What to Do at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach + Giveaway

With summer in full swing, our days have been full of sunshine and beach days, but just a few weeks ago we went down the shore to check out some fun new adventures at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach. Located in Seaside Heights in NJ, Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach is a staple for family fun in this popular shore town, just over an hour away from NYC.

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Slides and Rides at Breakwater Beach

With so much to cover and experience, the boys and I headed down to document the fun. We started our day at Breakwater Beach, just at the gates opened. Greeted by the Perfect Storm, which is a towering, interactive multi-level water feature. Among all the different pipes and sprays and slides, it was the Nantucket Bucket that created so much excitement every time it dumped more than 800 gallons of water every time it filled up. My boys loved sprinting around the Perfect Storm and shooting water canons at each other and all of the other kids.

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The Revolutionary Wild River was, perhaps, our entire family’s favorite relaxing ride. It was fun to float together around on this slow-going, but sometimes exciting lazy river. My husband, who’s not much of a thrill-seeker when it comes to water parks, had some much-needed “quiet” time floating around—that is, until we sprayed him with some canons on the side.

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My little thrill-seekers and I enjoyed the dual rider water slides, including Two if By Sea’s Bullet Bowl and Topsy Turvy. The enclosed slide, Topsy Turvy, was my favorite of the two, because it was dark and gave us an element of surprise. It was just long enough to entertain but quick enough to want to ride it again as soon as we hit the pool at the end. The entire family loved racing down Patriot’s Plunge, which is a 6-lane racing slide. We raced down mats on our bellies and competed until the the very end! 

 

 

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Other favorite water rides at Breakwater Beach include Minute Man Express; the wave pool, The Harbor; and Revere’s Wild Ride. Since my younger guy is still learning how to swim and is about 45 inches, we didn’t spend as much time on these rides, but would sneak away when he was busy elsewhere. I love that Breakwater Beach had rides for every age and size. The kiddie area is plentiful, and the amount of slides and rides was perfect for a half a day or even multiple days. For small kids and others who may require it, there are plenty of lifejackets to ensure safety.

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We had a chance to have pizza and fries for lunch. The lines were often long at lunchtime, but the food hit the spot. Other convenient accommodations at Breakwater Beach include locker rooms, changing areas, multiple bathrooms, ample seating and shade and a first aid station.

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Though we could’ve spent the whole day here, we headed off to Casino Pier for a fun afternoon of games and rides.  When I think of the Jersey Shore, I think of fun amusements, carnival food and of course, games!

Rides and Games at Casino Pier

Casino Pier has iconic rides such as the Ferris Wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, Surf Shack and Shore Shot and of course, their thrilling Hydrus Roller Coaster.  My boys absolutely loved the bumper cars, the mini coaster, Pirate’s Hideaway and Pirate’s Island. My big kid’s favorite was the Wave Swinger—what a view from this exciting swing ride! And my little guy loved every single kiddie ride, he probably rode every kiddie car, boat and slide 3 times, if not more. There are so many great rides at Casino Pier, everyone in the family is bound to find multiple favorites!

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While we love disconnecting when we travel and head to an amusement park, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying family fun at an arcade. The Casino Arcade features many of latest released games, as well as old school favorites such as skee-ball, pinball machines and slot machines. My guys loved playing the Walking Dead game, Flappy Bird, crane games and so much more! 

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Ride and Slide

The family loved hanging at Breakwater Beach in the morning and then changing courses and heading to Casino Pier. It was a perfect way to refresh and break things up to ensure everyone was engaged. Breakwater Beach and Casino Pier offers so many options for families to enjoy the fun in an affordable way. We were given a Ride and Slide four pack of tickets, which was the best of both worlds.

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We got to ride at Casino Pier and slide all day at Breakwater if we wanted. Ride and Slide can also be redeemed on separate days! Ride/Slide admission is $57.95 for guests over 48” and $51.95 for those under 48”. 

Giveaway

We’re giving away a family four-pack of Ride/Slide tickets for one of you to enjoy the same package that we did! Just enter below for this great summer getaway to Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach. 

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Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post. We were provided with tickets and vouchers to share our experience. As always, opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting NKT!

 

New York Baby Show Set for May 19 & 20 + Ticket Giveaway

Happy Spring, friends! It’s that wonderful time of year that’s filled with renewals and rebirth. And when you cover baby and kid goodies, it also means lots of fun baby shows in NYC! For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed attending and covering the New York Baby Show highlighting the latest and greatest new baby gear and goodies. This year, we’re headed there once again!

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

 

Ticket Giveaway 

We have 10 free tickets (family or single) to giveaway. Head to this link to grab your tickets!

Once the free tickets are gone, we have unlimited ticket discounts to the New York Baby Show. 
  • Enjoy 50% off any tickets (family or single)
  • Get 50% off tickets to the New York Baby Show here

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, opinions on NKT are my own. Thanks for supporting NKT.

 

Stay Connected with Xfinity X1, xFi and Xfinity Mobile

This post is sponsored by Comcast. As always, thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing.

When it comes to technology, we’re always on the hunt for new and innovative tools to make life easier.  I recently had the chance to learn all about Xfinity and their latest offerings at a Lunch and Learn at their Union, NJ Xfinity Store. After an hour packed with helpful insight, I learned that Xfinity gets the needs of tech savvy parents and everyone in between.

 

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Xfinity X1 Streamlines Family TV

Xfinity’s digital TV platform touts an intuitive interface with features to appease the whole family. Dubbed X1, it’s clear that Xfinity’s team has thought of it all. The X1 DVR allows you to watch and record up to six shows at the same time. While your husband is watching a Thursday night game, you can record Scandal, as well as Paw Patrol, Shimmer and Shine and any other show simultaneously. What I love is that you can watch your DVR library from anywhere on any device.

On Demand, is definitely helpful for people who love easy access to shows. If your kids are anything like my kids who love watching the same episodes of their favorite shows on repeat, On Demand can be a saving grace when you need to keep them preoccupied.

Everything in life needs to have a voice command like X1’s Voice Remote. This feature is so cool! You can easily search for something on X1 with the Voice Remote. You can use voice commands to change channels, search for shows, get recommendations and then some.

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The Kids Zone on X1 is a great interface where families and kids can safely navigate age-appropriate shows without supervision. Again, if you’re busy in another room, if they’re in the Kids Zone, it’s a relief to know the kids can’t access shows that aren’t geared for them.

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X1 Sports app is, quite literally, a game changer. With the Sports app, you can track live scores and stats on multiple games while watching a different game. In this app, there’s also a cool functionality where you can access your CBS Sports Fantasy Football stats.

 

Xfinity Internet

There is so much to love about Xfinity’s Internet interface. Xfinity xFi is described as a new personalized WiFi experience that provides a digital dashboard for customers to set up and easily access their home network. XfinityxfiFrom the dashboard, you can access passwords, see which devices are currently on the network, set parental controls and even analyze family usage. The Xfinity xFi interface is a great tool for families who are connected and need a home base for their network.

 

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Aiming to further connect families, Xfinity now offers Xfinity Mobile,which features America’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network combined with over 18 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots. XfinityMobile

Xfinity Mobile offers five lines of unlimited talk and text included within an existing customers’ Internet at no cost. For us, data is always the hard hitter of our bill. So it’s great to know that with Xfinity Mobile’s plans, data can be paid for in two ways: by the Gig or Unlimited, and you can switch between the two. So, if someone needs less data one month, by the Gig option maybe a better fit. If you’re traveling and need a lot more data, the Unlimited option is the better fit. Knowing that you can toggle between the two options makes it more cost effective. By the Gig is $12 per GB, where you only pay for the GBs of shared data you use each month. On the Unlimited plan, it’s $45 per line. There’s no monthly data usage limits, but there are reduced speeds after 20 GB. 

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In addition to their network that aims to increase their customer’s value and digital experience while lowering bills, Xfinity has the latest devices available. There’s a different phone for everyone with Xfinity Mobile.

 

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With Xfinity’s expansive line of offerings, families are able to stay connected with ease. While X1 streamlines the TV experience, xFi is the hub of the network and Xfinity Mobile keeps everyone connected on the go. Our digital family is officially smitten with Xfinity’s unique offerings and technological advancements.

Many thanks to Xfinity for hosting us for this great lunch and learn!

Playing Smarter Football with Riddell

This is a sponsored conversation with Riddell and SheSpeaks. 

Just before August, the lines get painted on the football field down the road from us. Since we live so close to the practice field, with every yard line that’s measured and painted, my son gets even more excited.  

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We just wrapped up our swim season last week, and now, we’re suiting up for football. And just as my older son is suiting up in pads once again for DBA, I’m so proud that our organization has a strong fundraising program which helps to fund the best equipment for our kids. This year, the boys received new helmets and pads with top-notch safety technology. Unfortunately, not every team is so lucky, which is why I’m so proud to share about Riddell’s Smarter Football grant.

Youth sports are very much a part of the fabric of our lives. Of all the sports that are played, my kids have a true love for football. As a mother of a child who has an ongoing medical condition, safety is paramount for my kids, especially when it comes to youth sports.

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Because my husband coaches multiple sports, I know and understand that the leaders and directors of our town’s youth sports make our boys’ well being a top priority. Our coaches must take safety classes to be certified to coach in our town. Most of the coaching tactics implemented in our league, such as Head’s Up, are intended to diminish concussions and other injuries. With safer equipment, such as that from Riddell, I feel comfortable knowing that my son has a better chance at being protected.

Trust me, I’d much rather see him in a pool or any other non-contact sport. But, when your kid lives and breathes for football, I feel a little better knowing that his equipment protects him and keeps the bumps to a minimum.

 

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Riddell, the innovator of football gear, is offering a generous grant for a lucky team to be awarded Smarter Equipment. 

The Smarter Football program is a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards teams across the country for implementing ‘smarter’ tactics on and off the field. About 1,700 football programs across North America, from the youth level all the way up to semi-pro, have applied for an equipment grant through the initiative in its first two seasons. 

Smarter Football tactics can mean anything from practicing smarter with safer techniques, to implementing new equipment to better protect players.

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Riddell aims to produce equipment with advanced protective technologies.

This year, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a 3D head scanning process used to build a custom-fitting, player-specific helmet liner system that provides personalized protection. Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players’ on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.

And because of their intent to keep players safe with Smarter Football, Riddell’s Smarter Football Program will continue to recognize and reward those at all levels of play who have taken steps towards improving and advancing the sport of football, especially when it comes to player safety and protection. 

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Does you’re team have what it takes to play Smarter Football? If so, apply for the Smarter Football grant, visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball. The deadline for entries is August 31, 2017.

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post in conjunction with Riddell and SheSpeaks. All opinions on NKT are my own. 

The Golden Ticket: NYSPCC Family Benefit to be Held June 4

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) and families from NYC will join forces on Sunday, June 4 for the Annual Family Benefit to see Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway. With as many unique opportunities that come our way on The Next Kid Thing, I do my best to find ways to give back. By sharing this information, I hope you or someone you know, might be interested in attending NYSPCC’s benefit.

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 As the world’s first child protection agency, The NYSPCC responds to the needs of abused and neglected children, and those involved in their care, by providing best practice counseling, legal, and educational services.

Through research, communications and training initiatives, we work to expand these programs to prevent abuse and help more children heal. This benefit directly supports the organization’s child sexual abuse prevention program, Safe Touches: Personal Safety Training for Children. The NYSPCC is led by Executive Director Dr. Mary L. Pulido who has worked to help child victims of abuse and neglect for more than three decades. 

The Family Benefit Co-chairs are Marisol Brekka, Chani Churchill, Eliza Dyson, Peter Espy, Liza Oneglia, and Tatiana Perkin.

As a parenting blogger who volunteers for various causes, I believe it’s critical to ensure the safety and welfare of our children. I’m so fortunate that my beliefs align with NYSPCC’s ongoing efforts. When they approached me to help share this important event, they reinforced that “We are both working towards bridging the gap that can form between the child and the caretaker.”

 

For reservations and inquiries please reach out to events @Nyspcc.org or 212-233-5500 ext. 240

The Powerpuff Girls Launch on Hulu + Giveaway

This post is in partnership with Hulu. Thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing and all the things we love.

What a great time to celebrate women and girls! On the heels of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating an iconic show that embraces girl power! The Powerpuff Girls is launching on Hulu. The newly reimagined Powerpuff Girls is a beloved show that’s garnering a lot of praise once again.

 

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What better way to celebrate the launch of The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu than by celebrating amazing girls in real life? These #RealLifePowerpuff girls are doing awesome things and inspiring others along the way, whether working in the fields of science or sports, or doing great things for their families and community. Do you have an awesome, inspiring young girl in your life? Share your #RealLifePowerpuff girl by posting a photo or video of them on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag it with #RealLifePowerpuff and #Contest. Don’t forget to include what makes her awesome and they might get shared and enter you to win a special PPG prize! Visit the official website for more information.

The Powerpuff Girls was originally popular at a time when I was trying to figure things out in life. I love that it’s back and influencing a whole new generation of strong young women. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by fearless young girls and women in my life. When thinking of fearless young girls, my 7-year-old niece comes to mind. When she was faced with some not-so-pleasant situations in school, she stood up for what was right and defended herself and her friends. I love that she embodies strength in the face of adversity and standing up for what is right.

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The Powerpuff Girls centers on three sugar-coated superheroes, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, whose missions in life alternate between going to school, fighting crime, winning at hopscotch and saving the world before bedtime. The girls are frequently called upon by the town’s mayor to help fight nearby criminals using their powers. While their differences cause them to squabble and tease, their individual strengths combined always lead them to victory. They rely on teamwork, trust, and friendship to thwart evil (in the most adorable way).

 Giveaway

In honor of #RealLifePowerpuff National Contest and the launch of ThePowerpuff Girls, we’re giving away a 6-month membership to Hulu. Even better, all classic episodes are now available to stream almost anywhere, on any device.

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One winner receives a 6-month Hulu gift code. The code is redeemable in the US and does not expire. Please enter below to win a code to Hulu to catch Powerpuff Girls episodes and other great shows!

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Best Toys for 1 Year Olds + Diapers.com Giveaway

Even on the heels of Toy Fair, we always have toys on our minds. With a friend’s baby turning 1 soon, I was inspired to create a round up of the best toys for 1 year olds. I scoured Diapers.com to curate some of our tried and true favorite toys for 1 year olds.

From ride-ons to classic toys to techy toys, I gathered our favorites based on play value, durability, accessibility and whether my kids or kids we know loved them!

From ride-ons to classic toys to techy toys, I gathered our favorites based on play value, durability, accessibility and whether my kids or kids we know loved them!

1. Manhattan Toy Snuggle Bunny Baby Doll

ManhattanToySnuggleBunnyNKTTransitioning from baby to toddler, one year olds start to change their play patterns. According to KidsHealth.org, babies go from shaking and throwing toys to understanding functions of objects as a toddler. At one year old, kids start to play pretend, so toys that allow for nurturing and modeling behavior is always a hit. Manhattan Toy makes a myriad of interactive and beautiful toys such as the Snuggle Bunny Baby Doll ($17.) This soft and cuddly doll makes for a perfect first baby doll.

2. Plan Toys Sort and Count

PlanToysSortandCountStacking and nesting toys help toddlers develop hand-eye coordination, as well as cognitive development, according to an article on Cnn.com Simple, open ended stacking toys such as PlanToys’ Sort and Count allows kids to sort and stack the various pieces. This abacus-looking toy is made of Plan Toys’ planwood, organic rubberwood, e-zero glue, water-based dyes, recycled and recyclable materials, soy and water-based ink.

3. VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker

VTechSittoStandWalkerMany toddlers are learning to walk and toddling around at a year old, so walkers make a fun gift. This VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker offers a lot of play value with its many learning tools and interactive electronic features. VTech is so great at the electronic learning toys, but they’re also masters at creating toys that grow with kids. This walker can be used for kids in a more stationary pattern, as well as for those who are cruising and walking.

4. Melissa and Doug Large Shapes Knob Puzzle

MelissaandDougKnobPuzzleAccording to Learning4kids, puzzles help toddlers with important skills such as cognitive, fine motor, hand and eye coordination, problem solving, social and self esteem. Wooden puzzles from Melissa and Doug provide fun play patterns for toddlers to co-play and enjoy independence. I love the knob puzzles for toddlers, to give them extra help grasping these chunky pieces. Classic puzzles are timeless and perfect for curious problem solvers.

5. B Toys Fish Splish Boat

BtoysSplishFishBoatGood bath toys are the best for toddlers! I love the colors and creativity that B Toys inspires. This fun boat that can be used in the bath has a number of fun features that help toddlers explore bathtime and the environment around them. From the fishing pole, fish, captain and little rudder, this cool boat helpstoddlers with imaginative play while getting cleaned up.

6. Step 2 Whisper Ride II

Step2WhisperRideIIAs the winter starts to fade to warmer spring and summery days, ride-on toys will be all the craze. Step 2 are pros at the ride-on and outdoor toys, and the Whisper Ride II is one of my all time favorites. This push car is perfect for going on strolls in the neighborhood without the restraints of a stroller. Toddlers can pretend to steer while driving their ride, all the while mom or dad navigates with the handle. The Whisper Ride features a seatbelt, small storage compartment and cup holders.

 

 

 

There are so many awesome toys for 1 year olds on Diapers.com, and these are just a small sampling of their selection. Do you have a favorite toddler toy? What makes you and your kid love it so much?

Giveaway

Want to grab a few new toys of your own? We have a $50 gift certificate to Diapers.com up for grabs. Tell me what your favorite toddler toy is and why! Share your comment below.

For even more entries, check out the giveaway below to win a  Diapers.com gift certificate. This giveaway will be open for a week, so be sure to enter!

 

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Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post in partnership with Nakturnal, with a gift certificate as a prize. As always, all opinions on NKT are mine. Thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing.

Insider Tips for Shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens

My family has often joked that I shop like it’s my job. Well, friends, I’m here to tell you that dreams do come true! I’m so excited about my most recent partnership with one of my absolute favorite malls, The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

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Located just a few minutes outside of NYC in Elizabeth, NJ, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is an incredible shopping destination with over 200 stores, with many of them being outlets and factory stores. Just some of the featured stores include: Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Marshalls, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Michael Kors, Century 21 Department Store, Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet, Coach Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Uniqlo.

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I was tasked with doing some back to school and fall shopping for my family and sharing my experience. So, today, for Takeover Tuesday, I over on the Mills’ Instagram sharing some of my favorite adventures from this massive outlet mall. Head over to the Mills’ Instagram account and double tap for some of my fave stuff.

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And because I’ve been obsessively shopping here for well over 10 years, I know this mall like the back of my hand. Here are just a few of my favorite insider tips.

Savings Passport

Many of the stores at The Mills are outlets or factory stores of the brands that we know and love. If you grab one of the Savings Passport at the Information Desk, you can find a list of the stores who offer additional savings. IMG 7064 2 hese discounts can often be stacked with other sales within the stores. My favorite discounts found in the Savings Passport are from the Gap, Under Armour and H&M. The discounts found in the Passport can only be used once.

Spend the Day

The Mills at Jersey Gardens isn’t one of those Malls that you can just run in and run out. Well, it can be if you are on a mission.

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If you have the time, especially on big shopping trips or sale times, consider spending several hours at the mall. I always bring my preschooler’s stroller, which comes in handy when he gets tired and when I need a place to haul all of my bags. ha!

Prime Parking

On extremely busy shopping times, The Mills will get crowded. Best time for me is during the week without kids or when it first opens on the weekend. I recommend parking at Bed Bath and Beyond and going through the store. BBB is located upstairs and is next to many of my favorite shops. When leaving or if I have to drop bags off and go back to shop (this has happened many times) BBB is a central location. I love to pick up home essentials at this Bed Bath, which is perfect since I can grab it on my way out. Not to mention, Bed Bath and Beyond has a bathroom available for their shoppers which is located by the Registry area, somewhat close to the back door! It’s always quiet, there’s a changing table and rarely has a line. Perfect for families with littles!

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From our latest trip to The Mills, I grabbed a ton of basics and grabbed a few new fun accessories for myself! If you’re looking for a new bag or wallet, don’t forget to check out Michael Kors, the Coach Outlet and the newly opened Kate Spade downstairs. 

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As a sports mama, we go through athletic clothes, sneakers and cleats incessantly. Be sure to check out the massive Marshalls for cleats for kids and adults. I always save at least 50% on cleats at this location. This time around, I bought my big guy some new Nike football cleats for $20. I spotted the same ones at a big box sports store for $45! Score!

Don’t forget to catch me on The Mills at Jersey Gardens’ Instagram page!

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received compensation to share my experience. 

Getting the Dirt on Germs at Lysol Germ School

 This is a sponsored post. Thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing.

 

Before the kids go back to school, I went back to school—Lysol Germ School—to get a crash course on germs.

 

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Photo credit: Will Star


Hosted by my friends, Audrey and Vera, several of my blogger friends and I gathered together in a very chic classroom setting at Offsite in NYC.

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Photo credit: Will Star

 

 

 

After catching up with friends and grabbing breakfast, including a delicious smoothie from House of Juice, I settled in to my desk right in the front of the class. Audrey and Vera welcomed us and gave us a great overview of what to expect.

 

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 Photo credit: Will Star



Germ expert, Joe Rubino, led an informative discussion on the different types of germs. 

Key facts that I learned: bacteria can be reproduced inside or outside the body as they cause infections and viruses need to be inside living cells in order to grow and reproduce.

 

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Photo credit: Will Star

 

Another very memorable fact from Rubino’s slide show was that people with cold and flu infections can spread the virus to others up to about 6 ft. away.

As the R&D Director, Hygiene Personal Care & Surface at RB, Rubino is considered an expert in hygiene and hygiene-related fields. Needless to say, with two school-aged kids, I was all ears during the crash course on germs.

For a closer look at how to avoid and control the spread of germs, Rubino led an exercise where we spread a gel on our hands and were then asked to wash with soap.

We all scrubbed our hands, presumably how we’d do it at home and how we’d teach our kids to do. Upon our return, Rubino shined a black light on our hands to show spots that we missed or and any other dirty spots. It turns out, many of us missed washing the outer most part of our palms, right above the wrist. I washed my hands thoroughly two times and made sure to open the door with a paper towel. It turned out, I had very minimal spots that glowed in the black light. I confessed that we spent a lot of time in hospitals, so proper hand washing has ultimately become an ingrained part of our routine.

 

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Photo credit: Will Star

 

For the second part of our day at Lysol Germ School, I sat in on a roundtable discussion with pediatric consultant Dr. Jennifer Zubler. She answered many of our questions about health. She reinforced that hand washing with soap is the most effective way to avoid the spread of germs.

Sanitizers, such as the alcohol-based gels that are common in our mom bags, are the next best thing. Sanitizer is not as effective, but it works when you don’t have access to soap and water. Someone asked about how to clean electronic devices to avoid the spread of germs. Dr. Zubler recommended using Lysol Disinfecting Wipes when it comes to cleaning screens and keyboards.

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Photo credit: Will Star

 

According to the CDC, 38 million school days are missed due to the flu and tens of millions more are lost due to colds. Practicing healthy habits like hand washing and surface disinfection can help prevent the spread of germs, helping reduce the number of sick days.

At our school, multiple canisters of Lysol Disinfectant Wipes are at the top of the school supply list. I use Lysol around the house, in almost every room because I have two boys who gravitate to anything gross. I tend to pick up multiple packs from Harmon or Bed Bath and Beyond, where I can use our 20% off.

 

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Photo credit: Will Star

As a Box Tops collecting family, I loved learning that Lysol has partnered with Box Tops for Education as the exclusive household cleaning brand. You can help support your child’s school with Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Spray, which are eligible for Box Tops redemption. And speaking of great partnerships: Lysol has partnered with the National Education Association (NEA) and National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to create the Healthy Habits Program. Healthy Habits Week will kick off on September 19, the peak back to school season. To learn more about the Healthy Habits Program and family activities on healthy habits, check out Lysol.com/HealthyHabits

 Start the new school year off with a fresh and healthy start by revisiting proper hand washing and sneezing techniques. Cover your mouth and wash your hands with soap is a constant refrain with my guys!

 

Full disclosure: I was compensated for participating in Lysol Germ School hosted by Audrey and Vera. As always, opinions on NKT are my own

Power Their Dreams: Racing with Heart and the 2016 Olympics

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G. Thanks for supporting The Next Kid Thing

Having just finished up an exciting summer packed with sports and outdoor fun, staying active is what keeps my boys busy and content. It’s such a luxury to have so many different youth sports available within our town and community. You name it, my boys probably play it, but it’s track and field that truly challenges both of my boys.

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Last year, both of my boys gave track and field try, and it was an exciting change to the other organized sports that are offered in our area. At just 8 years old, Biggie, is my uber competitive athlete who thrives on the thrill of any sport. Littles is my dreamer and uncoordinated daredevil. Because of Little’s unique medical needs, his seizure disorder left scarring on his brain where coordination originates. Needless to say, his drive outpaces his physical speed. Because of this, I love that both of my boys are able to harness their different athletic abilities and shine in their own way during our community track season.

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We often celebrate Bigs for his many achievements, including his recent completion of a kids’ triathlon. He swam, biked and ran his way to 2nd in his age group. Though competition was fierce, I caught myself as we cheered and overdid the competition aspect at times. I was reminded to check myself when I noticed a mom running along side of her 5 year old who was struggling to finish the running part of the race. At this age, these activities are all about trying new things and having fun, despite what the super competitive kids (and their equally driven parents) might say. I strive to be that mom running alongside of her kid, regardless of where they come in the race.

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No matter the sport, Littles is always alongside of us cheering for big brother. If his athletic ambitions match his drive, I know he’s going to shine in his own unique way. He will be the kid that gets out there and races his heart out every single time. Even though he was a bit young to compete, last year, Littles participated in a timed run. The coaches called the race, and they were off! Many of the kids were 3-4 years older than him, but my guy ran as fast as he could and finished the race with a beaming smile.

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If there’s anything I learn from having two totally opposite kids: it takes a lot of courage to get out there, it takes even more heart to finish a race.

And speaking of racing, we will be all eyes when decathlete Ashton Eaton has his chance to shine on August 17 during the Olympic Games. These athletes not only have one concentration, but 10 different events to compete and champion.

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And with these accolades and achievements we’ve been watching during The Olympics, I constantly stress to my guys that these athletes have worked multiple years to get to where they are today. Many athletes forgo traditional jobs to focus on training for their sport. By purchasing products from sponsors such as P&G, we’re able to help athletes such as Ashton Eaton race to the finish line or leap even higher.

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The hus is currently using the Gillette Fusion ProShield Razor with FlexBall Technology, which is one of the many P&G products that can be found at Walmart http://bit.ly/2aDcGeR  and supports Team USA. This razor’s FlexBall Technology helps with full contact to keep my husband’s beard trimmed and groomed. 


Whether it’s running a triathlon for fun or racing for Gold in The Olympics, I hope my kids learn that hard work and heart go a long way. Let’s power their dreams. Buy brands that support Team USA, such as P&G products at Walmart.