Do More Knowing Your Child Is Safe with Levana

March 22, 2016 by 3 Comments

I would like to ask you a quick question Moms and Dads- how often do you just wish you could see what your little one is up to?

From newborns to young children, it is quite useful to be able to see what is going on at night.  Nightmares, sleep terrors, or just the odd night time feeding.  Maybe an odd feeling in the pit of your stomach where you just want a little peek, but that squeaky door will absolutely give you away and cause an awakening.  Perhaps you just want to see your little one’s face- we’ve all been there.

pic1

A way around this is with the new Willow™ 5” HD Touchscreen PTZ Video Baby Monitor by Levana.  Levana has been making portable wireless video baby monitors since 2002, and it shows. They have the technological know how and ability to be true innovators.  Their newest is no exception, with an HD PTZ camera that not only has night vision but also has Pan Tilt Zoom features built in, hence the PTZ.  The monitor features invisible LEDs, ClearVu digital wireless technology which is secure, battery life which can last for days at a time, a high frame rate, an included 4.3 inch LCD screen, and an easy to pick up and use user interface.

pic12

We really like the fact that the monitor is completely wireless and digital eliminating a needless tangle of wires and a need to find more outlets.  Levana focuses on baby’s safety.  This monitor gives parents the ability to free up their free time to actually do other stuff while their babies are sleeping, too.  No longer is hovering around necessary, but laundry, house hold chores or just catching up on that Facebook article or Twitter feed you’ve been dying to check in on is finally within grasp.  The Willow™ 5” HD Touchscreen PTZ Video Baby Monitor is available now for $249.99.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Levana. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: baby, review Tagged With: , ,

Win an Adorable Easter PEEPS Gift Set

March 17, 2016 by 44 Comments

Disclosure- “The PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS & COMPANY®.”

Easter is such a fun time- spring is starting to bloom, or some years, it’s in full bloom already. The weather is finally getting nicer, you can put your winter coats and snow boots away (huzzah!  my favorite part, for sure).  Easter is a special day on the religious calendar, and the reason to celebrate the holiday.  We also celebrate with fun treats and baskets to celebrate spring, which has come to be associated with the holiday as well.

I have several relatives that love PEEPS, my son being one of them.  PEEPS are one of his favorite treats, for Easter and honestly every holiday that they are made for.  He just loves them.  Mommy makes sure his Easter basket is always full of PEEPS in every shade and variety she can find.

20160314_135921

Not only does he enjoy PEEPS, but jelly beans, lollipops, and of course stuffed animals.  There are so many choices from PEEPS & COMPANY that it makes filling a basket easy, and takes no time at all.  Here are some of the items that are offered-

PEEPS & COMPANY® 2016 Easter Offerings Information

  • 5-inch PEEPS® Plush: Spread the joy of PEEPS® when you give this plush PEEPS® chick as a gift to those of any age (assortment of colors).
  • PEEPS® earbuds: If you need a sweet bit of time to yourself, let your favorite yellow PEEPS Chick take you away with your favorite music through these PEEPS earbuds. Get a dose of stress relief, in stereo, every time you put them on and crank up the tunes!
  • PEEPS® luggage tag: From candy to cute accessory, these PEEPS® luggage tags add a pop of color and whimsy to your gear (assortment of colors).
  • PEEPS® Orange Delight Flavored Marshmallow Dipped in Orange Fudge: These three Chicks are orange delight flavored and dipped in orange fudge to enhance the flavor. Share them with your friends or keep them for yourself!
  • PEEPS® Marshmallow Chicks: The five and 15 count packages of the iconic PEEPS® Chicks are available in classic Easter colors including yellow, pink, blue, lavender, green, and orange Chicks! The 10 count package of Chicks is available in all of the classic Easter colors as well as white.
  • PEEPS® Marshmallow Bunnies: The four count bunnies come in classic yellow, pink and blue colors. The 12 count bunnies come in classic colors as well as lavender, white, green and orange. The 16 count are packaged in classic colors plus lavender and green.
  • PEEPS® Sugar Free Marshmallow Chicks: Back by popular demand, PEEPS® offers a sugar-free Chick! The Chick is perfect as an Easter basket essential and baked good enhancement.
  • PEEPS® Decorated Eggs: Nine white eggs iced with pastel colors in 3 unique designs, these eggs are great for recipes, crafts and immediate consumption.
  • PEEPS® Party Cake Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Ten delicious vanilla cake flavored marshmallow chicks sprinkled with fun rainbow confetti.
  • PEEPS® Sour Watermelon Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Sweet and sour flavors collide to create a burst of watermelon in these ten green chicks with a blush pink center.
  • PEEPS® Chocolate Dipped Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Three delectable chocolate mousse-flavored Chicks dipped in either creamy milk or dark chocolate.
  • PEEPS® PEEPSTERS®: Bite-size combination of delectable chocolate and delicious marshmallow flavored crème. Available in creamy milk chocolate or rich dark chocolate varieties.
  • PEEPS® Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Chicks: Individually wrapped marshmallow chicks covered in either milk or dark chocolate.
  • PEEPS® Rainbow Pop: Four chicks in colors yellow, green, pink and blue marshmallow on a stick- it’s like a colorful PEEPS® lollipop.
  • MIKE AND IKE® Easter Treats: Bring chewy, fruity goodness this Easter season with a 10 oz. gift bag of MIKE AND IKE® Easter Treats flavors. Filled with grape, pineapple-banana, strawberry, lemon-lime, and cherry-flavored MIKE AND IKE® candies – and all made with real fruit juice – this gift will put a spring in anybody’s step as the bright new season gets underway.
  • MIKE AND IKE® Jellybeans: The Assorted Fruits MIKE AND IKE® JELLY BEANS are a fan favorite.
  • HOT TAMALES® Jellybeans:  Celebrate Easter with our cinnamon-flavored jelly beans (14 oz. package)

pic4

You can also get more for less by using this discount code for 20% your next purchase through April 15, 2016. Discount code: EASTERTREATS

You can follow them on social media as well-

    PEEPS & COMPANY® Website: http://bit.ly/1aNsv6W

·         PEEPS & COMPANY® Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1N7YaaR

·         PEEPS & COMPANY® Instagram: http://bit.ly/1EwkYy8

·         PEEPS & COMPANY® Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/1IFl9SN

·         PEEPS & COMPANY® Twitter: http://bit.ly/1KpqLYD

Have a happy, PEEPS filled Easter, everyone!   Feel free to use this RC below to enter to win a random assortment of treats from PEEPS. Good luck- this giveaway ends April 1, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, review Tagged With:

Filling Easter Baskets with Fun

March 16, 2016 by 2 Comments

Are you ready for the Easter Bunny to hop into your house?  Check out these fun spring toys to fill your little one’s baskets with.

20160314_140517

For your smallest bunnies, take a look at these fun “Easter” eggs.  The HABA Shakin’ Eggs are perfect for baskets and they don’t ever go bad.  Little ones will love them- not only for their bright colors, but also for the fun sounds they make. Each box contains a set of five colored beech wood eggs- and yes the paint is safe and non-toxic (since we all know little ones are going to put them into their mouths).  Each egg makes a different sound- one jingles, another rattles, etc, so that your child can make some fun “music”.  It is recommended by the manufacturer for ages 2 and up, but in my opinion, smaller kids can play with these as well- they can’t fit into mouths and there are no small parts.   You can get them at http://www.habausa.com/musical-eggs.html or a store near you for around $20.

20160314_135323

Great for nearly any age is the Aurora plush toy line.  You can choose from many adorable stuffed friends, some of our favorites being the Cheekeez Bunny and the oh-so-soft Lamb (this one seems to be in a “downward dog” yoga pose, which my son will just love, being that we do yoga together).  To me, no basket is complete without a sweet fluffy toy, and these Aurora makes some high quality toys without a ridiculous price tag.  They are soft, cuddly, and any child would love to cuddle up with one of these cuties. Cheekeez Bunny is $9, and the lamb is $15.50- you can pick them up (and more to choose from) at http://www.auroragift.com/ and gift stores like Hallmark.

20160314_135552

For your gamer, Skylanders has released two limited edition, exclusive Easter themed toys for the Skylanders SuperChargers game.  Spring Ahead Dive Bomber ($14.99) is a new vehicle that the Skylanders have disguised as an Easter egg to protect their bounty! This is a fun new addition to the “vehicles” line of toys, which my son absolutely adores. The Skylanders figures can interact and ride inside them in the game, adding a new layer of fun. Also out for the holiday is Eggcited Thrillipede ($12.99) who, with an extra set of arms, is the reigning Dragon Egg Toss Champion.  Maybe they will substitute some Easter Eggs this year, who knows.  You can pick these up at Game Stop, Toys R Us, and other stores that carry video games.

pic6

If you are not in the mood to crate your own basket, you ran short on time, or perhaps your little chicks live far from you- not to worry!  You can order one to be delivered in time for Easter from GourmetGiftBaskets.com . There are a large variety of pre-made baskets to choose from, no matter what the age, likes, or destination of the gift-ee. You can send them to your older children who live far away (there are options like the Gift Basket for Men, Premium Wine Spa Gift Basket, and more) as well as diabetics (Sugar Free Gift Basket), Happy Easter Brownie Cake, and more.  For families with more then one child, a great option would be the DOUBLE-BUNNY EASTER BASKET This basket has two of everything- candies, toys, chocolate bunnies- and of course, stuffed toys.  When you want to be there but just can’t be, you can send your hugs and chocolate kisses via mail. Head over and see what fits your fancy- prices vary.

pic3

When you are ready to get cooking, and before you head to the supermarket to deal with long lines, visit Tastefully Simple.  If you are like me, and want to make sure everything comes out perfect (but maybe aren’t the whiz in the kitchen you wish you were) you can get an extra hand with some amazing recipes, menus, and packages that will help make your Easter dinner turn out right. While you will still need to pick up the ham (or whatever it is you prefer to cook up), you can order a time saving, easy to prepare yet delicious Easter Celebration Menu that has nearly everything you need in it.  You will need to pick up the fresh items, but it makes cooking and planning so much easier. There are even ideas and “how to’s” on how to make your food look amazing- things you are going to want to share on Instagram, even if you are no Martha Stewart. Easter Basket Cookies, Chick Deviled Eggs, Easter Brownie Truffles, and more.  You are going to love they way your food turns out.  Visit https://www.tastefullysimple.com and see what I mean- then place your order.

Disclosure- We received the above in order to facilitate reviews.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , , ,

Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Cosmic Clash

March 8, 2016 by 8 Comments

20160227_115741

Long name, yes. Good movie- also yes.
The newest film in the line of Lego DC Comics Super Heroes films has arrived, and this time we delve deeper into the Justice League’s team of heroes as well as one of their most feared villains- Brainiac. The story follows Brainiac’s plan to expand his ever growing collection of planets with the Earth. The only problem is that it has a ‘firewall’, as he puts it. (The “firewall” being the Justice League.) In order to deal with them, he throws who he believes to be the three strongest heroes (Super Man, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern) to various time periods, erasing their memories and leaving Batman, Flash, and Cyborg to figure out how to save the day.

20160227_104807
This movie is full of fun characters like the Legion of Super Heroes and Super Girl, while also keeping true to the Lego name.   It was funny and quirky, with brick textures and environments, as well as fun kid friendly versions of popular super heroes.
Personally, Batman is always a favorite with his quick wit and dark brooding emotions, but this movie also casts a new light on the kinder friendlier version of the character. There are so many references to other movies, songs, TV shows and other “Easter Eggs” as it is put, that it is hard to catch them all in one viewing- but the ones you do catch are really funny.  Like, really.  Laugh out loud funny- and not just for kids.

20160227_111715

We were able to meet some of the voice and production cast from the movie- Troy Baker (voice of Batman), James Arnold Taylor (Flash,) and Khary Payton (Cyborg) attended,  as well as producer Brandon Vietti, director Rick Morales, and writer Jim Krieg.M y son especially enjoyed meeting “Cyborg”, who also voices the character on the TV show “Teen Titans”.  My son loves that show- and meeting “Cyborg” in person kind of made him “fanboy” out a little bit.  Side note- it’s not really a voice Khary Payton does for Cyborg so much as his own voice, which was kind of neat.  It was like hearing a character all the time, ha. They were all very nice about it, and meeting fans and children.  They took questions from media, the audience, and the kids as well.

20160227_133015

Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Cosmic Clash is available now on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and DVD.

Filed Under: entertainment, movie, review

A Bronx Tale at PaperMill Playhouse

March 4, 2016 by 6 Comments

My son and I recently saw the show “A Bronx Tale” at PaperMill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.  For those of you who don’t know anything about the story, it’s based on the real life of Chazz Palminteri, who then wrote a play about it as well as preformed a one man show.  There is, of course, also a movie with the esteemed Robert De Niro, which did very well. Now preformed with a full cast, music, dancing- the works- A Bronx Tale is a fun musical theater production that you should see before it closes it’s doors.

pic3

“Based on the real life story by Chazz Palminteri‚ A Bronx Tale: The Musical is set against the backdrop of racial strife and organized crime in the 1960s. It is the story of an Italian-American teenager finding his path in life as he must choose between the father who raised him and a mob-boss father figure who fascinates him.”

My son and I enjoyed the show.  I had explained the premise to him beforehand, and since he understands what the civil rights movement was, and how things “used to be in the olden days” as he puts it, he was prepared.  I don’t know that all children of all ages would be able to see the show- there is cursing and some violence (gunshots, people are beaten up, there is a car explosion off stage, etc), but it’s not vulgar- you would need to be the judge of what your child is mature enough to handle.  It is in no way a show I found to be explicit or over the top- but your child would need at least a basic understanding of the times, and you would need to be OK with them hearing bad language now and again.  (It’s not “Jersey Boys” bad language- just now and again.)  You are exposing your child to both history and theater, which is a good thing- just make sure they are mature enough for it at the time.

Picture via PaperMill Playhouse

Picture via PaperMill Playhouse

The show is about a young Italian boy from the Bronx, Calogero (who grows into a man) who is torn between the father he loves and the gangster he admires.  His father is a hardworking, honest, middle class man who adores his family, while the racketeer is fun, wealthy, exciting- and takes the young Calogero (“C”) under his wing.  As he gets older, he falls in love with a black girl from his school, which of course brings about problems for both of them and their friends.

The show hopes to make it to Broadway, and it would be great if it does.  The cast is wonderful, the themes of loyalty, family, and a classic “coming of age” story will resonate with most people. Will “C” change with the times, or be stuck in the past?  Whose footsteps will he follow in- his father’s, or his mentor’s?  Will he find his way in such turbulent times?

pic8

A Bronx Tale: The Musical will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Performance schedule: Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now starting at $32. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680.  College students may order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

Next up is West Side Story- one of my all time favorites.  Check out all PaperMill has to offer, including children’s shows, shows for special needs families, and more by visiting www.PaperMill.org.

Filed Under: review, theater Tagged With: , ,

Gardenia’s Fire Gourmet Pastry Bouquets

March 3, 2016 by 10 Comments

Some occasions call for something special.  While you might think “bouquet”, you want something that is both eye catching and long lasting.  Flowers work, but sometimes you prefer something different.  This is where Gardenia’s Fire comes into place.  They specialize in gourmet pastry bouquets. Gardenia’s Fire is dedicated to providing you and your gift recipients with the highest standard of gift giving excellence. They offer a unique and memorable line of delectable items that are a combination of the visual aesthetics of modern flower arrangements with the decadence of fine patisserie. Enjoy discovering and experiencing the lovingly crafted gourmet floral pastry bouquets and centerpieces, the perfect gift or special occasion centerpiece.

pic3

The bouquet we took a look at features many delicious baked goods including Belgian chocolate cupcakes, vanilla bean macaroons, and brownie berries.  The favorite among all these delicious baked treats were definitely the brownie bites, which were bite sized brownies covered in chocolate and sprinkles to give a rich chocolate flavor that is both crunchy and savory.  The bouquet has a total of 3 cupcakes, 3 macaroon sticks, and 3-5 brownie berries.  The name of the bouquet is Forever Yours Silver Line.  This particular arrangement also has two red candles and a silver vase.  This bouquet makes the perfect complement to a dinner party where dessert is the center piece.

pic4

The Forever Yours Silver Line bouquet starts at $65.00. You can add balloons or plush bears to round out your gift if you’d like.  Gardenia’s Fire has also recently started online gift delivery service.  All baked pastry bouquets are delivered in refrigerated vehicles to NJ customers in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Hudson Counties.  Gift boxes of Gardenia’s Berries and French Macaroons may also be sent anywhere throughout the U.S.  In addition, Gardenia’s Fire pastry bouquets can be ordered at http://gardeniasfire.com/ or by calling (844) 273- 3642.

Filed Under: food, review

NewYork.com for Broadway tickets @NewYorkcom

March 2, 2016 by 5 Comments

20160207_121116

New York is a very big, confusing place to visitors especially if you don’t do your homework before going.  This is true of a seasoned semi-local or visiting tourist.  A great place to start is NewYork.com, for all levels of New York visitor.  On one site there are attractions, restaurant suggestions, tours, and even Broadway plays, Musicals, and Ballets. They are all listed out for easy browsing.  The user also has the ability to purchase tickets from NewYork.com as well.  The purchasing experience is easy and quick.  The tickets arrive on time for your show (right to your inbox) giving you one less thing to worry about for your trip.  Each show has lots of information on it, there are synopsis of the stories, video previews, and articles about the show.  These shows vary from long playing favorites like Les Miserables and Lion King to new shows like Aladdin and School of Rock.  Prices are very clear and present for each show as well.

pic3

 

A trip to New York can be planned based on the included schedules for shows and events as well.  Everything for your visit can be planned including giving you options for hotels in various areas.

People living in New York and the surrounding areas also have a reason to visit NewYork.com.  Including articles about the various destinations, restaurants, and shows there are job listings as well as real estate listings, articles about local topics and restaurant reviews as well.

20160207_120757

No matter what your reason for being in New York, it is well worth your time to plan ahead with NewYork.com.  One of the best New York destination websites where you can learn quite a lot and also plan quite a bit of your next get away.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: ,

Liberty Science Center Science Sabers and Star Wars (And WIN Tickets)

March 1, 2016 by 8 Comments

WP_20160213_11_37_14_Pro

The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City, NJ is the host of a plethora of fun on a  regular basis.  They also constantly rotate exhibits and events for extra fun and excitement.  One such event was called Science, Sabers and Star Wars.  The event centered on the science in in the Sci-fi phenomena that is Star Wars.  Visitors were able to go through Jedi training with a real drone, practice taking down the Death Star Star, use little more then simple machines and their minds to lift objects twice their size, and build their own light saber. There were also Pop-Up Science demonstrations involving holograms, plasma blades, and droids.

All the fun an excitement was a wonderful way to get kids and adults to learn science and mechanics with hands on activities in true Liberty Science Center fashion.  With a special Star Wars themed Tesla Coil Show and appearances by tons of Star Wars fans in costume as well as the 501st Stormtrooper Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and the Empire Saber Guild.  There was even a special appearance by a certain fan favorite droid as well.  All this and more made for an exciting weekend and a great way to spend the day as not only fans of Star Wars came together but also fans of science in general.

WP_20160213_002

For the little explorers and still open now until May 15th, is a special Sid the Science Kid exhibit called Sid the Science Kid: The Super-Duper Exhibit! where kids can catapult Sid’s toys into his toy box using a lever, test inertia on a skateboard, make patterns with cookies, learn the properties of matter, and experiment with friction and different surfaces.

pic3

All this and more can be found at the Liberty Science Center, where science comes alive on a regular basis.  Just to name a few of the upcoming events, there is a Day of the Drones on March 6, 2016, Science Camp over the summer, and an ever changing schedule of IMAX movies where where the gigantic IMAX screen makes the smallest of critters and the liveliest of robots come to life.

If you would like to win a 4 pack of tickets, please just leave your name and email in the comments below.  Thanks!

Filed Under: giveaway, review Tagged With: