Holiday Inn is now playing at NJ’s Papermill Playhouse

November 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

I’m excited to tell you, if you don’t already know, that “Holiday Inn” is now playing at NJ’s Papermill Playhouse in Millburn. A classic film that features quite a few all time favorite songs by the beloved Irving Berlin is now on stage, and it is a delight. I’ve loved this movie since I was a child, I’ve watched it many times, with my grandparents, now with my kids. I had been looking forward to seeing it since it came out on the season’s list, and it didn’t disappoint.

holiday inn

Papermill Playhouse always has fantastic shows. I love that we can go see such quality productions without having to go into the city or fight for parking, a night at Papermill Playhouse is always one of my favorites, and I look forward to them always.

Next up will be “My Very Own British Invasion”, “Benny and Joon”, and “Beauty and the Beast”. There are quite a few children’s shows that rotate as well, take a look. They are wonderful productions, we have seen quite a few with my little ones.

In this musical based on the beloved Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film, Jim Hardy leaves behind the hustle and bustle of showbiz for a quiet life on a Connecticut farm. Jim’s agrarian efforts are a flop, but things start looking up when he falls for a talented schoolteacher, and together they infuse their sleepy rural setting with some Broadway razzle-dazzle. Fresh from a Broadway run, this heartwarming, toe-tapping production features more than 20 classic songs from the Berlin catalog, including “Easter Parade,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” and “White Christmas.”

Paper Mill Playhouse production of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, based on the film from Universal Pictures, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, and book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge.  Directed by Mr. Greenberg (The Baker’s Wife, 1776 – Paper Mill), and with choreography by Denis Jones (Mary Poppins – Paper Mill, Holiday Inn – Broadway, Tony nomination), music direction by Shawn Gough(Annie, Paper Mill), the principal cast features Paige Faure (Honeymoon in Vegas – Paper Mill) as Lila Dixon, Jordon Gelber (Avenue Q)as Danny, Ann Harada (Avenue Q) as Louise,  Jeff Kready (Thoroughly Modern Millie – Paper Mill) as Ted Hanover, Hayley Podschun(Peter Pan – Paper Mill) as Linda Mason, Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan) as Jim Hardy with Jian Harrell and Aidan Alberto alternating in the role of Charlie Winslow.  They are joined by Jordan Beall, Gene Biscontini, Colin Bradbury, Tricia DeSario, Taylor Fields, Kelly Gleason, Juliane Godfrey, Berklea Going, Joshua Israel, Julie Kavanagh, Mallory Nolting, Clifton Samuels, JT Teeling, Karl Skylar Urban, Amy Van Norstrand, Scarlett Walker, Travis Ward-Osborne, and John T. Wolfe.

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn will run at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ) through December 30, 2018.

Filed Under: entertainment, theater Tagged With: , , ,

Sudara Clothing – ethically made and helps women #GiftGuide

November 30, 2018 by 4 Comments

If you are anything like me, you like to shop as ethically as possible. Most companies and stores don’t give a fig about you, me, the environment, or anything other then profit. So, when you know brands that give a darn, they are ones you tend to do your shopping with.

give back

I’ve recently discovered Sudara. This brand came about because of a desire to help women escape sex trafficking in India.  12 years ago, Sudara partnered with a sewing center in India and taught six women how to sew a pattern for pants. The previous year,  founder, Shannon Keith, had returned from a trip to India and heard story after story of women who were sold into sex slavery. She also heard stories of women who were at a high risk of being forced into the sex trade by their families or picked up off the streets by local pimps. The reasons they were at a high risk? Because they lacked an education or the resources or the skills to, truly, have a choice.

She returned home from that trip and formed a small team of family and friends. They have since made 10 sewing centers and hundreds of women have found both freedom and living wage employment.

The pants are awesome. Comfortable, easy to wash and wear, pretty, and unique. The are no sacrifice to wear, and it’s great knowing that my purchase is helping other women and supporting a company that does good in the world.

They also are ethically and sustainability made for the good of the environment as well. They are a Certified B Corps, which means they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems. So- you know. A good company to buy from. The good guys.

ethically made clothing

Sudara Brand Description:

  • Sudara is a lifestyle brand that creates jobs for women in India who are at the highest risk or survivors of human trafficking. They pay living wages and provide access to counseling, medical care and resources that empower women to create their own self-sustaining future.

  • Every pair of these Sudara Punjammies are made through living-wage employment by women in India who are at the highest risk or survivors of sex trafficking. Every purchase is an investment in Sudara’s freedom-filled work and empowers women who are working to forge a new life for themselves and their children.

  • Sudara offers beautiful and comfortable clothing with a freedom-filled purpose. Their women’s pajama pants, loungewear and robes are ethically-made in India through living-wage employment programs. Every purchase is helping empower women in India with the resources and skills they need to create a better life for themselves and their family.

Keep up with Sudara on social media as well- sudara.org  facebook  twitter  instagram

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, environment, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

How to Make Your Trip to Australia a Real Adventure

November 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Australia is big, beautiful, exciting and the perfect place for a real dose of adventure. With 10,685 beaches and 10 deserts, the land down under is the perfect destination for all sorts of fun and adventurous outdoor activities. The main difficulty is narrowing down your list of things to do, because when it comes to Australia, there’s no shortage of activities in which to partake for both visitors and those coming to start a new life.

Its rugged coastlines, laid-back people and striking flora and fauna all serve to make this fascinating country so appealing. In Australia, you can skydive, swim with sharks and scuba dive some of the most stunning reefs in the world. The weather is also very encouraging for outdoor activities, with plenty to do for adults and children alike.

Skydive at Mission Beach

Looking for a perfect adventure? What better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to skydive above the beautiful sea around Mission Beach? This is arguably one of the most daring and memorable things you can do in Australia. Picture being strapped to the back of a professional skydive instructor and taking photos from the GoPro in midair. The excitement is indescribable, even after the second and third times. Are you considering making an Ausmove? If so, this should be near the top of your budget list of things to do within the first three months of your arrival.

Camping

Camping is the ideal family outdoor activity; as this obviously isn’t as strenuous as skydiving, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and still offers a significant sense of adventure. Furthermore, camping in Australia offers a unique dimension when compared to elsewhere. For instance, camping on Cockatoo Island around Sydney Harbour allows you to hike and check out the remains of the convict’s cells from way back when.

Kayak Katherine Gorge

While some people might describe watching sunset over dinner as an adventurous activity, Katherine Gorge allows you to do much more in a single outdoor trip. Kayaking or taking a canoe trip is a sure way to experience the true beauty of the Gorge. You can hire kayaks and canoes for a couple of hours or even a full day whilst exploring the entire gorge. In fact, you can rent for up to two days if you wish; this will allow you to watch both sunset and sunrise, whilst enjoying the tranquility from your kayak.

Drive the Great Ocean Road

This is a beautifully laid tarmac that stretches over a distance of 151 miles. It is arguably the most picturesque drive in the world – and definitely the best in Australia.  You can hire a car in Melbourne and let yourself loose to enjoy the breathtaking sights, like the incredible rock formation of the Twelve Apostles. There’s also the Angelsea Golf Course, surf spots at Torquay, many kangaroos, and much more.  All these spectacular sights await you on your trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Crocodile Cruise at Port Douglas

This could be the most thrilling adventure you’ll experience in Australia. Starting from Port Douglas, you can take a crocodile cruise along the Daintree River, watching these fearsome, humongous creatures brooding along the river banks and basking in the sunshine. However, the main treat is when guides throw meat in their direction to entice them out of the water. You’ll then watch the crocs in all their glory, jumping out of the the water to clasp their jaws around the food.

Surfing

Even if you’ve had your fair share of surfing during your time in the US, surfing in Australia is a whole new experience. Here, you’ll be shown the different surfing etiquettes, techniques and also get to learn about the various surf boards that are popularly used. After your first couple of efforts, you’ll be shown pictures of you surfing to demonstrate how you can improve next time around. The experience is both exciting and educative at the same time. More importantly, surfing in Australia is competitive, so you’ll get to learn from the best of the best.

Find the Pinnacle Desert

155 miles north of Perth is The Pinnacle Desert, which is home of hundreds of ancient limestone pillars that resemble tombs. It is a mysterious setting and part of the Nambung National Park, bordering the village of Cervantes in Western Australia.

It’s said that the limestones were formed over 30,000 years ago after the Indian Ocean coastal waves eroded the surrounding area, thereby exposing what is now The Pinnacle Desert. The impressive landscape is excellent for taking pictures and spending quality time with family.

Conclusion

Australia has something remarkable for everyone, and if you love adventure, then your prospective move to this country will prove to be a great decision.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Choosing the right mattress for your body

November 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Most people think that buying a mattress is a simple thing: you got to a shop or an online store, browse a bit, try a few of them and buy the one that suits you the most or the one that has the best mattress reviews. Unfortunately, things are a bit more complicated than that.

The mattress is the pillar of your health. Not only do they provide a support to your back but they also ensure you’re well rested. Proper rest is crucial for all your daily activities; if you cannot sleep well, it will affect your productivity also increasing stress level and vitality of your body.

For all these reasons, it is very important to learn more about mattresses prior to purchasing one.

In this short article, I will review the most common product types, their size as well as their firmness. To top it all off, I will provide some good reviews that will help you make the right purchase.

The most common mattress types

There are many types of mattresses and sometimes, it’s really hard to keep a track of them all. Each day new technologies are pushing this industry forward and it shows in the number of products available on the market.

Nevertheless, there are some of the more popular and less popular options. Here are some of the best mattress types you can buy.

Open spring mattress

This product is also known as an open coil mattress. This mattress type is specific as it has one wire that stretches throughout the item. Because of that, it can be really problematic for couples as every movement is felt in the other parts of the mattress.

Although this product provides less support compared to some new models, it is very inexpensive.

Pocket spring mattress

This product type is similar to previous in a sense that it relies on springs. However, it is much different in terms of performance.

First and foremost, pocket springs mattresses provide much more support and they come in various firmness. At the same time, they breathe well and don’t heat up as much as some other mattress types.

Unlike open spring mattress, this product relies on more springs stored within pockets. Because of that, there is much fewer vibrations and transfer of movement.

Memory foam mattress

As the name implies, this product uses a special material known as memory foam.

The greatest thing about it is the fact that it provides lots of support as it adapts to your body features. At the same time, these products are usually great for people suffering from allergies. But keep in mind that it isn’t for everyone; sleeping on a memory foam may feel as if you’re sinking and the material also heats up quickly.

Nevertheless, if you have a bad back, this is probably the best option you have at your disposal.

Latex mattress

Latex as a material is made from various substances. These products are very strong and can last for a long time. At the same time, they are great for people suffering from allergies.

Its biggest flaw is its stiffness as well as weight. Keep in mind that lumps may start appearing after a while on this mattress.

Common mattress sizes

Like with most products, mattress sizes depend on a country in which you’re living.

If we’re talking about Europe, this is how mattress sizes are categorized:

Small single: 75cm x 190cm

Single: 90cm x 190cm

Small double: 120cm x 190cm

Double: 135cm x 190cm

Kingsize: 150cm x 200cm

Super kingsize: 180cm x 200cm

Firmness

Firmness is a big factor that needs to be considered when buying a product. It depends on your sleeping position as well as body features.

Here are the 4 common firmness types:

Soft – Ideal for people sleeping on their side

Medium soft – Ideal for people who change positions

Medium firm – Ideal for people sleeping on their back

Firm – Ideal for people sleeping on their stomach

With this information, you will be able to find just the right mattress.

If this doesn’t help, you can always check one of the numerous online reviews that will not only give you more information about mattress types, sizes, and firmness but can also give you more info on specific products and companies.

Filed Under: health, home Tagged With:

The Flex Brush – Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Anyone with Hair #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you have tangles in your hair, if you think your hair is impossible, hard to manage, or just makes you crazy, you will want to know about the Flex Brush. It sounds too good to be true, but it really works. I used it on my partner’s wild and curly hair, and it not only sailed right on through his tangles and knots, but didn’t hurt him in the process.

If you have a child who HATES hair brushing time, this will save both of you. Your sanity, their tears, and a whole lot of time. The detangling spray is also fantastic. For that extra added “easy glide”, it really makes things that much easier.  For one of the first times, I was able to run my fingers through his hair.

detangling brush

World-renowned celebrity hair stylist Angelo David Pisacreta, owner of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and hair-tool veteran Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools, introduce The Flex Brush™—an all-purpose tool that safely detangles hair, massages the scalp and promotes health and hair growth. The brush’s versatility, combined with its flex technology, make it the most forgiving hair brush on the market.

 flex brush

The Flex Brush™, designed for both wet and dry hair, bends to follow the contours of your head, massaging your scalp and stimulating the production of natural oils. The brush has vents that allow heat to pass through it, so blow drying won’t damage the brush. For ultimate detangling, pair it with FlexDetangle Spray, a revolutionary leave-in conditioner that increases flexibility to minimize damage during styling and detangling. Here is what sets The FlexBrush™ apart from other brushes on the market:

 

  • It is the most versatile brush on the market, so whether your hair is curly, fine, delicate or thick—or if you have extensions or a sensitive scalp—The Flex Brush™ is your go-to hair tool.
  • The Flex Brush™ is made from all-natural rubber, and the coating has a soft-touch finish that’s comfortable and easy to grip.
  • The Flex Brush™ is vented and super lightweight, so it can be used while blow drying. Air can pass freely through the integrated vents, resulting in much faster drying times.
  • Thanks to its flexibility, The Flex Brush™ gives your scalp a soothing massage that increases the blood supply to your hair’s follicles. Increased circulation helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for growing strong, healthy hair.
  • The Flex Brush™ is especially great for detangling children’s hair. Unlike traditional brushes, it flexes to avoid snagging on tough knots, so there’s no pain. Plus, you get damage-free detangling on all hair types, whether hair is wet or dry.

 best brush for kids

About The Flex Brush™

The Flex Brush™ is the creation of two of the most innovative minds in beauty: Angelo David, owner and creative director of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools. While on the beach in Aruba, Angelo was disturbed watching people destroy their hair, as they yanked rigidbrushes through knots, tearing ends and destroying roots. He contacted Jacob and together they designed The Flex Brush™—an all-purpose tool that detangles safely, massages the scalp and promotes hair health and growth. It is designed for both wet and dry hair.

 

The Flex Brush™ comes in three variations:

The Flex Brush™ Petite Mixed Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush™ XL Nylon Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush™ XL Mixed Bristle for SRP $25.95

The Flex Detangle Spray is available in two sizes:

the 2 oz bottle for SRP $6.95

the 8 oz bottle for SRP $17.95

Filed Under: beauty, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Stocking Stuffers for Teen and Tween Boys #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

 Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for pre-teen and teenage boys? Since (lets just be real here) boys are pretty gross in general, a personal care kit won’t go astray.  There are several kits to choose from by Prep U that help that “smelly boy” syndrome.

boys deodorant

It’s a fact of life that boys eventually start to smell. No matter how cute or precious they are, they begin to mature, their hormones change and odor caused by sweat and dirt naturally begins to appear with varying degrees of intensity. The idea for Prep U came from a frustrated mom of two active, smelly sons who couldn’t find a suitable solution for her boys. The only products currently on the market were designed for babies or left her kids smelling like a couple of frat boys. She created Prep U, a line of personal care products that are the perfect antidote to smells of boyhood, offering parents natural, quality products they can trust and kids a line of products that celebrates their growing independence.

I like that these are all natural products. There are plenty of options out there, but not many natural products that actually work well.

Prep U has 7 NATURAL products to choose from, with a different assortment of kits to suit the needs of different boys. There are also 3 kits to choose from;

boys bath and body

Travel Kit ($29) – Travel-size Body Spray, Active Dry Powder, Soap, and Natural Deodorant, all packaged in a compact Dopp kit bag offered in two colors

Starter Kit ($34) – A few of our most popular items including the Body Wash, Natural Deodorant, and Body Spray

Sport Kit ($32.50) – Ideal for the super active boy: Sport Soak, Natural Deodorant, and Active Dry Powder

We’ve tried several of these products, and my sons like them. My youngest, 11, tried the deodorant and body wash. My oldest, 19, tried the body spray and body wash. I prefer the smell of that body spray so much more then most others he has used- I really hate most body spray smells, truth be told. We all like the scents, and they both like the results. Check them out yourself and see what your boys think.

Happy Holidays!

Filed Under: beauty, Holiday Gift Guide, natural, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

Marketplace Africa – Eco Friendly Gifts That Give Back to the Community #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

If you want to shop sustainably this year, support small business, or like to avoid big box stores, I’ve got a shop for you. If you just like unique and high quality products at a reasonable price- this is a shop you will love. Marketplace Africa has clothing, bath and body products (and I’m in love with some of these already), purses, bags,- really, gifts for everyone on your list. GREAT hostess gifting as well. Thoughtful gifts anyone would love to receive.

This online platform lets Africans can sell their one-of-a-kind handmade goods to the US, UK and entire global market.  Now customers seeking to purchase a unique gift this holiday season can feel good as they are buying directly from the source in Africa which in turn helps boost the economy. The site offers fabulous products in fashion, jewelry, handbags, body care, and select home décor items.

shop small

MarketPlaceAFRICA.com is an E-commerce platform created for African designers and entrepreneurs to tell their stories and sell their products directly to consumers everywhere, with no start-up costs. Business owners can stay focused on what they love to do most while expanding to international markets. They have a partnership with DHL, the leading global logistics experts in Africa,that lets these small businesses navigate international shipping regulations and meet the delivery time expectations of global customers. As you shop from African small businesses, you can select from familiar, safe payment methods, and have the products shipped to your home with confidence and security. It’s totally a win-win.

For more information on Marketplace Africa visit www.marketplaceafrica.com

Filed Under: beauty, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , ,

Euro Yuletide — 10 Christmas travel tips

November 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

For many Americans, the focus of Christmas is family — so provided we’re safe, sound and together, let the holiday celebrations begin.

But if you’re ticking items off your family travel bucket list, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi about spending the festive season in Europe.

Whether it’s the rustic old-world architecture, traditional Christmas markets, charming locals or fabulous food and drink, a trip to a European winter wonderland has all the fantasy elements of a scene suspended in a snow globe.  

If you’re planning to shake things up for real this Christmas with a continental break and need practical pre-flight advice, dream destination suggestions and clothing choices, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are ten Christmas travel tips for a Euro Yuletide.

 

  • UK border tips

 

If you’re headed for Britain, long passport control queues at airports like Heathrow and Gatwick might make the entire family antsy. But read these tips to beat border delays from the UK government to sail through swiftly.

 

  • Lounge pass

 

Chilling out in a luxe airport lounge prior to boarding your flight beats the busy regular terminal hands down — grab a Priority Pass membership online for access to over 1,000 worldwide lounge locations.

 

  • PJs

 

Struggling to convince your kids that a break to Bavaria or Brussels will be brilliant? Grab some sets of family matching pajamas from LazyOne.com — they’ll fast-track family festive bonding.

 

  • Pre-flight treat

 

Moms and dads yearning for a cheap culinary treat to get themselves in the mood for a magnificent European break should invest in a chai eggnog latte from Starbucks – it’s Christmas in a cup.

 

  • Parking

 

Travel to the airport in your family vehicle for a friction-free pre-flight experience that’s more relaxing than public transport — find parking at any US airport on Looking4.com to fly with peace of mind.

 

  • Boots

 

Wellington boots have been a mainstay of British fashion for generations and the brand that’s de rigueur these days is Hunter — a stylish pair will protect your feet wherever you’re trekking in Europe.

 

  • Skiing

 

If finding fresh powder on foreign slopes is your idea of family fun, there are few better Euro destinations than Switzerland — Ski Armadillo offer cool catered chalet experiences in the Verbier resort.

 

  • Northern Lights

 

Seeing the Aurora Borealis first hand is a spectacular festive family treat and if you view these legendary Northern Lights from Lapland, the rumor is that your kids can visit the real Santa Claus too. Check out Nordic Visitor tours online for a Noel you’ll never forget.

 

  • Hogmanay

 

‘What’s Hogmanay?’ we hear you say — it’s Scotland’s version of New Year and no one on Earth parties like the natives of this beautiful land. Book a package for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party and get ready to rock.

 

  • Madeira

 

For a New Year trip that’s slightly more sedate than Scotland but equally spectacular, head to the marvelous Portuguese island of Madeira. You’ll enjoy terrific torch-lit meals in fabulous Funchal and witness one of the world’s biggest firework displays when the clock strikes midnight.

That’s our list! Tell us about your favorite festive Euro destination in the comments section.

Filed Under: holidays Tagged With: , ,