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School Of Rock The Musical on Broadway

21 Feb

It was a night out on the town for my son and I as we took in a Musical Broadway Play, School Of Rock. We loved the movie with Jack Black and couldn’t wait to see the play. 

Everything was great even with the script adding on things that made it just as great as the movie. The young cast was amazing and I was rocking out in my seat. Of course everything Live is better. I felt like I was in a concert. The pipes on these kids was incredible. 

We had the chance to talk to the cast after and they told us they started singing and playing instruments when they were young. The ages of the cast range from about 9-13. They also mentioned how excited they were when they got the call that they were chosen to be in the play. Two of the boys are brothers in real life and one said it was hard seeing his brother get the job first after auditioning over and over and being told he was too short he finally got the part. 

I encourage you to head to Broadway and see School Of Rock. You will want to join a band or your kids will wasn’t to join a band after the show is over. Also if you haven’t seen the movie check it out before you go so you can compare the two. The role of “Dewey “was played by Merritt David Janes the night we went. 

Social media:

Facebook: @schoolofrockmusical

Twitter: @SoRmusical

Instagram: @sormusical
Ticketing message:

Prices as low as $59!

Orchestra seats as low as $89!

Visit schoolofrockthemusical.com to learn more and to book tickets
Other info:

Show is 2 hrs 30 mins with one intermission

Recommended for ages 8 and up – children under 4 not permitted in the theatre
Standard About the Show copy:

Currently in performances at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway), School of Rock – The Musical is based on the smash hit 2003 film of the same, featuring music from the movie, as well as an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, a book by Julian Fellowes and direction by Laurence Connor. School of Rock – The Musical opened to rave reviews on Sunday, December 6, 2015. This Ben Brantley New York Times ‘Critics’ Pick’ “is an inspiring jolt of energy and mad skillz,” raves Jesse Oxfeld of Entertainment Weekly. And in his four-star Critics’ Pick review, Time Out’s David Cote proclaimed, “School’s IN – forever!” School of Rock – The Musical was nominated for four 2016 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Lloyd Webber and Slater), Best Book (Fellowes), and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Alex Brightman).

 

Based on the hit film, School of Rock – The Musical is a hilarious new musical that follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

Disclosure: This play was hosted and tickets were given for my honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you for a great night out with my son. We really enjoyed it. 

Staying Fit & Healthy With Crunch Fitness

21 Feb

I’m on a 60 day diet and what better way to take care of my body by eliminating unhealthy foods and getting my workout on at none other than Crunch Fitness Gym. My number one workout I love is definitely walking. I walk over 10,000 steps at least 5 or 6 days a week, but something about working out in a gym with lots to offer like aerobic classes, yoga, pilates, swimming, saunas, indoor track, basketball and the best state of the art equipment. I also prefer a gym that’s not too crowded but if it is I must have access to the equipment without having to wait. 

What I love about Crunch Fitness is they’re all over. The newest location is 1131 3rd ave (66th st) in Manhattan. Now that I have a very busy schedule it’s good to know the hours so I can add in a few classes before or after work. I like the fact they open 5 a.m. Mon-Friday and close late. Check the website for locations and full hours. https://www.crunch.com/locations/e-66th-st

I’m aiming to lose a few pounds and I was given a free membership for a month and can’t wait to get there and try everything.    You can make online class reservations, there’s also online nutrition program, live video workouts, personal trainers, full service locker rooms and free wi-fi. My kind of gym indeed. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend classes at Crunch Fitness with blogger Brianne Manz from (Stroller In The City). Opinions are mine 100% as always. Swag was given from sponsors which included Living Proof Dry Shampoo, Bliss Spa, Ounce Water, KIND bars, Purity Organic Juice, Just Salad, Boom Boom Brow Bar, Enlightened Snacks, and of course, Crunch Fitness. 

Nintendo Switch Approaching Fast 3/3/17 #nintendoswitch

9 Feb

Back in January of this year my kids and I were invited to a Nintendo Switch event where we were the first to test out the new console. My kids were counting down the days. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a console since the NES. The Switch hits stores March 3rd.

When we walked in it was like a home filled with nothing but video games. We tested out Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, my daughter loved dancing with the Just Dance 2017 game. She was there practically the whole time. My son enjoyed Street Fighter 2  The Legends Of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Arms, Splatoon 2 and so many others they both enjoyed. 


I was impressed how the console looks, how many people can play and where it can be taken. We do a lot of traveling and this is great to take on the road, hotels, airplane, picnics, bbq’s, etc. I was also impressed with the price of $299. Battery life can last more than six hours depending on the software and usage conditions. 32 GB of internal memory. Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards.6.2-inch, multi-touch capacitive touch screen; can display a resolution of 1280 x 720.Keep the focus on fun by using parental controls to manage how your family interacts with Nintendo Switch. Link up to eight systems together to play anywhere.


I’m going to enjoy Just Dance 2017 with my daughter at home and on the go. We love dancing and this is great for exercise too. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the whole family is gonna love. Bring all the games to us. 


We are back at it again this Sunday 2/12 this time for a Nintendo Switch exclusive event at the Nintendo NY store in Rockefeller Center. This time we are going to play the 1-2-Switch game. What do milking a cow, a samurai duel and an eating contest all have in common? NINTENDO, of course!!  1-2-Switch is a ridiculously fun “Party in a Box” game. What makes the party? Fun and crazy competitions that let you literally face off with your friends and family: everything from a wild-west duel to a cow-milking competition to a copycat dance-off. With 1-2-Switch you can throw an impromptu party anywhere thanks to a new play style in which players look at each other—not the screen.

This games launches March 3rd. We can’t wait for this one. We had a great time at the first event and are super excited about the next one. We will be even more excited to get the Nintendo Switch in our house and have friendly competitions. Nintendo for life!! 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to attend these events. Opinions are mine and my kids 100% as always. My kids are Nintendo game reviewers. 

Volunteering with @Nissan @NYCommonPantry, Nissan Rogue, @RogueOneMovie #NissanRogueOne

23 Dec

I was excited that I was invited to help out Nissan and volunteer at my local food pantry “Common Pantry” New York’s largest-community based food pantry providing social services to communities throughout NYC. They are located at 8 East 109th St. 


Low income families can sign up to receive groceries such as fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, fresh bread, cereal, boxed items, milk, eggs, etc once a week. Common Pantry also serves meals to the homeless. 

A few volunteers took grocery orders from families on an iPad then orders came upstairs to where I was volunteering and I packed up the food in bags and handed it to them. I enjoyed packing bags and giving extra treats like a cupcakes, water and sandwiches. The community really appreciate this. For some this is all they have and I love helping people out. 

Even for Thanksgiving if you are signed up Common Pantry gives frozen turkeys and all the sides. The line goes around the  corner. When you live in a community where fresh fruits and vegetables are either expensive or nowhere to be found Common Pantry makes sure to take care of you. 

There are even working families who rely on Common Pantry for either the groceries or hot meals because they just aren’t making enough to feed their family. You should never feel ashamed to ask someone for help. I’ve told tons of people about Common Pantry. 

We volunteered for about four hours and after we hopped in the new Nissan Rogue, had a fabulous lunch at Maxwells Central Park then we were off to a screening of the new Star Wars Rogue One movie. I enjoyed the smooth ride in the Nissan Rogue. I can’t wait to test this baby out and go on a road trip. The movie was amazing. My son and I enjoyed it very much and all the concession snacks.


Don’t forget to check out: @nycommonpantry on Twitter and the Nissan Rogue @Nissan @NissanUSA

Website: http://www.nycommonpantry.org

http://www.NissanUSA.com

Huge thank you to Nissan and your great team, Common Pantry and Steven Oldham for an awesome day. 

Disclosure: Opinions are mine 100%. This post is not compensated. I was invited to this media/volunteer event. 

Olive Garden In Harlem Grand Opening Today

13 Dec

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for. It’s the grand opening of Olive Garden in Harlem at 100 W. 125th St. If you grew up in Harlem like I did you know how Harlem used to look and what a big difference it is now. Who would ever think we would have a Olive Garden in Harlem or for that case any of the stores and restaurants that are there now? If my father, great grandmother and grandmother could see it now. 

Yesterday, December 12 was the ribbon cutting ceremony and city officials, in partnership with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. came out and supported General Manager, Daryl Cunningham whose been with Olive Garden for 12 years. There was a live band, food and great conversation wishing Daryl success and supporting the restaurant by coming back to dine with friends and family. It was a great turn out. 


The new restaurant will feature an updated design with new artwork, fabrics and materials, lighting, seating, countertops and flooring, as well as a display of the new “Olive Garden Italian Kitchen” logo sign. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant will accommodate more than 300 guests and will create more than 170 new jobs for the surrounding community. Prior to the opening, the Harlem Olive Garden restaurant hosted Friends and Family events with free meals and proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.


The Harlem restaurant, Olive Garden’s third location in New York City, features 19 bar tables, more than twice the number in a typical Olive Garden. It also has an elegant wine wall that reinforces the integral role wine plays in Italian dining.

The thing that excites me most about NROs (New Restaurant Opening) is the opportunity it gives us to add value and exposure to both the community and our company,” said General Manager Daryl Cunningham at the Harlem restaurant. “So much effort goes into selecting great new team members who reflect the best each new community has to offer, and I love watching them grow!”

Olive Garden’s menu continues to feature guest favorites, such as the Lasagna Classico and unlimited Soup, Salad and Breadsticks, as well as new Lighter Italian Fare dishes, like Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Piccata, inspired by the Mediterranean region of Italy. Additionally, guests can enjoy new innovations, such as the Grilled Chicken Piadina and the Spicy Calabrian Chicken Breadstick Sandwich.

I have quite a few favorites to share with you when you come to the restaurant. Just ask me and don’t forget dessert. 

I attended another event Olive Garden had in the summer on the High Line and that’s where I met Daryl Cunningham. He mentioned Olive Garden was coming to Harlem and I told him I would love to be part of the restaurant and applied for a job and now I am proud to be a Certified Host. So come bring your family and friends and join us. Experience a family friendly restaurant, very delicious food, great ambience and the best friendly staff and service you ever had. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event. This is not a compensated post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. My employment with Olive Garden did not have an influence on my opinions. I am writing this post as a blogger. Some pictures courtesy of Hubert Williams.

ELLIE KRIEGER #RENEWLIFEPROBIOTICS LUNCH #ad 

12 Dec

Ellie Krieger, RDN, the rockstar culinary nutritionist, who is the host of “Ellie’s Real Good Food” show, author of several cookbooks, and a columnist for The Washington Post hosted a private lunch to talk about recent survey results that confirm most women consider a taboo topic — the gut. They say it’s a “yucky” word, but gut issues affect the entire body, from mood, to memory, immunity, digestion and more — prompting Renew Life Probiotics to start the “Get to Know Your Gut” campaign to better share the benefits.


Ellie revealed the surprising ways the gut impacts your readers’ overall health and wellness, and talked about her expert go-to guide for replenishing and infusing balance back into the gut. In addition to good-for-your-gut foods, Ellie shared her not-so-secret weapon of a healthy regimen of probiotics, and she even helped us create a personal probiotic mixture.


The “gut”is considered the core of your body’s overall health and well-being and can affect your entire body, including immunity, digestion and more. According to a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of women (72%) have experienced a digestive/gut issue in the past twelve months and nearly two-thirds (64%) of women aren’t willing to talk about it with their friends. 

70% of the immune system is located in the intestinal ttact, therefore, maintaining gut health is a key part of maintaining your overall health. 

Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics wants to educate women about digestive health, how vital it’s ecosystem isotope our body’s overall health and well-being, and the benefits everyone can reap from taking a probiotic. Visit http://www.RenewLife.com for more information. 

Renew Life Probiotics are available at health food stores and major retailers including Target and Walmart. 

Social Handles:

Facebook @RenewLifeFormulas

Twitter @RenewLifeInc

YouTube @RenewLife
Ellie Krieger:

Twitter: @EllieKrieger
Instagram: @ellie_krieger

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. Opinions are mine 100%. 

 

#NintendoDisneyMagicalWorld2 

5 Dec

Family of gamers are what we are. Video games, board games, computer, app, card games you name it we love playing. Nintendo invited us to their Rockefeller  Plaza location to get a look at the new Disney game for 3DS that launched. What game is it? Disney Magical World 2. 

We had so much fun at Nintendo with Olivia Holt. The girls dressed up as their favorite princess and the boys picked their favorite Disney characters as well. Olivia Holt danced with the kids and showed us how much fun she has playing the game. She also danced with the kids. My daughter enjoyed teaching her how to do the whip and nae nae dance. My daughter had her hair and makeup done at Minnie’s Style Salon, was given accessories and also picked out Princess Elsa for her costume that she got to take home. Everyone enjoyed cupcakes and snacks. 


Ever since this game launched my kids have played non stop. They also are fans of Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and Super Mario 3D Land. 

The Nintendo 3DS XL is one handheld  system that I don’t mind my kids faces buried in. Whether it’s at home or on the go I know their enjoying every minute of it. I also think I need to get one too, then we all can play. 

There’s so many games to choose from and they make great gifts. If you have a tween or teen or even an adult gamer that you know would love a 3DS or any of the games mentioned you should click on this website for more info or visit the Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Center in NYC. (www.nintendo.com)

The 2DS is still being sold at the incredible price of $79.99. The Disney Magical World 2 game is only $39.99. The 3DS XL is $199.99

Disclosure: My family were invited to attend this media event. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Moana Review #MoanaArtistTour #Disney #Moana 

23 Nov

I was invited to attend a very special presentation on the making of MOANA with Disney’s Creative Executive Jessica Julius at the Crosby Street Hotel. The presentation featured exclusive clips and behind the scenes information on the film, along with a Q&A session. I enjoyed seeing clips and learning what went on behind the scenes and how they created the characters, songs and dances. The island looked amazing. I also enjoyed seeing how the animals or Moana’s pets played a part in the film. 

Jessica Julius has been involved with “Moana” since day one, supporting the filmmakers’ development efforts. In addition to taking part in story/character/world development, Julius conducted intensive research for the film, utilizing books, online resources, expert consultants, local field trips and targeted island treks.

My family and I was also invited to see a screening of Moana. We loved it so much we saw it twice. I also purchased lots of toys because the film was that good and I just couldn’t resist. The cast was amazing. Very family friendly film and we loved the songs. We give the film 10 thumbs up. I loved how determined and strong Moana is as a young female. Take the whole family and enjoy this Disney film. 
ABOUT THE FILM: Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters today, Nov. 23, 2016.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend Moana Artist Tour and my family and I was invited to attend the Moana Screening. Thank you for the invite. 

#AccuWeatherReady Program & FDNY Want You And Your Family Prepared & Safe #ad #BeReady

23 Nov

Disclosure: AccuWeather sponsored this post. Opinions are mine 100%. 

AccuWeather Partners with FDNY’s Fire Zone to Help Keep NYC Families Safe and Prepared for the Upcoming Winter Season with special presentation for 80+ Bronx 1st Graders. 

The AccuWeather Ready program is a new year-round weather preparedness program that focuses on keeping people safe and informed. All of the AccuWeather Ready information is available on the 24/7 AccuWeather Network, http://www.AccuWeather.com/Ready and the AccuWeather app.

I headed to the FDNY Fire Zone to meet with FDNY Foundation Chairman, Stephen Ruzow, FDNY Foundation Executive Director, Jean O’ Shea, Nerisha Rivero, Fire Zone Director and Lieutenant Mancusto, Fire Safety Spokesperson.

 Also in attendance were the AccuWeather staff: Chief Executive Officer, Barry Lee Myers, Chief Marketing Officer, John Dokes and Meteorologist Laura Velasquez.


With winter quickly approaching, AccuWeather, the global leader in weather information and digital media, has extended its continued mission to save lives, protect property and help people prosper with its new severe weather preparedness program, AccuWeather Ready, that focuses on keeping consumers safe and informed. 

With a shared goal to help educate and protect people, especially throughout the cold winter season, AccuWeatherhas partnered with the FDNY Foundation to educate local students on how to be ready for winter weather – with preparedness plans and fire safety. 

With the cold weather and holidays approaching some people might not have  enough heat and depend on space heaters, some might want to decorate the house with candles or attempt to fry a turkey indoors. Some of these could be very dangerous and start a fire in your home. If you must buy a heater find one that is approved for indoors and keep things away from it (blankets, shoes, anything can can catch on fire being next to it), Also don’t fry a turkey indoors that’s a No-No, You can now buy flameless candles. Ive heard a lot of people say they left their house and forgot to put the candle out. That could have resulted in a fire if it got knocked down by wind or a pet. Also cooking can cause a fire. I’ve had relatives leave pots on the stove on and walk away. Next minute the pit is smoking and the alarm is going off. I know when I cook I stay near the kitchen unless I’m cooking in a crock-pot where I can walk away. I never leave food cooking unattended. I also do not keep lighters or matches in my house. Those who smoke cigarettes aren’t off the hook either. It has happened where someone fell asleep with a cigarette in their hand and you know what happens next. That’s like going to sleep behind the wheel. If you know you’re tired don’t do it!!! Lives are more important. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. The new smoke alarms lasts for 10 years without having to change a battery. 

AccuWeather presented the FDNY Foundation with a check for $25,000 for all the incredible, courageous  hard work they do. 

I Toured The Set of Comedy Show #KevinCanWait

28 Oct

What are you doing Monday night at 8pm? Hopefully you’ll be indoors stuffing your face with your kids candy and watching a hilarious episode of Kevin Can Wait on CBS at its new time. 

I was invited to tour the set of Kevin Can Wait and there was also a Q&A with none other Kevin James and Erinn Hayes who plays his wife. Bloggers took a bus and headed to Long Island. Director Andy Fickman welcomed us and asked Kevin and Erinn questions that we wrote down. I asked Kevin and Erinn since the show is about Kevin retiring When so you see yourself retiring and what would be the first thing you would do when you retire? Do they have a bucket list? 

Erinn said she wants a Volkswagen camper van to go cruise around on an adventure. Kevin said he loves what he do and want to do it as long as he can (stand up, movies, comedy). No retiring anytime soon. Then Erinn said she wants t retire between seasons. She also enjoys what she’s doing. 

Andy gave us the behind the scenes scoop on how the cameras capture those moments, showed us the pictures on the wall are of the actual actors, Mets souvenirs ( Kevin said if you’re a Yankee fan you shouldn’t be there) Lol. If there’s a scene in the bathroom that requires running water they have to call in a plumber to start the water and stop it as soon as that scene finishes because it doesn’t really work. Who would have known? Andy also mentioned they love when there’s a pizza scene because the staff can’t wait to eat the pizza. He said the pizza is very good. I also believed he said the audience gets some too. Ok can I just be an extra? I need an agent. I absolutely loved the set and live the show even more. I’ve been a Kevin James fan for a long time. I like his character and the fact that he’s playing a husband and father. The whole cast is funny. ​


This is my second time meeting him. I also can’t wait to see his Netflix movie TRUE MEMOIRS OF AN INTERNATIONAL ASSASSIN. 

Here is a clip of the upcoming Halloween episode airing 10/31 8pm on CBS. Check your local listings. Enjoy! 

https://cbs.box.com/s/god1ie7q5iju04p11ap52jukizes94x8

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

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