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Peapod by Stop & Shop and Barilla Introduce Pasta Meal Kits to NYC

10 Nov

One of my favorite pasta brands Barilla and Peapod by Stop and Shop (online grocery shopping and delivery service) introduced Pasta Meal Kits to New York City. Does this mean  I get to save time in the kitchen and more time with my family? The answer is YES! Meal kits would make any busy parent very happy. I mean I would love to make fresh pasta every night if I could but that’s not going to happen. No more grocery shopping, prepping, measuring, and cleaning a bunch of pots and dishes. Don’t get me wrong I cook everyday but sometimes I could do without stepping into a supermarket. There were times where standing on the line took longer than making dinner. 

Barilla pasta meal kits have easy to follow recipe cards and fresh ingredients like butternut squash and mozzarella. The kit requires little prep and all vegetables are pre-washed, measured and cut. It only takes under 30 minutes. 

Variety of meal kits include: 

Baked Rotini by Barilla

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti by Barilla

Farfalle with Roasted Butternut Squash by Barilla

Tortellini Soup by Barilla

I love the fact that I can order these kits online and have everything waiting for me that will feed my whole family and save me time and money. The kits range in price from $15.99-$23.99 and serves 4-6 people. 

I attended a special luncheon on Thursday, November 5, hosted by Peapod.com and Barilla Pasta. Barilla’s own Chef Lorenzo prepared lunch and shared the inspiration behind the Meal Kits as well as other time saving tips for meal planning and prep.

We tried what was on the menu below and it was very delicious. 

I went online and placed an order of groceries and it was so easy. You pick a time and day you want your delivery. The Barilla meal kit I ordered was Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti. Can’t wait to try. 

   

    
 
Peapod serves 24 U.S. markets and customers can order online or on Peapod’s free mobile app fir deliveries to homes and workplace or pick-up at many convenient locations. 

For more info about Peapod Meal Kits featuring Barilla recipes, ordering and more visit: http://www.Peapod.com and on Twitter @PeapodDelivers

Check out: http://www.barillagroup.com or http://www.barilla.com for more info. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event. I was given a gift card to purchase groceries and the meal kits. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

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. 

BIG APPLE CIRCUS FAMILY 4-PACK TICKET GIVEAWAY

2 Nov

Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company’s 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour! Tickets start at $25, and the show runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://www.bigapplecircus.org.
 The GrandTour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on their own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances.

Four-time Big Apple Circus ringmaster John Kennedy Kane returns to introduce a variety of stunning performers: clowns Joel Jeske and Brent McBeth; third-generation circus animal trainer Jenny Vidbel with her pony and dog acts; aerialist Sergey Akimov; international juggling sensation Alexander Koblikov; ninth-generation circus performer Chiara Anastasini with hula hoops; the Dominguez Brothers defying the law of gravity with their thrill-filled act featuring the Wheel of Wonder; Chinese hand balancers The Energy Trio; the African acrobatic troupe Zuma Zuma; and the Dosov Troupe soaring on the teeterboard.

The GrandTour, conceived and created by Joel Jeske, is directed by Mark Lonergan (artistic director of Parallel Exit, the three-time Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company) with associate director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo. Musical direction by Rob Slowik with clown material created and directed by Joel Jeske. Set and lighting design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Oana Botez, and props design by Katie Fleming.
As a nonprofit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus is committed not only to thrilling audiences in the ring, but also to bringing the joy and wonder of circus into the community. Big Apple Circus creates direct, shared connections inside its one-ring Big Top AND in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, in its New York City home and in cities across America.
**GIVEAWAY: Big Apple Circus is offering one of my readers a family 4-pack of tickets to the Wednesday November 11, 2015 4:30pm show. 

To enter answer this question below: 

What year was the Big Apple Circus founded? You can find answer on the website. 

1962

1982

1977

Winner will be picked and announced Friday, November 6. Winner will be emailed by Big Apple Circus to claim tickets. My readers can also use use promo code BIGAPPLE to save 20% off tickets (that’s not just off one ticket, but the whole purchase).* (*Limited availability. Offer good on select seats and shows. Other conditions apply. Children under 3 are free when on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.) 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. This is a giveaway. 

Update: WINNER WAS ANNOUNCED ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @dadarocks is the winner. Congrats! Thank you to all who entered. More giveaways to come. Check out one going on now. 

 

#NationalOatmealDay With @Quaker Off You Go Campaign/Giveaway

29 Oct

I begin each morning at 4 a.m. so I can prepare a delicious healthy meal for my family. Part of that healthy meal includes Quaker Oats Old-Fashioned Oatmeal which I’ve been eating since I was a toddler. It was only right to introduce Oatmeal to my kids. With so many to choose from it keeps breakfast exciting and we like to create different recipes. From high fiber instant oatmeal cinnamon swirl, maple and brown to instant quaker oatmeal cups apples & cinnamon which is great on the go, and the real medleys oatmeal blueberry hazelnut, summer berry, and peach almond. These all are amazing. Also who doesn’t love oatmeal raisin cookies? We also like to add fresh fruit to our oatmeal. When I say Off You Go to my kids I know they’re bellies are full in a good way. 

Quaker® believes that everyone should begin each morning prepared for everything that lies ahead. That’s why as part of the company’s new “Off You Go” campaign, the Quaker Oats Company is giving away up to one million bowls of oatmeal starting on National Oatmeal Day to help provide people across the country with the best starts to their days.
As part of its new “Off You Go”campaign, Quaker is surprising people around the country with a free bowl of oatmeal – online, on their way to work, or even at their doorstep. On National Oatmeal Day, October 29, follow @Quaker on Twitter or find Quaker on Facebook to give someone – whether it’s a family member, friend or co-worker – a little good to get them going with Quaker oatmeal. Thursday, October 29 only. While Supplies Last. Terms Apply.
· Quaker kicked off the one million bowl giveaway by thanking those who help families get off to a good start.

o Appreciation breakfasts were served to select teachers and day care providers across Chicago and New York to give them a little good for all they do.

o Check out video footage captured at these events on Quaker’s Facebook, YouTube Twitter pages.

· To learn more about Quaker’s “Off You Go” campaign visit http://www.QuakerOffYouGo.com. To give someone you love a bowl of oatmeal on National Oatmeal Day, follow @Quaker on Twitter or find Quaker on Facebook.

· Don’t forget to share your Off You Go moments and love of oatmeal by using #NationalOatmealDay throughout the day!

GIVEAWAY: Quaker was so very kind to offer 10 of my readers a Off You Go Moments Kit. 

Each Quaker® Off You Go Moments Kit will include:

· A heart-shaped Off You Go Oatmeal Bowl to enjoy your favorite whole grain breakfast

· An Instant Photo Camera to capture Off You Go moments and enjoy them in real-time

· A Magnetic Cable Photo Holder to preserve and display your favorite Off You Go moments

· A Reusable Jute Tote as a stylish way to pack all your on-the-go items for the day ahead

· A set of four Quaker recipe cards for morning meal inspiration

· A variety of Quaker products to help get you and your family off to a great start with a bowl of oatmeal

 Each kit is valued at approx. $110!

To enter answer this question in the comments below: 

How does your familiy prepare each morning to take on the day ahead?

Make sure you are following @Quaker on Twitter and Facebook. 

Must be subscribed to my blog fivelittlewords.net and following me on Instagram: @nilimo and Twitter @nilimonicky and like my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fivelittlewords

Giveaway ends November 12, 2015 at 11:59 pm and winners will be announced November 13, 2015 on my blog and social media. Quaker will mail out the winners prize within 2-3 weeks after I submit winners info. 

Check out http://www.quakeroats.com for product info. 

Disclosure: I am a proud Quaker Q Crew amabassador and was given product for my review. Opinions are mine 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. 

Big Apple Circus Family Fun Day 

26 Oct

Sunday was a great day for the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center in the big blue tent. This was our first time going and we had great seats in the second row B Door 1. We went to the 12:30 afternoon show. 

   
 What I like about the tent is no matter where you sit you can see everything. It’s not too big and just the right amount of space, seats and acts. The show is about 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission and you can ride a pony during that intermission or after the show if you want, I  believe for a fee. 

  
John Kennedy Kane is the Ringmaster who introduced each act. There are nine acts in the first half. The first act was called Overture followed by Charivari.

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
 The Hula Hoop act had us saying how can she hula hoop with all of those? She started with one and ended up with over 20. She made a big slinky out of it too. 

   
    
 
Feeling Hot, Ball Juggling and Dog Act were the next three acts. Very funny stuff in the Feeling Hot act where a pail of water and wet clown was involved. Ball Juggling did a great job using his feet and hands juggling all the balls. Dog Act had dogs of all sizes running around, jumping through hoops, riding on scooters and leaping into the air. 

   
    
    
    
    
   
Handstands, Red Nose Transplant and The Wonder Wheel were the last three acts of the first half of the show. The group Energy Trio were made up of three guys whose handstands were in sync, very flexible and takes a lot of practice. They did a great job. The Wonder Wheel is always our favorite at any circus. It has us jumping out of our seats, screaming and our jaws dropping. It’s heart pounding and these guys are true dare Devils. They make it look so easy and one of them was even blind folded for a few seconds. Seeing it up close was breath taking and had me nervous but it was fun to watch. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
Second half after intermission with eight acts were Lost In The Desert, Arabian Horses, Istanbul and African Acrobats. We were happy to see the horses perform. The African Acrobats from the Zuma Zuma Troupe did a wonderful job using their flexibility and strength. 

   
    
    
    
    
   
The last four acts were Aerial Straps, Musical Chairs, Teeterboard and the Finale. You can’t have a circus without someone hanging on straps and bending and flying through the air. My favorite act of all was Musical Chairs. My daughter got picked to be in this act and she did a fantastic job!!! She made it to the end and WON a first class ticket to N.Y.,( not for real) just part of the act. She outwitted the clown and took the crown. I was so happy she got picked and so was she. She had fun doing that. I have it on video if you’d like to check it out. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/qzqd_EQm_x4

   
    
    
    
 Teeterboard sent the performers flying through the air and landed on a padded cushion or into a chair. Some had on stilts and landed perfectly after flying through the air. These guys and gals showed their skills and made it look so easy. 

   
    
    
 
Then there was the Finale which we didn’t want to end. Everyone came out and did a little dance, took a bow and gave their waves goodbyes. The show was a treat for us and everyone really did an amazing job. I encourage everyone to go see the Big Apple Circus. My kids and I had the best day at the Big Apple Circus. Loved seeing their faces light up with excitement. 

   
 The Big Apple Circus is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that brings joy and wonder to children and families inside and outside the tent. Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company’s 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour! Tickets start at $25, and the show runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://www.bigapplecircus.org. and on Instagram and Twitter: @bigapplecircus 

The GrandTour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on its own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances.
  
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given tickets in exchange for this post with my opinions which are 100% mine as always. 

First Time Walking Across Brooklyn Bridge Using Runkeeper App 

24 Oct

Momtrends and Runkeeper (health & fitness app) teamed up together to invite a few bloggers to run/walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve always wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge but never got around to doing it so I said this would be a great time to scratch this off my bucket list and get fit at the same time with a bunch of colleagues. I also wanted to use the new & improved Runkeeper app and track my status. 

We met Thursday morning in Brooklyn in our baby blue Runkeeper t-shirts and with my iced coffee in hand some of us ran and some walked across the bridge. I also periscoped some of my journey. You know if you’re walking with someone and talking and taking pics it doesn’t seem as far as you think. I just walked from one borough to another and back again. How cool was that? 

I have my Runkeeper app hooked up to my Spotify so I could hear music but I was acting like a tourist in my own city that I didn’t even have time to listen to my music. The Runkeeper app tracks your workout in real time and let other runners become your running buddy and we could see each other’s progress and also check your running history. It’s a cool app. It also has GPS. 

After our run/walk we headed to Almar restaurant in Brooklyn (Dumbo) for lunch. It was great. We were given a gift bag with goodies and I felt good. I think I will walk the bridge again. This time I will do it with my kids. 

Thanks for a great morning on a beautiful 70 degree day. Now go download the Runkeeper app in the App Store and get out there and run!!! 

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

   
    
    
    
    
    
   

 

 
  
    
 

Ninja Coffee Bar Review 

23 Oct

My name is Nichol Perez and I am addicted to coffee. I love coffee (all types). I’ve been drinking since I was a teen and I’ve tried so many. Some of my favorites are iced coffees, lattes, flavored hot coffees and just a good light and sweet cup of coffee. 

I was excited to find out actress Sofia Vergara partnered with Ninja to launch the Ninja Coffee Bar. This coffee machine was meant for me. I get to brew delicious coffee at home like specialty coffees, classic or rich brew and over ice brew. I can make a carafe, half carafe, travel mug or cup size of coffee in the comfort of my home. 

I was invited to hear Sofia Vergara speak on how she partnered with Ninja and why she had to have that fresh brew of Colombian coffee in her house. Sofia showed attendees how easy it is to use the Ninja Coffee Bar and why she loves it, she told us her favorite brew, and also let us know she can’t cook but can make good coffee. She was so sweet and funny. I enjoyed meeting her and so glad she partnered with Ninja. 

I was sent the Ninja Coffee Bar to review and at first I didn’t know what I was doing when I put coffee beans in the machine because it’s been that long since I brewed coffee so once I found out the beans needed to be put through a grinder I quickly handled that and had a great rich brew half carafe pot of coffee. I also made myself a coffee on the go in my travel mug which is sold separately. I enjoyed every sip of the piping hot coffee which has a intelligent warning plate on the machine and kept my coffee hot and also I was impressed my coffee stayed hot in my travel mug for about three hours. Love that mug. 

The Ninja Coffee Bar comes with a milk frother and amazing easy recipes which I can’t wait to try and it’s available now at major retailers nationwide starting at $149 MSRP. 

My favorite features are the Auto-IQ one touch intelligence, drip stop and the multi serve cup platform. All the features are great and I’m definitely hooked and now my wallet will be happy because I will save so much money with my Ninja Coffee Bar. Also great for hosting a coffee party with your family and friends. You bring the coffee I’ll make it and serve. 

Here are some facts about the Ninja Coffee Bar:

Ninja® is transforming the way Americans brew coffee with the Ninja Coffee Bar™. Ninja® has completely reinvented traditional drip coffee makers by designing a machine to unlock coffee’s full flavor potential and provide smooth, rich and well-balanced coffee in the size and style that you want. Perfect for daily coffee drinkers and coffee lovers, with the Ninja Coffee Bar™ you can choose a cup, a travel mug or a carafe, and you can choose from a variety of brew styles. From classic rich hot coffee, to refreshing Over Ice Brew or even delicious hot milk-based and frozen blended specialty drinks, you can do it all with one machine.

 Only the Ninja Coffee Bar™ has Thermal Flavor Extraction™ technology, which is designed to unlock the full flavor potential of your coffee, using automated controls for Temperature Calibration, Pre-Infusion, and Even Coffee Saturation.

 With Auto-iQ™ One Touch Intelligence, just set the dial to your desired size, select your brew type, and the Ninja Coffee Bar™ will automatically use the correct amount of water. Whether you like it hot or over ice, smooth or extra rich, this unique brewing technology knows just the right amount of flavor to extract to achieve just the right strength. Choose from four different brew types:

 1. Classic Brew: Smooth, rich, balanced flavor from your favorite ground coffee. 

2. Rich Brew: Richer than Classic with more intense flavor that really stands up to milk, cream, or flavoring.

3. Over Ice Brew: Richer than Rich Brew, designed to brew fresh and hot over ice leaving you with the perfect ratio of ice to rich, refreshingly cold coffee that’s never watered down.

4. Specialty Brew: Super-rich concentrate allows you to create your favorite hot milk-based and frozen blended coffee-house style drinks.

 “We are bringing Ninja®’s innovative technology to create a coffee maker that will transform the industry,” says Mark Rosenzweig, CEO of SharkNinja, the company that develops Ninja® housewares products. “Designed for coffee lovers, the Ninja Coffee Bar™ enables consumers to have the best coffeehouse in town on their countertop and make flavorful — never sour, never bitter — coffee with delicious, customizable coffee drink options.”

Adding an extra layer of convenience, the Ninja® Removable Water Reservoir enables users to brew multiple cups of coffee without refilling or measuring. The Precise Temp Warming Plate, available on select models, is designed to keep your coffee at the ideal temperature without burning it, even the last cup. With a two hour Auto Shutoff, the Precise Temp Warming plate will automatically turn off two hours after brewing and has an independent “Stay Warm” button that allows you to turn off the Precise Temp Warming plate prior to the two hour Auto Shutoff. 

Additional features of the Ninja Coffee Bar™ include:

· Easy-Fill Brew Basket – Slide out to quickly and easily fill with your favorite coffee grounds or fully remove for effortless cleaning.

· Removable Water Reservoir with Auto-Metering – No need to measure or constantly refill.

· Drip Stop – Stops the flow of coffee from the brew basket, allowing you to pour a cup mid-brew.

· Multi-Serve Cup Platform – Easily pulls down so you can brew directly into your favorite mug or cup.

· Programmable Delay Brew – Pre-set to brew automatically up to 24 hours in advance in any size.

· Intelligent Clean Cycle Indicator – Alerts you when your brewer senses that it needs to be cleaned.

· Ninja Easy Frother™ – Transform milk into rich creamy foam for your favorite indulgent specialty beverage.

· Available on select models:

o 43 oz. glass carafe with no drip ergonomics; included with Precise Temp Warming Plate.

o Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Carafe keeps your coffee hot for hours, ideal for entertaining; not including Intelligent Warming Plate.

· Ninja Cup Options:

o 12 oz. insulated mug with handle

o 14 oz. insulated cup

o Stainless Steel 16 oz. Travel Mug

o Hot and Cold 18 oz. Insulated Tumbler™

I have attached a video I took of Sofia at the event. https://instagram.com/p/7_VrcNGsAE/

I also periscoped my attempt at making coffee. Hopefully it’s still available. My periscope name is @nilimonicky. If it’s not available here is my you tube link to watch the 2nd correct video on: https://youtu.be/LxeUif9QQvc

For more info about the Ninja Coffee Bar and additional Shark Ninja Products: http://www.ninjacoffeebar.com, Facebook.com/NinjaCoffeeBar and @NinjaCoffeeBar on Twitter. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to event and given a Ninja Coffee Bar for review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

  

   
 

HP Instant Ink Replacement Service Added To Six New Envy Printers

7 Oct

I think anyone who works from home, have kids or owns a desktop or laptop should own a printer. I’ve been through my share of printers and it wasn’t that the printers weren’t good it was the ink was expensive or discontinued. One thing I hated doing was buying ink or forgetting to buy it when I was running errands. 

I’m so glad HP thought of a way for me to never forget or run out of ink anymore. Between homework, reports and constantly printing out work now I can be at ease. 

HP unveiled the expansion of its rapidly growing Instant Ink replacement service to six new HP ENVY, OfficeJet and DeskJet printers. With the HP Instant Ink service and enabled devices, HP is eliminating ink anxiety and cutting ink costs up to 50 percent so customers can print what matters most and never run out of ink.

 The new HP printers are HP Instant Ink ready with the sign-up experience integrated into the printer set-up out of the box, making it simple to begin the convenience and savings on day one. Customers can quickly choose the plan that works for them or choose the traditional model of purchasing ink at retail or online when they run low. Additionally, for the first time, HP is offering the choice of one or two year HP Instant Ink plans out of the box with the introduction of the HP OfficeJet 5741 and HP OfficeJet 5743.

 Smart Original HP Ink cartridges can reorder ink before it runs out and deliver it directly to the customer. Whether printing at home, for a small business or at college, customers can enjoy the lowest two year total cost of ownership available, printing high-quality photos as well as black and white or color documents for the same cost.

Recycling is simple with HP Instant Ink. The program provides prepaid envelopes to return used cartridges, lowering the carbon footprint related to ink cartridge purchase and disposal by an estimated 70 percent.

My HP printer that I owned prior to was not WI-FI enabled printer so HP was kind enough to send me the Envy 5540 All-In -One Printer. I’ve always wanted to be able to print right from my phone or tablet no matter where I was instead of waiting to get home and push a button and now I can.  Now when I get home documents and pictures are waiting for me. The Envy 5540 copies, prints and scans. Even has 2-sided printing. Easy wireless set up was a piece of cake. Only one plug to use. I downloaded the app and set up an account and viola. I was printing from my phone in no time. I was also given a gift card to order ink with the Instant Ink replacement service. I took the one year plan and within a few days I was receiving more ink way before I ran out and still haven’t opened the new ink yet. We love our new printer and this amazing new Instant Ink replacement service. Ink will always be available at my finger tips and nothing will be delayed. I enjoyed printing photos from my printer. 
Thank you HP for keeping this mom and her kids up to date with the latest in technology. 

Here’s info on the printer I have: 

HP ENVY 5540 All-in-One Printer: An affordable printer with a quick, five-minute mobile installation process so users can print from a smartphone or tablet with or without a router or local wireless network. Users can also scan, copy, and access web content directly from the color touchscreen. Starts at $129 and is available now. 

HP Instant Ink is currently available in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, France and Germany. Additional information about HP Instant Ink and the new generation of eligible HP printers is available at http://www.hp.com/go/instantink. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a printer and gift card for review purposes. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
   
 

Join Me In Taking The 7-Day Switch Up With Viva® Vantage®

6 Oct

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Viva® Vantage®.Opinions are mine 100% as always. 
Viva® Vantage® understands that people fall into all kinds of routines in life, including the household products they buy, and sometimes miss out on other great options in the process. Therefore, Viva® Brand is asking consumers to switch up their normal routine by trying Viva® Vantage® for seven days to see what they have been missing with their regular paper towel. Experience the stretchy-strength and great scrubbing power of Viva® Vantage®, recently named a 2015 Product of the Year.

I was invited to a Viva® Vantage® Live Party to the house of Amy Oztan from selfish mom.com in Brookyln, NY to learn more about the product. I learned some great tips that I will incorporate in my home. 

One of my favorite tips and newest kitchen switch up is to use a damp Viva® towel in the bottom of a container and put your washed strawberries on top and close with lid. They will last longer. 

Another tip is to use a damp Viva® towel under your cutting board to prevent it from shifting while slicing and dicing. I learned this from culinary classes years ago and still use this tip till this day. 

Ditch the bulky colander in favor of a paper towel. Place veggies and fruit on a sheet of Viva® Vantage® paper towels under a running faucet to function as a strainer; the stretchy-strength will keep the towel intact when wet. 

Need to chill white wine quickly? Don’t dilute it with ice; wrap a damp paper towel around the bottle and put in the freezer to chill rapidly.

I also enjoyed decorating wine glasses after I hand washed and dried the glass using the cloth-like texture of Viva® Vantage®. There was also a sparkling finish. 

I’d like to thank Amy for being a great host and making amazing food and sangria for her guests and also showing us her tips using Viva® Towels.  

Check out the website and kick off your own “7-Day Switch Up” by visiting http://bit.ly/1T3mdFX for a Viva® Vantage® coupon to purchase and try the product. After experiencing the stretchy-strength and great scrubbing power of Viva® Vantage®, return to the website to dish on your switch and enter for a chance to instantly win a $100 gift card.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Viva® Vantage®.Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
 

  
   
 

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