and designing a recognized bottle – the ‘Art of Patrón’ Bottle Art Contest is an opportunity for people to now perfect a second life for those iconic bottles.”
Past “Art of Patrón” Bottle Art contest entries have included such pieces as a chess set, spectacular artworks and wall hangings, striking light fixtures, gorgeous jewelry, functional furniture, and other awe-inspiring designs. Last year’s contest winner, Rebecca Stoneback of Asbury Park, N.J., was selected for her entry “La Abeja,” a stunning necklace representing the 60 hands it takes to produce one bottle of Patrón tequila. She created the piece by melting and sculpting glass from a Patrón Silver tequila bottle into 60 abstract beads and then molding metal bee wings – representing the Patrón bee logo – around a small glass vial at the center of the jewelry, which she filled with – what else? – Patrón tequila.

To enter the 2016 Art Of Patrón” Bottle Art Contest:

Create an original work of art or functional item that contains, is made from, or depicts any Patrón bottle or component thereof
Visit ArtofPatron.com and follow the links to the Bottle Art entry page

Upload a photo and a short essay (100 words or less) describing the artwork and the inspiration behind the piece

Note that no purchase is required; for more information and to read the official rules, please visit ArtofPatron.com

A panel of judges will help select up to 10 finalists based on overall creativity, unique use or representation of the Patrón bottle and components, visual appeal and the persuasiveness of the essay. Finalists will be featured on the Art of Patrón website for public voting, and then one lucky participant will be selected as the Grand Prize winner. The winner will be awarded $10,000 and an opportunity for national exposure for his or her work of art, while the remaining nine finalists will each receive $1,000.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Patron event. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Swag was given. 

Six Flags Celebrates Summer of Games with First-Ever “Fryathlon”

2 Aug

Theme Parks Debuts Limited Time Food Offerings, Patriotic Sweet Treats and Exclusive Games Promotion
 JACKSON, New Jersey – August 1, 2016 – Guests can go for gold this summer at Six Flags Great Adventure during the first Summer of Games. Running nation-wide at all Six Flags theme parks, guests can indulge with internationally-inspired foods, purchase Six Flags exclusive patriotic apparel and try to win gold-level prizes in the company’s first midway games competitions.


For the first time ever, Six Flags features an international competition within its midway games, offering guests the opportunity to purchase a special, discounted games pass and test their skills among five midway games – including 3-Point Shot and Ring Toss — to win exclusive souvenir medals. Any guest winning all five games will win their choice of a Gold Season Pass, a Gold Flash Pass, or a Gold All Season Dining Pass. Games are available in the Boardwalk section of the theme park.


Six Flags also debuts a full line of culinary treats during the promotion including the world’s first “Fryathlon” featuring French fries topped with the year’s most celebrated summer flavors like:
· July 30 – August 7: Brazil’s Rio Delicioso Fries topped with Brazil’s classic meats, cheeses and spicy sauces;
· August 8-14: Thailand’s Spiced Sriracha Fries, topped with Sriracha mayo and Shichimi Togarashi; and

· August 15-21: USA’s Good ‘Ole American Cheeseburger Fries, featuring our famous fries topped with seasoned burger crumbles, pickles, and mustard.

All of these culinary treats are available at Main Street Pub and Shore Eats. Guests can follow loaded fries with patriotic sweet treats including a full line of international fudge flavors such as signature red, white & blue USA fudge, dipped apples and cake pops. These indulgent desserts make their debut at Sweet Treats on Main Street.

In addition, during this limited time Six Flags offers a new line of exclusive patriotic DC COMICS Team apparel: Team SUPERMAN, Team BATMAN, or Team WONDER WOMAN, all available at Daily Planet Gifts. Plus, a full line of USA and international-themed apparel, hats and accessories can be found at Flags, Attitudes and Main Street Market.

For more information on the Summer of Games, visit http://www.sixflags.com/summerofgames.

NEW Del Monte Adult Fruit Cups (Fruit Refreshers) #TimeToRefresh

1 Aug

Del Monte introduced a new product at their NYC launch at the Gramercy Park Hotel rooftop July 28th and I was invited to see it all go down. The only thing I knew was it was their first ever Adult Fruit Cup. So what makes it an adult fruit cup you might ask? Well if you’re thinking its infused with liquor you’re wrong. Or maybe you’re an alcoholic who was praying you finally got your wish. JUST KIDDING!!!! 


I couldn’t wait to find out. Once I saw the fruit cups the first thing I noticed was the packaging which looks very grown up compared to the fruit cups in kids lunchboxes. The colors of the fruit are bold and bright and I love it! The amazing flavors was the next thing I noticed. My favorite was Pineapple in Passion Fruit flavored lightly sweetened with Fruit Water. I am a huge fan of pineapple and the passion fruit is also very delicious. I love the fact that it’s packed in fruit water. Another plus I noticed was it does not have any High Fructose Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners. If you’re around me I’m always talking about how I can’t stand high fructose corn syrup and if one of the first three ingredients in any product is sugar put it back. That goes for high fructose corn syrup too. 


The third thing I noticed was it only has 90 calories. Can you say winner? My family has always been big on fruit cups but a lot of them were flavored in heavy syrup and that wasn’t what I wanted.

These Del Monte Fruit Refreshers fruit cups already have me hooked. Another flavor introduced at the launch was Mandarin Oranges in slightly sweetened Coconut Water. Yes, that’s right Coconut Water. This flavor only have 100 calories. Another winner. 


Two more flavors coming to stores are Red Grapefruit in Guava Flavored Fruit Water and Grapefruit and Oranges in Pomegranate Flavored Fruit Water. 

Spokesperson for Del Monte Fruit Refreshers, Actress and Lifestyle Blogger, Katrina Bowden was in attendance to tell us why she supports Del Monte. “She said as a healthy person who stays fit she likes snacks that she can throw in her bag everyday to enjoy whenever she needs a moment to refresh.”


I love the adult size of these fruit cups and I can’t wait to try all the flavors. Speaking of flavors we had some pretty good refreshing drinks and amazing seafood appetizers and desserts. I felt like I was at a party Under The Sea visiting Spongebob’s pineapple house. Facials were also given if you chose to get one. 

Keep checking your local supermarkets. Hitting shelves soon. Check out @delmonte on Instagram and Twitter for more info. 


Thank you for the invite. I had a great time. 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Gift bags were given. 

#ElenaOfAvalor Our Princess Party #Ad @DisneyChannel

1 Aug

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Channel. However, all opinions expressed are our own.

My daughter and I anxiously awaited for July 22nd to get here so we could see Disney’s first ever Latina Princess Elena Of Avalor premiere on the Disney Channel. We were even more excited to host a party and do an Unboxing video showing what goodies we were going to have at our party. If there one thing or two things we love it’s Disney and hosting parties. We have lots of boys in our family so I made the party special for my daughter because she is my princess. 


I’ve always taught my kids to be a leader not a follower because that’s who I am. I learned that from my mother, father and grandmother. I was taught in order to succeed in life I have to go for what I want. Back when my grandmother and father were alive they told me to respect my elders and pursue my interests. I wanted to be a chef because of them and I made sure I would be the best. I’m teaching my kids that now and that’s what they are striving for. With the help of me (their mother) and knowledge I instill in them their dreams will come true.  Their grandmother has also been a big help showing them the right path to take. I love how Princess Elena is a go-getter and wants to protect her castle and become Queen. She doesn’t let anything get in her way. In her mind she’s not a teenager anymore. 

My children love their grandmother very much and I’m glad she’s still a part of their lives.

My daughter said she liked watching Elena Of Avalor and wants to add the doll to her collection. She said she still want to be a chef and hope Elena gets to become a Queen. Our party was a success and my son even sat through it.

– Disney Channel YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/disneychannel

– Official Brand Website: http://fun.disney.com/elena-of-avalor

– Elena of Avalor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/princesselenaofavalor/?fref=ts


Tune in for Elena of Avalor on Fridays at 7:30pm ET/PT or 6:30c on Disney Channel.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Channel. However, all opinions expressed are our own.

#IceAge #CollisionCourse Screening, Neil deGrasse Tyson & AMNH Fun Filled Day

28 Jul

Grandma and her grandkids attended the screening of Ice Age Collision Course held at NYIT Auditorium on the Upper West Side in NY. After the screening there was a Q&A with American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. He’s the voice of Neil deBuck Weasel.


My mother said she really enjoyed this event. She talked about it the whole week. She enjoyed the Q&A with Neil deGrasse Tyson. She enjoyed the answer to this question a young person asked: 

Child: “Why did you become a scientist, and what college did you go to?”

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Not knowing that science is a thing, I just, in the planetarium, this universe looks cool. I want to learn about it, and then I figure out that learning about unknown things in nature is what a scientist does, okay? And then–you asked what schools I went to. In this book that I haven’t written yet, and will not write for years, I’m developing strong views on how irrelevant it likely is what your school choice is.  

Now, parents don’t want to hear this, and school administrators don’t want to hear this. They want you to believe that your school choice matters everything in your life, and I’m gathering evidence that doesn’t really support that. In the end of the day what matters most, above all else is your ambition. We can talk about Albert Einstein. You can say, “What high school did he go to?”  

No, you’re not going to ask me that, because it’s irrelevant. He’s Einstein. Did everyone else from his graduating class of high school become Einstein? No. He’s Einstein. His ambitions got him there, okay? So, this is what I’m saying. If you start saying, I went to this school or that school, then all of sudden, the school becomes your–that’s your–you want people to respond to what school you went to, rather than what you actually accomplished in life.  

Once you accomplish things, and if you accomplish really great things, people are not going to ask you what school you went to. They’re going to ask you, “Tell me about your life and your own ability to discover and your own capacity to explore.”  

After the Q & A everyone enjoyed an amazing lunch then they were whisked away to the Museum of Natural History. What  a great way to end a fun morning. They hopped on shuttle buses and explored the Museum. My kids and my mother really enjoyed the Museum. They haven’t been in a while. They stayed about three hours and loved it all. AMNH is one of my favorite museums and since I didn’t make it this trip I will take the kids with me next time. This is their second time seeing the movie because it’s that good. I also would like to see it as well. 


Thank you to everyone who put this fantastic day together and the wonderful experience my family had with Neil deGrasse Tyson and his expertise on Science and talking about his character, and the trip to the Museum Of Natural History. Shout outs to Big Honcho Media, 20th Century Fox, and American Museum Of Natural History. 
ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE – IN THEATERS NOW

Synopsis:

Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. 

Check out Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Cold Hard Facts” clip


Official Websites:

Like Ice Age: Collision Course on FACEBOOK: http://fox.co/IceAgeFacebook

Visit Scrat on FACEBOOK: http://fox.co/IceAgeScrat

Follow Ice Age: Collision Course on TWITTER: http://fox.co/IceAgeTW

Follow Ice Age: Collision Course on INSTAGRAM: http://fox.co/IceAgeIG

Connect with Ice Age: Collision Course Online: http://www.iceagemovies.com

Fandango Ticketing Link

All heads on deck. Get your tickets to see Ice Age: Collision Course in 3D, in theaters now. http://fox.co/IceAgeTickets

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. My family were invited to attend this special event. Everything mentioned was included in invite. Opinions are mine and my family 100% as always. Thanks again. 

We’re Going Back To School With Kidz Vuz #KidzVuzBTS

28 Jul

I love Back To School events. A lot of them take place in the summer so parents and kids can get the scoop on all the latest products and fashion that they must take back and wear to school. 

Kidz Vuz Back To School was held this month and we were off to have some fun. I always tell my kids when it’s a kids event they get to network and hand out business cards while I take pics and talk with friends. That’s the easy part. I get to follow up and write all the emails. They agree of course. 

My kids will always be young at heart when it comes to Kidz Vuz events. I love kid friendly brands and enjoy seeing my kids talk to them and tell them what they like about their product. 

There were thirteen sponsors in attendance. Here are the names and you can follow them on social media: 

 Juicy Juice @JuicyJuiceUSA


Classroom Direct @ClassroomDirect

Galxyz @GalxyzLab

Galxyz is an intergalactic science adventure. It provides self-paced, fun and motivational games-based learning with the entire school science curriculum for grades 3-12.


Fin Fun @FinFunMermaid

Domain.Me @DomainME


Philips @PhilipsNA and @PhilipsSonicare


Pips Island @PipsIsland


EZ PZ Patches @EZPZPatches


BackYard Foods @backyardfoodco


Lucky Bar @pickyeatersrule


Bway Zone @BwayZone


Zandra Beauty @ZandraBeauty


Love, Hallie @love_Hallie_

LOVE HALLIE Foundation encourages young people to  get involved in the causes they care about. 


Cartoon artists made Caricatures of us and did a great job. My daughter enjoyed being in the Kidz Vuz spotlight giving her review on the Slinky. 



  And from the gift bag:

@drinktickle – yummy natural sparkling water

@baronfig – bespoke notebook

@nealbrothers – amazing potato chips

@DTailsULike – Adorable jewelry

@storyarcs – Pop Tropica and Galactic Hotdog Books

@MabelsLabels – indispensable write-away labels

@NYIscream – BackPack Squishems

@sillicandy – Awesome baking molds

These brands are going to make back to school a breeze. Kidz Vuz got us covered and we can’t wait to show you what back to school will look like. 

Disclosure: This post is not compensated. Opinions are our own 100% as always. Thank you to Kidz Vuz for the invite. We had a blast! See you next year. 

     

Blogger Bash Recap 2016 #BBNYC 

26 Jul

I received an email congratulating me that I was picked to volunteer at Blogger Bash this year and I was super excited. I almost didn’t sign up to volunteer but I’m glad I did. Always go with your gut. This year Blogger Bash was held on the Cornucopia Majesty Boat at Pier 81 in New York. That’s right we were on a boat for two days and I couldn’t wait to see how much fun it was going to be. I’ve attended every Blogger Bash so far. 

The first day I was scheduled to volunteer at 10am. I arrived early and was given my assignment. It really is a lot of work with preparing for a successful Blogger Bash. Seeing what goes on behind the scenes is incredible. It takes a village of people to make everything perfect. I assisted with a few brands and helped them carry their boxes to their tables, handed out water, retrieved tools, tables and whatever work needed to be done. I had no problem running up and down the steps. That was my exercise for the day. It was nice and cool on the boat. 


I loved the Speed Pitch part of the agenda and getting to know the Food & Lifestyle brands one on one. Everyone was so friendly and I look forward to working with each and every one of them. I even tried crickets. They were dead. 

The Expo part was also another favorite of mine as I went around table to table learning about the brands and who I wanted to work with. I just want to say everything from vibrators, to pizza and Mario Kart electric racing cars were on tables. Can’t wait to bring you my reviews of all the goodies from Blogger Bash. 


It’s always hard to see the last day of Blogger Bash come to an end. I met so many great people and made new friends. But I’m glad we always go out with a bang. It poured rain right before the party started and the sun came out of nowhere and everyone was able to party on the upper deck outside. We danced our hearts out and took a tour to the Statue Of Liberty and back. It was great! 


I can’t wait to see how they top this Blogger Bash next year. I also wouldn’t mind volunteering again. It was such a pleasure and great experience. 

Disclosure: My ticket was provided to me through Blogger Bash in exchange for volunteering. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you to the Blogger Bash staff. 

Back To School With Momtrends #momtrendsbts

23 Jul

Kids might not want to hear it but school is right around the corner. I attended Momtrends 6th Annual Back To School Event and I’ve got the scoop on everything from fashion to food and everything in between. 


Brands in attendance or in gift bags were: 

The Nanny League- Need a college educated nanny or on call sitter? Like ok no further. Check @thenannyleague on Twitter for more info.

Mabel’s Labels- Every year my kids and I look forward to labeling school supplies and clothes. Head to Twitter @mabelhood


Nalgene- Making sure my kids drinks are in a spill proof sturdy bottle and they’re lunch doesn’t get soggy or squished makes for a happy day with these products. Go to @NalgeneUSA on Instagram and stock up.


USANA-Nutritional Science @usanainc on Twitter & Instagram  

Vamousse- Non toxic- and pesticide free lice products to treat, prevent and protect children against lice. @vamousselice on Twitter.

Play-Doh- We all love play-doh. You already know the amazing things you can do with play-doh. My daughter can’t get enough of this. Head to @playdoh onTwitter. 

Chewbeads- I fell in love with these amazing chewbeads and I don’t need a baby to own them. They are colorful and go great with anything. I want them all. 100% silicone teething jewelry that’s worn by mommies. Check out @Chewbeads on Twitter for more info. 


KEEN, Inc- Outfoor footwear for the whole family. From the mountains to the city streets. @Keen on Twitter for footwear fashion. 


WallPops- Wall art, peel and stick wallpaper. Amazing wallpaper that can brighten up a room. See what @Wallpopswallart has for you on Twitter. 


Paula’s Choice- Skincare products you can feel confident about buying and using. @paulaschoice on Twitter. 

Joules-Britain’s best loved lifestyle brand. Clothing for the entire family. Take a look at the mini models below. On Twitter @joulesclothing 

Yoobi- Supplies for school, home and office. Very colorful and unique. For every Yoobi item you buy, another is donated to a classroom in need in the U.S. You must check out@Yoobigives on Twitter 


Earth’s Best- Natural and organic products for your growing baby. @EarthsBest on Twitter.

Ella’s Kitchen- Healthy and natural organic food for babies and kids. They are on Twitter @EllasKitchenUSA


Disclosure: This is a compensated post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Gift bags were given. Thank you Momtrends for another awesome event. My kids thank you too. 

Happy #NationalIceCreamDay

17 Jul

It’s time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month in July (and National Ice Cream Day July 17!) with Unilever Ice Cream!Unilever Ice Cream – which includes Breyers, Good Humor, Klondike, MAGNUM Ice Cream and Popsicle – offers a wide range of products and flavors that range from refreshing to indulgent; in fact, in 2016 alone they’ve launched 17 new varieties across the portfolio! Unilever Ice Cream has something to satisfy every craving.

As you already know I love ice cream. Everyone in the family loves ice cream and have enjoyed trying all the brands mentioned. They keep us cool in the summer and are a great treat on the go. There’s so many ways to eat ice cream. We love the variety of flavors from ice cream on a stick, right out the tub, to snack cups. The ice cream cakes are my favorite and the mini Magnum are popular in our house. 

 

For the person who loves…

 – Nostalgic Favorites: Some of the new varieties in 2016 include Good Humor Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich, Klondike S’mores, Breyers Ice Cream Cake, and Breyers Gelato Indulgences Peanut Butter Chocolate.


– Fruity Desserts: Popsicle’s Tropical Paradise variety takes you right to the beach chair, at only 70 calories a pop! Enjoy the refreshing flavors of Tropical Mango, Tangy Pineapple, Fruity Island Punch and Sweet Strawberry-Banana. Additionally, MAGNUM’s Double Raspberry variety offers pure indulgence with rich Belgian chocolate and silky raspberry ice cream.


– Guilt-Free Indulgence: Popsicle’s Sugar Free Red Classics offer the great classic tastes of Cherry, Strawberry and Raspberry without the sugar. And for a frozen treat on the go, Breyers Chocolate Snack Cups and Natural Vanilla Snack Cups come in pre-portioned snack cups.- National Vanilla Ice Cream Day July 23: Breyers offers several varieties: Natural Vanilla (America’s favorite Vanilla!), French Vanilla, Extra Creamy Vanilla, Homemade Vanilla, ½ the Fat, Sugar Free, Lactose Free and more.


Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Product was given to review. Opinions are mine 109%. 

Family Fun with NY Liberty At Madison Square Garden #ShowUp

13 Jul

KidzVuz invited me and the family to a NY Liberty basketball game at Madison Square Garden. We love sports and basketball is our number one sport, and what better place to watch basketball than at Madison Square Garden. We arrived early to watch NY Liberty warm up before the game started. The kids enjoyed this as we were right on the court. NY Liberty were up against Seattle Storm. NY Liberty is a great team and we were routing for them all the way. We had great seats and my kids and their friends were shown on the Jumbotron about four times. They loved it!! 


The game was nail biting as I though we were going into overtime but there was no need be aside NY Liberty beat Seattle Storm 78 to 74. It was a great game. I can’t wait to take the kids back to plenty more games at Madison Square Garden. MSG is happy to extend a 25% off ticket offer to my readers. The code is NYLMOM and the offer is “Save Up to 25% Off on Tickets!* 

*Offer valid on select seats to all regular season home games”

Disclosure: Huge thanks to Kidz Vuz who provided tickets for my family and I to attend the game. Opinions are our own 100%.

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