NEW DANNON LIGHT & FIT TIRAMISU GREEK NONFAT YOGURT #IHeartTiramisu #ad #IC

19 Jul

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dannon. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All views and opinions are my own, and do not necessarily represent those of Dannon.”
One of my weaknesses is desserts. I crave sweets everyday and knowing that it’s not doing anything to keep me healthy or in shape I decided to slow it down. I’ve always been a fan of Greek yogurt but who wants to just eat Greek yogurt as a snack? Well there are those that do but I need some flavor in my life. I’ve added fresh fruit and granola but was still craving for my sweets. Was there anyone out there listening to me who would give me the desserts I craved but in my Greek yogurt? Well, apparently there was and with 12 grams of protein, 80 calories and 0% fat per 5.3 oz. Ding, ding, ding. My prayers were answered. 

Dannon came out with one of my favorite desserts in a Greek yogurt called Dannon Light & Fit Greek Tiramisu non-fat yogurt. This is a limited edition flavor. When I heard about this I knew I had to get me some and try it out. Now we all know anything that’s good for you doesn’t always taste good but that wasn’t the case with Dannon. I immediately was craving more after tasting the first one. I still got that Tiramisu flavor without the extra calories. Does that mean I’m hooked? Well let’s just put it like this, my refrigerator is stocked and when I run out I will make a bee line to the supermarket to restock. I’m really trying my hardest to eat light and healthy while staying fit and this is a good start. My doctor even said to cut out sweets so I will show her what I have found and I’m sure she will approve. Dannon Greek yogurt cups are so easy to throw in your purse for on the go and take to the gym for a snack after working out or just grabbing one in the fridge instead of that ice cream. My sister and my son even tried it and like it as well. I guess that means I have to double or triple up in the supermarket. I usually catch great sales in my neighborhood. 

You either have love for Greek yogurt or you don’t. I want you to give it a try and let me know what you think. I can still add fresh fruit or granola to this one as well and even add honey. 

Here are a few of Dannon’s websites and social media pages to check out in your spare time: 

Dannon Website: http://www.dannon.com

Dannon Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dannon

Dannon Twitter Page: @Dannon

Dannon Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/dannonyogurt/

Dannon Light & Fit Website: http://www.lightandfit.com

Dannon Light & Fit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightandfit

Dannon Light & Fit YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/lightandfit

Dannon Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/dannon/

   
 

CABANA COVE GRILL BLOG-B-Q AT HUURICANE HARBOR, SIX FLAGS

30 Jun

The last day of school for NYC kids was June 26 which was also a half-day. Were my kids going to miss out on anything? No, not really because they said goodbye to their classmates and teachers the day before knowing they were going to have an awesome time at Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Who wouldn’t want to hang out in a water park for the day? So their summer vacation started a day early and they were happy. 

Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is located in Jackson, NJ. We were invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Cabana Cove Grill and test out their delicious food with a Blog-B-Q. From jerk chicken sandwiches , salads, Tri-tip steak sandwiches, fruit salad, hot dogs, brownies, cookies, cotton candy, drinks and the best part we were given a Cabana for the day. The food was amazing and we received souvenir cups for free drink refills all day. The Cabana boys kept serving us delicious mango or strawberry-banana smoothies. Those were very good. Our Cabana kept us cool with fan and a refrigerator for our food and drinks a table, chairs and a couch. Outside our Cabana we had two lounge chairs. 

We were steps away from the Wave Pool and Cabana Cove Grill. There is also more lounge chairs around the wave pool and benches with umbrellas at the Grill. This was our first time at Hurricane Harbor but we are regulars at Six Flags, Great Adventure. Everyone was so polite and catered to our every need. We didn’t need lockers because our things were safe in our Cabanas that were guarded while we walked around park. We also were given wrist bands for the day. One of those were proof you belong in the Cabana area. 

After lunch we headed to the Wave Pool (Blue Lagoon). Little did we know they have safety drills every 45 minutes that lasts for 15 minutes. We though someone was really drowning until a worker told us the real deal. We were glad it wasn’t a real person in trouble and I was glad to see they take their jobs seriously and practice these safety drills. 

Once our blogger friends came we went exploring and took the kids to the lazy pool (Taak It Eez Ee Creek) and a few water slides in the park like: King Cobra and Boreas. There were no lines we got back on as much as we liked. I enjoyed all the rides as much as my kids. I love amusement parks and every summer that’s on everyone’s agenda. 

All of our kids kept calling the Cabanas their homes. I thought that was cute. The day turned out to be great without rain. I love seeing my kids enjoying themselves and just being kids. This was for them and I will continue to keep them smiling. We will definitely return hopefully with another Cabana and amazing food. You know we couldn’t leave without getting Funnel Cake and Churros. Our favorites. 

We enjoyed ourselves and recommend everyone to come check out Hurricane Harbor water rides, the New Cabana Cove Grill and rent a Cabana while you’re there. Visit their website: https://www.sixflags.com for more info. Follow on Twitter: @sixflags 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to attend a Blog-B-Q Grand Opening of Cabana Cove Grill at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure. Opinions are 100% mine as always. 

   
                

PART 3 FAMILY VACATION CRUISE ON NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY (BAHAMAS)

30 Jun

Here is the last post of my 7-day cruise to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Breakaway. 

Day 5 (Nassau Bahamas) Partly Cloudy 75 Sunrise 6:53 a.m. Sunset 7:29 p.m.

This is what we were waiting for. I’ve always dreamed of going to the Bahamas and finally made it. There is lots to do for your shore excursions. Make sure you plan these things in advance so when you get to your destination all you have to do is get transportation to take you there. Tours include Atlantis Resort tours such as: Discover Atlantis, Atlantis Aquaventure, Atlantis Dolphin Interaction & Beach Day, Aquaventure & Walking with Sharks. There’s also Blue Lagoon Tours such as: Blue Lagoon Dolphin Swim, Sea Lion Encounter and Dolphin Encounter. You also can explore the Ardastra Zoo & Garden, Seaworld Explorer, Glass Bottom Boat and Paradise Island & Sightseeing. 

Next time we will check out a few excursions. We wanted to explore the island on our own. We walked around the town, took pictures, shopped and found a Dunkin Donuts (lol). We didn’t want to go too far away from the ship. We went to the famous Straw Market and did shopping as well. It was a bright, sunny, warm day. The locals are friendly and as soon as you get off the boat they ready to grab you and take you around in their taxis. We of course chose to walk. We had a great day in town and can’t wait to visit again. 

On the ship activities were still going on. There was a Thriller Dance Class, Name that Beatles Tune, Rock of Ages show, Deal or No Deal, Awesome 80’s Party and a Breakaway Fireworks Display. I loved the fireworks. I tried the keep the kids up for that but they were tired. My youngest son popped up to see a few then fell back into bed. I thought I had video but I guess I didn’t save it. It was loud and very nice as if it was the 4th of July. 

Day 6 (Sea Day) Mostly Sunny 73 degrees Sunrise: 6:46 a.m. Sunset 7:29 p.m. 

Now that we are headed back to New York we get to finish exploring this big ship and do things we probably didn’t get to do. We had fun with the Giant Chess Play, Aqua Park, Sports Court and Splash Academy. There was a great Ice Carving Demonstartion and also a Basketball and Soccer Tournament. The Towel Folding Demonstartion was very nice. My daughter was able to see how the staff prepared her amazing towel pets that she received every night on her bed. We visited Carlos Bake Shop and Dolce Gelato and ordered goodies. O’ Sheehan’s also has milkshakes and ice cream sundaes you can order for a small price. 

The Charm Bracelet event was packed with women wanting those charms. The Hot Dog eating contest was crazy. The Family Friendly Feud Game Show was fun. There was a Family Pizza Making class. The Breakaway Celebrity Dance off was a hit with everyone. We enjoyed that very much. Tango Dance classes were available and a Family Cake Decorating Class inspired by TLC’s Baking with the Cake Boss. Teppanyaki & Sushi Demonstration was great! 

Broadway Star Kate Shindle performed a musical and theater show and was available for a meet and greet after. 

Dinner at O’Sheehan’s featured BBQ Spare Ribs. We went to the Garden Cafe for dinner. 

Day 7 (Sea Day) Cloudy 64 degrees Sunrise: 6:34 a.m. Sunset 7:29 p.m.

This would be our last full day on the Breakaway. We were sad but we wasn’t going to let that get us down. We enjoyed every minute. After breakfast the activities begun. Rockettes Stretch Class, Fitness Dance Class, Napkin Folding with staff, Shuffleboard Tournament, Fruit & Veggie Carving Demo. 

Afternoon activities included: Samba class, International Crew Talent Show we very very good. The staff is very talented. My kids and I enjoyed this show. Basketball Challenge, Hip Hop Dance Class that my daughter rocked and participated in. The instructor was very nice and even met my daughter after so they could dance together. That was so sweet of her. My daughter enjoyed that class. Meet & Greet with Nickelodeon, Studio portraits were available to purchase. The kids wanted the video arcade, splash academy, sports court and aqua park every day. Can you blame them? 

The evening was full of things to do like Family Cupckae Making, Breakaway Karaoke Idol 2015, Super Shopper Raffle, Perfect Couple Game Show, Farewell Party with the DJ. My kids stayed at Spalsh Academy till about 10pm. Hey wanted their last night to be fun. They refused to go to bed early (lol). 

For dinner we chose Mexican at the Garden Cafe. 

The next morning we arrived back home in New York. The skylines looked amazing early in the morning. Even though we were already missing our vacation we were glad to be back safe and sound. There are definitley more cruises in our future. 

I hope you enjoyed reading about our fabulous vacation on the wonderful Norewegian Breakaway. If you need any questions answered ask away or leave comments. Check out Norwegian on Twitter: @CruiseNorwegian

Disclosure: I won this 7-day cruise from @themoms. Opinions are mine and my kids 100% as always. 

Enjoy the pics!!!

   
        

       

               

SoFabUOTR NYC Recap 

29 Jun

I was was provided a free ticket to attend SoFabU on the Road by Collective Bias, Inc. All opinions are mine alone. #SoFabUOTR #CollectiveBias

I woke up around 2 a.m. Saturday morning beyond excited to get my day started with SofabUOTR. I was so happy I didn’t have far to travel being a few stops away from We Work at the Bryant Park location. I had about an hour to spare so I sat in the lobby and met attendees on their way in. As we made our way up the stairs there was a table full of cute lunch totes filled with goodies. I found a table and the breakfast found me. Fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, muffins, coffee, juice, etc. 

After the Sofab introduction and review from Debba Haupert (Senior Manager, Education & Development Sofab University & SofabU on The Road) the first panel discussion of the day was “How to excel with Sponsored Posts.” Kim Janoko (Senior Director of Community), Kristin Wheeler (Senior Manager Community Programming & Engagement), Diane Nassey (Social Party Coordinator), & Dania Santana (Community Coordinator, Colectiva Latina) led this discussion. I appreciated this topic a lot. Who doesn’t want sponsored posts? Whatever I need to do to increase my sponsored posts I’m all ears. There was so much great information told. 

There were a few favorite tips by Monica Pruitt on Landing a Campaign. 

*Share awesome existing content. When applying for a new campaign make sure to share links for similar posts. 

*Photos are extremely important. Make sure to take courses on Sofab University to increase your skills and expertise on photography. 

* Create content that is going to bring traffic to your blog. 

*Network. Make sure you join the Facebook group for Social Fabric. 

*Bes ure to visit Sofab University regularly and take classes to improve your skills. 

Next up, Phil Hollows (CEO,FeedBlitz) Growing your Influence, Traffic, and Making Money with Email Marketing. A few of my favorites from the slides he showed. 

  
Jessica Woodbury (dontmindthemess.com) discussed How to Use SEO to Supercharge Your Posts. With SEO there are more blogger opportunities, more traffic and new readers. Make sure your blog is mobile friendly. Think beyond keywords, organic content, higher word count sends stronger signals (700 + words). Check spam score in Moz. (https://moz.com/researchtools/ose/) Having a 4 or less spam score is great! I have a 2. I’m very happy. Loved all these tips. 

  
After break and a delicious lunch provided by Panera we continued with Part 2 of How to Use SEO to Supercharge Your Posts. 

  
Ice cream from Graeters was sooo delicious. get ready NY they are coming. Muller Yogurt was very creamy and delicious. So many choices to choose from. Kind bars were on all the tables for a quick healthy snack. Noble Juice naturally pure juices came in amazing flavors like Apple Mandarin Chai, Tangerine Ginger Pomeganate, Honeybell Blueberry and Royal Mandarin Greens juice. They also provided cute lunch bags with goodies inside. IBlog Magazine, Coty, Kraft and Liberty Science Center were also sponsors. We also participated in contests. 

Josh Hicks from Mitsubishi (Drive Shop) taught us Video Tips, Tricks & Tools. Before he started his presentation he went Oprah on us and gave everyone a selfie stick. That made my day. 

One of my favorite tips: Storyboard. Make a visual plan of the shot list. This will help you get all the shots you need and streamline editing. A little extra time here will save hours later.

  
 We divided into groups and headed outside for an Afternoon Education Adventure with NYC Photo Safari. I chose the food group because I wanted to get extra tips on how to work the camera on my food photos. We started at the NYPL on 42nd and 5th Avenue then worked our way over to Penn Station and from there we met everyone at the Strand Hotel for Happy Hour. Once again, I learned so much how to take pics in certain light, up close, and tricks with the filters on the iPhone. I don’t own a DSLR but hope to one day. Happy Hour was great with SoFab attendees, food, drinks, gifts and socializing. 

It turned out to be a great day andthese tips will come in handy and be put to good use. I can’t wait for the next one. Slides provided by Debba Haupert. 

  

   
    

  
  

New “Coach Pups” Campaign Launches with Lady Gaga’s Dog

27 Jun

Coach, Inc., a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections, goes to the dogs as it reveals its newest advertising campaign. Titled “COACH PUPS,” the new campaign features canine stars in a series of portraits photographed by Steven Meisel. It launches this month with Miss Asia Kinney, the adorable four-legged companion of Lady Gaga. 

The campaign celebrates the dogs in our lives and captures the pups’ unique personalities as they “model” Coach’s Fall 2015 star bags. Additional PUPS staring in the campaign will be revealed shortly. Miss Asia Kinney, Lady Gaga’s now famous French Bulldog has amassed a substantial social media following in only a few short weeks. The Coach bags she elegantly models in the campaign are the Edie and the Rucksack.

 

Art directed by Fabien Baron and styled by Karl Templer, COACH PUPS will appear in print, online and on outdoor media globally starting in July.

 

Lady Gaga commented: “I am so proud of Miss Asia! She’s a natural in front of the camera, and we’re both so excited that the iconic Steven Meisel shot her for Coach’s pup campaign! I really love getting to watch my best friend be a star.”

 

Stuart Vevers, Creative Director at Coach comments, “’I’ve never had so much fun on a shoot. The combination of Mr. Meisel and the pups was an extraordinary, surreal, special moment. We wanted to create playful images that make you smile. We were inspired by some images from the Coach archive, which featured Eddie—the dog that starred in the TV series Frasier—to create something joyful, with humor and character. That’s a spirit that’s uniquely at the heart of Coach.” 

 

This new initiative will also introduce the social campaign #coachpups, including a range of online activities for fellow dog fanciers, opportunities for Instameets, special talks and other events hosted by the great and the good of the canine world. This will also mark the debut of the Coach Snapchat account.

 

Coach has made a donation to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (frenchieporvous.org) on behalf of Miss Asia Kinney and her devoted owner.
Coach, established in New York City in 1941, is a leading design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections with a rich heritage of pairing exceptional leathers and materials with innovative design. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, and through Coach’s website at http://www.coach.com. Coach’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH and Coach’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. 

   

Johnsonville Bratfast in Bed Father’s Day!! 

20 Jun

Johnsonville is celebrating Father’s Day with a Bratfast in Bed tray! Complete with a Brat-y Mary (Bloody Mary, sausage style of course), two juicy Johnsonville brats drenched in sauerkraut served right off the grill, and the remote control to the television; this just became your answer to the ultimate Father’s Day gift. 

  
Johnsonville reached out to see how I could make a Bratfast in Bed video for Father’s Day using their Brats and a cool tray they sent me. I love surprising people especially with food. I get to see their reaction when they taste my home cooking. My partner in crime loves cheese omelets so I cracked some eggs, and grilled a few Johnsonville beef brats. I kept it simple and sweet with his favorite breakfast on his day. The video shows how much he liked and appreciated his food. 

Johnsonville’s new app – The Brat Signal – makes it’s easier than ever to let your friends and family know that a grilling gathering is about to start. The simple web-based app allows users to send out a virtual “smoke signal” with the grilling location and menu to Twitter followers and Facebook friends. Download the app at BratSignal.com and discover how it can help you make memories this summer as you gather ‘round the grill.

  

Click on the links below to see the video. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T12wZVj6Sr8 

http://magis.to/ICY7UlxAFVF_LCUGDmEwCX15?l=vsm&o=i&c=e?utm_source=magisto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=producer_shared_movie

Hope you enjoy the video. What will you surprise your loved one with on Father’s Day? Check out @Johnsonville on Twitter. 

  
  
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. Opinions are mine as always 100%. 

 

General Mills Cereal & Star Wars Recipe & Giveaway

18 Jun

General Mills and Star Wars are teaming up to offer exclusive vintage movie posters in every specially marked box of General Mills cereals! General Mills is once again connecting fans with what they love. Hidden inside each box, you will find one of six timeless movie posters featuring your favorite Star Wars films. Star Wars and cereal fans alike can collect all six classic posters in each participating brand of General Mills cereals, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Cookie Crisp and Reese’s Puffs. The specially marked boxes of Big G cereals hit store shelves this month, for a limited time only. Check out the #CerealWars Tumblr page that already launched for more fan fun surrounding the General Mills and Star Wars partnership.

I was asked to come up with a Star Wars themed recipe using General Mills cereal. We chose the Trix cereal and got creative in the kitchen. We wanted something that took little time to make. What could we turn cereal into? We chose Popsicles. It’s cool and on hot days and it only took seven-minutes to freeze.  

Ingredients: 

Trix cereal

Greek yogurt

Milk

That’s it. Depending on your Popsicle maker you will have to see how much of each ingredient you use. I put some cereal in a measuring cup with a few teaspoons of Greek yogurt and a splash of milk. Mix together and pour in your Popsicle maker. The mix shouldn’t be took thick, so not too much yogurt. It took me a few times till I got it right. I will add more cereal next time. You can try any cereal that you like. We liked the way the colors looked with the Trix cereal in the Popsicles. The kids acted like the Popsicles were lightsabers. We had fun creating this and eating the Popsicles of course. We’ve already collected posters and won’t stop till we find all of them. We have three more to go. May the force be with you!! 

Enjoy the recipe and comment if you try it out. 

**Giveaway: 

One lucky winner will receive 2 boxes of participating General Mills cereals and an exclusive Star Wars vintage movie poster. Comment below and tell me which General Mills cereal is your favorite and a winner will be picked. Giveaway ends July 2, 2015. Five little Words is not responsible for shipping prize. 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. Opinions are mine as always 100%. 

   
 

Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres & Swim Today On Why Swimming Is The #FunnestSport

8 Jun

When my daughter found out her 2nd grade class was taking swimming lessons she was very excited and so was I. She loves the water, NOW THAT IS. When she first started taking lessons with NYC Parks Department she was not having it. She was younger and was not thinking about putting her head under water or even swimming to the deep side. Now you can’t tell her nothing. Every Thursday she wakes up so happy knowing she gets to put on her bathing suit and swim with her friends. Asphalt Green swim instructors teach her class.

I wish my son also had the opportunity to continue swimming but it is only for the 2nd graders. He loves swimming too. I feel the Parks Department is too rushed and my children weren’t getting one on one attention they needed. With the lessons my daughter is taking with her school there are plenty of instructors and they take their time with their students from September to June they’ve learned so much. My daughter comes home saying I floated, held my breath, did a flip, went to the deep side and jumped in, etc,etc.. What parent wouldn’t want to hear that GREAT news when they come home? That means the instructors are doing an excellent job and so is my daughter. 

Unfortunately things have to come to an end, OR DO THEY?  Momtrends held an event with SwimToday and five-time Olympic swimmer-turned-swim-mom Dara Torres. They came together to show non-swimmers and their parents why swimming is the #FunnestSport . Swim Today teams are inviting new swimmers and families to experience the sport with incentives like customized swim caps, free trial periods and promotional materials from kits sent to 1,500 swim teams to use locally. 

Dara Torres says “being part of a swim team is one of the most fun and most rewarding experience a child can have.” She also says “she’s benefited from the sport’s value in every aspect of her life and that’s why her 9 year-old daughter is a swimmer.” Dara is passionate to share this with other parents and invite them to understand what the sport has to offer. 

Swim Today is a first of its kind marketing collaboration within the swimming industry. It is a joint, industry effort created to promote and grow participation in the sport of swimming. Swim Today focuses on the benefits of swimming, fun, fitness, friendships, self-confidence, teamwork, gaol-setting, time management, lifelong participation, swimming’s many health benefits and low rate of injury. 

Parents can check out http://www.swimtoday.org and search for teams in your area to see what is offered. Twitter @swimtoday and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnestsport 

Dara Torres shared her love of swimming and being a mom with us and let me just say she is funny and very sweet. Lunch was amazing from Num Pang and Swim Today was kind enough to offer swim classes for our kids for July and August. I’m so grateful my daughter will continue her swimming lessons and hopefully my son can join in on the fun as well. I also want to learn. I love taking exercise swim classes and hope to join classes this summer. We have an Asphlat Green not far from us. 

Disclosure: There wasn’t any compensation for this post. Opinions are 100% mine. I was invited to this event. Lunch and gift bag was given. Thank you Momtrends for another great event! 

   
   

Rides, Food, Boardwalk Fun Day at Coney Island with Family 

22 May

When it comes to Amusement Parks I am a big kid who loves the rides, especially roller coasters. When my family and I were invited to Coney Island (Luna Park) for Family Blogger Day May 2nd I immediately said YES!!! My kids love rides as well and since most amusement parks are further away or not open this was so close in Brooklyn, NY. My BFF Denise was happy to drive me and my kids with her and her son. 

It was chilly that day but we were wrapped up and got there early. We walked the Boardwalk until everyone arrived. After meeting up with more of our blogger buddies we checked in at B&B Carousell and had breakfast provided by Luna Park and learned about all the fun Coney Island has to offer. The Carousel was the first ride the kids rode on then staff took everyone to Luna Park and the People’s Playground. 

Of course the kids were the first to get on the new rides while the parents stood by and took pics. One of the new rides is called Rocking Tug. The kids loved it! They rode a few before the park opened at noon. We were VIP so our wristbands didn’t activate till 12 so they jumped on a few rides before that. The wristbands are unlimited for 4 hours and that’s what I purchase when at Coney Island and only $35. Kiddie Area wristband for $20 or a Ride and Play 4-hr unlimited wristband with 20 credit game card for $45. All these deals are great. From roller coasters (Cyclone), to Deno Wonder Wheel, Bumper Cars, all the kids and parents had a great time!! There’s something for everyone.

Who goes to Coney Island without eating at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs? Well we all ate there for lunch. Hot dogs, burgers, fries, lobster sandwiches, soft shell crab sandwiches were all being devoured. It’s a must have. There are two different ones. One is located on the Boardwalk and the original on Surf Ave. The original one sells kid meals and comes with a toy. 1310 Surf Avenue. There’s other great places to eat in the neighborhood like Applebee’s, Rita’s Italian Ice, Famiglia Pizzeria and Grimaldi’s to name a few. Later this summer Wahlburgers franchise will be the newest addition to Coney Island. Definitley don’t forget Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest for the 4th of July. 

Lots of events are coming up too. Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Deno’s Wonder Wheel 95th Birthday Seaon, 5th Annual Pet Day at Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Sunday Karaoke on the Boardwalk, School’s Out Celebration, etc. For a full schedule of events check out http://www.coneyislandfunguide.com because these events are happening this week until September 2015. You can also view directions to the park, attractions and where to eat and shop. Don’t forget to check out the Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park a few steps away. The games are affordable and they have a special on Wednesday. Any seat for $10. How great is that? Opening Day is June 20. They also have t-shirt giveaways, Star Wars night, kids run the bases, fireworks and more. Check out their website: http://www.brooklyncyclones.com for tickets and schedule.

The beach is another way to cool down and have fun. Bring your blanket, swimsuit, and umbrella and just enjoy the water and sand. The beach officially opens May 23rd just in time for Memorial Day weekend from 10am-6pm daily through September 7. 

We had a great time and can’t wait to go back this summer. Thank you to Alliance for Coney Island. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to this event for bloggers and given gift bag. Opinions like always are mine 100%. 

Enjoy my pics!!

   
                                                            

Photo credit to @boyzruleourwrld for picture below

   
                       

This last picture of the bloggers and families was taken by staff from Coney Island

  

NEW YORK BABY SHOW FAVORITES & BLOGGER LOUNGE RECAP

21 May

The New York Baby Show presented by New York Family Magazine was in full effect over the weekend, May 16,17 at Pier 92 in NYC. I always appreciate these shows even though my kids aren’t babies anymore. However, I do have baby/toddler cousins. My readers also have babies/ toddlers and I’m sure they appreciate reading about the latest, greatest baby strollers, toys, clothes, furniture, etc. 

We went the first day and was there for the ribbon cutting ceremony with NBC News Anchors Erica Hill and Sheinelle Adams. Rosie Pope was in the house as well. Canon was the presenting sponsor of the New York Baby Show. Momtrends hosted the Blogger Lounge (#MomtrendsLounge) this year and child care was also provided. It was much needed and a big Thank You goes out to them for that. There was pampering for bloggers from GlamSquad giving the ladies manicures, hair and makeup touch-ups. My daughter immediately had her nails done. After we walked around and visited stations we came back to the lounge for a delicious lunch and raffles. My son decided to stay in the lounge because he’s not into baby things but he’s a great helper with kids and parents have told me he’s a very caring person and the kids love playing with him. He’s 12 and loving with his sister too. He had fun up in the lounge. My daughter saw a few of her friends in child care and wanted to play so I sent her off to have more fun. She was in good hands with The Nanny League. They are great with kids of all ages. 

NYC Dads Group hosted the Dad’s Lounge sponsored by Dove Men Care. They took care of the dad’s and moms by welcoming them in their lounge to change and feed their babies, get tips, advice and tricks from other dad’s. 

Quinny & Maxi-Cosi, Stokke, Evenflo Feeding, Delta Kids, Pottery Barn Kids, Mamas & Papas, Please and Carrots, Happy Family, Plum Organics, Shoosha True, Babies R Us, Britax, Vitamix, 92Y, Lincoln Center, The Bump provided reading material with the inside scoop of getting pregnant and pregnancy. New York Family Magazine another favorite magazine also provided reading material for helping parents enjoy raising kids in the city and beyond. 

Mabel’s Labels handed bloggers a pack full of labels with our names on it and a few dog tags. I use them for the kids school books, lunches and clothing. They come in handy. The goody bags were filled with fabulous items from lots of brands. A few of my favorite things from the goodie bags and on the floor were: Hatch Things have a lightweight caryall bag called “Sureshop” that won’t let your stroller fall over. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this with our strollers. I wish I had these when my kids were little but as a bag fanatic i can never say no to a good bag. While walking the floor my daughter found these cute reuseable garden snack bags from Green Sprouts. Comes in a 2-pack snack size and sandwich size. Fun styles. Safety 1st showed and awesome step and go stroller. Fold down is easy and to open just step down on the foot pedal and it fully opens up. No hands! Love it! Primary has amazing kids clothes for boys and girls for under $25. The softest material up to size 10. Mixed Pears make the cutest portable food scissors for parents to cut food to the right bite size. They are called “BiteSizers” and come in a variety of colors. 

Canon had fun interactive activities for the entire family. There was a play area where parents could take photos of their children, and have one-on-one guidance on capturing that once-in-a-lifetime moment.  There was also a Pregnancy Portrait Studio where expecting moms could had a professional photographer snap and print a baby bump photo. Canon experts also hosted two photography seminars to lead new and expecting parents through Baby Steps lessons for each stage of their child’s life.

These are just some of the brands that were in attendance. For more info check out @newyorkbabyshow and @momtrends on Twitter. 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100%. 

   
         

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