Holiday Of Play Top Picks For Tweens and Teens #weknowplay

10 Oct

Toy Insider Holiday Of Play had me very excited to see what toys for my tweens and teens will make it in our house this year. I don’t have little ones anymore so it’s all about Tech, Stem, Games, Drones, and my daughter still loves her dolls and dollhouses, Shopkins and all girly things in between. I love playing al types of games with my kids from video games, board games, puzzles and outdoor activities. I also play girly toys with my daughter as well. This time around I’m focusing on ages 9 and up. 


One outdoor activity game we love are Nerf Toys. We can’t wait to try out the Nerf Rebelle Flipside Bow. This bow has two five-dart drums that flip around to blast 10 darts. Kids can pull the string back and release it to send each dart flying up to 80 feet.


Another outdoor game we will take with us as we are huge Nintendo and Mario fans is the Nintendo MarioKart 8 QuadCopter Drone. Kids can fly Mario’s R/C quadrocopter with anti-gravity mode. Features a six-axle gyro system for flight stability, a protective cage for the rotors, and 2.4 GHz technology for up to seven minutes of flight. It has beginner and advanced modes, and a rechargeable battery.


My kids will also love the Nerf Mastodon Blaster. The first-ever motorized Nerf blaster is ready for battle with rapid-fire speed and a 24-dart drum. Its massive size and shoulder strap make for epic battles and easy maneuverability.


Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition just made me wanna battle my kids and show them how I used to do it. This new nostalgia-fueled gaming system is a near identical, mini replica of Nintendo’s original home console and syncs directly to a TV. It comes with 30 NES games built-in, including Super Mario Brothers and Pac-Man.


Yes my kids still play Minecraft games so this Lego Minecraft Jungle Tree House will be fun to build and keep them busy for a while. Kids can build an awesome tree house using more than 700 pieces, then defend it from intruders. The set includes a trap door to lure in Creeper, plus a tamed Ocelot and Alex figure.


Why spend money in the salon when I could give my daughter a pedicure at home with the Shimmer ‘N Sparkle Real Super Spa Salon. This spa provides the ultimate pedicure experience when kids add water and scented spa fizz. It features a cascading waterfall, sparkling lights, and bubbling water, leaving kids feeling pampered and relaxed.


I was also amazed with the Bose Build Speaker Cube- A Build-it-yourself Bluetooth Speaker for Kids. My kids enjoy taking things apart and putting things together. 


I also want Snuggles My Dream Puppy from Moose Toys. This puppy looks so real and we just want to snuggle with him. Best thing about it I don’t have to clean up behind it or walk it. My kids want a puppy. Here it is. 


These are just some of the games and toys that were featured at the Hokiday Of Play event. To learn more about all the toys please click here: http://www.thetoyinsider.com/2016-holiday-gift-guide/


Disclosure: I was invited to attend Holiday Of Play. Thank you for the invite from The Toy Insider and the fun time. Opinions are mine 100%. 

Glad OdorShield Kitchen/Trash Bags #ad

7 Oct

It’s been a great year and I don’t want it to end. However I will be going out with a bang and a new brand to work with. I recently attended a Mom’s Night Out event with Momtrends and met with five brands. One brand in particular that I really wanted to work with was Glad. I’ve been a fan for decades and love supporting brands that I use and trust. 


After winning a years supply of their products from the raffle which made my day I also found out my wish came true. I am proud to bring you the latest in kitchen/trash bags and food storage. 

Have you heard about Glad OdorShield and Febreze Freshness with Gain Original scent in their trash bags? My garbage never smelled better. That’s because there is no smell. The odor is blocked. It comes in 13 gallon size bags. Febreze and Gain two of my favorite products teaming up with Glad is a winner in my book. 


With the amount of deliveries we get and garbage we go through I need a big strong bag. I hate using small plastic shopping bags for garbage. One bag is great and it fits right in my incinerator, doesn’t rip and the strong drawstring makes closing and carrying easy.

I also love buying in bulk and my favorite wholesale club has plenty of Glad bags in stock. With holidays approaching you have to be prepared. Family and friends eat a lot so these OdorShield bags are perfect. Toys isn’t just delivered in December in my house. There’s so many boxes to throw out. 

These bags will make great gifts as well. My friends already put in a request. For more info visit here: Glad – http://www.glad.com/trash/kitchen/kitchen-odorshield-gain-original-scent/

Only Glad with Febreze neutralizes odors for up to 5 days – guaranteed.

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

Mom’s Night Out With Momtrends And Amazing Products From 5 Wonderful Brands #ad

5 Oct

Momtrends hosted a much needed Mom’s Night Out event in the penthouse down on Prince Street in NYC. Drinks greeted everyone as they walked in and we were led to the rooftop where the we took amazing pictures with gorgeous views. Inside the penthouse brands set up their tables with fun DIY projects to keep us busy for the evening. 


Before I headed to the stations I chowed down on Earth’s Best organic food, snacks and fruit cups. I tried the stuffed pretzels in two varieties: pizzas and cheddar cheese. The stuffed bites broccoli, kale and cheese were very good. The yogurt smoothies, snack bars and chocolate chip cookies were great too. Our gift bags had some as well that my kids enjoyed. 



For 30 years, parents have trusted Earth’s Best to provide organic nutrition for their babies. Now Earth’s Best is taking those same wholesome ingredients and offering nourishing meals for older kids.

Earth’s Best – http://www.EarthsBest.com

There was also catered food like steak, shrimp, chicken, vegetable summer rolls, mini sandwiches, stuffed bacon potatoes and small desserts. Everything was very delicious. 

I started at Quaker’s table as my family and I are big fans of their Quaker bars and oatmeal. We were asked to write on a board and finish this sentence: “If I had an extra hour in the morning I would……., Well like I tell everyone I’m up at 4am every morning so I can have those extra two hours in the morning to prepare and have me time before the kids are awaken. 

Ball Mason jars were handed out to make overnight oats that could help with that extra hour in the morning. No rushing to prepare breakfast because with the help of Quaker it’s so easy to make and healthy. I’ve been a oatmeal fan for years and always pack Quaker snacks for the kids lunches. They’re great anytime of the day. I also love adding different toppings to my oatmeal like fruit, honey and cinnamon. 


Overnight Oats are a quick, easy, delicious, breakfast:  1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup oats, top with your favorite ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy in the morning!

Quaker- http://www.overnightoats.com

The next table was Philips Avent . At this station I was able to make a gift for a pregnant mama or a parent who could use a few pacifiers, bottles and sippy cup. Their bottles are BPA free and have a natural latch on nipple, anti-colic valve grows with your baby from breast feeding to cup. Love the pacifiers that look like animals. In between breastfeeding my kids I used Phillips Avent bottles and pacifiers and my kids enjoyed them. 

Philips Avent, the #1 reusable bottle brand and pacifier brand in the US, helps give babies a healthy start in life for a healthy future.

Philips Avent recognizes that feeding sets the stage for both emotional and physical growth, while ensuring that these Nourishing Moments are done right.

Philips Avent – http://www.philips.com/avent


I headed to the Clorox station to decorate a container of Clorox disinfecting wipes. I chose the plaid design and added flowers and shimmer. It looked very springy. I know we are in the fall season but I don’t want summer to end. I also don’t want the flu season to begin and so I’m glad Clorox has been around for so long helping families kill 99.999% of bacteria. We trust in Clorox 100% as we are germaphobes and sterilize everything. I also enjoy sending the teachers loads of wipes for school as it seems kids get more colds from there. Stock up now and prepare ahead of time. 

Clorox – http://www.Clorox.com



The final station of the evening I absolutely had to check out was Glad. At this table you could make your own scented body lotions. This was amazing!! I’ve never made body lotion before and I got to choose scents like: lavender, coconut, vanilla and lemon. I chose the lavender and lemon combo. I added a few droplets of each scent to my lotion and the rest is history. It smelled wonderful. My kids even put some on when I got home. 



These scents are found in Glad kitchen trash bags. Keep your kitchen clean and neutralize odors with bags that combine Glad OdorShield and Febreze Freshness with Gain Original Scent. Only Glad with Febreze neutralizes odors for up to 5 days – guaranteed.

Provides continuous odor neutralization and leaves behind the fresh original scent of Gain
Reinforcing bands help add strength while saving plastic

Strong drawstring makes closing and carrying easy

Available in 13-gallon size

Glad has been a part of my family for decades and it’s good to see them bringing more to the table with their amazing products that also include food storage which I absolutely must have in my house at all times for school and work lunches, road trips and storing food in the refrigerator. 

Glad – http://www.glad.com/trash/kitchen/kitchen-odorshield-gain-original-scent/


There was a raffle and I am proud to say I won the biggest prize of the night from Glad. A years supply of products. I am very grateful and as a fan of Glad I will get great use out of everything. With a large household it’s good to have plenty of stock on kitchen bags and storage containers. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you as shout out to Momtrends and all the brands in attendance. Some pictures courtesy of Momtrends. 

Weekend Family Fun in Philly With The 2016 Toyota Rav 4

28 Sep

I enjoy car loans and test driving around the mean streets of New York and going on weekend getaways and road trips with the family. The Toyota 2016 Rav 4  SUV showed up and I fell in love immediately with the size, the interior design and the color. If you’re from New York you know how bumpy the streets are. With the Rav 4 you don’t feel a thing. Smooth driving all week was what I was doing. 



When a car is delivered for a review it comes with a full tank of gas. I received it on a Monday and drove around taking care of errands and school drop offs with the kids. That Saturday was our family road trip to Philadelphia for a blogger event. Before our event started we toured the streets of Philly and the Museum. We made sure to get our Philly cheesesteaks and headed to the hotel after our event ended. We stayed the weekend in Philly and drove home Sunday. That full tank of gas got us there and back and I filled up a half tank in Manhattan for about $15. Can you say amazing? An EZ Pass also came with the Toyota Rav 4 courtesy of the company. That saved us a lot of money on tolls and we were very appreciative of that bonus. 



The Toyota Rav 4 is very comfortable and the heated seats kept us warm that chilly morning. I love the cup holders, in front and back, leather steering wheel, power moonroof and ECO Mode that helps maximize fuel economy. RAV4’s standard backup camera displays a real-time view of what the camera sees behind you on the 6.1-in. touch-screen display on the dash. Always great to have. 


The Entune Audio Plus system with Connected Navigation is standard on XLE and SE and ready to help you find your way. RAV4 is now equipped with the Scout GPS Link App, so simply pair your cell phone to get turn-by-turn directions.  I was happy to use this which came in handy. 


We left New York with 2 bags in the back and came back with loads of things. The trunk was full and the cargo space was perfect for all of our goodies. 

We give the Toyota 2016 Rav 4 eight thumbs up. Even though I have a big family and if I ever purchase a car or SUV I would need more seats but if I’m purchasing for myself this would be first on my list. I enjoyed driving and the kids enjoyed being back seat drivers. We miss it already and hope to drive it again. 
For more info head here: http://touch.toyota.com/rav4/2016

Disclosure: Thank you Toyota for loaning us the 2016 Rav 4 for a week to review. Opinions are ours 100% as always. 

NY Liberty and Laura Marano Back To School Night At MSG

14 Sep

NYC kids returned to school Septmeber 8th this year and what better way to start off the year with a surprise family night out at Madison Square Garden Septmeber 9th to watch NY Liberty take on Connecticut Sun. My kids were very excited to attend when I told them the good news. What made it more fun is the fact it was Back to School Night presented by Kids Foot Locker and a halftime performance by Laura Marano of the Disney Show Austin & Ally. She performed two songs Boom Box and La La. Also enjoying the game was 2016 Track & Field 3x medalist Tori Bowie Knicks alum John Starks and special guest DJ Nina Sky. 


We always enjoy basketball games as a family at Madison Square Garden and every NY Liberty game we’ve attended they always win. They’ve been doing their thing. These young ladies are no joke and we are huge fans. The Liberty is one of New York’s most successful teams and are even making a run to qualify for the WNBA playoffs. 



The first 5,000 fans were given back to school folders and pictures of Laura Marano. We had great seats and can’t wait to return. The score was 89-82 (NY Liberty). 

For more information check out @TheGarden and http://www.thegarden.com

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Tickets were given. Big thank you to Madison Square Garden. Opinions are ours 100% as always. 

Our Top 6 Favorite Snacks 

9 Sep

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

1. Horizon Organic: 

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

 

Back To School With Crayola Products

7 Sep

School supplies don’t have to be a difficult shopping experience when you know exactly what brands you can trust. Ever since I was in school my parents always chose Crayola crayons, markers, paint, and colored pencils. I always wanted the ginormous pack of crayons with the sharpener in back. It had to be CRAYOLA! The cheap crayons didn’t cut it and I loved the variety of colors Crayola had and still has. They even have glitter crayons now. 

Since I grew up using Crayola it’s only right my kids use them too. There’s even new products that I know my kids will want.

New Products

· Crayola Emoji Maker: Drawing inspiration from the growing popularity of emojis, kids can experiment with Crayola colors to make 16 custom color emoji stampers and share their unique emoji messages with friends. Using the included design labels, kids can also create custom color names and decorate their barrels. For children ages 6 and up; suggested retail price is $19.99.


· Crayola My Way: Crayola My Way allows fans to customize their own box of Crayola Crayons – from a personalized message on the front of the box to the colors of the Crayons inside the box – in an easy, highly interactive an fun process. After choosing the First Day of School theme, kids can make the Crayola Crayon box their own by uploading a personal photo or piece of artwork to the front of the box, adding their favorite nickname, and selecting their favorite Crayola colors. The personalized 64-count box starts at about $5.99 and can go up to $24.99 depending on the level of customization.


With the new school year just around the corner, kids want to have the best materials and coolest new supplies that reflect their unique interests, while parents want their kids to have best-in-class products that will last them through the year. From tried-and-true classroom staples like Markers, Crayons and Colored Pencils to make –your-own Emoji Markers and customizable Crayon boxes – Crayola offers a wide selection of products that will inspire creativity and get kids excited for the school year.
Classroom Staples

· Crayola 24-count Crayons: Crayola Crayons are a classic kids’ art tool that generations have used to learn to color, spell and draw. Crayola Crayons are designed with a focus on true color, smoothness, and durability.


· Crayola 10-count Classic Markers: Crayola Classic Broad Line Markers are the classic, long-lasting, durable markers that many generations remember from childhood. They lay down brilliant color, yet won’t bleed through most paper. Crayola Markers are also preferred by teachers for all of their projects.


· Crayola 10-count Ultra-Clean Washable Markers: Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers are formulated to provide brilliant color where you want it while washing easily where you don’t. Crayola’s classic markers now have an improved Ultra-Clean washable formula and come with two new bold colors.


· Crayola 24-count Colored Pencils: Crayola Colored Pencils are an essential creative tool for kids to use at home or school. Each pack contains pre-sharpened Colored Pencils and a range of vivid colors to inspire children’s self-expression and imagination. Made with thick soft leads that won’t break easily, the pencils create brightly colored lines that are perfect for school projects and creating detailed artwork.


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

Disclosure: Crayola sent my kids products for back to school. Opinions are 100% ours as always. 

 

Movie Review The Light Between Oceans #LightBetweenOceansNYC

1 Sep

I attended the VIP screening of The Light Between Oceans. This movie had me all kinds of crazy. Definitely lots of mixed emotions. Happy, sad, crying, laughing, hating, loving. Geez I mean what did I do to deserve this? Well you just have to see the movie to find out what I’m talking about. It’s based in the 1920’s about a lighthouse keeper and his wife. 


Will men do anything for love? Are some women evil? Can loneliness make you insane? Can losing someone make you lose your mind? I’ve gotten different comments about this movie but I actually liked it. It is long (but what movie isn’t?) and you have to pay attention unless you fall asleep then I don’t know what to tell you. I stayed up and I’m glad I did. 

The main characters in the movie are real life couple. Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander did a wonderful job. 


If you don’t mind a tear jerker movie then I advise you to bring Kleenex. I even noticed a few men getting teary eyed and sniffling. 

Following the movie was an after party at SpyGlass Rooftop. I enjoyed myself with friends, drinks and appetizers. 



In theaters this Friday, Septmeber 2nd. Check out @TheLightBetweenOceans on Instagram and @TLBOmovie on Twitter 


Disclosure: I was invited to this screening and after party. Opinions are mine as always. 

Soul Kix Shoe Giveaway 

1 Sep

Soul Kix is an interactive shoe company with a purpose of allowing the consumer to have a creative choice in their footwear while also donating a pair of shoes to those in need for each pair purchased.


Here’s how you can join the Soul Kix  movement:

Our shoes come in a bag that has been made of recycled materials and can be reused for almost anything which is why we say Think Outside The Shoebox.


For every pair of SoulKix purchased, we donate the equivalent to a pair of shoes to our partners Soles4Souls. They then provide shoes to those in parts of the world that are less fortunate.

We have over 500 celebrities, athletes, musicians and actors wearing SoulKix.

We currently have a Kickstarter Campaign going to create awareness, excitement and support for our Kids line of shoes. Check it out.

You Design It. We Print It. This is what SoulKix is all about. The is the foundation of our company and caters to everyone who has ever wanted a pair of shoes they can truly call their own. 


Here’s the pair Soul Kix custom made for me. I will be taking these on my cruise this year. These can be worn anywhere like on the beach, streets of NY, traveling, shopping, etc. I love the way they come packaged and the bag can be worn with your shoes inside. Love it! I’m so glad to have met Soul Kix at the Blogger Bash conference I attended this year. Can’t wait for the kids line to come out. 


Outfit your company/organization with our shoes but your brand.

Employees are a company’s most important asset and being able to create an environment where each employee feels like they are a part of a team helps to create a culture of happy, efficient and loyal employees.


**GIVEAWAY**

Soul Kix is kind enough to offer one of my readers a custom pair or in house design of shoes. 

To enter (Mandatory entries):

*Leave a comment on Instagram and tell me which pair you would pick or what custom pair you would design. Tag it @soul_kix and hashtags #soul_kix  #fivelittlewordsgiveaway

*Follow @soul_kix on Twitter and Instagram 

*Make sure you’re subscribed to my blog.

*Make sure you’re following me on Instagram  @nilimo and Twitter @nilimonicky 

*Like my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fivelittlewords

**Bonus entry:
Retweet this: I want to win a pair of @soul_kix from @nilimonicky through her Instagram @nilimo 

Giveaway starts today September 1st and ends 11:59 pm September 11th. Winner announced on social media September 12th. 

Disclosure: This post is not compensated. I was given a pair in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 


Back To School Fashion With Lands End 

29 Aug

Back to school is a breeze when your kids wear uniforms in my opinion. It’s also a money saver. This year I’m focused on my two younger children. I have a middle school and elementary school kids both in the same school and both in uniforms. 


Lands End is my go to for uniforms. My daughter’s colors are navy blue and white. I don’t know how my daughter grew so fast but I’m glad Lands End has her size, quality and styles that she needs. My son has been in the men’s section for a while now but Lands End can also help with that. Basic colors for him are khaki and navy blue. 

She loves skorts and with the weather being comfortable she can start out the school year wearing it. 
School Uniform Girls Active Skort $35

· Moisture-wicking enhancement allows for quick dry when working up a sweat

· Hidden waistband pocket for any gear or gadgets needed when exercising

· Hidden shorts keep her completely covered and confident while the skort gives off a cute feminine flair


Her school allows her to wear cardigans. We love this one from Lands End. 
School Uniform Girls Performance Button Front Cardigan $45

· Resists fading and piling for long-lasting color and comfort

· Easy-care blend feels soft as cotton

· Fully-fashioned construction for a great fit


Polos or button down collar shirts is also part of my daughter’s uniform. Here’s a great one. Love that it’s 100% cotton. 

School Uniform Girls Short Sleeve Fem Fit Mesh Polo $18

· 100% cotton mesh fabric is breathable and feels soft from the start

· Shaped side seams and neat side vents for untucked days

· Enhanced fabric keeps colors true and resist stains


Can’t go back to school without a brand new cool backpack. You know Lands End came correct with these. 
Classmate Backpacks

Double-touch bottoms, comfort-foam padded back panels & shoulder straps, long-lasting zippers and numerous pockets for organizing made easy. Backpacks come in five sizes made for every kid in school – preschool to high school. Personalize your backpack by adding a monogram, embroidery or both!

 Classmate Medium Backpack – Print $39

Classmate Medium Backpack – Solid $39

Check out @landsend on Twitter and online at: http://www.landsend.com

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Clothing was given to review. Opinions are 100% mine as always.

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