Category Archives: Kids and Moms

Planning Your Summer Trip to New Jersey: Things To Do and Tips to Keep You Safe

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

Planning Your Summer Trip to New Jersey: Things To Do and Tips to Keep You Safe

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Photo Courtesy: Stacey Jal

Planning a summer trip out East this summer? Don’t forget to check out the “Garden State.”
Although New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the U.S., it’s not small on things to do and see. Check out our recommendations for things to check out this summer, as well as a few safety tips to consider while traveling.

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Photo Credit: Lizzy M.

Battleship Brewfest

Hosted by the New Jersey Brewers Association, Battleship Brewfest is celebrating its 23rd
anniversary this summer. Buy tickets to the festival and you can sample craft beer from New
Jersey breweries, and get an up-close and personal look at Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy live
music, food vendors, and support your favorite craft brewer!

Fourth of July Celebrations

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Photo Credit: Mike D.

Wherever you end up in New Jersey, you’re likely to find a celebration on or around the 4th of
July. Oceanfest in Long Branch is a popular event for both tourists and locals alike or head to
Keansburg Amusement Park for their Independence Day celebration.
If you’re unable to visit New Jersey until after the 4th, but want to catch a fireworks show,
Tropicana in Atlantic City has a fireworks show every Saturday night until September.

Rugged Maniac

Who says kids are the only ones who can have outdoor fun this summer? Rugged Maniac is an
event in Englishtown that’s just for adults. Take part in getting through over 25 obstacle courses
(that’s three miles long) and celebrate your success (or failure) with beer and music. If you’re
interested in this popular summer event, it’s important to sign up ahead of time to secure
yourself a spot.

Visit a New Jersey Jackals Game

Summertime is the perfect time to catch a baseball game and the professional baseball team,
New Jersey Jackals plays most of their summers games at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair.
Check out the full schedule here.

Other Places To Check Out

Whether you are a history buff, a fan of Springsteen, or just want to enjoy a day at the beach, here are other places worth visiting when traveling to New Jersey:

  • Asbury Park
  • Atlantic City
  • Island Beach State Park
  • Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
  • Morey’s Piers
  • Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
  • Jersey Shore
  • Sahara Sam’s Water Park

We have a plethora of Lakes and Beaches to visit as well, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.

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Photo Credit: Asad M.

Tips to Consider While Traveling

Whether you’re heading to New Jersey on a road trip or in a rental from the airport, driving may
be your biggest challenge. The Jersey Turnpike is notorious for being fast and aggressive, so
it’s important to pay attention. If you can’t keep up with the speed of traffic, you better stay in the
right lane.
Many New Jersey residents recommend learning how to drive on a jug handle (which is a type
of ramp). No one expects out-of-towners to be expert New Jersey drivers, but if you stay alert,
focused, and eliminate all distractions, your risk of an accident is low.
If you’re planning to drink alcohol at any event, designate a sober driver, or use a rideshare
service. Nothing ruins a summer trip more than a DUI or an accident.

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Photo Credit: Mike D.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

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Frozen 2 Trailer!

Posted in Kids and Moms by

Just released this morning!

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Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” offering a glimpse at the dramatic journey Elsa and Anna take into the unknown. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

Matching Adorable Summer Styles by Yaffifashion.com

Posted in Kids and Moms, Product Reviews by

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Every now and then something too cute to pass up comes along. That’s what happened when I was approached by www.yaffifashion.com to review their 2019 matching swimsuit styles.

I have two boys, so I wasn’t sure how it would work, but after looking through their online catalog, I found some cute options for moms  with boys although it would be cutest to have exact matches for moms and their baby girls!

They have so many styles to choose from it’s hard to pick just one. The one I chose is called “Summer Leaves Sporty Monokini”. The suit’s are about $12.99 each which is an AMAZING VALUE! Unfortunately, their size chart only goes from 6 months to 9 years old, so my oldest son couldn’t get in on the matching fun. I think that is OK though, because no 11 year old wants to match with their mom LOL!

Check out mine and my 7 year old’s little photoshoot in our awesome matching style bathing suits.

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The materials on both of the woman’s and kids size are 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex. They seem to run a little small since they’re stretch material, even the kids size is more like what you’re used to for a woman’s bikini in the material which is a little different. I do wish the boys bathing suit shorts were the standard material that you see for boys, but once they were on him, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Click the photo below for the exact matching set we are wearing!

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I really like the style of the woman’s “monokini”! The ties in the back allow you to tighten or loosen based on your figure and overall it is really comfortable. I usually don’t wear a one piece, but it is certainly a nice option to have in my closet for those days where I am not quite feeling a 2 piece.

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*Photo above via Yaffifashion.com/

They do have 2 piece options and many other styles, including for dad too! Shipping is fairly quick, I believe it comes direct from China when you order on their site, it was about 7-14 days for me to get my package. With that being said, they also sell direct on Amazon which means some of the items you can get prime shipping in just a day or 2!

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They claim to have a money back guarantee which is great, especially if you are unsure of the fit (due to spandex, I suggest you choose 1 size larger than your stands size).

“Yaffi, our priority is to make certain of your 100% satisfaction with your purchase. If for whatever reason, you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you can return it to Yaffi within 30 calendar days of receipt of item(s).”

They also offer customer support if you email them with any inquiries which is nice as well.

Overall, I am very excited to share Yaffifashion.com with you because it is SO CUTE and something that as a mom, I am excited to use for myself and gifts for others. They do not only have swimsuits, but also an array of other items for baby and moms (and dads!) as well as matching pajamas!

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*Photo via Yaffifashion.com

Let me know your experience with Yaffifashion!

*Disclosure: I was given product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.

 

Beetlejuice: The Musical

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

Beetlejuice The Musical has been Nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical!

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Review by Influencer Wayne Griffin; Bright and colorful, quirky and hilarious…. But “dark” all at once, as is typical of any Tim Burton work. The costumes and sets are vibrant and fun and include some very clever puppetry throughout. Where the movie’s plot centered around the newly deceased Maitland couple, the producers brilliantly adapted the stage play to focus on the grieving daughter Lydia and her journey through sadness, anger, depression and finally the acceptance of losing her mother. Touching on several delicate topics that weren’t as delicate when the 1988 movie debuted (conservatives, immigrants, pedophilia, LGBT), the producers found ways to lightheartedly poke fun and still maintain political correctness. In the end, Lydia ultimately tricks the trickster, as she goads the ultimate con-man Beetlejuice back to the Netherworld.

The writing, production and development of the play took almost six (6) years.

Prices range from $59-$179 (include a $2 facility fee). Recommended for ages 10+. Purchase tickets at https://beetlejuicebroadway.com. 

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BEETLEJUICE stars Tony Award nominee Alex Brightman (School of Rock) in the title role, Two-Time Lortel Award nominee Sophia Anne Caruso (Lazarus) as Lydia, Tony Award nominee Kerry Butler (Mean Girls) as Barbara, Tony Award Nominee Rob McClure (Honeymoon In Vegas) as Adam, Obie Award Winner Adam Dannheisser (Rock of Ages) as Charles, and Two-Time Drama Desk Award Nominee Leslie Kritzer (The Robber Bridegroom) as Delia, with Jill Abramovitz (Fiddler on the Roof) as Maxine Dean, Kelvin Moon Loh(SpongBob SquarePants) as Otho, Danny Rutigliano (Holiday Inn) as Maxie Dean, and Dana Steingold (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as the Girl Scout, in a cast of 25 that includes Tessa Alves, Gilbert L. Bailey II, Will Blum, Johnny Brantley III, Ryan Breslin, Natalie Charle Ellis, Brooke Engen, Abe Goldfarb, Eric Anthony Johnson, Elliott Mattox, Mateo Melendez, Sean Montgomery, Ramone Owens, Presley Ryan and Kim Sava.

BEETLEJUICE is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers, with an original score by Eddie Perfect, a book by Scott Brown & Emmy Award nominee Anthony King, music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul, and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

It’s showtime, folks! The ghost-with-the-most makes his Broadway debut in this edgy and irreverent musical comedy based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film. BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.  When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium, and the biggest sandworm Broadway has ever seen.

BEETLEJUICE features scenic design by two-time Tony Award nominee David Korins, costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner, sound design by four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, projection design by Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini, puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry, special effects design by Jeremy Chernick, illusions by Michael Weber, hair & wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude, physical movement coordinator Lorenzo Pisoni, casting by Telsey + Company and Rachel Hoffman, CSA, dance arrangements by David Dabbon, music producing by Matt Stine, production stage manager Matthew DiCarlo, associate director Catie Davis, associate choreographer Nancy Renee Braun and line producer Jenny Gersten.

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Social Media Details:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeetlejuiceBway/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beetlejuicebway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beetlejuicebway/

 

*Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from Beetlejuice. All opinions are my own.

Slime Mania Expo Giveaway!

Posted in Activities, Current Giveaways, Kids and Moms by

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This will be the most exciting event in the world of slime!  Karina will be bringing together thousands of slime fans and hosting Slime Mania Expos in many cities across America.

Slime Mania Expo will feature appearances by your favorite slimers, a large vendor marketplace with the best slime companies, slime workshops, on stage activities and demonstrations, Q&A sessions, competitions, slime making, slime trading area, games, raffles, exclusive merchandise, and so much more! A very limited number of different VIP packages will be available for purchase. Tickets will sell out quickly so get your tickets now!

Slime Mania by Karina Garcia

Venue: W100 and Event Center

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019

Door Time: 12:00pm

Start Time: 12:00pm

 

  • General Admission ($25) – Grants general admission access to event at 12:00 PM. Parents who wish to accompany children with VIP tickets must purchase a GA ticket.
  • Early Access VIP Package ($50)– Grants early access to the event at 11:00 AM and comes with a tote bag w/ goodies, an exclusive, signed Karina Garcia poster and a commemorative VIP laminate.
  • Workshop VIP Package ($75) – Grants early access to the event at 10:00 AM and comes with a tote bag w/ goodies, an exclusive, signed Karina Garcia poster, a commemorative VIP laminate and access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop.

Workshop + Karina M&G VIP Package: $99

  • General Admission Ticket
  • Meet & Greet with Karina Garcia
  • Individual photo with Karina Garcia
  • Access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop
  • Extra Early Access (10:00 AM)
  • Tote Bag w/ goodies
  • Exclusive poster signed by Karina Garcia
  • Commemorative VIP laminate
  • **Parents/Guardians can accompany their child with General Admission Ticket**

Make Slime w/ Karina VIP Package: $149

  • General Admission Ticket
  • Access to Slime Making Session with Karina Garcia
  • Meet & Greet with Karina Garcia
  • Individual photo with Karina Garcia
  • Access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop
  • Extra Early Access (10:00 AM)
  • Tote Bag w/ goodies
  • Exclusive poster signed by Karina Garcia
  • Commemorative VIP laminate
  • **Parents/Guardians can accompany their child with General Admission Ticket**

Make Slime w/ Karina VIP Package (Afternoon Session): $149
Includes:

  • Access to Slime Making Session with Karina Garcia (Afternoon Session)
  •  Meet & Greet with Karina Garcia
  • Individual photo with Karina Garcia
  • Access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop
  • Extra Early Access (10:00 AM)
  • Tote Bag w/ goodies
  • Exclusive poster signed by Karina Garcia
  • Commemorative VIP laminate

I am giving away TWO FREE GENERAL ADMISSION PASSES to the expo at iPlay America June 8th! Enter to win now!

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Last Minute Easter Deals and Activities!

Posted in Crafts, Kids and Moms by

I love Holidays, and Easter is no exception. I usually have all of my shopping and planning done months in advance, but this year I’ve been slacking and am finding myself running around last minute to get stuff. A few years ago the adorable Easter Baskets  I created were a big hit!

The only place with enough time left to get in those Last Minute Easter Deals! I LOVE the basket stuffier ideas that Amazon has, from pre-made baskets, to Easter Sunday attire, I’ve rounded out the favorites for you below! Check them out;

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You may want to check them out and go for something easy and crafty this year, there is still time. There are some “Out of the basket” ideas you may find inspirational as well, and some easy-to-throw together recipes to enjoy in the upcoming festive weeks.

Have a ‘Hoppy’ Easter!!!

*Disclosure:  includes affiliate links.

Disney’s “The Lion King” Official Trailer is Here!

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

Now THIS is what ive been waiting for!!

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THE KING ARRIVES IN 100 DAYS

The brand-new trailer for Disney’s “The Lion King” is available today, marking 100 days until Simba arrives in theaters on July 19.

Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau (“The Jungle Book”), journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

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Staying true to the classic story, director Jon Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, Disney’s “The Lion King” opens in U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking

Website: https://disney.com/lionking

Hashtag: #TheLionKing

Genre:  Action-Adventure

U.S. Release Date:  July 19, 2019

Cast:  Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and James Earl Jones.

Director:  Jon Favreau

Producers: Jon Favreau, Jeffrey Silver, Karen Gilchrist

Screenplay by: Jeff Nathanson