Wildwood Days are Near

April 15, 2014 by 10 Comments

One of the best spots to visit for spring and summer fun are the Wildwoods in NJ.  Morey’s and Mariners Piers and Beachfront Waterparks are fun for everyone, with rides, games, attractions, and of course the famous boardwalk food.  As a Jersey Girl, all my summers have been spent “down the shore” (you wanna visit here, you say it right!) from birth right on up to the present.  My little guy is getting to know Wildwood as well- his memories will be different then mine, but certain things stay the same (like the miles of sandy beaches and ocean with gentle, easy to wade into water).

WildWood 070If you are looking for a place to stay that is close to both the boardwalk and the beach, check out the Blue Palm Resort.  It is right on the boardwalk, and if you walk across the planks, there is the beach.  Talk about convince.  There are about a million places to eat within walking distance as well. It has several sizes of rooms, some with balconies, and a few different pool options.  Life vests are available, and you can borrow bikes right from the main lobby as well.  They also offer special rates like the “Play & Stay” Passes exclusively to guests. There are two Play & Stay Pass options to choose from- splash and ride all you want for one day or for the entire length of your stay for a great value.

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WildWood 211Morey’s Piers are a total of 3 piers, packed with over 100 rides and attractions including 2 water parks and a wide array of restaurants and concessions, games of chance and games of skill (bring your dollars if you want to win that giant stuffed animal). Check out the giant Ferris Wheel ride or Seagull Cycle, and work your way up to the Sea Serpent coaster (only found in Wildwood!)  My sweet boy also loves the flying elephant and smaller carousel ride on the furthest pier- they have a dragon sea serpent “horse” he likes to ride on.  Much cooler then the traditional pony- just ask him!  It has a plethora of other creatures as well, but he likes the dragon best.

WildWood 120Eventually, you will get hungry. There are more places to eat at then you can shake your fist at- some of my favorites are the Hot Spot, Curly’s Fries,  Jumbo’s, and of course Kohr Brothers custard for dessert. Jumbo’s specializes in fresh seafood, steaks, pizza, and the famous Chef Willy’s Cuban spiced fries, and you can eat either in their indoor dining room or outdoor dining area.  If you don’t like custard, there is always Polish Water Ice- there are more stands for this then maybe anything else.  There is always the all important corn dog and fresh squeezed lemonade available pretty much up and down the boardwalk, too.  Choose wisely!

WildWood 080Splash Zone is a water park that has some all new elements added to it last year.  With it’s classic white water rapids “The Beast of The East”, many slides and tube rides, lazy river, and of course the famous Splash Zone Bucket that will drench you and your family with thousands of gallons of water, comes the new interactive Close Encounters slide – featuring music, videos and a light show.  Very small children will love the Zoe Zone, featuring a shallow pool, fountains, and soft play equipment.  Make sure you stop by Wildwood’s #1 Water Park, Splash Zone.  Follow them on Twitter at @SplashZoneNJ
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Seven Family-fun Things to Do in Southern California

April 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Southern California boasts diverse landscapes with plenty of activities to keep even finicky children entertained. From theme parks to museums and wildlife, Southern California has things to do for kids of all ages- even when you decide to skip Disneyland! These are some of the best activities for kids in Southern California.

pic9Legoland

Legoland in Carlsbad, Calif., offers thrilling rides, a waterpark, and an aquarium all within one park. The toys that children adore come to life in this adventure park. More than sixty rides and shows keep kids entertained throughout the day. Visitors that stay on the resort at the Legoland hotel can take advantage of special deals for the park and enjoy kids’ favorite foods in one of the many hotel dining options.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif., is one of the best places for children in Southern California. The zoo houses hundreds of animals with interactive exhibits to give children an up-close view of wildlife. Children can see a range of animals and insects, such as lions, polar bears, komodo dragons, meerkats, and much more. Families can even take a trip on the Skyfari, a cabled lift, to see the animals from a bird’s-eye view.

California Science Center

The California Science Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is an interactive science museum that is sure to peak any child’s interest with over 100 exhibits, including a tour of the Endeavor Space Shuttle. Children learn about the world around them and themselves through exhibits, 4D shows, and live entertainment. As a bonus for parents, access to most of the exhibits is free.
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Three Family-friendly Activities In Turkey

April 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment

With glorious weather all year round and some of the most stunning beaches on the planet, Turkey has emerged as a clear favorite for family getaways. For many years, British families looked to Spain and  the Greek Isles for their fun in the sun, but it is now widely known that last minute holidays to Turkey can help you achieve an exciting and fun-filled  vacation that will leave you with pleasant memories.

It really is a destination which has it all. With a mix of Asian and European cultures, Turkey provides a fun and informative vacation regardless of your age or budget. Yes Turkey is a little further away than Spain and Greece, but in our experience, people who give it a try often end up coming back year after year.

In addition to the vibrant multiculturalism of Istanbul, there are four main regions which tourists flock to – Antalya, Marmaris, Bodrum and Izmir. All have their own unique qualities and an affordable last minute to holiday to any is sure to live long in the memory. But which is the best for families and what can you expect to receive for your money?

Here we look at three activities which can be enjoyed at Turkish resorts and should appeal to your loved ones, both young and old.
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Got Cabin Fever? Indulge it.

April 3, 2014 by 9 Comments

 

Winter this year has been (for much of the country) a very long, bitter, and brutal one.  Many of us are suffering from cabin fever, and can’t get out- or don’t want to.  I say, go with it.  An extended and frigid winter is no reason you have to stay cooped up in your own house, even if you are not a skier, skater, or if you left your dog sled in your other garage.  So what to do?  Head to Ohio.

Yes, Ohio.  Ohio doesn’t often get the respect it deserves.  Besides being the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and of Fannie May chocolates (and yes, you can go on a factory tour with samples to be had), it’s also the home to more number one children’s museums, zoos, and centers as a whole then any other state.  Take that, Florida!

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So- head to Ohio.  There is this hidden gem called Hocking Hills, known as a “Scenic Wonderland” where there are 9 state parks and forests.  Steeped in Native American History,the clear abundance of natural resources and water encouraged pioneers to settle in the area in the 1790’s.  It’s still wild looking- wildlife that you can spot includes “deer, barred owls, ruffed grouse and an occasional bobcat”  as well as wild turkey (according to the Southeast Ohio Tourism Department).  Along with the natural hiking trails of differing lengths and levels of difficulty, many of which are marked off or able to be found on maps in visitors centers, are more then 15 natural waterfalls, some of which are seasonal.  The largest and most often flowing tend to be Cedar Falls and the Upper and Lower Falls at Old Man’s Cave.  You can walk a scenic 2 mile trail between them if you choose.
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Head To Virginia Beach

March 25, 2014 by 13 Comments

VA beachWhen I hear Virginia, automatically I think of Virginia Beach. In fact, every time it snows or a bitter wind blows, my mind will wander to a warmer place. Memories of family fun on the beach warm my heart for a moment, but I am left wanting more; to make more memories, to experience more ocean side adventures, to take in more of the sights and sounds of Virginia Beach.

My family loves to attend festivals. We like to browse the merchandise for sale, take in the displays and demonstrations and of course sample all of the food! Virginia Beach is the perfect spot for my family because the city hosts more than 25 festivals to appeal to people of all interests. (There is a Beer Festival, a Neptune Festival and a Kite festival to name a few.)
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My family has visited Virginia Beach several times. When we went in the fall, the town was quiet and charming, but many shops and attractions were not open due to the season. We returned in the summer and felt like we had arrived in a completely different city. The lively vibe or the city was intoxicating and our days were action packed and brimming with fun.

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Visit Morey’s Piers for Wild Women Weekends in May

March 24, 2014 by 2 Comments

Ocean-front Girlfriend Getaway Offers Wine Tasting, Beach Yoga, and More

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This May, Morey’s Piers, the classic seaside attraction located on the boardwalk of the Wildwoods, NJ, and Morey Hotels & Resorts invites ladies to grab their best girlfriends and head to the shore for a pre-summer escape.

From a morning bike ride overlooking the Atlantic coastline and an afternoon winery tour, to spinning coasters and buckets of infamous Curley’s Fries, Wild Women Weekend at Morey’s Piers offers the perfect setting to unwind, spend time with the girls, and enjoy a little “WILD”wood fun.

Available on May 2-4 and May 16-18, the Wild Women Weekend package includes:

  • Two-night accommodations at the ocean-front Pan American Hotel
  • Daily breakfast
  • Winery Tour of Cape May Winery & Vineyard and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery including transportation, tastings, and snacks (gratuity not included)

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Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Mexico

March 23, 2014 by 10 Comments

Will the winter ever end? Doesn’t it seem like it has been cold and or snowing for a very long time? If you find yourself day dreaming about a going away to a place you can frolic in the sun with your family, you need to keep reading- I am going to tell you about a place that inspires dreams and that turns day dreams into reality.

Products, Los Cabos, Activision 048
The Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort highlights the the family-friendly side of Los Cabos. The pace is set to fun upon arrival when you get a glimpse of the 5 amazing swimming pools including an infinity pool and a kiddie pool.
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Kids are welcomed at The Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort. The Sheraton Adventure Kids Club offers daily activities. My little guy loved the kids beach excursion and the chance to spend an afternoon at the popular Chileno Beach.  The guides kept the kids busy with watersports, building sandcastles, teaching them how to ride the waves, and even giving them snacks and drinks.
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While the kids are busy with adventure, Dad can hit the greens.  With two fantastic courses and a full range of amenities including clinics and lessons from PGA professionals, a clubhouse, and a pro shop. Mom can relax and take advantage of the full spa featured at the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort.  There are also stores available for shopping on the premises.
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If golfing and the spa don’t sound appealing, you can check out the activities desk and register for fun activities like tequila tasting, beach volleyball, or Spanish lessons.  There is a cute “Kids Club” that you can bring the kids to should you choose to.  It was raining the day we were going to take the little mister man, so they did indoor activities only.  They made a piniata and a Dia Del Muertos sugar skull craft that they were able to keep.  There is also games, toys, video games, TV and movies, puppets, and more to do depending on the age of your child.  Outside and weather permitting, there is a pool and cute water activities.

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Peter Som for Kohl’s – Fashion Inspired by Travel

March 22, 2014 by 3 Comments
Disclosure- This post about the new Peter Som line for Kohl’s is sponsored.  I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kohl’s. I received Kohl’s gift cards and sample pieces to facilitate my posts and as a thank you for participating.  All opinions are my own and honest.

With all the travel that I do, it’s always nice to have something fun, light, and breezy to wear.  The new Peter Som collection coming soon to Kohl’s stores and online is perfect for summer days and island lounging.

Peter Som designed a line of clothes for Kohl’s DesigNation inspired by St. Barth’s islands. I guess he likes to travel, too.

polyvoreThe middle outfit and the swatch to the left of it are Peter Som from New York Fashion week.  The other items are some pinks and peaches that I thought would match his collection, especially considering the pink trend of the season.

I received a few samples of the almost available in stores clothes.  They feel silky and soft to the touch, and I’m sure they would be fun to wear.
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