The school year is almost over and most of you are probably breathing a collective sigh of relief because you know you are going to get a break from driving kids to extracurricular activities and sporting events. Around these parts, there is no off-season! My son participates in a traveling basketball team when his school team is enjoying their off-season. This means that I am still one busy mom at the end of the school year and during the summer. Those of you who have children who play sports know that it can become a huge expense. Aside from buying the proper safety equipment and athletic shoes, there is also the cost of traveling to away games, eating out when you are away, and travel expenses that you incur from having to take road trips and stay in hotels during travel tournaments, for those of us on traveling teams as well. Fortunately, I have picked up a few tricks over the years to help us budget during travel tournaments which I would love to share with all of … [Read more...]
Netflix Is A Must-Have Travel Essential! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad
Traveling during this special time of the year can sometimes lose its luster. After all, you haven't truly experienced travel stress until you attempt to do so with your children. Believe it or not, there are challenges involved in planning trips with kids of all ages. Luckily for me, I have a teen and a tween to bring that "interesting" element into any getaway that we plan. The numbers don't lie, 23% of parents in the US say one of their main concerns when traveling is keeping their kids entertained. Let me tell you, nobody gets bored as easily as a teenager. If I don't constantly feed his need for stimulation and entertainment, he has no problem being vocal about just how boring the situation is. Offline viewing on Netflix has possibly saved my life, or his, depending on who you ask. No matter if it’s for your littlest one, pre-teen or anyone in between, there are Netflix shows for everyone in the family to pack in their carry-on so you don't have to suffer like I … [Read more...]
Visit Southampton, New York This Summer! @Southampton_Inn #Ad
I've always wanted to visit Southampton, New York with my family but I never felt that such a vacation would be within our financial means. After all, everything you see about the Hamptons on television features rich socialites spending the warm weather months in their summer homes. When the opportunity arose to stay at the Southampton Inn this spring, I was thrilled to be able to cross this experience off my bucket list. It was a wonderful escape from city life and I was extremely surprised to find out that the experience was not only family-friendly, but it was extremely affordable. We will definitely be returning this summer! The Southampton Inn is located on Long Island's East End. It is a quaint boutique hotel and within walking distance are a variety of enchanting restaurants, celebrated boutiques, unique galleries, and cultural opportunities. Guests at this Hamptons East End hotel enjoy wine tasting, garden tours, food events, and recreational … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Beach Trip Packing List
Is your family beach bound soon? If so, you want to make sure you are well prepared! Packing for the beach can be tricky, because you might be in such a hurry to get out and go that you forget some essentials. To make sure you are well prepared for your next trip of sun and sand, look below at the ultimate beach trip packing list. This list will help you arrive to the beach well stocked and well prepared for anything you are likely to encounter! 1. Mini first aid kit. Cuts, scratches, and other minor injuries can occur when at the beach. Save yourself a trip to the life guard stand or searching for a band aid when you bring your own mini first aid kit. It is an easy way to deal with minor injuries fast. 2. Inflatables. Don’t forget water wings or vests for kids as well as any inflatables adults may wish to use. Carry an air pump in your trunk so you can easily inflate your items without having to blow them up by mouth. 3. Baby wipes or wet wipes. Hands can get … [Read more...]
Disney With A Tween Or Teen
Planning a Disney family vacation with a tween or teen who is not too excited about the trip can take some of the wind right out of your sails. Even though it may seem like a place for younger children they truly have a lot to offer to all ages, including older children and teenagers. With some planning, input from your teenager, and a knowledge of what the parks have to offer you can make sure everyone has a great time, including the sullen 16 year old. I am focusing mainly on the Magic Kingdom as that is where we had our last visit but there is a lot to do within the Disney Parks. Magic Kingdom Freedom- Give your teen a little freedom, depending on the age and responsibility level of course. Even though it may be a family trip consider giving them at least a few hours off in the park on their own. They are more likely to come back together to meet up for pictures and meals with a smile on their face if given a little leeway. Behind the scenes … [Read more...]
The All-New 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Has It All! @Chrysler #Ad
Let me begin by telling you all that I have never been a big fan of minivans. When I was a teenager, my father had one and it was never my favorite vehicle of all the ones he had over the years. Last Spring, we had the opportunity to check out the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and I definitely changed my mind! This is definitely not my father's minivan! Imagine my exhilaration this past month when I was told that I would actually have the opportunity to drive the new Pacifica and enjoy it with my family. You guys know that I am always very honest with you guys about products or vehicles that I have had the pleasure, or displeasure, of reviewing with my family. I simply cannot stop raving about how amazing this car is, it really does everything that you could possibly imagine a car doing. Not to mention that it is just stunning to look at. We … [Read more...]
Rekindle Your Romance At Mount Airy! @MountAiryCasino #MountAiryResort #Ad
Let's be completely honest, most couples with kids don't get enough romantic time together. That has definitely been the case for my husband and I in the last few years. Between work, the house, and running around with the kids, finding time to fan the flames of our romance sometimes takes a backseat to everything else. Mount Airy Casino Resort was the perfect place for us to enjoy some adult time in their world-class casino, relax together with some spa treatments, and spend some time dining on some of the most delectable cuisine that we have eaten in a very long time. Upon arrival, we were immediately smitten with the beautiful mountain setting surrounding the resort. It is Pennsylvania's only casino resort to be awarded the AAA Four Diamond rating due to its high standards. As soon as we stepped foot in the hotel lobby, we were engulfed by how beautiful it is and immediately realized that this would be … [Read more...]
5 Things To Cross Off Your Bucket List In St. Louis! @ExploreStLouis #FunnestFamily #Ad
A few years ago, my Sister In Law moved with my nephew to St. Louis and I have been wanting to visit and spend some time there with them. There are just so many things to experience and see there that I didn't even know where to begin so I have narrowed my trip down to 5 things that I want to cross off my Bucket List in St. Louis. My nephew thought it would be a fun idea if we planned a St. Louis Scavenger Hunt to allow our family to enjoy each attraction together. 1. VISIT THE ST. LOUIS ZOO! Being a native of the Bronx, I have had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Bronx Zoo many times over the years. Now that I have children of my own, it has also been a joy to watch them learning about all the wildlife there last year. The Saint Louis Zoo has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading zoological parks and it is one of the city's free attractions for families to visit. I can't wait to take all of the knowledge … [Read more...]
Find Your Outdoor Adventure In Hershey Pennsylvania! #HersheyPA @HersheyPA #Ad
As many of you know, I had the wonderful opportunity recently to spend the weekend in beautiful Hershey, Pennsylvania. A few weeks ago, I shared with you some of the delicious dining options and hotel accommodations in a post to help each one of you find your sweet escape. This week, I wanted to discuss all of the outdoor adventures that you can have with your family in Hershey. During the spring and summer months, is the best time of the year to get out and experience all of the fun outdoor activities that Hershey has to offer. By far, one of my favorite parts of my weekend trip to Hershey was our visit to ZooAmerica, a year-round, 11-acre, walk-thru zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. They offer a variety of behind-the-scenes tours for those who are curious about what happens at the zoo during the early morning hours and after it closes. We were treated to an After-Hours Tour where we joined … [Read more...]
Find Your Sweet Escape in Hershey Pennsylvania! #HersheyPA @HersheyPA #Ad
There is a reason why this blog is called Tough Cookie Mommy. Those of you who are long-time readers know that I am a New York City public school teacher by day, Blogger by night, and mother/wife/Survivor all of the time. It is very seldom that I am able to get any "Me" time, much less have the opportunity to get away for an entire weekend at Hershey, Pennsylvania all by myself! Believe it or not, a few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of heading to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the sweetest escape of my entire life! Not only did I have a wonderful time by myself, but I am over the moon excited about bringing my entire family back this summer so we can all enjoy the experience together. Upon arriving at The Hotel Hershey, I was immediately spellbound by its gorgeous grounds and its historic appearance as I entered the lobby for Check-In. Not only is their hotel staff pleasant and courteous, but they … [Read more...]
