We have family travel on the brain this week as we’re preparing to embark on a big trip next week. But before I go on about that trip, I thought I’d share some cool family travel news.
Hilton Garden Inn, a part of the Hilton Worldwide chain, is well known for their upscale, yet comfortable amenities that cater to business travelers and families alike. With the ever-so-slight glimpse of Spring that we’re enduring here in the NYC area, it was a treat to see the that the Hilton Garden Inn is in full bloom with its Garden Getaway Tour.
Hilton Garden Inn kicked off their Garden Getaway Tour in NYC a few weeks ago by setting up camp at several iconic NYC destinations with their Garden Greeters in tow, of course. The Greeters visited Chelsea, Herald Square and Central Park in their full-flowered regalia. The kids and I shared our travel ambitions, which also hints to where we’re headed soon! We enjoyed meeting the festive Hula, Cowboy and Queen’s Guard Greeters, all of whom not only looked fantastic, but smelled tropically divine.
As part of the Garden Getaway Tour, consumers will have the chance to win a getaway to a new Hilton Garden Inn located in Hawaii. To enter for a chance to win, you must capture a photo with a Garden Getaway Greeter and share on Twitter, Instagram, or on the Hilton Garden Inn Facebook page using #HGIGardenGetaway and #entry.
Want to check out the Hilton Garden Inn Garden Getaway Tour for yourself? Be sure to check out the next stops: Dallas on May 15 and 16, Los Angeles on July 3 and 4 and wrap up in Chicago on September 4 and 5.
Full disclosure: I was offered a complimentary stay at a Hilton Garden Inn property in exchange for sharing this contest. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.
All aboard chuggers: Anchor Bay DVD has released the latest installment in Chuggington adventures: “Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue.” In this new dvd, there are more adventures to be had and we even meet a new friend, Asher. Wilson sets out on fire patrol duty with Asher and learns to use a fire hose in a rescue. There is a friendly contest of Chug Patrol versus Speed Fleet; Hodge find himself in a high-rise jam; and all the Chuggers practice emergency drills at the roundhouse.
As longtime Chuggington fans, we were all excited for the release of this new dvd that helps kids learn about fire safety and community service. Since Littles absolutely loves trains, he perks up every time he hears Chuggington’s theme song! In honor of the launch Chuggington Fire Patrol Rescue, we were invited to the NYFD Museum in downtown NYC.
The boys and I got to enjoy an afternoon celebrating the launch, learning all about fire safety and we even got to chat a little with Sarah Ball, Chuggington head writer and producer.
The boys enjoyed getting up close and personal to the educational historical material at the NYFD Museum, not to mention getting to watch an episode of the new DVD.
Money money money. Like many young, middle income families, we have a love-hate relationship with money. Having faced financial hardships following several back to back medical emergencies over the past two years, money is at the forefront for our family these days. It’s been such a topic of conversation, I’ve found myself speaking more openly to my 7-year-old about it.
A conversation about money and saving is something that I consider to be paramount, especially as both my husband and I are products of frugal, blue-collar upbringing. We never took lavish vacations, nor did we ever receive unlimited amounts of toys, saw Broadway Shows or rubbed elbows with celebs as kids—you know, the sort of things we get to do in the name of blogging. So, in an unrealistic world where we’re presented with impossible opportunities, I think it’s important to instill practical values that my children will be able to learn from, and help them grow into responsible adults.
When the regional bank, Boiling Springs Savings Bank, wanted to partner with area influencers in honor of National Youth Savings Month, I eagerly obliged, as I knew this would be a great way to continue our ongoing conversation about money. Boiling Springs Savings Bank has been a fixture in Northern New Jersey since 1939, providing loans, personal and business banking options with local values and strong community ties.
Among Boiling Springs Savings Bank’s range of banking offerings, the Boiling Bucks Youth Savings Account was what we needed to get Biggie started with his own savings plan. Even though he’s had several savings accounts set up since birth, this savings account would be his own to manage (with a little help.) The Boiling Bucks Youth Savings Account is specifically designed for kids under 18. This savings plan only requires a minimum $1 to start and offers a generous bonus $10 for those who start with $10 or more. Account holders for the Youth Savings Account are mailed monthly statements to track transactions, including interest earned monthly on all balances. Added bonus: for those who open a Youth Savings Account during Youth Savings Month receive a BSSB piggy bank.
We visited our local BSSB in Lake Hiawatha to get his account started. After providing Biggie’s Social Security Card, as well as my identification since the Youth Savings Accounts require a custodian, we filled out the proper paperwork to get things started. Quite frankly, I believe this was one of the first times Biggie was in an actual bank since we do most of our banking online these days. As we waited, I told him how I’d have to wait in a long line with my mom just to deposit or withdraw money. Even though we don’t sit in long lines to bank anymore, it was an interesting experience to have him sit at the desk in the bank to open his savings account. After a quick computer snafu, we were able to deposit J’s money and officially started his Boiling Bucks Youth Savings Account.
Biggie agreed to deposit allowance or money he’s earned once or twice a month to create a consistent savings routine. I explained to him how crucial it is to save for “rainy days,” because goodness knows, rainy days always finds those who bask in the sunshine.
Beyond the Youth Savings account, BSSB has 18 convenient branches and ATMs in northern New Jersey and provides services for the whole family and businesses. In need of introducing savings to your kid? Be sure to check out BSSB’s Boiling Bucks Youth Savings Account to take advantage of their fun perks and grab the cool piggy bank while you’re at it. To learn more about BSSB, head to their site and check out their video here.
Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post and I’m being compensated for sharing my experience. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.
It’s finally Spring, and that means we’re all about baseball in our house. Whether it’s actually playing ball or watching the game, baseball is truly the heart of our home from Spring until Fall.
Just as Little League is underway for my older son, the Major Leagues are revving up for a fantastic season. And speaking of which, I’m excited to share cool stuff about our favorite MLB team once again. The Mets are currently on their first home field stint of the season, and this Sunday, April 19, marks the first Family Sunday for the 2015 season at Citi Field.
As in years past, the Mets promise a family-friendly outing on Sunday. From games on the mini field to video games out back to the awesome benefits of Mr. Met’s Kid’s Club, Family Sunday at Citi Field is such a great way to spend the day at the ball field.
Mr. Met’s Kid’s Club is a fun way for kids to experience the game. For every Family Sunday at Citi Field that your child attends, they get a stamp on their Kid’s Club lanyard. Perks and incentives are rewarded to the kids, depending on the frequency of visits and which membership you choose. There are both free and paid memberships to the Kid’s Clubs and one major benefit of the Orange Membership includes 10 free tickets and the Blue includes 4 free tickets.
We are thrilled to once again participate in the Met’s social media influencer outreach and are excited to catch our first Family Sunday of the season this weekend when the Amazin’s take on the Marlins. I hear Matt Harvey will be on the mound, and my boys are pumped to see the Dark Knight front and center on Sunday! Let’s Go Mets!
If you’re headed to the game this Sunday, be sure to get the kids and sign up for Mr. Met’s Kid’s Club.
One of my all-time favorite baby brands, tommee tippee, is now available at Walmart. The beloved baby brand known for their bottles, nursing accessories and feeding gear, can be found at select stores and at Walmart.com.
When the company first made its way to the States several years ago, tommee tippee could only be found at a few baby stores. But now, it’s great to know that tommee tippee is more accessible than ever with its availability at Walmart.
I’ve done many round ups professing my love for this brand, but truly, I almost always include tommee tippee bottles or bibs in baby shower gifts for friends and family. And since my older brother and his wife are expecting their second baby this summer, I’m slowly stashing away baby gear for them.
With thanks to a generous gift card from tommee tippee, I picked up a few new Closer to Nature bottles for my new baby nephew gift stash. Of all the offerings online, I loved seeing all the newborn gift sets and, of course, my favorite roll-up bibs that are perfect for stashing in the diaper bag or babysitter bag.
In need of baby shower gifts or new feeding supplies? Be sure to check out tommee tippee over on Walmart.com!
Full disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.
As many families are in the middle of their Spring Break excursions, we’re starting to think ahead to summer vacation. In fact, last week, we got a sneak peek Legoland’s latest updates, which is sure to thrill kids of all ages.
Hotel at Legoland Florida Resort is slated to open on May 15, which is just steps away from the park entrance. The hotel will enhance the Lego experience for budding Master Builders with the newly announced exclusive Master Model Builder Workshop. Guests will be able to learn and build with Model Builders daily at the workshop.
In addition to the anticipation of the Hotel’s opening, Legoland also revealed that a new land, Heartlake City, will open this summer. Based on the sweet line of LEGO Friends toys, Heartlake City, will boast a colorful and vibrant backdrop, perfect for families who know and love these toys.
According to park executives, Heartlake City will feature a horse-themed disc coaster called Mia’s Riding Adventure and an interactive show, “Friends to the Rescue, as well as new shops inside Heartlake Mall.”
At a media event in NYC, my boys and I had a chance to take photos and sneak a peek at mock up of the hotel rooms. With the kids jumping and playing on the bunkbed for hours, suffice it to say, the Legoland Hotel rooms will be a hit with the kids. The details and fun Lego theme throughout will be family pleasers for sure. As huge fans of the Legoland Experience Center in Westchester, NY, my kids have had a small taste of the awesomeness of the Legoland experience. With a trip to Florida planned next month, I’m hoping we get to visit Legoland firsthand!
Until then, be sure to check out Legoland Florida and California online!
As another installment of the Power Rangers Parents program, I have some cool insider details and goodies to share. With the Power Rangers Dino Charge final new episode before the mid-season hiatus coming up on April 4 at noon, I wanted to share all of these exciting Power Rangers goodies, too.
Dino Charge is all about dino-fueled action and adventure this season with an action-packed storyline and new team of Rangers. After this Saturday’s new episode at noon, Power Rangers fans can continue to tune in to Nickelodeon at 12 pm and Sunday at 8 am for repeat episodes.
To help spread the Dino Charge news, we received a box of rad Power Rangers goodies including:
Raptor Zord with Charger from Bandai Dino Charge Megazord from Bandai GUM Power Rangers Timer Light Toothbrush GUM Power Rangers Power Toothbrush Power Rangers T-shirts Power Rangers Dino Charge underwear Power Rangers coloring books worksheets, tattoos and stickers
Here’s a fun vlog that we created to share our Power Rangers Parents box:
Thank you to our friends at Saban and Power Rangers for sending these products to facilitate this review and help share this news. As always opinions on NKT are my own.
The northeast is finally feeling the warmth of Spring, and with that, we’re starting to break out our Spring clothes. The thing I love most about Spring kids style is that we can start shedding layers and, inevitably, brighter colors come into play.
At The Children’s Place this Spring, boys and girls styles are as vibrant as ever with cool graphics and fun prints as main focal points. The boys’ clothes are a super fun mix of classic cool and modern fun. Girls’ styles are playful and eclectic, with copious amounts of sweet prints and sassy silhouettes.
For my boys, I’m always drawn to TCP’s classic shirts and graphic tees. Since my younger one always inherits the older ones clothes, it’s important for me to stick with classic styles. I love the shirts I bought for Easter this year, and the ties and bow ties are the perfect complement, too!
Check out my Spring Haul from TCP!
Full disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.
Liberty Science Center is no stranger to family-friendly exhibits. In fact, as the most visited museum in NJ and the largest interactive science center in the NJ/NYC metro area, more than half a million students, teachers and parents visit LSC each year.
New this year, everyone’s favorite furry monsters have found their way to LSC. Having debuted in January 2015, Sesame Street Presents: The Body is comprised of a myriad of hands-on exhibits geared to engage the curiosity of the littlest scientists.
The exhibit, which explores the human body and how to keep it healthy, features three education zones: Your Insides, Your Outsides and Staying Healthy.
Your Insides explores bodily functions and weaves familiar monsters into the interactive features. Count’s Organ Organ teaches kids about internal organs with a musical twist; Digestion with Oscar keeps it real with a display that shows kids what happens after the food goes down the tubes and Oscar’s Sneeze Machine allows kids to pull a lever to irritate a big nose that actually sneezes on them.
Your Outsides allows kids to identify body parts while learning what they do. Wonderful Hands includes puzzles sign language games shadow puppets, among other fun activities. “Your Legs and Feet” shows kids what happens when your legs are in motion and “Use Your Head,” is another interactive feature where questions can be asked and answered about the parts of a head.
Staying Healthy overviews the importances of staying clean, making smart food choices and getting lots of rest and physical activity. Ernie and Rubber Ducky provide a fun activity with Rub-a-Dub Tub, but Mr. Hooper’s Store is the highlight for hands-on exhibit.
My 7 and 3 year old quite possibly spent 2 hours in this exhibit. From learning all about how everyone poops to kicking a soccer ball to grocery shopping non-stop, The Body kept both my gradeschooler and preschooler entertained and engaged with educational content and iconic characters we know and love.
Since we visited on a weekend, the caveat to this exhibit is the high volume of museum-goers. Museums in general can be sensory overload, even moreso when you can barely walk through a crowd of small kids. As with any museum on a weekend, be prepared to wait for interactive features and taking turns with other kids. But truly, the wait and crowds are worth it, especially for the preschool set.
We enjoyed checking out Sesame Street Presents: The Body, courtesy of LSC and JerseyMoms Media. LSC has hosted bloggers several times, but I seem to always have the most fun when my friends from JerseyMoms Media co-host.
Not only do my fellow NYC and NJ bloggers get to socialize with our families, but we get to enjoy a day of educational fun. My kids absolutely love hands-on fun—and if it was up to them, the dirtier the better. Learning how to make “blood” was one of the coolest activities I’ve seen for this age group. A big thank you to LSC and JerseyMoms Media for hosting our family.
And speaking of hosting, LSC gave us passes to giveaway to our readers! If you’d like to check out Sesame Street Presents: The Body with your family, enter for a 4 pack of tickets below!
In Dreamworks’ new animated film, “Home”, two unlikely characters cross paths and work together to overcome alienation while learning to embrace imperfections.
When the free-spirited tween, Tip, voiced by Rihanna, finds herself isolated and alone as the eccentric aliens, Boov, colonize Earth, she ventures out with her cat to search for her mom. As the Boov settle into their new digs, the quirky and often misunderstood, Oh, voiced by Jim Parsons, finds himself in another unfortunate scenario when he mistakenly sends a party invitation to everyone in his contact list—including their evil enemy, Gorg. When the cluelessly arrogant Boovian leader Captain Smek, voiced by comic legend Steve Martin, finds out that Oh made another mistake that might cost them their new home, ultimately, Oh is banished.
At the press junket a few weeks ago, I enjoyed listening to Rihanna, Parsons and Martin as they charmed a room full of bloggers and journalists.
To my surprise, Rihanna was hilarious and self-deprecating; at one point, I totally felt as though we could potentially be BFFs. When a fellow blogger asked Rihanna about how important it was for Tip to resonate with her own character and traits, I appreciated her candor:
“I think it was both important to me and DreamWorks Animation for this to be as realistic as possible. We wanted little girls to feel empowered, little girls of any size, shape, color, race. It didn’t matter. We wanted girls to just feel strong and brave and empowered and beautiful and like they can do anything. And they can take charge of their life or their situation no matter what.”
Hopefully, girls and boys will appreciate and be influenced by Tip’s fearlessness and determination to rise above adversity.
In person, Parsons was just as charming as I’d envisioned. When asked what his takeaways were from “Home,” Parsons appreciated several of Oh’s strengths.
“Oh has his own selection of them too, this optimism and eagerness and friendliness and hopefulness, that I don’t carry with me as in abundance and as much of the time as he does. And there’s not a good reason for–I mean, life gets in the way.”
Parsons provided charm and awkward likability to the outcasted Oh, while Rihanna gave Tip a sassy, yet vulnerable persona. As recognizable entertainers who stepped out of their usual realm, providing voiceovers for Home was a new frontier for both Rihanna and Jim Parsons.
It was Martin’s brand of grandiose comedy that made Captain Smek’s arrogance and cowardice believable, yet strangely likable. Martin, of course, could effortlessly entertain the room with a single sentence. As for Martin’s takeaway from the film:
“I’m vowing to be more animated. That’s true.”
Jennifer Lopez voiced Tip’s mom and lent her vocals for one of the songs in Home. With nods to popular lyrics and a unique soundtrack, the music was just as fun as the story itself.
“Home” unearths a number of themes, but one message that will hit home for kids and families is that camaraderie and friendship sometimes evolve when you least expect it. Despite their differences, when Tip and Oh reluctantly partner up to overcome adversity, they realize they have just as many similarities as they have differences.
As their adventure unfolds, they learn about their own personal strengths and acceptance for things out of their control. As Tip and Oh bond and travel to search for family and safety, ultimately, they find friendship and compassion. Dreamworks’ “Home” is yet another fulfilling family film that explores into multiple thought-provoking themes while maintaining a fun and relatable storyline for kids.
Overall, this is a fun film for families, but the story may be too big for littler audiences. For those who might not understand complex story lines or who can’t sit through an hour film, I wouldn’t recommend seeing Home in the theaters. At times, I felt that the dialogue was abrupt and borderline questionable. I found myself instinctively thinking a few times “we don’t say that,” as if my 7 year old was watching next to me. Toward the end, in one of the turnkey scenes, grief and loss is a brief topic. So, if your child is uneasy about loss and darker concepts such as evil, I’d give a second thought before watching “Home.”
From Tip and Oh’s light-hearted coming of age story, we learn that the idea of “home” transcends its literal meaning of a place or a thing. “Home” playfully depicts home as a feeling of contentment and a personal destination where love, life, family, friends converge. Home arrives in theaters on March 27.
Full disclosure: I was invited to participate in this press junket, but did not receive compensation. As always, opinions on NKT are my own.
