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Our Top 6 Favorite Snacks

As a busy family we are always on the go and look for snacks to keep us energized and must taste great. I look for snacks that transport well, doesn’t get soggy or crushed and keep the kids happy. I’ve listed our favorite snacks my kids and I love. These snacks are great for movie night at home, camping, lunchboxes, road trips, picnics and pajama parties. To be honest they are good anytime and anywhere you want them.

1. Horizon Organic:

Horizon Organic Chocolate Protein Plus – This organic chocolate milk has 15g of protein per bottle, making it a great after-school boost or post-gym recovery drink!

· Horizon Organic Apple Fruit Clusters – There’s only four ingredients in this tasty treat. Plus, they’re 60 calories per pouch.

· Horizon Organic Sandwich Crackers – These bite size snack crackers are made with organic peanut butter or organic cheese, depending on the variety.

· Horizon Snack Crackers – Unlike conventional options, these crackers use organic wheat and, in the cheddar variety, real organic cheese.

· Horizon Snack Grahams – These are a kid- and adult- friendly treat with 8g of whole grains per serving.

Check out http://www.horizondairy.com and http://www.horizon.com for more info.

2. Hain Celestial Snacks represent a variety of snacks from Sensible Portions, TERRA and Garden of Eatin.

*Garden of Eatin’ Bowls Tortilla Chips. Available in two delicious flavors: White Corn with Sea Salt and Blue Corn with Sea Salt. Both varieties are certified USDA Organic and non-GMO project verified. Go to http://www.gardenofeatin.com for more info.

*Stackable Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips are a fun, better-for-you snack for the whole family. They are made with delicious, wholesome ingredients that pack fun and flavor, not preservatives or fillers and they come in four delicious flavors – Sour Cream & Onion, Cheddar, Sea Salt and BBQ. Website: http://www.sensibleportions.com

*TERRA comes in two main varieties, Exotic Blend, which includes the original flavor, and Sweet Potato, which includes our sweets and beets flavors. All TERRA Real Vegetable chips are made with non-GMO ingredients, are gluten free and certified kosher. Go to http://www.terrachips.com

We absolutely love all of these. Terra are our favorite. The taste is amazing and so healthy.

3. KingOfPOP. These new Gourmet Popcorn offerings have unexpected flavors, including: CInnamon & Sugar Kettle Corn, Garlic Parmesan, or even Hickory Maple Bacon Kettle Corn, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Kettle Corn, Sweet Onion Kettle Corn, Buffalo Popcorn, Zesty Ranch Popcorn, and Honey Mustard Popcorn. The price for a 24-pack of 1.4 oz. bags is just $26.40 at http://www.KingOfPOP.com.

4. Cheryl’s is famous for their buttercream frosting, which uses only the finest ingredients, such as rich, creamy butter, go into these soft, delicious, smooth cookies. After more than a year of research and product development, Cheryl’s recently launched its first gluten-free baked goods line, produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility. Check out http://www.cheryls.com

5. Del Monte Fruit Refreshers Fruit Cups. It’s for adults but my kids love them too. I love the adult size and the flavors like Pineapple in Passion Fruit lightly sweetened in Fruit Water. Go to http://www.delmonte.com for more info.

6. Organic BROWNIE BRITTLE is available in three flavors including: Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate & Pretzel and Chocolate & Toasted Coconut, with the latter two flavor combinations new to the BROWNIE BRITTLE family. These three flavors are available in a five-ounce resealable package and will retail for $4.99. In addition, Organic Chocolate Chip BROWNIE BRITTLE is available in a 16-ounce club store-sized bag. Head to browniebrittle.com

Disclosure: I was given product to review. Opinions are mine 100% as always.

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Categories Back To School, Family, Food, Fun, Home, Kids, Picnic, Shopping, What's Going On?

Giveaway: Breyers Gelato Indulgences Picnic Date Night Kit

10 Aug

With the kids out of school and summer in full swing, you may be finding it hard to schedule a date night with your special someone. But it can be easier than you think! Breyers Gelato Indulgences wants to offer you a sweet solution – no flowers or reservations required.

You can squeeze in quality time right in your own backyard or local park with a picnic date night kit from Breyers Gelato Indulgences, including:

· One (1) outdoor picnic blanket, handwoven from genuine Turkish cotton

· Three (3) full-value coupons for Breyers Gelato Indulgences, so you can enjoy a few of the brand’s premium gelatos, each featuring a creamy gelato, luscious sauce and gourmet toppings. More details on the eight varieties of Breyers Gelato Indulgences currently available are below.

· One (1) insulated cooler tote to transport your Breyers Gelato Indulgences to your date. This tote is also perfect for other outdoor events and trips to the market.

· Two (2) heart-shaped Alessi designer spoons so you can dig in on your date! These spoons are crafted of 18/10 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.

Current varieties of Breyers Gelato Indulgences include:

· New This Year: Cappuccino – Features cappuccino gelato with a foamy cream swirl and gourmet chocolate chips

· New This Year: Chocolate Caramel – Features chocolate gelato with luscious caramel sauce and gourmet chocolate curls

· New This Year: Mint Chocolate – Features mint gelato with a rich fudge swirl and gourmet chocolate curls

· New This Year: Strawberry Truffle – Features strawberry gelato with a rich fudge swirl and gourmet dark chocolatey truffles.

· Vanilla Caramel – Features creamy vanilla gelato with luscious caramel sauce and gourmet caramel curls

· Raspberry Cheesecake – Features cheesecake gelato with luscious raspberry sauce and gourmet graham crumble

· Tiramisu – Features mascarpone gelato with espresso sauce, ladyfinger cookie pieces & gourmet cocoa

· Triple Chocolate – Features milk and dark chocolate gelato with white chocolate sauce & chocolate curls

Giveaway: Breyers is offering one of my readers the picnic date night kit mentioned above. To enter make sure you are subscribed to my blog, following me on Instagram @nilimo and Twitter @nilimonicky and following @Breyers on Twitter. Leave a comment below telling me why you could use a date night or what flavor gelato you will bring to your picnic.

Giveaway ends August 20, 2015 and winner announced August 21,2105. Five Little Words is not responsible for shipment of prize.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a date night kit for reviewing purposes. Opinions are mine 100% as always.

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Categories Family, Food, Free, Fun, Giveaways, Picnic, What's Going On?

MOTHER’S DAY AT BELMONT PARK VIP STYLE #ABRMomsDayAtBelmont

12 May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Blogger Event, Family, Fashion, Free, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Invitational Event, Kids, Mother's Day, Picnic, Travel, What's Going On?

FUN TIMES AT MY SECOND BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC #NilimonickyBTSPicnic

15 Sep

Summer seems to have come and left so quickly this year. It also seemed like school started much earlier than last year. I decided to have my second Back To School Picnic. Friends and family were invited. This time I had it September 7th in Central Park again of course. It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day. With the help of my friend Denise from @boyzruleourwrld we headed downtown to pick up a catering order from the famous Hill Country Brooklyn. They were very, very generous in donating food for my picnic to feed my guests. They provided us with BBQ Chicken, Cornbread and Texas Black Eyed Caviar. Everything was amazing and everyone was able to get more if they wanted. I am in love with their new location in Brooklyn located at 345 Adams St. It is huge and as soon as you get out the train it is right across the street. The BBQ is delicious and there is also live music. Great for any event or party and on Mondays they have an All You Can Eat special from 5pm-10pm for $30 per person and kids 12 and under eat free when accompanied by an adult. I definitely will be taking my kids and a few friends with their kids to enjoy this special. For more info visit their website and check out the menu http://www.hillcountrybk.com and their Twitter handle is: @hillcountrybk Thank you again for donating food, utensils and paper products.

Crayola hooked the kids up with their fabulous New Ultra -Clean Washable Markers. Just the fact that they are washable made me and every parent happy. Where were these when I was growing up? Crayola has always been my favorite brand when going back to school shopping with my mom. I always asked for the 64 crayons with crayon sharpener built in. I still buy Crayola for my kids and will always use their products. Find them at http://www.crayola.com and on Twitter: @crayola

Bitsys Brain Food is one of my favorite snacks for kids. Made with organic ingredients, nutritious, real fruits and veggies. They donated their fabulous Sweet Potato Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. I found out about these at an event I went to and fell in love immediately. The toddlers at my picnic loved the cookies. I gave extra to everyone to take home. There are 4 flavors to try. They also make cereal as well. Check out their website and try all the delicious flavors. http://www.bitsysbrainfood.com on Twitter it’s: @bitsysbrainfood

Pirate’s Booty blessed me for my picnic last year and again this year with their aged white cheddar puffs. Kids love these and my guests went home with enough for their kids to take as a snack in their lunch bags. You can never go wrong when there’s Pirate’s Booty snacks around. Check out other flavors on their web at http://www.piratesbrands.com and on Twitter: @piratesbooty

Vera Bradley was gracious to send me a stylish backpack to give away. I recently visited her showroom in Manhattan because my daughter modeled there for a back to school fashion show and we fell in love with everything from bags to accessories. My winner was Tanisha Gomez from My Journey With Josh. She was so happy because she’s starting school and really needed it so I am so glad she won. What’s your favorite style? Check for beautiful selections now: http://www.verabradley.com and on Twitter @verabradley

Arizona Beverages provided everyone with their famous iced tea. From the kids half and half to the adults lightly sweetened, lemon and unsweetened Oak Brewed Tea drinks we were hydrated throughout the day. The kids drinks were just the right size for smaller hands and perfect it fits in any lunch bag. I loved all the Oak Brewed Tea flavors made with Black Tea. My kids like opening their lunch bags and finding an Arizona inside. Find your favorite at http://www.drinkarizona.com Twitter: @drinkarizona

Krusteaz known for their pancake mixes, dessert bar, pie crust, muffin and crumb cake mixes and a variety of others sent me coupons so I could make their products to serve at my picnic but I couldn’t find the lemon bars anywhere so I just handed out coupons to guests so they could get a free box of their favorite. I will find the lemon bars and make the and serve at my next party. If you like baking go to their website http://www.krusteaz.com and on Twitter @Krusteaz

Hefty famous serving, storage and disposal products brand sent me a coupon to use for plates or bowls. I appreciated the coupon but didn’t use it yet because the food that was catered provided us with plates. However, I will be using this as well at my next party. Need products? http://www.Hefty.com and @Hefty on Twitter.

Musselman’s Apple Sauce sent over packs of applesauce. Best tip they shared with me was to freeze the cup of applesauce and use it as an ice pack in the lunch bag. By lunch time the cup is thawed enough to eat as a healthy slushie. Isn’t that a great tip? I think so. So I tried that tip and the day of my picnic forgot to bring the applesauce with me. OMG. I was so upset. I knew I would see some of my guests over the next few days after the picnic and gave some out. My kids enjoyed the slushie in their lunch bags. For more awesomeness check out http://www.musselmans.com and @Musselmansapple on Twitter.

Aquaball the great sugar-free naturally flavored water for kids sent over a variety of drinks with Disney characters on the labels. Flavors included fruit punch, berry, grape and orange. The kids loved having their favorite Disney character to collect on their bottles like Disney Princesses, Marvel Avengers and Disney Planes. Aquaball does not add any artificial colors and flavors. No high fructose corn syrup which I make sure not to give my kids. Zero calories. What parent wouldn’t want that? Don’t buy the sugary drinks, give Aquaball drinks a try. Visit http://www.theaquaball.com for more info where to purchase. @AquaballDrink on Twitter.

Poketti Plushes reached out to me with their adorable animal pillows with back pocket designed by 14 year old Sydney Loew from Palo Alto, California. These are great pillows and you can stuff a favorite toy, glasses, pacifier, cell phone or even a tooth for the tooth fairy in the back pocket. There’s Baxter the Puppy, Roxi the Kitty, Sydney the Penguin and Toni the Bunny. My guests got to choose their favorite. These pillows are super soft plush with 100% cotton and are great for any age. I find myself sleeping with one and putting my phone in the pocket. These are available for purchase and are currently on sale. Check http://www.poketti.com for price and stores that sell Poketti. Twitter @PokettiPlushies

GoGo squeeZ kept everyone happy with their 100% fruit squeezable applesauce. I personally love their commercial and products. There are a variety of flavors available and the package is so convenient it fits in anything. My kids take them to school and my oldest always grab one as he leaves and when he comes home. Come on, who doesn’t love applesauce?
I always find them on sale at my local Target store. The parents had a good time getting our GoGo squeeZ on as well. You’re never too old for GoGo squeeZ. Find them on Twitter @GoGosqueeZ

Vamousse I recently met at an event and wanted me to provide their product in the gift bags. Non-Toxic and Pesticide Free head lice products that treat, prevent and protect children and their families against lice, eggs and super lice. I didn’t even know there was a super lice. I’m sure no parent wants to experience any type of lice on their children. It’s good to have this product ready just in case. For more info you can check them out at http://www.vamousselice.com and @Vamousselice on Twitter.

Thank you to everyone once again who donated, attended and helped out. I really appreciated it. Let me know if you visited any of the Sponsors listed above and what you thought of their products.
Enjoy the pics. I can’t wait for the next #NilimonickyBTSPicnic

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Categories Family, Food, Fun, Kids, Picnic, What's Going On?

BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC IN CENTRAL PARK #BTSPicnic

25 Aug

Friday, August 23, 2013 was the day I planned to have a Back to School Picnic for the kids. It was held in Central Park and I wanted our kids to enjoy the last few weeks together before school starts. This picnic was to promote healthy foods and snacks for our kids lunch boxes and after school snacks. Some of the kids already started school, but they showed up after school and enjoyed the picnic. The day before the picnic it rained and I was hoping the grass wasn’t too wet but once that sun came out it pretty much dried up. The day turned out beautiful. The kids were able to enjoy the playground, sprinklers, and a recreation center with basketball. My kids came prepared with their scooters, football, basketball, jump rope, and hula hoop. They also bought along their UNO cards to play a game. A few of the other kids bought their footballs, scooters, etc as well. I also had bubbles, crayons, and coloring books for the kids to enjoy.

To all the families that came out I just want to say thank you for spending a fun filled day in beautiful Central Park. It was great seeing everyone and enjoying our kids smiling, happy faces. My daughter asked were we seeing the kids again. She likes playing with all her friends. Just being able to run free on the grass in all that open space for a kid is a great feeling.

I’d like to give a enormous thank you shout out to all the BRANDS who donated to the #BTSPicnic. Without you I don’t know what I would have done. Everything was greatly appreciated. To the BRANDS that didn’t get to deliver on time when the products come I will give to everyone that attended.

Go Go SqueeZ
Pirate’s Booty
Just Salad
Off the Wall Yogurt
Land O’ Lakes
Funny Face Cranberries
Pepperidge Farm
Golden Krust Bakery
Hickies who offered a 30% off discount code good till the end of August (HICKIESbloggerparty)

Funny Face Cranberries has the best dried cranberries for kids. I love the funny flavors like, Rootin Tootin Raspberry, Choo Choo Cherry, Goofy Grape, and Freckle Face Strawberry. Theses are a great low-sugar snack for kids.
Find out more on their Twitter page @FunnyFaceCran.

Go Go SqueeZ is another great snack for kids and adults on the go! 100% applesauce in a pouch, super healthy!! You can also recycle their pouches with @TerraCycle Their Twitter handle is GoGosqueeZ

Just Salad has more than salad but I love their salads and their cute BPA free, environmentally safe bowls. When you visit their locations you can purchase a bowl which is reusable and every time you come back with your bowl you get TWO FREE essential toppings or ONE FREE cheese. Everything in Just Salad is healthy and fresh and I am glad to have one in my neighborhood. I will be using my bowl frequently.it is also a great bowl for the kids to take fruit or salad to school as well. So, get your salad on and visit Just Salad. Find them on Twitter @justsalad

Land O’Lakes provided the parents with free Deli Cheese coupons which will definitely come in handy for back to school. Who doesn’t love cheese? Come on. Cheese makes so many meals taste great and I personally love snacking on cheese. My kids are grilled cheese fanatics so I appreciate these coupons very much! I also can’t get enough macaroni and cheese. Visit them on Twitter @LandOLakesKtchn

Pepperidge Farms sent over their amazing Goldfish Puffs which are addictive especially with the THREE flavors that they have which are: Mega Cheese, Buffalo Wing, and Cheddar Bacon. I’ve given the kids goldfish crackers but when they sent these over we didn’t know what to do. We were loving all of them. They are puffed up crackers and a burst of flavor in your mouth which is very good. They are also gluten-free.i hope to find these in my local supermarkets or Target. @PepperidgeFarm on Twitter

Pirate’s Booty rice and corn puffs are another snack that is great to have. I like the fact that their free from fryers and ingredients you can’t pronounce. There’s nothing like standing in the supermarket trying to read ingredients that I don’t know the meaning of, let alone can’t pronounce. These are also gluten-free, all natural, and trans fat free. They have 4 different varieties but we are in love with Aged White Cheddar.The others are Veggie, Sour Cream and Onion, and Barrrrrbeque. Give them a try. @piratesbooty on Twitter

Off the Wall Yogurt sells frozen yogurt with 16 flavors, and 40 rotating toppings. Even though we didn’t have frozen yogurt at the picnic because it definitely would have melted I was given gift cards to give out. There was just a grand opening of their Times Square location and I love this yogurt. Yogurt is great anytime of the year. Check them out on Twitter @OTWyogurt

Golden Krust provided the beef and chicken patties. These were very good. Everyone enjoyed snacking on these Jamaican meat patties. It was great having a little bit of Caribbean flavor at the picnic.These snack size patties were just right for adults hands and little ones and not messy at all. For a picnic these were perfect. Their Twitter handle is @GoldenKrustBkry

Hickies is an elastic lace that replaces boring shoelaces. I hate tying my shoelaces. With Hickies you don’t ever have to tie or untie your shoe again. I love all the colors and you can mix and match if you want. My daughter loves wearing her and Hickies is offering a 30%off discount code that I mentioned above so go on their site and see what fun style Hickies will bring to your wardrobe.@hickies check them out.

I also purchased pizza pies for the kids as a little extra treat.
Everyone enjoyed the picnic and I can’t wait to have another one!!
Enjoy the pictures.