Bendy and the Ink Machine Birthday Party

Posted in Activities, Crafts, Kids and Moms by Cheryl

Anyone else have a child who picks the most odd themes that they want for their birthday party?

My son dropped on me that he really wants to have a Bendy and the Ink Machine birthday party in our yard this year for his birthday next month. And guess what, there aren’t any party supplies at all for it at retail stores.

I know that he loves it, and he watches the videos on you tube, so guess what? This mommy has to do what mommy has to do to make it happen! Make it!

I decided to do like I did last year when he wanted to have a Five Nights at Freddy’s themed party and the were limited decorations to choose from. Large cardboard cut outs! Very simple and the best part, the kids can do most of the work. It isn’t child labor if they request to do it right??!? LOL. Just kidding. He was so excited to get to work on it.

The first step we did was getting the images to print out in a larger then one paper format. We used a free site called blockposters.com which helps you convert the images easily to multiple pages to create a poster.

Then we cut each piece of paper out and organized them together.

Look how great my little boy was doing. Yes, he really did this all himself!

Then, we used anything we had around the house that can act as a sturdy back for the image. We had one piece of a gift box, and some previously used shipping boxes that we cut to lay flat.

Then you just glue each piece on order, let them dry, and cut them out on the box. We also cut eyes holes out so that the kids can use them as masks.

For the happy birthday banner, I used my cricut explore and downloaded the banner file I liked for .99 cents.

I already had some cool vintage looking card stock on hand so it worked perfectly for this theme.

Also, to make it more fit the theme, I printed some of the images I found online of the characters and cut them on sticker paper that you can get at any craft store.

It was a little time consuming, but fun to put together.

Here are some pictures of the FNAF them cutouts and party we did last year!

10Apr2018

Rain, Rain Go Away Hop with Medieval Times Giveaway!

Posted in Activities, Current Giveaways, Kids and Moms by Cheryl

Can you believe it is already April? Easter has come and gone, and most Spring breaks have already taken place, so I’m going to show you what we did with ours and offer you a chance to go with your family too! Hint Hint, we went back in time!

This Rain, Rain go away hop hosted by The Kids Did it and The Mommy Island.

Enter at the bottom of the post to win by clicking the “giveaway” logo! There are over 100 giveaways you can Enter in addition to mine, so check them all out below! *Event hosts & participating bloggers are not responsible for fulfilling prize obligations from sponsors or self-sponsoring bloggers.

Photo credit medievaltimes.com Lyndhurst, NJ.

I’ve lived in New Jersey my entire life and haven’t been to Medieval Times until now.

Word on the street is there is a new Queen in town! Queen Maria Isabella is the first Queen at the location and she holds it down!

Queen Maria Isabella welcomes you to dine with her and her royal court. Always a generous host, the Queen has commanded her royal chefs to cook her favorite meal just for you.

Medieval Times’ noble guests feast on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, the pastry of the Castle, coffee and two rounds of select beverages.

Our show was the 5pm show, but we got there at 3:50 and I’m glad we did. Parking was scarce and pretty far away for a cold windy day like today, but we weren’t in a rush which was good.

Table sections (unless VIP) are chosen by first come first serve. We were given table 14 in the blue knight section which was good because my little one had me give him a blue sprayed Mohawk before we left the house. Maybe that’s why they gave us blue? Either way, it worked out😊

They give you colored paper crowns that coincide with your knight and seat color after you get your seat tickets, and then you walk into a room full of memorabilia and a small show with the queen recognizing special occasions like birthdays in which she “knights” The person in front of a crowd. It was really cool to see an 80 year old woman there being knighted on her 80th birthday.

Make sure to pay attention to where your entrance is based on your color. There seemed to be alot of confusion about that when it came time to line up to enter which is 15 minutes before show start time. Hint is to check the walls by the steps, they have the color shields that should be in the section, but it’s best to ask so you’re in the right spot initially.

We were ready to go in blue section, and here is a view from our seat at table 14, see how cool the lighting is?

Once seated you immediately get served with the first coarse, your tomato bisque soup which is awesome! They have vegetarian and vegan options, but check out the standard menu which is on the napkins at your seat:

Overall, it was a great time. Fun show, and great family atmosphere. The only thing is that I wished the actual show was a little longer. They spent about 20 minutes just calling out birthday shout outs which was making my kids fidgety and anxious. But once the actual show started, they were all eyes on the stage.

Rooting for the blue knight (he lost in this show but that’s ok)

The best part is you can Enter to win a family 4 pack of passes to go enjoy dinner and a show!

*Disclaimer: By entering this giveaway you agree to share your email with Medieval Times.

For an EXTRA entry, let me know what you think of the Toyota C-HR XLE by clicking the image below and commenting on the post!

Even if you aren’t THE winner, everyone is a winner!

With the code ‘NJBlog36,’ our readers can get tickets for $36.95 for adults and $30.95 for kids (plus tax and processing). This is about a 40% off discount on the regular general admission pricing. It is valid for shows through the end of 2018, with the exception of the late night NYE show.

Check out the other giveaways for this hop and make sure to enter them! Click below.

1.	The Kids Did It – Host	35.	JeanBookNerd	69.	It’s Free At Last
2.	The Mommy Island – Host	36.	Hollybee Tells	70.	Everyday Gizmos Sweeps & Views – US
3.	(VIP) Still Blonde after all these years	37.	Savings in Seconds	71.	The Jersey Momma
4.	(VIP) Coupons and Freebies Mom – $19 Amazon Gift Card – US	38.	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	72.	The Mama Knows – US
5.	(VIP) Way 2 Good Life – $40 UGears 3D Model – US	39.	Nanny to Mommy	73.	Author Sabrina A. Fish – US
6.	(VIP) Broken Teepee	40.	Tizzy Says	74.	Utterly Amazing – US
7.	(VIP) Comeback Momma	41.	Confessions of a Frugal Mind	75.	Win! Win! Win! – WW
8.	(VIP) Living Smart girl	42.	Erica Ever After	76.	Drop The Spotlight
9.	(VIP) Shopping Kim – $25 Target Gift Card – US	43.	MyStylespot – US	77.	Angie’s Angle – US
10.	(VIP) Aging Like A Fine Wine	44.	Parenting In Progress	78.	It’s A Jersey Thing – US
11.	(VIP) Beauty Info Zone – $25 Sephora Gift Card or PayPal Cash – US/CAN	45.	The Moody Blonde – US	79.	Christy’s Cozy Corners – WW
12.	(VIP) Lindsey Blogs at SEBG	46.	Busy Being Jennifer	80.	Stacy Tilton Reviews – US
13.	(VIP) On Honeysuckle Hill – $25 Jewelry Set – US	47.	Staci Mauney’s Echoes of Joy – US/CAN	81.	Mommy’s Block Pary
14.	(VIP) Beautiful Touches – $149 Peachskin Sheets – US	48.	Stacking My BookShelves – WW	82.	Agent 54
15.	(VIP) The Balanced Writer	49.	Mom To Grandma – WW	83.	More Than A Review- US
16.	(VIP) Sunshine and RollerCoasters	50.	A Modern Day Fairy Tale – US	84.	Andersons Angels – US
17.	Zombie Parenting	51.	Mommy’s Playbook	85.	Style Me Fantasy
18.	A LeiSure Moment	52.	Says Me Says Mom – US	86.	Hanna Lei
19.	FROG Reviews and Ramblings – US	53.	Here We Go Again Ready	87.	Candid Mama
20.	Celebrate Woman Today – US	54.	The Homespun Chics – US	88.	Reviewz & Newz – US
21.	Rockin’ Book Reviews	55.	Eclectic Evelyn – US	89.	Practical Frugality – US
22.	Sweet Southern Savings – US/CAN	56.	Java John Z’s	90.	This Ole Mom – US/CAN
23.	The Monarch Mommy	57.	Simply Sherryl – WW	91.	Live Well Be Fabulous
24.	Three Boys & An Old Lady – WW	58.	Tammie’s Reviews, Giveaways and More	92.	SaraLee’s Deals Steals & Giveaways
25.	Reading Reality	59.	Graceful Coffee	93.	Lisa-Queen of Random – US
26.	Finding Sanity In Our Crazy Life	60.	This N That with Olivia – US	94.	Literary Winner
27.	Box Roundup	61.	Silver Dagger Book Tours	95.	Heck Of A Bunch
28.	Mom Does Reviews	62.	Luv Saving Money – US	96.	My Life. One Story at a Time.- US
29.	Kerrific Online	63.	Rita Reviews	97.	Home jobs by mom
30.	My Silly Little Gang – US	64.	Something 2 Offer	98.	Laurali’s Blog – US
31.	Batch of Books	65.	Moss and Ink	99.	Freebies Deals & Steals
32.	Gypsy Road – US	66.	Diva’s News & Reviews – US/CAN	100.	Susie’s Reviews
33.	Bargnhtress	67.	Homeschool Insights – WW
34.	Miss Molly Says – US	68.	Easter Babe’s Theory – US

(Submissions close April 24, 2018)

If you’ve experienced a medieval times show, please comment below!

We were given a 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE to take to the show which was awesome! It kept our family safe and comfy on the 1 hour ride to Medieval Times, and was there to take us “back to the future” with its stylish look, so check it out!

For an EXTRA Entry, Remember to click on the photo above and leave a comment on the post about what you think of the vehicle!

31Mar2018

Hopster celebrates World Autism Awareness Day

Posted in Kids and Moms by Cheryl

Hopster celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with special themed area encouraging diversity!

For World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, the preschool learning and entertainment app Hopster is launching a special themed area that will encourage children to understand that we are all different and to celebrate diversity. Hopster is bringing together a compilation of shows, games and books all selected to nurture kids’ tolerance, respect and understanding.

London, UK, March 29, 2018- Hopster, the preschool learning and entertainment app, is bringing together a compilation of shows, games and books all selected to nurture kids’ tolerance, respect and understanding.

Launching on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2nd, the special themed area will encourage children to understand that we are all different and to celebrate diversity. The content featured in the area will be aimed at all kids and will include newly added Sesame Street books featuring Julia, the first Sesame Street Muppet with autism. These digital storybooks will help kids discover similarities while respecting each other’s differences.

Also in the “Diversity” area, preschoolers can meet the eponymous title character from Punky, a little girl with Down syndrome. Hopster fans will be further entertained by Bino & Fino, a Nigerian show about African culture, and the Adventures of Zee, a fun show that introduces kids to Arab culture and language while exploring universal themes such as teamwork and tolerance.

As well as watching the videos, kids will be encouraged to try Hopster’s digital sensory playroom,Sense, a set of mini-games designed to soothe and comfort those with autism and sensory processing disorders.

“At Hopster, inclusivity is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s hiring new team members for the office or selecting shows for our tiny audience” says Miki Chojnacka, Chief Creative and Content Officer at Hopster. “We are a diverse team with mixed backgrounds and over 15 languages spoken, which help us fill in skills gaps and learn something new from each other every day.”

“We’re embracing all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or other need and similarly, when it comes to our programming we’d like to encourage children to understand that each individual is unique, and that diversity is great.”

The “Diversity” area will be launching on April 2^nd and will be found on Hopster’s home screen over April. The Hopster app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play and is also available on selected smart TVs. Selected episodes will be available for all users free of charge and for a monthly fee of $6.99 subscribers

will get access to Hopster’s entire library of shows, songs, books and games.

About Hopster – www.hopster.tv

Hopster is a beautifully designed app for the under-sixes, aiming to strike the perfect balance between learning and fun. For one low monthly subscription with no tie-ins, Hopster subscribers get access to one of the largest selections of kid’s TV shows in the UK with stimulating games, nursery rhymes, music and books.

Over a million parents worldwide have now used the award- winning, safe, and ad-free app to keep their kids entertained and stimulated. Since launching in 2013, Hopster has topped the App Store charts in over 36 countries and was named Best Streaming Video Platform for preschoolers by Kidscreen in 2018.

Hopster can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play and can be found on selected smart TVs such as Apple TV, EE TV, Freesat and Roku.

25Mar2018

New York Baby Show | May 19-20 | Pier 94 *GIVEAWAY!

Posted in Activities, Current Giveaways, Kids and Moms, Product Reviews by Cheryl

New York Baby Show | May 19-20 2018

Back again! Every year for the past 3 years I’ve brought you a chance to win FREE tickets for yourself or a friend to the highly anticipated NY Baby Show hosted by JPM and Family Media (8 years and going!).

I only have 10 tickets to give away for FREE and once they’re gone, they’re gone so get them now! Scroll to the “giveaway link” below or click the image above.

If you’ve never been and don’t know “what to expect”, well you’re in for a surprise. You do not need to be expecting you enjoy the show. Anyone with little ones would find this show to be an exciting adventure especially if you love shopping as much as I do!

Vendors from all over the place convene to bring you the best products of the new year, most at a show discounted price.

Not sure that you want to buy stuff and lug it back on the train or uber that day? No problem! You’ll get tons of informational materials from vendors and you’ll be able to order from home after the show with the same great discounts with year materials.

Check out aerial footage I took from the 2015 show #NYBSBloggerLounge @NewYorkBabyShow:

The 2018 New York Baby Show, on May 19 & 20 at Pier 94 will once again be the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. Now in its 8th year, no other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from New York and neighboring counties, seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top brands, great speakers and seminars, big giveaways, and lots of learning, support, bonding, and fun as you make your way into parenthood.

We are giving away tickets for you and your family to experience the show. See below for details… etc.

**Normal ticket price is $30 per family (for 2 adults and up to 4 children), and $20 per individual.

Are all of the 10 tickets already gone? No worries! I have a special code for my readers for you to get 50% off tickets:

11Mar2018

IPlay America Freehold NJ

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by Cheryl

Today we visited IPlay America, an indoor theme park in Freehold, NJ.

It’s definitely misleading from the outside as it sits in a strip mall and looks like any other storefront. Inside, it’s huge!

Inside it’s made to mimic an outdoor boardwalk with arcades, stands, and rides. It even has a boardwalk style floor.

The rides there aren’t for older kids, but my kids ages 5 and 9 had a good time and went on just about all of them although my 5 year old needed an adult to ride most of the rides with him so I had a ride wristband too. We had the iRide plus bands, which include the larger rides like go karts and coaster.

Some of the rides they enjoyed;

Bumper boats

Spinning Coaster

Go Karts

The skywalk was extra credits and not included with the ride passes. It’s 10 credits or $5 for kids under 42″ and they do the lower section. 20 credits or $10 for kids taller than 42″ and they go on the really high area. They get strapped in and follow the path with the bar for safety.

I wouldn’t recommend this for any child who may be scared of heights. My son got scared after the first beam and came right back down and they wouldn’t credit us back!

The bottom section is cute for very young kids, but there isn’t much to it.

The arcades are fun but unfortunately they do not let you win enough in my opinion. The grab claw games are almost pointless as they do not pick up the items at all.

The game selection is great and tons of things my kids enjoy. They won a little over 1,000 tickets and I like that they are loaded directly onto your point card. There isn’t much to choose from for prizes though, so we got a bunch of candy.

Overall, it’s a nice day out if you want to get out of the house and have that boardwalk feel when it’s not so nice weather out.

One of the best parts about iplay is yhe event area. There are many decent priced shows for all ages including concerts and dinners. I highly recommend visiting the event area if you have a chance!

Here are some upcoming shows;

Friday, March 23
Vic Latino’s 90’s Now – iPlay America’s Event Center                        Doors 7:00 PM – Start Time: 8:00 PM

Vic Latino, the triple threat of the radio industry, and iPlay America present the best 90’s show of 2018 with Vic Latino’s #90SNOW! Come see your favorite 90’s artists performing all of your favorite 90’s hits! Performances include La Bouche (Be My Lover, Sweet Dreams, Falling in Love), Rob Base (It Takes Two), Mad Stuntman (I Like to Move It), and Lucas Prata (And She Said, Ma Ya Hi-Numa Numa Song). General admission and VIP options available!

Learn More

Saturday, March 24
Sonny the Bunny’s Colossal Carrot Adventure
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sonny the Bunny is back for his Fifth Annual Colossal Carrot Adventure! There will be FREE pictures with Sonny the Bunny, a bunny trail you can hop along to collect eggs filled with treats and prizes, and raffle prizes that include a Grand Prize of an iPlay America Birthday Party for the kids and one-Carat Diamond for the adults! Register now for this FREE event!

Learn More

Saturday, March 24                                                                                  VIB Breakfast with Sonny the Bunny
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Join us for our Fourth Annual VIB (Very Important Bunny) Breakfast with Sonny the Bunny! Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast buffet that includes an omelet station, assorted breakfast breads, yogurt and granola, pancakes, fresh fruit and more! While you are eating, Sonny the Bunny will walk around and visit with guests at their tables. Then, gather the whole family together for a picture with him taken by our professional photographer with a free digital download! We will also have tons of entertainment including Miss Sherri from Honey Child Music Academy, Neverland Balloon Artists, face painting and a photo booth with The Selfie Social! Afterwards, enjoy our FREE Sonny the Bunny Colossal Carrot Adventure, taking place inside the park from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Learn More

YOU WILL LOVE IPLAY AMERICA’S DINNER SHOW SERIES

Sunday, March 11 – Sunday, April 8 – Sunday, May 20
Sunday, June 3 – Sunday, July 8 – Sunday, August 12     iPlay America’s Dinner Show Series – Event Center
Door Time: 4:00 PM – Start Time: 5:30 PM

iPlay America presents The 2018 Dinner Show Series! Enjoy great monthly live musical performances and a delicious dinner buffet! It’s a perfect night out!

6Jan2018

2018 Mazda 3 Vehicle Review

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms, Vehicle Reviews by Cheryl

November 2018 was the 2017 NYC Play Fair and I had to ride in style so #Mazda hooked me up with this hotrod to take on the voyage across state lines. Ok, ok.. it’s only a 45 minute trip into NYC depending on traffic but I wanted that “dramatic” feel haha! And boy did they hook me up!

I feel like I need to start by introducing you to the safety features of this fine beauty called the 2018 Mazda3.

As a mother of 2 boys, I live and breathe what is best for them and my family, and being that we are in and out of it alot, my car isn’t a choice I take lightly.

2018 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Features

Driver Air Bag
Passenger Air Bag
Front Head Air Bag
Rear Head Air Bag
Front Side Air Bag
4-Wheel ABS
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Brake Assist
Electronic Stability Control
Daytime Running Lights
Child Safety Locks
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
Traction Control
Blind Spot Monitor
Cross-Traffic Alert

In addition to all of the important features listed above, you can turn on the car length guide that shows you if you’re tailgating the car in front of you which I find extremely useful. You know us NJ drivers need to get where we’re going quickly and sometimes don’t notice we are tailgating until our husband’s yell at us (LOL!).

The interior of the 2018 Mazda3 is breathtaking. They hit the nail on the head with this ivory and black combination interior… I mean just look at how stunning this looks. Would you believe the 2018 starts at just under 20K??

This model came with a sunroof which i l love to keep the window closed but the screen open. Makes November seem like Spring time letting the sun in… when there is sun…

The heated seats, both driver and passenger are a huge bonus and to top it off, a heated steering wheel! ALWAYS GO WITH THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL! You can thank me later.

The interface leaves a little to be desired in my opinion as they artyl haven’t gotten it right. It’s 2018 and there isn’t a standard navigation package in this model which I found a bit odd with how luxurious everything else was.

Alao, getting used to the center console controls takes a little but, but once you get used to it, it’s fine.

Now onto the exterior. What more can I say, such a stylish, family friendly vehicle that works it in all the right places.

Check out this beauty in pearl white with aluminum alloy rims, halogen lights and sleek windows. Did I mention the grill is A-Maz-ingly intimidating yet beautiful? Zoom-Zoom!

See for yourself what the fus is about…

The trunk folds down into the 2nd row for sects space if needed, but even without doing that I wad amazed at how easily I fit my weekly HUGE grocery trip into it no problem.

Do you own a Mazda? Let me know what you think down below!

Bookroo Monthly Childrens Book Subscription Review

We are no strangers to Bookroo’s monthly subscription program. In fact, my son remembers how fun it was to unveil the books the last time he got a shipment, check out my previous post from a couple years back.

This is a great gift idea for little ones and older kids as well. They have board books as well as paperback and all are quality books worth every penny of the monthly fee you will be paying for them. The wrapping paper that they come wrapped in is worth that much alone!

Imagine the faces one the kids wheb they get their monthly package in the mail with two books to unwrap. Just watch my 5 year olds reaction to the “gifts” he got!

What’s even better is the fact that this makes him want to try reading and creates an excitement around the possibility of books. Personally, we have so many books that I like to donate books when we are done with them, but these we tend to keep because they’re special!

Right now they have a GREAT Cyber Monday deal going on for 25% off you order by tomorrow 11/27!

BFJERSEY for 25% off any multi-month subscription (3,6, or 12 months)

One redemption per family. Valid for new customers only. Existing customers may use for the purchase of one gift subscription.

Valid 11/24 – midnight PST 11/27

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