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Six Flags Great Adventure Announces June Events

31 May

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Now Open for the 2016 Season – Weekends beginning June 4 Celebrate summer at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. The 45-acre, elaborately-themed water park is one of America’s largest, and features a million-gallon wave pool, one of the country’s longest “lazy rivers,” a giant, two-story family water playground, and more than 25 high-speed thrill slides. Hurricane Harbor welcomes the addition of the all-new Caribbean Cove water play area for families later this summer. The water playground includes 55 interactive features including water jets, spray nozzles and a dumping bucket. Hurricane Harbor is open on weekends and begins daily operation June 18.

 

Ronald McDonald® House Walk for Kids – June 5

Six Flags Great Adventure hosts the 17th annual Walk for Kids at Six Flags Great Adventure June 7. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Walk begins at 9:00 a.m. and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Central and Northern New Jersey. Individuals under 18 who raise $50 or more and adults over 18 who raise $75 or more and are pre-registered will receive a free “Walk for Kids” T-Shirt as well as a ticket to Six Flags Great Adventure for the day.


 

Action Sports World Tour – June 11 & 12

See the world’s best BMX and skateboard pros from the X Games team up on the biggest half-pipe in the world for a unique team competition. Root for a team of one skateboard and one BMX pro as they compete against other teams in contests including individual runs, highest air, best trick and team doubles. The competition takes place in the Movietown Stunt Show Arena. Entrance to the event requires a ticket and is not included with theme park admission.


 

Discover Exclusive Ride Time – June 12

Discover invites card members and Six Flags Season Pass holders to exclusive ride time events at Six Flags, every second Sunday this summer. Stay late and enjoy big thrills with Discover and Six Flags. Participating rides will be communicated in-park on the event dates. Event wristbands will be available beginning two hours prior to scheduled park closing time at the designated event table. Guests must present a valid Discover card or Six Flags Season Pass to receive a wristband.  

 

Job Fair – June 12

Six Flags Great Adventure is hiring smiling faces for Four Seasons of Thrills at the World’s Largest Theme Park. Work where you love to play, plus get the opportunity to make great friends, earn competitive wages, tickets for friends and perks throughout the park.

Job fair will be held at the park Sunday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with on-the-spot interviews. The job fair takes place in the Employment Center accessed by entering through the Employee Entrance on Route 537 East.

 

Praise in the Park – June 18

Six Flags Great Adventure celebrates Praise in the Park featuring Anthony Brown & Group therAPy, Maurette Brown Clark and Brian Courtney Wilson Saturday, June 18. The show takes place at 6 p.m. in the Plymouth Rock Assurance® Arena and is free with theme park admission or Season Pass.

 Central Jersey Blood Center Blood Drive – June 25

The Central Jersey Blood Center will host a blood drive at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Employment Center from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Each donor will receive one theme park ticket valid for Six Flags Great Adventure. Blood supplies are typically low in the summer months and one donation can save up to three lives.


Disclosure: This post is courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure. 

#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. 

Momtrends 6th Annual Travel Event 

25 Apr

Momtrends held their 6th Annual Travel Trends Event at Ivivva in Union Square. This year I definitely want to explore and travel even if it’s local I appreciate all the tips and cool trends I can get. As I walked in Ivivva with my kids I was given a passport to use set each table as I talked to brands and get a stamp in my book as if I’m traveling. My daughter quickly ran to the kids table with her friends and decorated her Seedling bag and received goodies. Seedling creates uniquely innovative products that encourages families to build, imagine and play together. Check them out here: http://www.seedling.com 

 Ebags was the first table my son and I talked to. The colors on the bags drew me in. The backpacks and luggage are just what I need for my cruise. I also adore the packing cubes for my shoes and other items. The bags have a lifetime guarantee which is a big plus in my book. Ebags is the world’s leading online retailer of bags and travel accessories. I was happy to receive a packing cube in my gift bag. It’s so lightweight but holds just what I need. Head to http://www.ebags.com now.  

 You can’t have a travel event without Hershey’s chocolate being present. Not only was the largest Hershey’s chocolate bar in our gift bags there was also a chocolate fountain pouring chocolate on fruit, pretzels or marshmallows. My kids enjoyed that station. Experience the new Chocolate Making Tour at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction this summer. Check the website for more info: http://www.hersheypark.com 

 Cool Gear has awesome BPA free products for on the go. In our gift bags we received the cutest travel tubes  that can hold anything like lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, etc.. Love the bright colors and the different sizes. Website for more info: http://www.coolgearinc.com and @coolgearinc on Twitter 

 Igloo Coolers always make t easy for me to choose what I need for my parties, picnics, bbq’s and road trips. Their coolers, totes and buckets keep my drinks and food cool and happy. I’m still stalking the Party Bar that lights up with LED lights when it’s dark out and hold a ton of drinks. I also love the half gallon sport jug which I have. Go to @igloocoolers on Instagram for the latest.  

 Talbots hooked the Momtrends ladies up with gorgeous outfits. They looked spring like as if they were ready to cruise and dance the night away . I loved them all. Very classic. See the latest styles at http://www.talbots.com and @talbotsofficial on Twitter 

 Ivivva where the event was held is inspired by active girls. If you need athletic wear for your daughter like leggings, leotards, jackets and accessories this is the place to get it. Nicole Feliciano and Sherri Schubert from Momtrends introduced their daughters who modeled a few of the clothes from Ivivva and also showed us how easy these pieces can be packed in their backpacks without taking up any room for a week away from easy and no ironing required. They all did an amazing job. Follow @ivivva on Twitter for more info.  

 Go Picnic nutritious ready to eat meals were a hit with the kids and adults. My daughter took some to school for her lunch. There’s a variety to choose from like salami, turkey, hummus, sunbutter and turkey pepperoni to name a few. There’s also Go a Picnic Snacks and Go Picnic Breakfast. Gluten free, vegetarian and kosher. Buy online or in your local grocery store. http://www.gopicnic.com and @GoPicnic on Twitter 

 I’ve not a fan of tap water but I am a big fan of water that has an alkaline 9.5 pH or higher. I’ve only found a few and I’m proud to discover Essentia Water. This water is an electrolyte enhanced water with the alkaline of 9.5 pH. I’ve always been a walker and my Fitbit keeps track of my steps so I’ve been doing great with walking 10,000 or more steps every time I go out. Essentia Water will be by my side to keep me hydrated. @EssentiaWater on Instagram @EssentiapHwater on Twitter and http://www.essentiawater.com website.  

 I’d like to thank Momtrends for another fun event. My kids and I enjoyed spending the evening with you and all the brands and taking home great tips for travel and a great gift bag. 

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. Opinions are mine 100% as always. A few pictures are compliments of Momtrends. 

Six Flags Great Adventure Coasters, Lions, Tigers & Bears

28 Mar

Six Flags GreatAdventure launched four seasons of thrills March 23 with Opening Weekend Presented by Allegra® and Spring Break running through April 3 from 10:30 am to 8 pm daily. The event is marked by the debut of adorable lion, tiger and bear cubs, special events, new offerings plus a countdown to the park’s 14th and most insane coaster, The Joker, and Hurricane Harbor’s new Caribbean Cove water playground. 

*Lions, Tigers, Bears (Oh My!) and Events Begin March 23

  
Guests can see the Safari’s adorable baby cub trio – consisting of lion, tiger and bear cubs — beginning March 23. The female lion named Zuri and tiger named Nadya were born late last year. The pair made news when the Six Flags animal care team began hand-raising them as sisters when their mothers did not adequately care for them. While the two would typically never cross paths in the wild, they have bonded and help each other gain socialization skills. The newest cub, a female European brown bear named Baily, was born January 12 and needed medical assistance. She has been thriving under veterinary team care. The cub trio will spend most of the season at Camp Aventura, and will be introduced to their respective species at the Safari later this season.

  
Two new shows will make their debut this spring. Versatile entertainers Cliff Woerner and Nick Spinelli will blur the line between the possible and impossible as they showcase a blend of comedy, wondrous illusions and audience participation in This Magic Moment, beginning March 23 in Adventure Theater. In SeaFari Theater, fun and friendly animal competition featuring sea lions, pigs, otters, birds and goats will take center stage in the new Wildlife Games, set to debut later this spring.

The theme park will also introduce new dining venues this spring including the Go Fresh Café with healthy food options near Nitro, Sky Bar featuring wine, beer, soda and a variety of snacks adjacent to the 24-story SkyScreamer, and Villains Café featuring turkey legs, snacks and drinks in the Lakefront. For Season Pass holders, the best dining value continues to be the All-Season Dining Pass which allows guests to pay once and eat all year and includes the new dining venues.

Educational programs will also welcome students back to Six Flags this spring. Boy Scout Camporee, Girl Scout Day, Biology Day, Physics Day and Safari Off Road Education turn the park into an outdoor classroom where kids can experience fun and learning.

  

*THE JOKER Will Wreak Total Mayhem Along the Lakefront

  
Six Flags Great Adventure prepares for its most insane roller coaster experience in history with The Joker. After being lifted straight up a 12-story, 90-degree hill, this 4-D, free-fly coaster will wreak havoc as riders flip head-over-heels at least six times along the 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 park’s 14th and most unique scream machine in its history, The Joker is expected to wreak total mayhem beginning Memorial Day weekend, and join the ranks of all legendary roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure.

  

*New Caribbean Cove Splashes into Hurricane Harbor

  
Beginning May 21, Guests can cool down as the weather heats up at Hurricane Harbor. In June, the all-new water play area, Caribbean Cove, will add more family fun to the 45-acre water park.

 Caribbean Cove cool facts:  

· Active and colorful water play center with more than 55 interactive features

· Spray nozzles, jets, valves, water guns, action slide and a giant tipping bucket towering nearly two stories in the air

· Two-foot-deep, beach-entry pool

· Giant beach area with 300 new lounge chairs

· New shade canopy will provide additional respite from the summer sun

 Caribbean Cove will be situated between the between the Taak It Eez Ee Creek lazy river and Big Wave Racer slide complex and is slated to open June 2016.

  
*Infamous Super Villain Gives New Twist to Family Favorite at Six Flags Great Adventure

The chaos continues at Six Flags Great Adventure as a classic family roller coaster takes on a whole new persona in 2016. Next to The Joker, the park’s insane, new 4D, free-fly coaster currently taking shape, a sleek and serpentine coaster that has been thrilling families for more than 15 years will make her debut as Harley Quinn Crazy Train this spring.

  
“It is only fitting that this twisted makeover reunites The Joker with his partner in crime, Harley Quinn,” said Six Flags Great Adventure President John Fitzgerald. “As ultimate thrill seekers flock to our new, jaw-dropping coaster The Joker, family-sized thrills will be right next door with Harley Quinn Crazy Train.”

 Harley Quinn Crazy Train facts:

· Steel coaster reaching a maximum speed of 22 mph

· Nearly 3 story lift hill (28 feet tall)

· 1,181 feet of twisted red and black track

· 1 minute 45 seconds ride

· 20 passengers per train

· Minimum 41” tall to ride

 Harley Quinn Crazy Train is expected to roll into town by late April. For more information about the 2016 season at Six Flags Great Adventure, visit http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

   
 Tickets, operating hours, park information and special events can be found at http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Follow on Twitter @sfgradventure

Like on Facebook at facebook.com/sixflagsgreatadventure

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. 

 
 

My Family Weekend Getaway with Residence Inn Central Park 

26 Feb

I promised myself that 2016 would be the year of travel for my family and I. Whether it’s local or abroad we deserve to travel more and go on lots of vacations. My hometown New York is so big and things are constantly being built. I’m not one to walk looking up but I have been noticing the architecture on buildings and have found some interesting things. Sometimes I feel like a tourist in my own city especially when I attend an event in a building I know I’ve passed more than a hundred times. Honestly I like finding things because I like to help guide people to the best places my city have to offer. 

In January I attended Central Park Neighborhood Block Party at Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan-Central Park. Two hotels in one building and not just any hotel, the tallest hotel in North America. I am proud to say my city has the tallest hotel in North America. How great is that? 

As I walked in I was greeted by amazing staff and directed to the Bistro which is located on the 4th floor till my event started. Drinks and food can be purchased at the Bistro and you can also grab a personal booth with a television and outlets to charge your devices. 

Later I made my way down to the 3rd floor, another spacious dining area where the event took place. I was there to meet clients, enjoy food, cocktails, live music and try to win amazing prizes. 

There were also tours of the two hotels (Courtyard & Residence Inn) that I made sure to go on. As I walked into the rooms I  was in heaven. I knew I just had to bring my family back to experience what I was seeing at that moment. 

Everything was perfect from the beds to the incredible views from the 65th floor. One side of the hotel shows views of Times Square and you can even see the New Year’s Eve ball, so if you’re looking to stay in a hotel for NYE and want to see the ball drop up close I suggest you book early. 

After the tour lots of raffles were given away. Lots of people took home very generous prizes. I won a complimentary 2-night stay at Residence Inn Central Park. You already know I was very excited because I wanted this and it was given to me. When I told my kids they were equally excited and wanted to go right away. 

I decided to go the week of my son’s birthday which also happen to be their week off from school. I took 3 of my kids and we had a great weekend together. Awaiting us in our room was popcorn, soda and candy for a fun movie night and we were also given food from the Bistro. We appreciated that so much.   

  Residence Inn Central Park is a suite-hotel with floor to ceiling windows and awesome views of NYC. There’s also free wifi and breakfast. Inside the room there’s also a microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer, coffee machine, toaster, crockpot, dishes, glassware and silverware. These suites are great for anyone staying longer than a week. It’s a home away from home. My kids said they wanted to live there. We loved the dishwasher. We all took turns using it. I did shopping in the area and made use of the refrigerator and microwave. My son enjoyed popping his popcorn in the microwave.  

 We watched movies, ate lots of food, had pillow fights, played cards and made shadow figures on the ceiling. We also took pictures outside like tourists, did grocery shopping and enjoyed the weather. We all loved waking up to the beautiful views of New York from the 42nd floor.  

 A full American Breakfast is served on the 3rd floor from 7-10a.m., Saturday and Sunday and 6:30-9:30a.m. Monday thru Friday. They have everything from coffee, tea, juice, scrambled eggs, french toast, sausage, muffins, bagels, oatmeal, cereal, potatoes, fruit, biscuits, waffles that you can make yourself in the waffle maker which my kids enjoyed doing. If you miss breakfast you can head to the Bistro for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, drinks and Starbucks Coffee.   

  The fitness center, sky terrace seasonal outdoor space, ice machine and guest laundromat is located on the 35th floor. Happy hour is from 4-7p.m. in the Bistro 7 days a week.  
 There’s so much to do in the area. Times Square is not far away and you can catch a Broadway Play, go shopping, and take plenty of pictures with all the lights that are so bright up and down Times Square. Also across from the hotel is talk show The Late Show. I don’t know how far in advance you should put in a request for tickets but if you happen to be in town when you do get tickets enjoy! There might even be standby tickets available if you ask.  

 We didn’t want the weekend to end and the kids are ready to return. Our home away from home will always be with Residence Inn no matter where we travel. Thank you for a great weekend getaway Residence Inn.  

 For more info check out @residenceinncentralpark on Instagram. Here is the link to the website : http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycpr-residence-inn-new-york-manhattan-central-park/

Disclosure: I won a 2-night stay at Residence Inn. I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Mitsubishi Mirage Car Review #DriveMitsubishi 

18 Dec

The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage was handed to me on loan from Drive Shop for a week. I’ve seen this cute purple car before when my friend also received a loan. I thought it was the cutest compact car ever. Five-door, seats five and seven air bags which includes a driver’s knee airbag designed to stabilize your lower body and knees during certain types of collisions. That’s extra level of protection when you need it most. 

Perfect and small enough to fit just about anywhere in my neighborhood and not take up lots of space. The plasma purple color stood out I could spot it blocks away. My daughter was very happy to have a purple car to drive around in. There are eight colors to choose from.  

Love the 37 MPG City and 44 MPG Hwy. 5-speed manual transmission or Continuosly Variable Transmission where the Mirage does the shifting for you. It shifts into neutral when you come to a complete stop and applies the brakes to save on fuel. The instant you let your foot off the brake, it goes back in gear and you’re on your way. 

Bluetooth hands free phone system came in handy with voice command which meant never having to take my hands off the steering wheel. 

Another favorite for me is starting a car with touch start/stop engine switch. Put foot on brake and press start/stop button and it starts. Park car and press button and engine turns off. Also unlocking/locking the Mirage with the fast-key entry system was great. Push button once to unlock driver’s door or twice to unlock them all. Piece of cake. 

There’s also a 10 year /100,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty and included is a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable New Basic Limited Warranty and more warranties. See your dealer for details. 

We enjoyed our Mitsubishi Mirage for the week and look forward to more loaners from Drive Shop. 

For prices, dealers, gallery and accessories check out http://www.mitsubishicars.com 

Disclosure: I was given the Mitsubishi Mirage as a loaner to review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
    
     
  

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Announces New Caribbean Cove Interactive Water Play Area in 2016 

16 Nov

Jackson, NJ – November 11, 2015 – With Six Flags Great Adventure’s new Holiday in the Park event just days away, the world’s largest theme park is unveiling another thrilling expansion for 2016 with the addition of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor’s Caribbean Cove, a fun and interactive water play area.
 “Hurricane Harbor is already home to some of the most innovative and extreme water slides on the planet, and in 2016 we are excited to offer families a spectacular, new area featuring tons of splashy playtime activities along with refreshing relaxation for children and their parents,” said Six Flags Great Adventure President John Fitzgerald.

 The key features of Caribbean Cove include:  

· Active and colorful water play center with more than 55 interactive features

· Spray nozzles, jets, valves, water guns, action slide and a giant tipping bucket towering nearly two stories in the air

· Two-foot-deep, beach-entry pool

· Giant beach area with 300 new lounge chairs

· New shade canopy will provide additional respite from the summer sun

 At Caribbean Cove, kids can play for hours, and parents can choose to join in the fun or watch while reclining nearby. The play area will be located between the Taak It Eez Ee Creek lazy river and Big Wave Racer slide complex and is slated to open summer 2016. Also coming in 2016, the highly-anticipated Total Mayhem 4-D, free-fly coaster debuting next door at Six Flags Great Adventure.

 The 45-acre Hurricane Harbor water park also features a million-gallon wave pool, a half-mile lazy river, more than 25 high-speed thrill slides and another massive children’s water playground. All attractions are included with park admission, Season Pass or Membership.

   
    
  For more information on Hurricane Harbor, visit http://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj

Disclosure : I was not compensated for this post. 

 

Hyundai Tucson CUV 2016 Perez Family Review

10 Nov

Back in August 2015, Hyundai held their media event for the launch of the new 2016 Hyundai Tucson Compact Utility Vehicle. That is where I got to test drive the vehicle for the first time as everyone took a road trip to different pit stops throughout New Jersey like Lake Kanawauke, Rockefeller Lookout and many more. I fell in love with the different colors, size and how smooth the car drove on the road. The limited edition was my favorite which included leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, hands free smart liftgate, 17 or 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats and a 5 or 8-inch touchscreen navigation system. 

  
Drive Shop loaned me the 5-passenger Hyundai Tucson 2016 ECO FWD in Winter White for a week. Now, I could talk about the road trip we took or the errands I ran but I want to talk about the features and how the Tucson handles the road in an urban environment.

*Safety features I appreciated were: 

*Dual advanced front air bags, front side impact air bags and curtain air bags with rollover sensors. Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Break Control. I’ve always been kind of freaked out going up and down hills or sitting on one at a light knowing my car is slipping downhill. With these features I don’t have to worry anymore. When my foot is taken off break I don’t feel any gear slipping. Rear parking sensors make parallel parking simpler. Rear door child safety locks, rear center 3-point belt and child seat anchors were a plus in my book. 

*Dual shift allowed me to drive in automatic mode where I can relax. More proactive drivers can switch to manual. When you slow down in speed the gears automatically downshifts for you. Sachs shock absorbers are great. As a NYer I’m sure drivers aren’t crazy about potholes. With these absorbers you have a smooth ride. 

*The ECO mode saves gas. I could drive all day and rarely see the meter move. Sport mode gives you more power,  you can feel it and it comes in handy when passing large vehicles on the highway.   

*Anti-whiplash front head restraints. Best comfortable headrest I’ve felt in a vehicle. Rear wiper and defogger comes in handy on foggy and rainy days. My kids loved the rear cupholders. 

We really enjoyed the loaner and we took the vehicle a few fun places for the kids to enjoy getting away from the city. They loved going to City Island for seafood and Rock City for video games and fun. They also loved getting a ride to school everyday and we were sad to see it go but we are looking forward to more exciting road trips and future cruising with Drive Shop. 

   
    
    
   
There’s so much more features that I enjoyed and appreciated but I’ll stop at this. To check out more about the Hyundai Tucson 2016 CUV check out their website: http://www.hyundaiusa.com 

   
    
     
         
 Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a vehicle as a loaner for a week. Opinions are mine and my family 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. 

Shopping at Target Just Got Easier: Curbside Pickup

18 Sep

Ever been running around doing errands all day wishing you didn’t have to park, get out of the car, unstrap your little one from the backseat and then go in and face the crowds and long checkout lines?

With Curbside, a new mobile app that allows shoppers to order from Target from their phone and swing by the store to pick up their order without having to get out of the car, those days are gone. Yep, their goods are waiting for them by the curb when they arrive (hence the name Curbside).
The Curbside app is free, there’s no mark up in pricing and shoppers no longer have to battle the parking wars, the mob scene finding items on shelves and the never-ending checkout lines. It’ll make running errands and doing your upcoming holiday shopping about as easy as possible!
Curbside launched first in the Bay Area to the delight of shoppers on the go and it’s now available in New York and New Jersey!

I was asked to test out this service and downloaded the app. The app was very easy to use. I went to the Target in the Beonx because my local Target doesn’t have this service yet. I ordered a few things and the app said it would be ready in an hour. By the time I arrived I still had about a half an hour till the delivery. I started getting emails and texts saying my order changed. Some things I ordered weren’t available. I waited then received a text letting me know my order was ready. I saw the Target employee with blue bags in her hand and knew those were mine. We went over the list together and everything checked out. However, there was one thing I came all the way to the Bronx to get that I really wanted because I was flying out the next day and called Curbside customer service and explained and everything was resolved and I got what I needed. 

Curbside customer service was great. 

App is easy to use. 

Hope they set up in my local Target so I don’t have to travel to Bronx. 

If you want to try out Curbside the stores are listed below. I’m offering my readers a coupon code to save $10 off your $20 purchase. Use: FIVEWORDS at checkout. You can also try this code: SFPTB 

Curbside is available at the following New York and New Jersey Target locations:
 

Bronx-Throggs Neck Target

815 E Hutchinson River Pkwy

Bronx, NY 10465-1818

 

Gateway Target

519 Gateway Dr.

Brooklyn, NY 11239-2801

 

College Point Target

13505 20th Ave.

College Point, NY 11356-2446

 

Edgewater Target

543 River Rd.

Edgewater, NJ 07020-1146

 

North Bergen Commons Target

7101 Tonnelle Ave.

North Bergen, NJ 07047-4507

 

Jersey City Target

100 14th St.

Jersey City, NJ 07310-1202

 

Menlo Park Target

100 Parsonage Rd.

Edison, NJ 08837-2424

 

Fairfield Target

632 Route 46 E

Fairfield, NJ 07004-1581

 

Hackensack Target

630 Main St.

Hackensack, NJ 07601-5913

 

Union North Target

2235 Springfield Ave.

Vauxhall, NJ 07088-110

Disclosure: I was given a gift card to try out Curbside. Opinions are mine 100% as always and the gift card had no influence on my thoughts. 

   
    
Order Ahead

 
Drive To Store 

  
Curbside Pickup!  

   

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