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#Giveaway NYX, MUA Professional, Sonia Kashuk Beauty Products

25 Jul

Love beauty products? I’ve got a quick giveaway for you to win a few makeup brushes from MUA professional products, eyeliner and Smokey eyeshadow from NYX products and eyeshadow from Sonia Kashuk.

One winner will walk away with all these beauties. 

Mandatory: Follow my blog Five Little Words. Leave a comment saying you do with your email. 

Follow me on Twitter @nilimonicky and leave your handle. 

Follow me on Instagram @nilimo and leave your handle. 

RT this message daily: I want to win all the awesome beauty products from @nilimonicky http://www.fivelittlewords.net 

Tell me what product is your favorite. 


*Good luck! Giveaway starts today 7/25 and ends 8/1. Open to U.S residents 18 and over. 

Back To School With Momtrends #momtrendsbts

23 Jul

Kids might not want to hear it but school is right around the corner. I attended Momtrends 6th Annual Back To School Event and I’ve got the scoop on everything from fashion to food and everything in between. 


Brands in attendance or in gift bags were: 

The Nanny League- Need a college educated nanny or on call sitter? Like ok no further. Check @thenannyleague on Twitter for more info.

Mabel’s Labels- Every year my kids and I look forward to labeling school supplies and clothes. Head to Twitter @mabelhood


Nalgene- Making sure my kids drinks are in a spill proof sturdy bottle and they’re lunch doesn’t get soggy or squished makes for a happy day with these products. Go to @NalgeneUSA on Instagram and stock up.


USANA-Nutritional Science @usanainc on Twitter & Instagram  

Vamousse- Non toxic- and pesticide free lice products to treat, prevent and protect children against lice. @vamousselice on Twitter.

Play-Doh- We all love play-doh. You already know the amazing things you can do with play-doh. My daughter can’t get enough of this. Head to @playdoh onTwitter. 

Chewbeads- I fell in love with these amazing chewbeads and I don’t need a baby to own them. They are colorful and go great with anything. I want them all. 100% silicone teething jewelry that’s worn by mommies. Check out @Chewbeads on Twitter for more info. 


KEEN, Inc- Outfoor footwear for the whole family. From the mountains to the city streets. @Keen on Twitter for footwear fashion. 


WallPops- Wall art, peel and stick wallpaper. Amazing wallpaper that can brighten up a room. See what @Wallpopswallart has for you on Twitter. 


Paula’s Choice- Skincare products you can feel confident about buying and using. @paulaschoice on Twitter. 

Joules-Britain’s best loved lifestyle brand. Clothing for the entire family. Take a look at the mini models below. On Twitter @joulesclothing 

Yoobi- Supplies for school, home and office. Very colorful and unique. For every Yoobi item you buy, another is donated to a classroom in need in the U.S. You must check out@Yoobigives on Twitter 


Earth’s Best- Natural and organic products for your growing baby. @EarthsBest on Twitter.

Ella’s Kitchen- Healthy and natural organic food for babies and kids. They are on Twitter @EllasKitchenUSA


Disclosure: This is a compensated post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Gift bags were given. Thank you Momtrends for another awesome event. My kids thank you too. 

Happy #NationalIceCreamDay

17 Jul

It’s time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month in July (and National Ice Cream Day July 17!) with Unilever Ice Cream!Unilever Ice Cream – which includes Breyers, Good Humor, Klondike, MAGNUM Ice Cream and Popsicle – offers a wide range of products and flavors that range from refreshing to indulgent; in fact, in 2016 alone they’ve launched 17 new varieties across the portfolio! Unilever Ice Cream has something to satisfy every craving.

As you already know I love ice cream. Everyone in the family loves ice cream and have enjoyed trying all the brands mentioned. They keep us cool in the summer and are a great treat on the go. There’s so many ways to eat ice cream. We love the variety of flavors from ice cream on a stick, right out the tub, to snack cups. The ice cream cakes are my favorite and the mini Magnum are popular in our house. 

 

For the person who loves…

 – Nostalgic Favorites: Some of the new varieties in 2016 include Good Humor Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich, Klondike S’mores, Breyers Ice Cream Cake, and Breyers Gelato Indulgences Peanut Butter Chocolate.


– Fruity Desserts: Popsicle’s Tropical Paradise variety takes you right to the beach chair, at only 70 calories a pop! Enjoy the refreshing flavors of Tropical Mango, Tangy Pineapple, Fruity Island Punch and Sweet Strawberry-Banana. Additionally, MAGNUM’s Double Raspberry variety offers pure indulgence with rich Belgian chocolate and silky raspberry ice cream.


– Guilt-Free Indulgence: Popsicle’s Sugar Free Red Classics offer the great classic tastes of Cherry, Strawberry and Raspberry without the sugar. And for a frozen treat on the go, Breyers Chocolate Snack Cups and Natural Vanilla Snack Cups come in pre-portioned snack cups.- National Vanilla Ice Cream Day July 23: Breyers offers several varieties: Natural Vanilla (America’s favorite Vanilla!), French Vanilla, Extra Creamy Vanilla, Homemade Vanilla, ½ the Fat, Sugar Free, Lactose Free and more.


Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Product was given to review. Opinions are mine 109%. 

Family Fun with NY Liberty At Madison Square Garden #ShowUp

13 Jul

KidzVuz invited me and the family to a NY Liberty basketball game at Madison Square Garden. We love sports and basketball is our number one sport, and what better place to watch basketball than at Madison Square Garden. We arrived early to watch NY Liberty warm up before the game started. The kids enjoyed this as we were right on the court. NY Liberty were up against Seattle Storm. NY Liberty is a great team and we were routing for them all the way. We had great seats and my kids and their friends were shown on the Jumbotron about four times. They loved it!! 


The game was nail biting as I though we were going into overtime but there was no need be aside NY Liberty beat Seattle Storm 78 to 74. It was a great game. I can’t wait to take the kids back to plenty more games at Madison Square Garden. MSG is happy to extend a 25% off ticket offer to my readers. The code is NYLMOM and the offer is “Save Up to 25% Off on Tickets!* 

*Offer valid on select seats to all regular season home games”

Disclosure: Huge thanks to Kidz Vuz who provided tickets for my family and I to attend the game. Opinions are our own 100%.

Fashion Alert: kidpik basics launch for girls in sizes 4-14

5 Jul

I was invited to the launch of kidpik basics. The collection comes in super-soft materials and yummy colors. Parents can now stock up on all the essentials that a girl needs in multiples at http://www.kidpikbasics.com

Click the basics tab at kidpik and discover a trend right, colorful collection of not-so-basic-basics, including tops, tanks, shorts, leggings, pants and more. The site is arranged by color, making it easy to shop and replenish your girl’s favorite wardrobe staples quickly and easily at awesome prices.

Basics are an essential part of a girl’s wardrobe.” says Ezra Dabah, kidpik founder and CEO. “We are thrilled to offer a great selection of basics to complement the kidpik fashion collection.”

Kidpik basics are available for girls in sizes 4-14. Prices range from $6.50 – $17.50. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Orders under $50 ship with a $5 flat rate fee.  


Walking into the showroom was very colorful and kid friendly it reminded me of a box of crayons or a rainbow. There were even colorful bagels to match. My daughter and I love how soft the clothes are and she’s able to play without stiffness and the colors don’t fade. I like to dress her in bright colors when I take her to the park or public places so I can spot her easily. These colors are perfect. 


Everyone was rewarded with 4 pieces of clothing and I took home 2 lace shirts, a lace cardigan and a pencil skirt for my daughter. She loves it and can’t wait to wear. Looking forward to the fall collection subscription boxes. 


Nina kids shoes fall and spring 17″ are amazing. Gladiators, wedges,sandals, baby shoes, and boots are just some of the footwear to keep an eye on. My daughter already picked out a few dozen pair. Check out @kidpik on Instagram 


Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Opinions expressed are mine 100%. Clothing was given for review. 

Char-Broil Nights NYC Pop-Up Shop #CharBroilNights

1 Jul

I love BBQ and grilling and the smell of meat on the grill. I attended Char-Broil’s first ever NYC Pop Up Shop. This invite only event was a hands on experience complete with grilling and smoking stations, deliciously prepared foods, cocktails, spice bar and s’mores bar. I just have to say a two-in-one gas grill and smoker is on my wish list. The baby lamb chops with chimichurri sauce, the pulled pork sliders, sausage souvlaki tacos,skirt steak skewers and jumbo grilled shrimp were banging. Cocktails on point and appetizers were very good. I made a jar of spices to take home and roasted s’mores. I enjoyed the evening with my friends.



Char-Broil is offering grillers the best of both worlds with the debut of Gas2Coal™, a two-in-one gas and charcoal grill that provides grillers the option to grill with the ease and convenience of gas or with the smoky flavor of charcoal – all within one sleek grill. The grill features a first-ever, patented charcoal tray which lights coals with the touch of a button, eliminating the hassle and mess of lighter fluid and helping grillers of all skill levels to take their meals to the next level.

Gas2Coal saves space while eliminating the hassle and mess grillers typically experience with charcoal, while making it easy to experiment with different grilling methods. With Gas2Coal, grillers of all experience levels can explore different cooking methods to help expand their palates and culinary imagination just in time for grilling season.

Gas2Coal is available for purchase exclusively at Lowe’s store through June 2016, or online at Lowes.com.


Char-Broil, one of the world’s oldest and most respected outdoor cooking companies, made it easier than ever today for consumers to monitor and control the smoking process with the launch of the Simple Smoker ($299) and Digital Electric Smoker ($399) with the Char-Broil app and SmartChef™ technology. The first of their kind, these smokers sync to your smart device over Wi-Fi utilizing the Char-Broil app, which allows connected users more convenience and freedom than ever before. Users of all skill levels will have an outdoor cooking experience that is all about leveraging innovative technology to consistently create superior taste, perfect cooking techniques and enjoy an effortless smoking routine.

Adding to Char-Broil’s portfolio of innovative products and features consumers can get real-time cooking info through the Char-Broil app and make adjustments as needed, including:

*Meat temperature

*Estimated cook time and done time

*Chamber temperature 

When users are connected to their home network, they have the ability to control and adjust these settings at their fingertips. But – unlike other competing products – once users are out of their network range, they can continue to monitor the smoker from the Char-Broil app.
Signaled by an integrated meat probe, the app will send notifications at key cooking times, so users never need to worry about overcooking or continuously checking their meats. The app also provides a preprogrammed library of recipes for the amateur or adventurous cookers and is compatible with iOS and Android phones.
Both are perfectly suited for holiday meals and everyday use. The Digital Electric Smoker gives users long lasting smoke and more capacity allowing for large meal preparations, while the Simple Smoker offers convenience and versatility, allowing users to slowly smoke a brisket at a low temperature or safely fry a turkey to perfection without oil.

The Simple Smoker and Digital Electric Smoker are available for purchase on the Char-Broil website ( http://www.charbroil.com) and Amazon. 

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

Food For All At Coney Island #LunaFoodies 

30 Jun

The family headed to Brooklyn for a food event with Coney Island over the weekend. Who could pass up a food tasting event? CAI Foods is a division of Central Amusement International and oversees the culinary endeavors in and around Luna Park. They have been in operation since 2013 and has since opened three food establishments and several food kiosks. Brian Williams started CIA Foods from the ground up in 2012 with 25 years of experience in the industry. 

Food was passed around to try as we sat at tables being spoiled with all the deliciousness. First thing to hit the table was from the Cyclone Cafe named after America’s iconic wooden roller coaster and located inside Luna Park. We started with all types of chicken wings spicy or mild or with their famous Boom, Boom sauce. There were chicken fingers and nuggets that the kids enjoyed. Pizza came out next from veggie to white, plain or pepperoni. Burgers were huge and from a regular cheeseburger to the New Cyclone Burger. I also tried one with peppers. 


Once we finished we left and headed to Coney’s Cone for authentic fresh Italian gelato. There are more than a dozen flavors made daily on premises by renowned gelato maker from Italy. There are three locations, one on the boardwalk and 2 kiosks in Luna Park. We toured the kitchen to see how gelato is made and stored. It was very clean and my kids enjoyed seeing the process as aspiring chefs who want to know all about different types of food. I was happy they got to go back and see up close and ask questions. This gelato was amazing. I had the Milano Cookie gelato. My kids had chocolate. After I spoke to the owner her said that I had the most popular flavor. I was already a Milano Cookie fan so I knew I had to try it in a gelato and I’m glad I did because it was so delicious. 

Last stop was at Place To Beach. This restaurant/ bar is a great place to hang out for drinks and of course great food. Delicious Mexican food can be found here from, quesadillas, to shrimp, steak and chicken tacos. The Mexican corn was moth watering and the kids enjoyed the macaroni cand cheese bites. The lemonade was refreshing and the shrimp ceviche, burgers and fries were on point. 


Yes I was full how could I not be? When you sample foods you can get full very fast. All the food was great and I encourage you to try it. I want that full that I couldn’t get on rides though. We loved being #Lunafoodies for the day. 

After we finished we were off to Luna Park to enjoy the rides and have fun with friends. 

Check out: @LunaParknyc on Instagram and @ConeyIslandfun  @coneyscones and @placetobeach on Twitter for more info. 

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. We were invited to attend this event as the food lovers that we are. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

American Girl Doll Launches Wellie Wishers At Momtrends Event

30 Jun

My daughter recently turned 9 years old and I’ve never taken her to the American Girl Store. I’ve never been there myself. We’ve passed by it plenty of times but I’ve never had the time till recently. The only problem is that she still hasn’t been there. I attended an event given by Momtrends for the launch of the new dolls Wellie Wishers. 


Wellie Wishers are a group of sweet and silly girls who each have the same bug bright wish to be a good friend. They are rocking cute colorful garden boots and are cared for by their wonderful Aunt Miranda. 

They are finding out that “good deeds” such as cooperating, sharing, taking turns, respecting feelings and making it right aren’t always the easiest things to do but they are just the right things to do to make beautiful friendships bloom. 


Walking into the American Girl Store was wonderful as I followed the footsteps up to the third floor where a tea party awaited. It was beautifully decorated and I met author Valerie Tripp who has written over 40 books for American Girl. She spoke about the Wellie Wishers and other books and also gave everyone signed copies of a Wellie Wishers book. We also got to choose a Wellie Wishers doll. I chose Ashlyn for my daughter. That was her first choice and it kind of rhymes with her name Taylinn. The description of Ashlyn is: She’s the generous soul of the social circle. Her fancy-free party themes are just the right thing to turn a friend’s frown upside down. I picked the right one. 


If Ashlyn wasn’t your choice there was Emerson, Willa, Kendall and Camille. They’re all adorable. 
The dolls are 14.5″.They retail for $60. You can also purchase matching outfits for your daughter and her doll, wellies, socks, doll houses, etc. I purchased socks and a ladybug hairbrush for my daughter. The boots (wellies) don’t come in her size. If you order online there’s free shipping through 7/31. http://www.americangirl.com/shop/dolls/


Now you know I have to take my daughter to Ametican Girl Store because I’ve been and I want her to experience it with her doll and have a tea party as well. She was very happy with her doll and accessories. 


To explore the world of the Wellie Wishers through books, online games and more check out http://www.anericangirl.com/play/welliewishers

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. I was given a doll and book for my daughter. Thank you Momtrends and American Girl for everything. 

#TheBFG Movie Review 

29 Jun

Do you know any Big Friendly Giants? I surely don’t but if I did I would hope to know the one in Disney’s new movie The BFG. There are giants living in Giant Country and one of them is the friendliest giant you could ever meet. We were invited to a screening yesterday in Times Square. 



Sophie, a little orphan girl opens the curtain and spots something she shouldn’t see and is taken on a journey to Giant Country by a ginormous giant. Why did this giant take Sophie? He tells her he doesn’t want her to tell anyone about him because he doesn’t want to be locked away. 

BFG’s language isn’t quite the English language you’d expect to hear which is what makes it even more funnier when he speaks. He’s never had schooling but he can read. He’s never even had a grind or compliments for that matter. Listen closely for the unusual words he use.

BFG is a dream collector and can turn your dreaming into a friendly or evil one. He’s bullied by even more bigger incompetent Giants who can’t do anything for themselves and bother BFG for no reason. 

Once the bullies find out BFG is hiding a human they won’t stop until they find her. Sophie is a fighter though and a smart cookie who with the help of BFG enlist the help of The Queen of England.(Queen Mum) to get rid of these giant bullies for good. Do they succeed? I guess you have to check out the movie coming to theaters July 1st. Check @BFGMovie on Twitter for more info. 

Steven Spielberg did an amazing job. Ruby Barnhill plays Sophie and she’s so cute. She was perfect for the part. 

A Snozzcumber is a disgusting vegetable that BFG eats in Giant Country. It’s the only food he has. When you see it you will see why it’s disgusting. 


We enjoyed this film very much. We had a GLORIUMPTIOUS time. 


Disclosure: We were invited to attend screening by Disney. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Braun Helping Everyday Cooks #ConquerTheExpected in the Kitchen

27 Jun

I was very excited to attend a launch event with Braun at the German Consulate. I love kitchen appliances and gadgets as the home cook and foodie that I am this was right up my alley. The tables were decorated so lovely and the views from up above was amazing. Brunch was very good and hands on demos made me want to whip up a recipe right on the spot. I also tested out the hand blender. I’ve always been a big fan of Braun appliances and was happy to see what Braun could come up with next. It was also nice to see some of Braun’s appliances from decades ago up until now. I was beyond happy to take home the Multiquick 7. 


“Braun is known for an intuitive and reliable product design that lasts for ages – so our marketing campaign will focus on key consumer life stages, from first home purchase and weddings, to growing families and home remodeling,” said Maria Colon, Director of Marketing, De’Longhi Group North America. “We are excited to bring the Braun Household line to market with a campaign that is relevant, inspirational and exciting no matter where you are in life.”
Whether a new homeowner, recently married, a busy parent of young kids, or just looking to refresh the daily cooking regimen, Braun inspires confidence and simplicity in meal and beverage preparation, while saving time to help consumers realize their true culinary potential. Braun helps the home cook conquer the expected tasks in the kitchen, so unexpected meals can be created with amazing ingredients.

Braun closely studied the design process and evaluated the importance of ergonomics. For example, understanding how one holds handheld appliances led to developing products that are so comfortable and intuitive they seem to mimic the natural extension of one’s arm. The brand’s intuitive design is also reflected in the settings and display. They are listed left to right just like reading a book with the most important features grouped where the eye will naturally move to first. And while the new products continue the legacy of Braun’s premium and sleek look, the new line has new technologies that will change how home chefs prepare and enjoy their meals.

The new Braun line of products is available now:

The Braun Multiquick Hand Blenders come in several models and configurations for a variety of culinary creativity right in the palm of your hand.

Through its research, Braun found that many delegate two hands to control their hand blender during food preparation, gripping harder as the blender uses more power. Braun built its new hand blender to give the user more control, featuring a brand new Smart Speed variable control technology inspired by German automotive engineering – allowing you to intuitively change the speed and power of the hand blender using just your touch. The more you squeeze, the more power you get, making it easy to regulate speeds with just one

Braun also developed and applied an exclusive PowerBell Technology for the line of Multiquick hand blenders, combining durable stainless steel blades and a unique bell-shaped blending shaft for fast and finer results – pushing your mixture inside the bell instead of toward the edges of your mixing bowl. The Braun Multiquick 7 Hand Blender (model MQ777) brings premium design and power to the kitchen, complete with five attachments, along with the anti-splash shaft – including a whisk, masher, food processor and 20 fl. oz. beaker that make food preparation easier and more enjoyable, allowing its user to explore new culinary feats. The model will also include an EasyClick system, a patented design made to ensure that all attachments can be removed in one simple click. The Multiquick 7 Hand Blender (model MQ725), includes a beaker, whisk and 1.5-cup chopper for whipping up ultimate creativity in your kitchen. your kitchen. The Multiquick 5 Hand Blender (model MQ505) includes a beaker and whisk and has two speeds for easy blending, whisking or pureeing.

The Braun Multiquick series hand blenders range in price from $59.95 to $149.95 and from $89.99 to $199.99 CAD.

The Braun PureMix Countertop Blender (model JB7130BK) in stainless steel and premium black finish introduces a new level of speed and style to your countertop. Its complete blade and pitcher re-design allows you to create a range of delicious smoothies and drinks faster and with more precision than ever before.

The new PureMix blender eliminates counter mess, with its Easy Wipe Clean Panel – with no cracks between buttons for food to fall into. The 56 fl. oz. jug is BPA-free and features an imbedded measuring cup. Also available in a sleek black finish with 3 blend functions, the PureMix blender (model JB7000BKS) lets you stir, liquefy, and crush ice for nutritious smoothies, delicious fruit daiquiris and more. Additional accessories like the Smoothie2Go Blending Set features its own blade assembly that lets you fill your cup and take your favor blend with you, all with a secure stay lid with a flip drinking spout. This is sold separately. The Braun PureMix Countertop Blenders range in price from $99.95 to $129.95 USD and from $129.99 to $199.99 CAD.

The Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Makers echoes Braun’s durable design – creating a consistently delicious cup of coffee using an inherently simple process. Braun has perfected flavor conservation in its new BrewSense coffee maker, introducing a PureFlavor Brewing System to preserve coffee’s great flavor from the first to last drop.

The 12-cup FlavorCarafe has a uniquely-designed top air filtration system to ensure coffee stays warm for longer. The lid is designed to minimize the contact between air and coffee to avoid its oxidation and loss of flavor. While your flavor and temperature stay consistent – the BrewSense coffee maker has an anti-drip system that lets you pause and pour mid-brew with virtually no mess. Its warming plate also maintains a constant temperature so your coffee won’t burn after sitting.

The BrewSense has a user-friendly control panel with LED indicators and easy-to-read buttons and functions. Among them, the Brew Strength selector allows you to enjoy your coffee regular or bold and you can choose between 1-4 cups timed to when you want to enjoy your beverage. The coffee maker also features a handy ledge on its back side that catches condensation that gathers from the brewing process and inserts it back into the machine so that water does not end up on your counter top.

The Braun BrewSense Coffee Maker comes in a variety of finishes from a stylish mix of stainless steel and premium black (model KF7150BK) and all premium black finish (model KF7000BK) and range in price from $69.95 to $99.95 USD and from $119.99 to $159.99 CAD.


For more information on Braun, visit braunhousehold.com/en-us or braunhousehold.com/en-ca. To see what other home chefs are creating with Braun products, follow the hashtag #ConquerTheExpected on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the website: http://www.braunhousehold.com/en-us

Disclosure: I was invited as press to attend this event. I was given a gift bag. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

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