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Nintendo’s Disney Art Academy Game 

1 Jun

I attended a Disney Art Academy event at the Nintendo store at Rockefeller Plaza. I was among the first to play the game that was co-hosted by Sabrina Carpenter, Hollywood Records recording artist and star of the Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World. For the first time in the Art Academy series, Disney Art Academy teaches players to draw some of the most classic and recognizable Disney and Pixar characters using a variety of drawing tools like pastels, paintbrushes and markets. A new edition is the Magic Brush where you can add glitter, stars and clouds to your masterpiece. There are more than 80 characters.

 


I loved art class growing up and my kids also love drawing so I knew this was going to be a fun event. We were given a Nintendo 3DS and started with a tutorial step by step learning how to draw Olaf from Frozen and I even tried to draw Mickey Mouse. I love how easy it was and you don’t have to be a professional you just take your time and follow directions. 

Sabrina Carpenter showed us her skills and I felt like a true artist. We even had berets to wear and cute mini paint brushes and easels at our tables. There was also a Disney stuffed animal at each table as well. 

If you make a mistake that’s not a problem because you can erase and start over. At the end you can save your art work to your SD card. It’s also Rated E for Everyone. Suggested retail price is $29.99. I enjoyed this game very much and I knew my kids would also enjoy. Nintendo was kind enough to send a 3DS XL for my kids. Of course they argued about who gets it. I gave it to my 13 yr old since he’s always been a fan of Nintendo. 

Have no fear I said to my daughter since the announcement that the Nimtendo 2DS system price dropped to $79.99 on May 20. It also comes pre-installed with Mario Kart 7. Click on this link for more info: http://www.nintendo.com/2ds


My son just purchased this game for his 3DS and he loves it just as much as Disney Art Academy. My kids enjoyed drawing Disney and Pixar characters on the 3DS. I also tried to draw a few more characters like Simba from The Lion King and Elsa from Frozen. My son takes his 3DS with him when we travel and plays it everyday at home. 


Check out @NintendoAmerica on Twitter. 


Disclosure: I was invited to this event from Nintendo and given a Nintendo 3DS XL for my kids honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you Nintendo. This post is not compensated. 
 

Disney’s Alice Through The Looking Glass Top 10 Reasons To See 

1 Jun

Disney’s Alice Through The Looking Glass was an incredible film. I took the kids to a screening that we were invited to by Disney. I love anything Disney and we were excited to see. The 3-D effects were perfect for this film. Lots of exciting things were coming at us from all angles. 


Why we liked it and why you should see it:

1. Adventure movies are fun. We get to follow along on a journey and hope that it turns out good in the end. 

2. Cheshire the Cat. I want to have him. Can I just take him home with me? Who doesn’t want Cheshire? I mean really. Love his voice, cool smile and disappearing acts. 


3. Johnny Depp “The Mad Hatter”, even though when his eyes turned black my daughter got a little scared he’s still super cool and I love his acting. I definitely need a wig like his. Would love him as a friend. 


4. Time. He’s the one in charge. He’s funny he is “time” and he just might make you like him. 


5. Alice. Yes women can do anything they put their mind to. Doesn’t fear anything. Must save her friend. 

6. Chronosphere . I need this so I can go back in time maybe three times a week. 
7. Red Queen. You will notice her. She has the enormous head with red hair, hence the name “Red Queen.” Is she really a bad/evil person or does she just want to be loved? 


8. You get to hear recording artist, Pink new song “Just Like Fire”

9. If you saw the first one you have to see this one. 

10. In theaters now! See a matinee, take a group, family fun day. Check out @DisneyAliceFilm on Twitter for more info. 

Disclosure: Thank you Disney for the invite. This is not a compensated post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

#TheJoker 4D Free Fly Coaster At Six Flags Great Adventure/ Press Event/Review 

27 May

Talk about the weather being perfect for a fun day at Six Flags Great Adventure and I got to test out the new rollercoaster ride The Joker. I’ve been waiting a long time to get on and I finally did. Press/Preview VIP event took place Thursday, May 26 in Jackson, New Jersey for us to see how brave we were to get on The Joker. I knew from seeing videos of this ride that I was going to enjoy it. I love flips, loops, spins, going backwards and some drops on rollercoasters period. My kids and I headed to Port Authority, got on the first bus and waited for the press conference and first ride. Before the press conference we filled out bellies with food, drinks and dessert. I guess people didn’t care about eating before getting on a ride because the food was too good to stop eating. I don’t get sick on rides so to me it was no biggie. 


John Fitzgerald, President of Great Adventure spoke. Comedian and Spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs in New Jersey Joe Piscopo also came to the stage and spoke. After the press conference it was time. 


I was the first one on the line to experience The Joker. You can choose the purple side or the green. No ride is the same. It felt like I was definitely free falling. Not knowing what’s coming next is such a thrilling experience. My eyes were open most of the time. The flips are off the hook. I would have gone back for more but it stopped working. That’s okay because I was able to ride and get interviewed. I also will be back this Summer. I enjoyed The Joker very much. We also enjoyed the entire day at Six Flags. 


Here’s more about the 50 second ride: After being lifted straight up a 12-story, 90-degree hill, The Joker will wreak havoc as riders flip head-over-heels at least six times along the seemingly weightless journey. Thrill seekers will experience exhilarating leaps and dives along a horizontal plane, along with unexpected drops as they tumble from one level to the next. The wing seats amp up the pandemonium since riders will experience all of this chaos with no track above or below ─ just the sky, ground and adjacent Great Lake churning around them.
 The unique design of The Joker features:
· Massive, imposing, floating and twisting I-box track frame in a unique two-tone design

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

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

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

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

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

 The Joker is the second 4D, free-fly coaster of its kind anywhere in the world. For more information about the 2016 season at Six Flags Great Adventure, visit http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure


Video: https://sixflags.box.com/s/ia6sx8l1wk8axu9l2uh2chbhaou0umw3

The Joker previews to Season Pass holders through Friday evening (May 27) and opens to the general public on Saturday, May 28. For more information about the 2016 season at Six Flags Great Adventure, visit http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure
Disclosure: Six Flags Great Adventure invited my family and I  to press day. This post is not compensated. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you for a fun filled day. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out Of The Shadows Press Junket 

27 May

I love being invited to press junkets just as much as I love attending movies. You know what else I love? I enjoy interviewing and meeting the cast/celebrities. I get to ask questions one on one or as a group and its amazing. You never know the response you will get and they make my job seem so easy because they are down to earth and best part is getting a lifetime picture with them. I recently attended a press junket for the new movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out Of The Shadows. It was held at the Ritz Carlton on a Sunday morning and I was very excited to meet the cast. I’m sure a lot of people grew up watching the turtles like I did. 



Participating talent included:

Will Arnett – Vernon Fenwick

Stephen Amell – Casey Jones

Tyler Perry – Baxter Stockman

Stephen Farrelly – Rocksteady

Gary Anthony Williams – Bebop

Brian Tee – Shredder

Noel Fisher – Michelangelo

Pete Ploszek – Leonardo

Jeremy Howard – Donatello

Dave Green – Director

Josh Appelbaum – Screenwriter

Andrew Nemec – Screenwriter

Andrew Form – Producer

Brad Fuller – Producer

I took my kids and we saw a screening of the film the night before. I will give you my review of the film soon. I can say I can’t wait to share. You will hear a lot of “My Man” in the film and the soundtrack is great. I was tapping and singing a lot of the songs. Also listen out for Tyler Perry “Baxter Stockman” laugh throughout the film. We were cracking up. Will Arnett also mentions “the basketball game he was at was actually a real game so every time he was interviewed and hit with a spit ball he would spin around to see where it was coming from and his friends from across the floor was asking him why he kept doing the same thing at each interview and he explained they were filming for the movie”. That was hilarious. 

In theaters June3, 2016. 

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Thank you Paramount Pictures for the invite. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

NYC529 Direct College Savings Plan #NY529edu 

25 May

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a lawyer but when my parents divorced and my mother raised my sister and I it wasn’t looking like my dreams were coming true. I didnt want to bother my mother financially because I knew she couldn’t afford it. Even though I worked every summer since age 14 I knew that wouldn’t be enough for college. I didn’t want to take out loans nor have my mother take out loans. 

Great thing about college is you can go anytime. I didn’t go right out of high school, nor did I go to John Jay to study law, but I did go to a community college in my 30’s while pregnant with my third child. I studied radiology. I found out about Pell and Tap, financial aid and grants. I worked at my college and attended classes while receiving a check from working and from Pell and Tap. I used some of the money for supplies, books and transportation. 

I didn’t finish but if I choose to go back I will be even more prepared because I recently attended an event on the Imtrepid with Momtrends and NY 529 Direct College Savings Plan. We heard from a few guest speakers as well as First Deputy, Pete Grannis  who also took a group photo with the kids. I think if my mother knew about this service back when we were babies my sister and I could have attended the college we wanted. 

Now that I’ve heard all it takes is as little as $20 a month for this great NY 529 Direct College Savings Plan my kids will thank me when they’re ready for college. 

*What is a 529 college savings plan you ask?

It’s a type of investment account you can use for higher-education savings. 529 plans are usually sponsored by states.

*What makes these savings so powerful?

Tax savings. Your earnings grow federally tax-deferred, quali ed withdrawals are tax-free, and some states (like New York) have other tax bene ts as well.

You can use the money in a 529 account  to pay for anything that’s considered a qualified higher education expense, including tuition, books, supplies, etc.. Anybody can open a 529 account- parents, grandparents, friends as long as their a US citizen or resident-alien. 

My daughter wants to attend culinary school and I’m glad to hear she can choose from postsecondary trade, vocational schools, two & four year colleges and postgraduate programs. I just might take a few classes myself. My son also is considering culinary school. Whatever they choose the NY 529 Direct College Savings Plan will be there for them. 

I really enjoyed learning about this savings plan and my kids enjoyed touring the Intrepid and getting on the Simulator rides. I also got on one too. I’d like to thank everyone who spoke and for great information. Thanks to Momtrends as always for another fab Saturday event. NY529 was kind enough to contribute $100 each for both of my children toward their college education. For more info visit: http://www.nysaves.org or call 1(877)-NYSAVES



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

New RAGÚ Homestyle Pasta Sauce Tested at NYC Live Event

23 May

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of RAGÚ® Homestyle pasta sauce.

I love pasta so much I feel like I have some Italian roots in me. My love for RAGÚ® pasta sauce started when I was a teenager. I used to watch my aunt cook her famous spaghetti and meat sauce. She always used RAGÚ and her meal was amazing. As I started cooking I also used RAGÚ for my pasta dishes and I made a great choice in carrying on the tradition. RAGÚ had been my go to pasta sauce for years and we love it.

I was invited to partner and attend RAGÚ NYC Live Event and try RAGÚ Homestyle pasta sauce. Did you think I would turn down this invitation? The event took place at the Bowery Hotel on the Rooftop. Jars of RAGÚpasta sauce were placed all around tempting me to cook. Luckily I didn’t have to because chefs were waiting to take orders of whatever you wanted to try. I told the chef to hook me up with spaghetti, ground turkey, garlic, fresh basil, asparagus fresh tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and of course the star of the event RAGÚ pasta sauce. My dish was the first one made and everyone was snapping their cameras and salivating over my dish. RAGÚ Homestyle pasta sauce hugged my pasta so right and tasted so good I had to go back for seconds. I also had the pleasure of meeting actress/talk show host Tamera Mowry and You tube/Instagram star Honey Suckle Catering. They were so kind and are also partnering with RAGÚ. 


RAGÚ Homestyle sauces are perfect to use on classic family meals like spaghetti and meatballs or ravioli. RAGÚ Homestyle is available in five flavorful, thick and hearty varieties – Traditional, Meat, Roasted Garlic, Four Cheese and Mushroom.

I already used my jar of sauce and made my family Spaghetti and Meat Sauce. It came out great and was devoured so fast I wasn’t able to get any pictures. Next up will be lasagna. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of RAGÚ® Homestyle pasta sauce.

Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RaguSauce  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Ragu 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RaguSauce  

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/RaguSauce 

Check out the website for more info: href=“http://bit.ly/RaguSauce<

Mix & Mingle with Momtrends and Fairy Tales Hair Products #FairyTalesMix

19 May

Do you try to prevent things from happening to you or your family to avoid stress and headaches or do you just deal with the problem when it happens? 

I’m that mom that tries to prevent things from happening like my asthma for instance so I take preventive medication to avoid an asthma attack. I also make sure everyone gets a flu shot to avoid getting the flu and so on. 

Momtrends invited bloggers to Mix and Mingle with them and Fairy Tales Hair Products to celebrate the newly reformulated hair products. 



Did you know there are preventive hair care products to prevent catching head lice? Fairy Tales Hair Products have been around since 1999 delivering high quality products to your family. Shampoos, Comditioners, Detanglers, Sprays and even a Survival Kit at your service. 

I’m sure no one wants to wake up to a head full of lice. I’ve heard stories of how easy it to catch it. Sharing hats, combs, brushes, sleepovers and at camp sharing pillows, the list goes on and on. So if you could prevent a problem like head lice from happening wouldn’t you take the time to use the product? 

Here’s more info about lice: 

Lice are mostly spread through head-to-head contact. Lice infest children more than adults because they have more physical contact at that age.
Lice can survive up to 36 hours off the human head on clothing and other personal items such as hats, helmets, brushes, combs, hair ties, towels and head phones. They do not fly or jump. They crawl. Lice can also survive in water as they go into a state of suspended animation. Chlorine does not kill them. Pets do not carry the same type of head lice as children.

Here are tips for preventing head lice: 

Do a weekly head check. A quick check of the “hot spots” (behind the ears, back of the neck and at part lines) on a weekly basis can help prevent an outbreak.

Teach children NOT to share hats, combs, brushes, hair ties, pillows, sleeping bags, etc. Going to a princess party? Wipe down the tiara first. At sporting events, never share helmets or caps.

Keep long hair up in a ponytail or in a braid. Secure styles with styling aids. The extra coating will make it harder for lice to attach to the hair.

At school, daycare or camp make sure to store jackets, nap mats, backpacks and hats in separate cubbies or in a sealed bag.

Use lice prevention hair care products every day! Organic herbs such as rosemary, tea tree and citronella found in Rosemary Repel Hair Care® are proven safe, gentle and effective to help prevent head lice.

Another great things is their formulas are free of harsh chemicals, pesticides, toxins, paraben and sulfates. And with the growing concern regarding children’s allergies, they are now dairy, gluten and nut-free too! 

Don’t wait till it’s too late. Summer is right around the corner. Prepare in advance.


These pictures courtesy of Momtrends.


Check out http://www.fairytaleshaircare.com for more info and @ fairytaleshaircare on Twitter

Thank you to Momtrends for a wonderful night. 

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

Angry Birds Movie & Fun At Bronx Zoo Birds In Flight w/ Kidz Vuz #AngryBirdsMovie

16 May

My son, daughter, cousin and I  can’t stop talking about our adventure to the Angry Birds screening and trip to The Bronx Zoo this past Saturday. Kidz Vuz and Sony Pictures invited families to a day of fun. We started in the morning for a 10am screening and laughed through the entire movie. If you’re a fan of the game Angry Birds then you’re gonna love the movie. Even if you’ve never seen the game you will still enjoy this movie. I interviewed the cast of Angry Birds back in March and they were funny and so nice to talk to. They did a great job. 


My daughter’s favorite characters were Chuck and Bomb. Chuck is a fast talker, runner, funny and smart. I love the Hatchlings and want to bring home about a dozen. I also liked Chuck. My son’s favorite character is Red. My cousin’s favorite character is Bomb. He likes when he blows up. The pigs were a riot. The Mighty Eagle even though was a little crazy was a real hero. 

It was great seeing the community work together to get back what was taken from them. The soundtrack was on point and we were dancing in our seats. Blake Shelton did awesome as “Earl” and his catchy country song “Friends” had us tapping our feet and clapping our hands. 

Our next stop on our adventure was The Bronx Zoo. We hopped on a coach bus that was waiting for everyone and we were off. We had lunch, took pictures with Red and saw a show “Birds In Flight.” There were birds from all over flying around and the kids loved it. These birds definitely were not angry. Lol. They were showing off they’re huge wings and there was also an owl that came through.  After the bird show we walked around the zoo with our friends and explored. The Bronx Zoo is so big you could be there all day. We still didn’t see everything but enjoyed seeing what we did like bears, peacocks, giraffes, snakes, lions, camels and more. The weather was great and I encourage you to see this funny family friendly movie. I laughed so hard I was crying. All ages will enjoy. In theaters May 20, 2016. 





Check out @AngryBirds on Twitter and @angrybirdsofficial on Instagram for more info. Get your tickets! 

Disclosure: This post is not compensated. Opinions are mine 100%. We were invited to attend by Kidz Vuz and Sony. 

Broadway Musical Tuck Everlasting Review #EverlastingMOMS

13 May

I love taking my family to Broadway Plays. One of the perks of living in NYC. is we have the best Broadway plays right in Times Square. I was happy to see Tuck Everlasting come to Broadway. I was even more happier to get an invite from The Moms to bring my family and come see the play along with them and other fellow bloggers. Have you ever read the book Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt? If you have then I think it’s time for you to see the Musical on Broadway. “Winnie Foster” goes on an adventure because she’s not having any fun and tired of being bored. She meets the Tucks family and their secret and is given the chance to live forever like them or live a normal life. What do you think she chooses? Would you choose everlasting life? 


Seeing the cast up close and singing live with the incredible Tuck Everladting Orchestra was simply amazing. Eleven-year old Sarah Charles Lewis who plays “Winnie Foster” has some pipes on her. She did an incredible job. Pippa Pearthree who plays “Nana” is very funny, and a little feisty grandma. I think all the little girls had a crush on “Jesse Tuck” played by Andrew Keenan-Bolger. There are two acts and one 15 minute intermission.

The entire cast did a wonderful job and my kids and I gave it a ten out of ten. We met the cast members and the end of the play and my daughter asked them “Would you want to live forever?” Some said no and a few said yes. They loved her question. It would be hard to choose. Knowing you can’t be around your friends or neighbors because you don’t age and holding a secret forever  is difficult to do. 

We had a beautiful night out on Broadway and the cast members were very nice. “Jesse Tuck” even signed autographs. My daughter was very happy. I look forward to more from the cast and more Broadway plays this year. Thank you to The Moms for a magical night with my family. 

Check out @tuckmusical on Twitter and http://www.tuckeverlastingmusical.com for more info. 



Disclosure: This post is not compensated. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

TTPM Spring Showcase Fun Filled Day With My Kids And Lots Of Toys

11 May

TTPM Spring Showcase took place last month at the Metropolitan Pavillion and not only was I excited to attend so we’re my kids. It was bring your kids to work day and what better way to spend the day with your cool mom in a place full of toys. TTPM always has the greatest brands come together and show the coolest toys that will soon be in the hands of all kids and parents because I’m definitely a big kid.

After breakfast the press conference kicked off the day with the Most Wanted toys. My kids were saying oohs and ahhs to all the toys that came on stage and even the dogs took part too modeling costumes. My daughter jumped out of her seat to see Shopkins Season 5 from Moose Toys and Wet Head the fun new game from Zing Toys. My son loved all the Nerf products like the Super Soaker Breach Blast blaster which was named a top Outdoor Toy on TTPM’s Most Wanted list for 2016, Hot Wheels and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They also had fun on the Vuly trampoline from Spinmaster.  Spinmaster also brought along their talking Secret Life of Pets characters. 

 Pet toys were also big this year and the puppies and doggies were there to prove it. The WWE pet collection was so adorable. I loved all the fun things for pets and it just makes me want a puppy even more. (Shh don’t tell my kids, they’ve been wanting one for years).Vetch toys have everything for your infant, baby and preschooler. Hasbro’s Marvel Captain America Blaster Reveal Shield & Scope Vision Helmet recognized on TTPM Most Wanted Movie Toy list. My daughter was happy to receive a shield. 
 Play Doh is a must in our house and so glad to hear it was named one of TTPM’s Hot Brands for 2016. My daughter goes to town creating so many amazing things with her play doh. 


My daughter took a pic with her favorite You Tube Vloggers/Toy Reviewers (Disney Car Toys).My kids and every other kid ran through the curtains to get to test out al the toys. I though the parents were usually the beasts but the kids out did us. Lol. My daughter was excited to try out Wet Head and be the first to get wet. Next up Shopkins because she had to get samples of the new Season 5. She has seasons 1-4 now she’s on a mission to collect Season 5. They loved Razor WorldWide brand new Jetts. Just strap on and go. Also they couldn’t get enough of the scooters. 


My son loved the Nerf Sports Station where he was at more than once throughout the day. Finding Dory has the most cutest toys some that teach you how to talk whale, bath squirters and plush toys from Bandai America. We can’t  wait for the movie.

Just Play Toys had Sofia the First and Lion King toys ready for the kids. Leap Frog has the best educational games and toys for the kids. My daughter took home a Leap Pad Platinum tablet. She just loves it and takes it everywhere. I love it too!We received an ant farm from Uncle Milton toys and the  ants can be sent to you in the mail. Also light up signs featuring Finding Dory. My daughter collects lots of Legos and she loves Lego Friends. My kids also liked seeing  Minecraft Legos because they are huge Minecraft fans. 



Alex Toys gave kids a water blaster and there were also shrinky dinks and other girl accessories. Nickelodeon TV has the best beach set up station in the room showcasing everything Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more from toys to beach wear, towels, sandals, etc. I felt like I was at the beach and wanted to take home the lifeguard chair. Lunch was great and that’s when I took a rest. There were four bags stuffed with toys thanks to my kids who worked the room like future mini bloggers in the making. They had fun with their friends too. 

They were so many toys and we are ready to review as much as we can. This summer we can’t wait to get outdoors and take the toys with is. Keep a lookout for our reviews.

Just want to thank TTPM again for a fun filled day with all the brands and making take your kid to work day a fun experience. See you soon! 


Disclosure: My kids and I were invited to attend TTPM and opinions are ours 100%. We were given swag. 

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