Tag Archives: ideas

Dino Days of Summer at Liberty Science Center – GIVEAWAY!

20170723_103835

Today we visited the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City thanks to @Jerseymomblog and it was so much fun! If you have kept up with my blog these past few years,  you know its a favorite of ours (see my post on the infinity climber launch!)

Every time I go to the Liberty Science Center it’s like nostalgia for me. I remember when it first opened in 1993, we took a field trip there for my second grade class. Back then it seemed so huge and never ending and now going as an adult it seems much smaller then I remember, but still so much packed into it and off course it’s always changing. I love knowing that my kids see it as I used to when I was younger, a world of amazing science and knowledge.

20170723_102700(0).jpg

Today’s agenda was the brand new “Dino Dig” exhibit.  With a huge focus on real replicas of dinosaurs and fossils, families can get in and dig deep for fossils outdoors and see real scale size dinosaur bones.

20170723_121951.jpg

I found it amazing that they took actual bones and fossils and casted them to create actual detailed replicas of the real things. It’s the closest to being a real paleontologist that you and your child can get without actually being one.  And what’s better than digging up dino-bones and fossils then doing it with a backdrop of NYC behind you?!

20170723_114719

The Dino Dig Exhibit will run now through September 4th 2017.

Channel your inner paleontologist by digging fossils in 35 tons of sand at “Jack Horner’s Dino Dig. Meet Mac’s scariest residents and learn about the relationship with dinosaurs and reptiles.  Practice removing fossils from blocks of rocks and touch a creature that’s been around LONGER than a dinosaur,  horseshoe crabs!

Kids wearing dinosaur themed clothing can save $5 on child admission tickets during the Dino days of Summer!

Tickets are $21.75 For adults and $17.75 for children (2-12).  For more information visit LSC.org

I have a family 4 pack of tickets to give away to one lucky winner! You can use them to visit the LSC and enjoy the Dino Dig exhibit,  or one of the upcoming exhibits that will be there the following days;

Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition – Now-Sept 4

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience – Opening October 28, 2017

Block Party Encore – Now – Sept 10

Thomas The train & friends: Explore the rails – Opening Sept 23, 2017.

Enter to win now until August 1st and let me know below what exhibit you’re most excited about!

20170723_205927

 

20170723_115645

20170723_115028.jpg

Also,  during our visit today,  we were greeted by the most amazing balloon dinosaurs.  Check out Twinsters Creations serving all Northern NJ – Twinsterscreations@gmail.com

*As a Liberty Science Center Blog Ambassador for the day, i have been provided with complimentary entry in exchange for my coverage.

For more kid fun ideas, visit

https://www.mykidneedsthat.com/best-gifts-for-13-year-old-girls/

https://thatsweetgift.com/gifts-ideas-for-women/here

July Daily Goodie Box

Posted in Product Reviews by

July’s Daily Goodie Box is in! Check out what was inside;

Palo Popcorn – Premium Cheddar Cheese
These are similar to crunchy cheese doodles,  really cheesy but healthier. Great addition to little lunch boxes!
Natural Vitality – Natural Calm Anti-Stress Drink
I didn’t know that magnesium was so important and helps to balance out calcium in the body. It can help prevent kidney stones and other calcification issues. Natural Calm has just the right amount to have you feeling relaxed.
20170720_073324
Balla For Men – Tingle Formula Body Powder
20170720_073131.jpg
Davidson’s Organics – Coconut Vanilla Dessert Tea
20170720_073259.jpg
FlapJacked –  Milk Chocolate Protein Smoothie Mix
20170720_073235.jpg
Detox Water – Mangaloe (Mango)
20170720_073208.jpg
Watusee Foods – Organic Chickpeatos
Yummy! Very bold flavor,  I could only eat a few at a time, but they’re great and good for you? Win, win!
20170720_073148.jpg
Goddess Garden – Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
20170720_073312.jpg
Honey Stinger – Cran-Apple & Walnut Snack Bar
20170720_073250
Curoxen – First Aid Ointment
20170719_201207
This came in handy when shortly after receiving the box my little man got a boo-boo!
Check out my previous months boxes and make sure to subscribe to get your FREE #Dailygoodiebox next month!
Previous Unboxings;

Daily Goodie Box June Unboxing

Posted in Product Reviews by

One of my new favorite things is getting my free DailyGoodieBox in the mail monthly.  It’s the excitement of not knowing what is going to be in that months box that keeps me on edge!

Even more exciting is getting to share these wonderful goodies with you guys and tell you how to get your own FREE too!

Just head over to dailygoodiebox.com and sign up free.  If the box matches you’re personality/ lifestyle you’ll get one in the mail for the month!

20170607_205106

Another cool extra way to get a box for the month (or two 😊) is to check out their Facebook page and like it to follow and get updates on contests.  You’ll also get to see the fun boxes other people have gotten!

Drum roll please…….. And the June Daily Goodie Box contents are:

20170607_20540820170607_205414

Tiger Balm –  Pain Relieving Ointment
20170607_205142
Prince of Peace – Original Ginger Honey Crystals
This pack of Ginger tea came with 6, yes SIX packs of the tea crystals! I shared them with my coworkers since we are all fans of tea and it was a fun experience trying them.  Be warned,  it is VERY VERY strong of ginger. Not bad,  but I wouldn’t say great.  It was better when i added it to liptpn tea bags than on its own. I hear ginger is amazing for colds though so this is great too have handy.
20170607_205132
Black Forest Organic –  Gummy Bears
To be completely honest,  my kids and husband tore through these before o even got to try them,  so I assume they were good 😁. Hey… they’re gummy bears! (but healthier)..
20170607_205243.jpg
I wasn’t really a fan of how thick this was… similar to a milk consistency. It is protein though,  so i guess it’s gotta have some substance to it.   Maybe I was just caught off guard since I opened and chuffed it though lol… The flavor wasn’t bad and I would try it again if i saw it at the store.
20170607_205347.jpg
Isn’t this little bottle the cutest? My grandmother always used to warm maple syrup in the microwave for my brother and I when we would sleep over her house. This brought back so many memories and I LOVE everything about it including the bottle.
20170607_205249.jpg
VitaBath – Travel Size Body Wash
20170607_205303.jpg
BetterThanCoffee – Energy Bars
This was another item I brought to work for a snack but wound up sharing it because everyone was so interested.  I actually really liked it although it was bitter from the dark chocolate. I liked the texture and I feel like it did give me a little boost.  Not everyone was a fan,  but i want more!
20170607_205422.jpg
Pure Growth Organic – Snack Mix
20170607_205137.jpg
What do you think about the products featured in this box? Let me know your thoughts!
20170607_215225

 

Check out past month boxes of goodies I’ve gotten:

April

May

Relax Be Healthy Organic Essential Oils and Waters

Posted in Product Reviews, Self Help by

Today is June 2nd, the unofficial start of Summer in my mind.  It immediately makes me feel at ease knowing school is coming to an end for my kids and long play days in the yard await. Health has been on my mind as well since of course everyone wants to be in their best shape for the beach and water parks.

Lately I’ve been on sort of a health kick.. walking a mike a day on my lunch break at work and eating more consciously. I’ve been getting a little into essential oils and using my oil diffuser while i take a shower or a relaxing bath with a bath fizz and some eucalyptus scented Epsom salt.

It helps me to wind down from the day and just clear my mind. My kids have also used the eucalyptus to help with allergies and sinus issues, I just prop the diffuser in their room and they’re good to go after a couple hours relaxing with it filling the room with aromas.

With that being said, I want to give my opinion on a lesser known mom and pop store in my home town of Staten Island (I love saying I was born on an island because it’s true haha).

20170601_204147.jpg

Www.Relaxbehealthy.com sent me a few items to check out and i have to say I’m really loving them. I haven’t had much experience with essential oil water sprays but these probably take the cake of i had to guess from what i see with their essential oils.

All of their products are organic and hand made in their shop with imported products from around the world.  The items in reviewing are made from raw materials from Bulgaria and are the real deal.

20170602_072647

First up to the plate is the Lavender Water. It’s a 4oz misting spray and is $10.99. It has a scent of lavender just a bit lighter then the oil,  and is a super soft delicate mist.

20170601_203159

All natural Bulgarian organic  Lavender water:

Use to soothe skin, used for redness of soon, eczema, inflammation caused by mosquito bites (must try this!), and acne. It also helps eradicate dandruff and prevent scalp infections.

When sprayed directly only hair,  it helps make hair shiny as it conditions the hair.

You can use the water spray as deodorant for your body,  or even spray on furniture and around the home to deodorize.

There are many other different uses for lavender you can experiment with.

20170602_072702

Now this Rose Water is my absolute favorite.  They captured such am amazing scent I could wear it as a body must and probably will! Also $10.99 at their store, I wish you could smell it through this post,  but if you do order from them, I suggest you put this in your cart.

20170601_203212

All natural organic Bulgarian Rose Water:

It can help reduce the redness of irritated skin, get rid of acne, helps to maintain the skin’s PH balance, helps to hydrate the skin, helps to aid healing scars, cuts, wounds, regenerate skin tissues, dermatitis and eczema. It is a great cleanser and aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores, helps aging skin, wrinkles and fine lines

Extra fun uses include mood enhancer and spray the scent on your pillow to help to sleep better.

Enhance the quality of hair. Helps to rid dandruff, natural conditioner.

For dry & frizzy hair: Mix equal parts rosewater and glycerin, apply on the scalp, massage for 10-15 minutes. Let it stay for another 30 minutes and wash off with shampoo.

20170602_072622

Last but not least is their 20ml Lavender Oil that retails for $24.99 but is currently on sale for $21.99 At their online boutique.  This little potent bottle is much more fragrant then any other essential oil I’ve gotten and you can tell it’s just so fresh and pure. Check out my buffet below to see what i compared it to.

Today, lavender oil benefits your body in the following ways:
  • Reduces anxiety and emotional stress.
  • Heals burns and wounds.
  • Improves sleep.
  • Restores skin complexion and reduces acne.
  • Slows aging with powerful antioxidants.
  • Improves eczema and psoriasis.
  • Alleviates headaches.
Information has not been evaluated by the FDA
Check out these products and more at Relax Be Healthy.
My video review;

Top picks from the 2017 New York Baby Show with over $50 in giveaways!

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

wpid-wp-1431957191518

Every year,  the biggest companies get together for what is known as the NY Baby Show. 

Mommy-to-be’s and veteran moms alike scouting the venue for the hottest new items for baby and mom, and once again Momtrends has hosted some of us mom’s for a special day of pampering and mingling so that we can bring the show to you if you couldn’t attend.

There are over 100 vendors,  and with so much to see and talk about,  I’ve narrowed it down to my top 3 favorites for you.

20170526_200916

#1 is the Austlen stroller.  1 word – VERSATILITY! With over 30 handy configurations,  this is the future of strollers and should be at the top of every parents wish list. Check out just a few of the life altering configurations… you’ll wonder how you ever did “life” without it. (Photos via Austlen.com)

20170526_185831

20170526_185917.png

20170526_185936

20170526_185950

20170526_190009.png

20170526_190030

20170526_190045.png

This handy dandy stroller can hold up to 150lbs of groceries,  kids, and hey… I won’t judge if you want to take a seat😊.

Luxury does come at a steep price though… at a whopping  $849, it comes in either black or navy blue. Assuming you can afford this #1 pick,  at least you can justify it by the fact it’ll make hope life easier, and happy wife = happy life and all..

20170526_200929

#2 is the ergoPouch. It’s no wonder it originated in the ‘down under’. It reminds me of a kangaroo pouch mixed with a swaddle blanket. Enter to win a ergoCocoon swaddle to sleep bag valued at $34.99!

> > > ENTER NOW! < < <

We’ve all seen the swaddle at babies r’ us and various other places,  so what makes ergoPouch different? Well, they’re made from natural fibers which make them breathable and regulate temperature which are two of the most important things.  I can remember “unwrapping” my babies after they slept all night swaddled and every time they were drenched in sweat.

This also makes them perfect for any weather and eliminate the need for extra blankets.  They have sleep sacks for infants,  and even these adorable toddler sleep suits that make the transition from passed out toddler,  to sleeping cozy toddler a breeze.

Check out their neat categories, I promise you’ll want one for your sweet little one. (Photos via Ergopouch.com)

20170526_192847.png

20170526_193235.png

20170526_193254

20170526_193310

20170526_193324.png20170526_193310.png

The best part? All that cuteness will only run you between $20-$35, that is assuming you can control yourself and only buy one 😉..

20170526_200942

#3 is Wellements Baby Organic Gripe Water aka the organic way to very more cuddles! Enter to WIN a gift from Wellements (entries taken until 6/7).

>>> ENTER NOW <<<

20170526_195927.png

I think every new parent looks for a miracle to help their baby when that first fussy fit arrives.  Typically during te first week home from the hospital, adjusting to life and formula/breastmilk, your new baby is bound to fuss a bit. Typically,  tiny gas bubbles are the problem and they can be fixed with mylicon drops of fennel when my boys were young.

Now,  there is an organic alternative that doesn’t only help with gas,  but any uncomfort your babies belly may feel, even hiccups! (Via Wellementsbaby.com)

20170526_195545.png

20170526_195532

Lastly,  special shout out to water wipes. We try to keep our babies butts clear,  but what if the wipes we are using are the ones causing the nasty rashes we rush to cure? Water wipes relieves the stress of that,  pure and simple.

The Spring time park challenge

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

I am officially proclaiming “Spring is just around the corner!”

Zachary-s-Playground-Pictures-020-2

The snow melting, the birds chirping, but still chilly outside. I was thinking about the town that I live in, and how I’d love to check out some more parks and recreational areas we haven’t been to yet with my 2 boys.

That’s when I checked out their local website, and to my surprise, they actually had a list of all of the parks and recreational areas mapped out on an actual map of the town, along with all of the information for each. It includes the type of park and if it includes a playground or not. I was most interested in parks with playgrounds because my 2 year old son is still infatuated with “the park!”

I figured it would give us a “go to” on the days where we have nothing else scheduled. We will hit a park on these days, or maybe even 2, and check it off of our “Spring Park Challenge” list. A challenge I’ve created for us to embark on hitting every park in our town withing the Spring season. It’s a limited time frame due to, ya know, the April showers bring may flowers, everything is soaked and muddy, times… but it’ll be fun, and also it will allow the boys to explore tons of other areas then they’re used to.

I have to say, I am really excited myself! After we do the park tour of our town, we may even open it up to other towns and check em’ off the list. I have even invited some of my other mom friends to come along for the challenge! The whole thing or just a day here and there when they can make it. Outdoor play is something that is being slowly lost these days due to technology and I’m hoping this will help get my boys into the outdoor play more!

If you want your kids to be open to something new, try this out with me! Look up your towns official website and I’m sure they’ll have information similar to mine. And hey, even if you don’t hit them all or beat your challenge, at least you had fun trying!

(Original photo source;https://www.unlimitedplay.org/zacharys-playground/)

Enjoy!