I cannot even begin to tell you guys how glad I am that we have all survived back to school and that our family routines are back in full swing. I'm thoroughly enjoying the change of seasons here in New York City and I've even started digging my boots and leggings out of the closet. To make everything even better, Disney is now on Netflix. Yes, you read that correctly, all of our favorite Disney films have arrived on Netflix! Disney films are just perfect for snuggling on the couch during family movie night and we have already planned our first gathering to watch Disney's Zootopia. We are so excited about spending some time with Judy Hopps and making some of our favorite movie time snacks like ice cream sandwiches. I can't wait to also introduce my boys to HOLES since it has been one of my favorite Disney films for years and I have also greatly enjoyed teaching the book to my students over the years. If you … [Read more...]
This July, Go Back To Where It All Began… #Minions @Minions #Ad
This past week, my family and I had the opportunity to attend the advanced screening of the Minions movie here in New York City. We were all very excited because we have always loved these funny characters and were curious to see what a movie dedicated entirely to their story would be like. Many of the coming attractions promised that it would be a hilarious and entertaining film and it certainly did not disappoint. All of us were laughing from the beginning to the end of the movie and it really did give us a broader perspective into who the Minions actually are and where they originate from. The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions commences at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, the Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable and ill-reputed of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to … [Read more...]
Honor Your Favorite Hero This Father’s Day! #FandangoFamily @Fandango #Giveaway #Ad
This past week, I spoke to my boys about what we are going to do to for my husband this Father's Day. They always get excited when we plan surprises for their dad because they are both very close to him. Also, they realize how much he sacrifices every single day to make sure they enjoy the very best that life has to offer. Immediately, they told me that they definitely wanted to make cards for him and we brainstormed ideas for themes that we could follow in order to decorate these cards. My nine year-old son said that many superheroes save the world and never quit just like the Avengers. He then went on to say, "Daddy is my superhero because he never quits on me no matter what and he always saves the day when something is wrong." I was so deeply touched by his words that I decided right then that we would make Father's Day cards using the new film, Avengers: Age of Ultron as inspiration for these cards. Since this is the ultimate superhero movie, it is perfect … [Read more...]
Take An Intergalactic Road Trip With Fandango! #FandangoFamily @Fandango #Partner
As a member of the Fandango Family, we have the opportunity to watch awesome movies together all of the time. It's so easy to watch trailers, read reviews, find movie show times, and buy movie tickets in advance. Let me tell you, my son is so excited about the premiere of the Dreamworks new animated feature Home this Friday, March 27th. We had the chance to watch the trailer for it the last time we went to the movies and he immediately turned to me and said, "Mommy, I want to see that movie!" I have to admit, watching the unlikely friendship blossom between the human girl, Tip and the banished Boov, Oh, really warmed my heart too. Their adventures as Oh searches for a new place to live promises to make for a perfect family film. I also love that it teaches our sons lessons about tolerance and accepting others for who they are. To celebrate this interplanetary connection, I am going to share a delicious cookie recipe with all of you. After all, what could be … [Read more...]
All Hail King Julien! Win A 1-Year @Netflix Subscription! #StreamTeam #KingJulien #Giveaway #Ad
This month, the first five episodes of All Hail King Julien finally arrived on Netflix! The series features everyone's favorite character from the Madagascar franchise, King Julien. He takes on the jungle's craziest adventures in the new comedy series, along with his loyal sidekicks Maurice and Mort plus a whole new cast of colorful animals. We had the opportunity to preview two of the all-new episodes of the Netflix original as well as engage in some fun activities. Our boys had the chance to create crowns fit for a king, learn King Julien’s signature dance and pose Hollywood style with the King himself. I'm not sure who had more fun, the kids or the adults. To celebrate the premiere of All Hail King Julien on Netflix, we are getting ready with the biggest party animal of all time to enjoy the biggest party of the year, New Year's Eve! We want you to join in on all the fun as well and, if you have kids like I do, you know that it's important to make this party … [Read more...]
Boost Your Kids’ Brain Power This Summer! #StreamTeam #Partner @Netflix
*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. Every kid knows that Summer is the time to have fun and to leave school and homework behind. Us parents know that, although we want our kids to enjoy themselves during their vacation, it's important to keep them engaged and to keep their imaginations active. This way, it won't be such a shock in September when they have to return to the academic swing of things. For the perfect way to beat the heat and indulge in some screen time, you can introduce your kids to something new with Netflix - whether it's a documentary about dinosaurs or the moon, you can keep your kids' brains active all summer long. 10 Netflix Titles for a Summer Brain-Power Boost: For your big kids: 1. Lewis & Clark: The Journey Out West 2. Walking with Dinosaurs 3. Secret Yellowstone 4. The Blue Planet 5. When We Left Earth: The NASA … [Read more...]
Beat The Heat This Summer With Movies On Demand! @MoviesOnDemand #Giveaway #Ad
*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Movies On Demand. I received a promotional item to facilitate this review and as a thank you for participating. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Summer vacation began here in New York City about two weeks ago. Although I have been enjoying some wonderful time outdoors with my two boys since school closed for the season, some days I just want to relax indoors. This has especially been the case on those days when the humidity and heat index is very high in the city. As a mom, I know that these are the perfect days to keep the kids inside since they both suffer from asthma. The challenge then becomes how I can keep the kids engaged and happy while they are indoors. It becomes even more tricky when my nephews are visiting and I have to entertain all the boys in the house. Luckily, I don't have to worry about that thanks to Movies On Demand! As cable subscribers, we have access to some of the most popular … [Read more...]
Take Time Out For Yourself And Put Your Feet Up! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad
*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. Although Summer Vacation began this past week here in New York City, parenting is a 24/7 job! That is why taking time out for yourself helps keep you strong for your family. This month I'm switching gears and making the focus some time to myself for a change. Most of my favorite shows are on hiatus, but Netflix has a selection of titles to get me through the summer months. And yes, that includes all-new episodes of some of my favorite Netflix originals -- Orange Is the New Black season 2 launched June 6th! I plan on waiting until the kids are asleep for the night and then relaxing with one of my favorite new shows. Here are some of the titles I have heard about but I haven't yet had time to watch but plan to this Summer: 1. Orange Is the New Black 2. Scandal 3. Pretty Little Liars 4. Sherlock 5. Breaking … [Read more...]
Celebrate The End Of The School Year With Your Favorite Musicals! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad
*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. If any of you ever asked me what my favorite musical of all time is, my response would have to be Grease. I can honestly say that I have watched this movie hundreds of times and can quote every part of the storyline. It's just one of those feel good movies about young love and all of the trials and tribulations of being a teenager in high school. There is just something about musicals that brings out the best in all of us. Many schools use this time of the year to have shows which showcase their students' artistic abilities and to host performances that bring the entire school community together for one night. My own son is currently rehearsing every single day for his upcoming school play where he will be playing a prince and engaging in quite a few musical numbers with the rest of his ensemble. If you are an … [Read more...]
Take A Stroll Down Memory Lane! #StreamTeam #NetflixKids @Netflix #Ad
*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. As I'm planning my son's First Communion party in a couple of weeks, I find myself feeling nostalgic and reminiscing about when I was his age and I celebrated this sacrament with my parents and family. Being a parent certainly forces you to take many trips down memory lane as you experience milestones and rites of passage with your own children that you went through yourself. I can recall what a wonderful day it was and how much fun we all had together. My parents had a party for me at a Spanish restaurant and I can still smell all of the delicious foods and hear the music that they played during the party. The adults all sat around the table and talked while the kids danced around and played all around them. This is exactly the image that I plan to see during my son's celebration next month, a happy smiling face … [Read more...]
