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Recap KidzVuz Holiday Party with the Perez’s 

17 Nov

Kidz Vuz Holiday Party took place at Studio 450 NYC on November 15. I love this party because it’s small and intimate and my kids get to do the networking, test out the toys, have fun with their friends and they cannot get lost. I still talk to the brands but my kids also hand out business cards and enter contests. It’s always a fun time with Kidz Vuz. 

This year Jakks Toys, Classroom Direct, Lincoln Center Kids, Wubble Ball, ThinkFun, Disney Pixar, Bway Zone, Compose Yourself, Vita Coco, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Food For Thoughts Cards, Save The Children, Heart Of Haiti, Randi’s Brownies, Once Upon A Mattress and National PTA were in attendance.  

 Lincoln Center Kids had one of the Nutcracker costumes on display for the kids to try on or take a picture with. My daughter loves watching ballet so this was a treat for her. We also visit Lincoln Center quite a bit so it was nice seeing Lincoln Center Kids at the event. They handed out their free events guide for 2015-2016 and we got to spin the wheel to win free giveaways.  

    
 Wubble Ball was the most popular with the kids. There were balls flying everywhere. I love how soft they are and the biggest one your child can lay in and it won’t pop. The parents were getting knocked I the head but it didn’t hurt. It looks like a bubble but plays like a ball and no pump is needed. Everyone got a sample.  

    
    
    
   
Disney Pixar was promoting their new movie The Good Dinosaur that hits theaters November 25th. We’ve been waiting for this movie and won tickets to a special screening on November 24th. We also received a hat, poster and notebook. Temporary tattoos, stickers and coloring sheets were also available for kids to take home.  

 Jakks Toys made sure to bring their Star Wars collection and Disney’s Star Darlings dolls with them. My daughter took a picture with her favorite doll in hopes of winning. They were all cute.  

   
Food For Thoughts Give Back Greeting Cards is doing great things to feed the hungry. With the purchase of each card, Food for Thoughts Cards donates the value equivalent to the cost of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other organization that feeds the hungry. We wrote encouraging words on a few greeting cards. No one should be without food. 

    
    
    
    
  
    
    
    
 My daughter also loved being interviewed by KidzVuz with her bestie.  

    
 To learn about all the brands mentioned above check out @kidzvuz onTwitter or http://www.kidzvuz.com and look for the hashtag #kidzvuzholiday on Twitter and Instagram. 

Thank you KidzVuz, we had an amazing time and can’t wait for the next KidzVuz event.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. We were invited to this event through KidzVuz. Opinions are mine and my kids 100% as always.

 

Gerber’s BabyNes Smart Nutrition Baby Formula System 

10 Nov

As a mother of 4 I was told when I had my first born that I must breastfeed because it’s healthy for my child, he won’t get ear infections, the colostrum is what he needs, he won’t have colic, he will sleep all night, and you’re young and that’s what’s right. From doctors, parents, nutritionists, health educators, to grandparents I heard it for 9 months and after because they wanted to know did I breastfeed. In my mind I knew the benefits of it and I wanted what I thought was the best for my son and I also wanted my uterus to shrink fast, and in the other part of my mind I was saying it’s gonna hurt and visioning leaky swollen breasts and God forbid a bite from my son as the teeth come in. 

Wel I can proudly say I breastfed my son  for 3 years and quite a few of the benefits were true. Yes, 3 years oh yeah and I got bit once but right away I told my son don’t do that again. Ha. I just wasn’t into mixing powders and waiting for a bottle to heat up and cool down. Al I had to do was turn over and feed my son. I did however use a certain brand baby formula that wasn’t powder or I used my pumped breast milk for when we went out. 

I enjoyed breastfeeding so I breastfed all of my kids but my oldest was the longest. My oldest son is now 25 and then came along Gerber with their newest arrival BabyNes Advanced Nutrition: The Next Generation of  Baby Formula. 

BabyNes is a smart nutrition system that brings a range of six single-serve formula capsules for infants and toddlers during the first years of life. Wi-fi enabled to provide a perfectly mixed bottle at a temperature selected by the user with no lumps at the touch of a button. The single served formula capsules were created to ensure precise nutrition with the right amount of nutrients and water for each feeding. The formula was inspired from breast milk composition changes month after month to follow baby’s evolving nutritional needs and nourish a healthy body and mind. Can we say ooooh? 

For expecting moms and parents with kids birth to 36 months this is right up your alley. I love the fact that a filter in each capsule filters out the bacteria from the water and the formula is dissolved completely within the capsule to flow directly into the bottle. Also plus is the the BabyNes system syncs with a smartphone to allow users to track your baby’s nutrition, replenish capsules automatically or get an alert when a caregiver feeds the baby. 

There were two events I attended for BabyNes, one on November 5th with Lyss Stern of Diva Moms and one today November 10, at the Children’s Museum of the Arts with Moderator: Bobbie Thomas (new mom, style/fashion expert and Professional Girlfriend). Panelists included: Dr. Tanya Altmann (Pediatrician), Lyss Stern (Founder Diva Moms), Lance Somerfeld & Matt Schneider (Co-founders City Dads Group) and Tom Burnett ( Director of Eary Childhood Programs at WEE Arts).

There were demos shown, panelists discussed their thoughts on parenting and the BabyNes and questions were answered from the audience. Bobbie Thomas also discussed her battles with getting pregnant and treatments she had to take in order to have a baby and how supportive her family and friends were.  She is also greatly like to have the BabyNes in her life as it has helped her being this is her first child. 

If I could have more kids I would still breastfeed and give this a try. It’s very convenient and saves you a lot of time and mom or dad can use it. The BabyNes machine is available in the New York metro area at Giggle Stores, Buy Buy Baby and online at giggle.com, buybuybaby.com, Amazon.com, babiesrus.com and diapers.com at an MSRP of $249. The formula capsules are sold online at BabyNes.com or on BabyNes app ($59/box of 26 capsules). There’s also a carrying case for on the go. 

Twitter and Instagram: @BabyNes

BONUS: I will be giving away a BabyNes soon. Stay tuned!!! 

   
    
    

 

Peapod by Stop & Shop and Barilla Introduce Pasta Meal Kits to NYC

10 Nov

One of my favorite pasta brands Barilla and Peapod by Stop and Shop (online grocery shopping and delivery service) introduced Pasta Meal Kits to New York City. Does this mean  I get to save time in the kitchen and more time with my family? The answer is YES! Meal kits would make any busy parent very happy. I mean I would love to make fresh pasta every night if I could but that’s not going to happen. No more grocery shopping, prepping, measuring, and cleaning a bunch of pots and dishes. Don’t get me wrong I cook everyday but sometimes I could do without stepping into a supermarket. There were times where standing on the line took longer than making dinner. 

Barilla pasta meal kits have easy to follow recipe cards and fresh ingredients like butternut squash and mozzarella. The kit requires little prep and all vegetables are pre-washed, measured and cut. It only takes under 30 minutes. 

Variety of meal kits include: 

Baked Rotini by Barilla

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti by Barilla

Farfalle with Roasted Butternut Squash by Barilla

Tortellini Soup by Barilla

I love the fact that I can order these kits online and have everything waiting for me that will feed my whole family and save me time and money. The kits range in price from $15.99-$23.99 and serves 4-6 people. 

I attended a special luncheon on Thursday, November 5, hosted by Peapod.com and Barilla Pasta. Barilla’s own Chef Lorenzo prepared lunch and shared the inspiration behind the Meal Kits as well as other time saving tips for meal planning and prep.

We tried what was on the menu below and it was very delicious. 

I went online and placed an order of groceries and it was so easy. You pick a time and day you want your delivery. The Barilla meal kit I ordered was Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti. Can’t wait to try. 

   

    
 
Peapod serves 24 U.S. markets and customers can order online or on Peapod’s free mobile app fir deliveries to homes and workplace or pick-up at many convenient locations. 

For more info about Peapod Meal Kits featuring Barilla recipes, ordering and more visit: http://www.Peapod.com and on Twitter @PeapodDelivers

Check out: http://www.barillagroup.com or http://www.barilla.com for more info. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event. I was given a gift card to purchase groceries and the meal kits. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

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

26 Oct

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
    

  
    
    

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

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

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

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

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

6 Oct

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
    
 

  
   
 

#SummerSocial InStyle Recap 

27 Aug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the full list of brands: 

Essie

Brancott Estate

Dickinson’s

Gardein

Jose Eber

Neutrogena

Nicole Benisti

Peony

Sally Hansen

Sarah Potempa

Sun Chips

Thiery Mugler

Think Thin

Zico

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

    
   

French Toast A Uniform For A Kids Life

24 Aug

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
    
     
    
    
    
   

#ShopkinsSwap Preview Event Recap at Toys R Us 

24 Aug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
      
   

Swim Classes With SwimToday #FunnestSport 

17 Aug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
    
    
    
    
    
   

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  

Fiji Water & Momtrends Had Me #FijiFit  

9 Aug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nicole Feliciano @Momtrends on Twitter 

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

    
    
   

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