The Latest in Simulation Gaming: Monster Truck Championship

Confession time my friends . . .I am probably letting my teenager spend too much time playing video games.  With the pandemic, it's just so easy to say "yes" especially, when he's keeping up with his virtual learning. It's such a weird parenting year - I know I'm not the only one saying yes to things I would generally try to keep to a minimum . . .in order to keep the peace. And while I feel a little guilty, I know that his growth and development are spot on and perhaps he's even learning a bit from them.  I don't know about your kids, but my teen loves those simulation games. 

He has been playing them for years, enjoying everything from trains to farm equipment. Maybe it's the imitation of real life, or the fact that you have to use your brain to play and solve some real-life problems in order to come out on top, that make them so popular. Be it the sense of achievement or openness of design, he will often choose a simulation type game when he has game-time. We were recently gifted a download of Monster Truck Championship to try out on Steam, and here's what we thought:

Get Walking for Fun and Fitness

Walking can be a great way to get your daily exercise. Research shows that walking as little as 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease (America’s Number 1 killer) by as much as 40 percent. By even taking two or three 10-15 minute walks per day, like around the parking lot at work, people can improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of diabetes and improve mental well being.

I have been on and off a regular walking program for the last year and there is no doubt that when my program is operating strongly, I feel a lot better, lose weight and make better choices relating to my health. So when the great people at Vionic Footwear offered to help me kick-start my walking program for 2015 with a pair of walking shoes, I jumped at the opportunity.

One great thing about walking is that you don't need any fancy equipment to start a walking program, just a good pair of shoes. There are a lot of athletic and fitness shoes on the market, and it can be difficult to choose the right pair. According to a study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 72 percent of Americans say they don't exercise because of foot pain. This astounding figure emphasizes the importance of getting started with a pair walking-friendly shoes or sandals that are breathable, offer good arch support, are relatively lightweight and have flexible soles to allow the front of the foot to flex comfortably.

Vionic Footwear with Orthaheel Technology offers footwear that helps prevent and alleviate foot pain and fits a variety of lifestyles. Vionic shoes feature a removable orthotic footbed that supports feet and helps realign the lower-legs, improving posture and balance – an ideal option for daily fitness walking. Plus? They look great too!

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, “Walking can become almost equal to jogging in terms of getting your heart rate pumping for a healthy cardiovascular workout. It is probably the safest [exercise] option of all, with the least chance of injury.” I find that walking with a friend motivates me more than walking alone.

This year, I've vowed to keep up with my walking, and to start my program off right, with these steps:

• I've joined up with a group of women in my neighborhood also challenging themselves to walk more, and also made a regular walking date with a couple friends.

• On days that I do walk alone, I find a motivating Podcast gets me going better than a playlist of songs. It seems as if my brain can take in more information, along with oxygen during a walk. So I count that as multi-tasking. I'm exercising AND learning something too! 

•  I also track my steps and activity level with my FitBit Fitness Tracker. I've used it for years and it's my favorite. It's easy to use, and I don't even know I'm wearing it!

• I am also starting to explore some essential oils to help keep me motivated during my walks. So far, I've tried Lemon, Peppermint and Valor.

If you want to start a walking program for yourself, now is a great time because Vionic's annual Walkabout challenge starts February 1st, just in time for National Heart Health Month. The Walkabout encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle simply by walking everyday for 30 days (for as little as 30 minutes). The initiative is co-promoted by Vionic spokespeople Dr. Andrew Weil and celebrity trainer Juliet Kaska.

The Walkabout campaign is open to the public  and anyone can participate in the Vionic Walkabout simply by signing up. Participants will receive Vionic’s “Get Active” guide with fitness tips to optimize your Walkabout experience.

This year, Vionic is partnering with SparkPeople, an online platform that helps users to reach their goals and lead healthier lives through free nutrition and fitness tools, expert created content and a vibrant, supportive community.

Where will you walk this year? And be sure to let me know, here, on Twitter or Facebook if you sign up for the Vionic Walkabout - we can cheer each other on!

catch you soon -
Disclosure - I received a pair of Vionic Walking Shoes for review. I was not compensated for my time or for this post. As always all opinions are my very own. Statistical information provided by Vionic.

Get Inspired at minted.com

We all love Pinterest, don't we? And some of us have been using physical dream boards, inspiration boards and other pin boards forever, right?

So. . .we can agree how important inspiration is when hatching a plan. No matter what you are planning; a room make-over, a new spring wardrobe, a party, a wedding or a new baby. . .it helps to have inspiration.

Recently, I was introduced to a company called minted.com. They are a genius community of graphic designers and an online store that collaborates to print and sell the best of their designs in the form of paper goods. It really is genius, right? Think about the various styles and inspiration you can get from multiple designers. The possibilities are endless! How about a black and white polka dot and striped Oscar party? Or a yellow and blue, rubber ducky themed first birthday party?

Well, if you aren't an "idea" person. . . minted.com has these Inspiration Boards on their site. You can view them by most favorited, featured or newest. It's like Pinterest meets HGTV. I got totally lost just browsing their boards and hatched a million ideas of my own. Here are a few of my favorites:

My favorite part of these boards? That each one gives you a "feel" . . . know what I mean? It's the perfect combination of invitation or announcement, party favors, color and decor. So if you are having trouble getting just the right "feel" for your event. . .check out these boards over at minted.com.

You can use the boards for planning or just for fun.  Most of the boards are made by members of the mint.com community (designers and customers).

So tell me. . .what would be on your inspiration board right now?

catch you soon -

note - I received a credit to be used at mint.com to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my very own.

Movie Review | The Jungle Book The Movie: Rumble in the Jungle

What to do on a cold, snowy Saturday? Cuddle up and watch a movie! We popped some pop-corn, grabbed a snugly blanket and popped in The Jungle Book The Movie: Rumble in the Jungle.

The advanced copy is available exclusively at Walmart ($14.86) beginning February 12 and includes a downloadable activity kit, slide show and exclusive collectible Mowgli and Mani toys.This DVD is the the first in a new series that features old favorites like Mowgli and Baloo, and introduces new characters and plots as well.

In the movie, there's trouble in the Jungle and Mowgli and Mani (an adorable little monkey) are at the center of it all! Shere Kahn is up to his typical sneaky trouble making too. He recruits a sneaky jackal to help him with his tricks. The movie is adorable. The animation is great and the story is easy for kids to follow along with. The new characters are just as lovable as the treasured favorites, and this movie will soon become a family favorite.

This is a great movie for kids ages 2-6, but any Jungle Book or Disney fan will enjoy it. It runs approximately 62 minutes.

The Jungle Book The Movie : Rumble in the Jungle will be available as a limited edition with collectable toys exclusively at Walmart stores in the US on February 12, 2013 and on March 5, 2013 in Canada. The DVD will release nationwide in May 2013.

catch you soon -

note - I received a copy of the DVD to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my very own.

Looking for a great place to eat in NJ? Try Dodge's Market in Elmer.

In New Jersey, there is a 1 square mile sized town called Elmer. It sits in the southeastern corner of Salem County and boasts a population of 1,351.  Elmer was incorporated in 1893, and their website has some great historical facts and pictures.

But what I want to share with you today is a current jewel sitting in Elmer, NJ.  The New Dodge's Market.

When the boys go camping, I spend the time hanging out with my mom.  We go shopping, look through magazines, watch TV, drink wine and go out to eat. (that's how I camp)  Well she wanted to take me to her new find, Dodge's.  "It's not fancy" she told me, "but the food is really great."

When we pulled into the parking lot, it was love at first sight for me.  Dodge's is an adorable victorian general-store type place that oozes charm.

You can eat inside or outside on the deck.  We chose an inside table near the window.  The service was so friendly and wonderful.  More like going to a friend's house that a restaurant.  The inside tables give a great view of the Deli Counter (they have a famous cheddar. . .), floral offerings and dessert case (homemade and SINFUL!)

My mom was right, it's not fancy.  It's rustic and old-fashioned.  It's not "kitschy" but rather it's the real deal.

The uber sweet server brought over menus and got us some fresh-brewed iced tea.  They have Sweet Tea and un-sweetened tea as well, lemonade, soda and more.

The menu is an ecclectic mix of homemade soups, sandwiches and salads.  Some nights are "theme nights", we happened to be there on Burger Night.  That meant in addition to the regular menu, they had a selection of gourmet burgers to choose from.  

It seems wrong to call the delicious creation of beef, bacon, caramelized onions and brie that came out a "burger".  It was cooked to perfection and absolutely the best burger I think I've ever eaten.  I loved that the pickles, lettuce and tomato were on the side, allowing you to add or not.

Oh and those onion rings and fries on the side? Sinfully delicious.

There was no room for dessert after that delicious meal, but my mom and I picked out a little something to bring home.  They have a wonderful assortment of full-sized cakes, doughnuts, pastries, cupcakes, cookies, and small desserts.

They serve breakfast 7 days a week, offer take-out and catering, baked breads, a coffee bar, full-service meat & deli counter, imported & home-made cheese, fresh-roasted nuts and MORE! They have a produce selection and fresh-cut flowers, arrangements and potted plants too.

So if you find yourself out in the farm lands of NJ, I highly recommend you stop by Dodge's for something delicious to eat. They have a great website and are on Facebook too.

If you go - be on the look out for my parents. . .I hear they're "regulars".

catch you soon -

note - I was not asked to do this review, nor did I receive anything in exchange for writing it.  I believe in sharing good things with my friends, and Dodge's is a VERY good thing.  All opinions are, as always my very own.

Need a Great Travel Toy? Try a CuddleUppet!

A few weeks ago, I surprised my kids with a camping trip with their dad and grandpop.  While they were at school, I packed up all their stuff and hid it in the car.

As an additional surprise, I rolled up an Alligator CuddleUppet for Owen and tucked it in his bag.

When we arrived and they got over the surprise, Owen said to me, "Mommy, I wish you had brought a stuffed animal for me."  I asked him if he had looked in his bag yet.

He was THRILLED when he pulled out the CuddleUppet.

According to John, he slept with it both nights they were there.  It's a combination blanket, puppet and stuffed animal, for those of you whose children are not hounding them EVERY day for one.

In my opinion it's a pretty genius idea, and a great take along for car rides, plane trips, camping and other adventures.  If your child is in daycare or preschool and needs nap time supplies - this is a GREAT choice as well.

Owen asks to be covered with it at home most nights too.

The CuddleUppet is a big hit at our house.  It's a cuddly toy that's easy to pack up and take on the road.

catch you soon - 

note - I received a CuddleUppet to facilitate this review.  As always ALL opinions are entirely and truly my very own.

The Evolution of a Business Card (and a giveaway)-CLOSED

Business Cards. . .what shoud yours look like? For the last year and half, I've been going through a professional metamorphosis or evolution. . .moving towards a career in Online Content Creation, Freelance Writing and Social Media Consulting.

It started with my blog. . .turning my blog more into a brand of myself, that organizations, companies and brands would see as a viable source to promote their products and services.

So I went to a blog design workshop, spiffed up the blog, and tried my hand at Business Cards (my own hand). . .

I got a ton of compliments - they had all the pertinent information and they truly fit who I was at that time in my professional development.

When Klout hit the social media stream, they offered a perk with MOO Custom Business Cards - for a pack of mini cards.  I was SO excited - because these were professional and I had seen other people's MOO cards and the quality was outstanding.

Have you ever looked at the MOO website?  It is total eye candy. . .I think I visited the site three or four times before deciding on this design:

Again - I got a ton of compliments and I felt completely professional with my "real" cards.

Now though, I've reached the next level - PR people are beginning to find me (thank you) and I am pitching brands and organizations.  I will be attending my first conference this summer.

But how to fit ALL my social media and contact information on a little business card without junking it all up?

Again - MOO comes to the rescue with a collaboration with the site About.Me . . .so I spruced up my About.Me page, ordered my MOO cards and hit this one out of the park!  I LOVE everything about these cards! I am planning to order more because I am so happy with how they turned out and the reactions I'm getting when I hand them out.

And because I am SO excited about this EvoMOOtion and MetaMOOphisis I have taken, I want to share the opportunity with you.
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MOO Sticker Giveaway

This week I am pleased to be holding a sticker giveaway sponsored by MOO who have provided me with a total of 90 stickers each, for 3 lucky readers.

Like with all MOO’s products you can personalize every sticker by uploading your own artwork and photos or pick from a wide range of custom stickers!

 

A Little More About MOO

MOO was born out of a love of beautiful, high-quality print and design - they make designing and printing your own personalized products easy.

You can use a MOO business card template or upload your own images and designs to show off your own products or portfolio.  (if you regularly send things to clients - think how cute your blog button or logo would be on a sticker in the packaging!) MOO produces more than business cards and stickers, so drop by and check out their other products too!

 

Competition Prizes

Prizes: 3 sets of 90 stickers (1 set per winner)

How to Win!

For a chance to win all you have to do is post a comment below with how you will use your stickers?

Winners will be chosen using random.org from valid comments below! Please include a valid email address so we are able to contact you.  COMMENTS close on April 4th, 2012 at NOON (Eastern Time). Winners will receive an email from me and will have 24 hours to respond before a replacement winner will be selected.

Thanks guys and good luck!

catch you soon -

note - MOO is sponsoring this giveaway, and all prizes will come from MOO.  I received a code to use on my next purchase of business cards for sharing this information about MOO on my blog.  As always, all opinions expressed are my very own.

Family Game Night - anytime anywhere

Does your family have a Family Game Night?  We don't, although I wish we did.

So when I heard about this online family game community, Ohanarama, I was excited to try it out.

Setting up an account is super easy. . .and as the parent, you can then set up accounts for your kids.  They do not need an email address to play and have fun.  What makes this completely unique is that you can invite Grandmom, Grandpop, Uncle Bill, Aunt Betty and anyone else in your family to play along.

There is a variety of games - some educational and some just for fun.  You can play in real-time (there's a fun video-chat feature) or you can take turns, checking in with each other (think Words With Friends).  What makes it a SAFE community - YOU pick the players.  You are the one that creates the network of family and friends that plays along with you - so there are NO STRANGERS.

You can earn rewards for playing and battle for big prizes in the monthly family contests.

I signed us up - so far just me and the kids, but I plan to put my mom on it this weekend.  They love the games.  We've been playing a lot of Zingo! both online and off! 

Zingo! to go is for ages 4 and up  (my 11 year old is loving it too) and perfect for car trips, vacation or camping.

What are some of your favorite Family Games right now?

catch you soon -

note - I was invited to sign up for Ohanarama (it's FREE for everyone) to facilitate this review.  I also received the game, Zingo! to go.  As always, all opinions expressed here are my very own.

Local Hot Spot. . .Lens Friends

About a week ago, I got the opportunity to hang out with Kara and Rick and some other bloggers over at Lens Friends in Huntingdon Valley.

I had not heard of Lens Friends and their unique approach to photography.  It's essentially a DIY Photo Studio.  You use their equipment and props to take pictures of your (insert any noun here - kids, pet, husband, BFF, etc).

First of all, their location is in this adorable village of boutiques, and their photo studio has wonderful natural light that pours into their space.  Secondly, Rick and Kara are so nice and helpful that you will want to stay FOREVER! Thirdly. . .the props. . .oh the props. . .

There are 2 main areas with backdrops for photographing. . .did I mention the props? And barrels and closets full of "stuff" for any picture you can imagine. . .for $34.95 you get up to 30 minutes of camera time an a high-res CD to take home.  They also have options for printing and photo merchandise.

Looking for a great and affordable place to have a party? LensFriends does that too. . . they have an amazing party package available.  And I'm thinking it's not just for kids and teens. . .what a fun shower or GNO idea!

You can read all about those things on their website. . .what you can't read about is how being there makes you "feel". . .having taken my kids to one of those photo studios. . .this is a completely different vibe. . .and your kids respond because YOU are taking their picture - not a stranger.  It's such a creative space - my head was spinning with ideas. . .forget those tired old calendars you cram pictures into - go make one with amazing lights and props for every month and season of the year!  Use their giant superhero fists and Babypop capes to create a unique holiday card picture. . .endless possibilities I tell you. . .for under $35.

Many thanks to Kara for her invite to see what they are all about. I will definitely go back for more!

catch you soon -

note - i did not receive any compensation for this blog post, nor was I asked to write one as part of my invitation to check out Lens Friends. 

How a Movie Can Inspire Learning

We had the opportunity (thanks once again to Jersey Family Fun) to see the premiere of Big Miracle.

If you are not familiar, Big Miracle stars Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski, and is the story about a family of whales trapped beneath the ice in Alaska. The movie is inspired by a true story.

The movie is rated PG - for language. There is a lot of "hells, shits and damns" and you can hear them quite clearly. I chose not to bring Owen as his attention span for 2 hours is not that great still, so it was a movie date for Ryan and I.

Despite an independence mishap, we both really enjoyed the movie and had a wonderful time.

Ryan was full of questions when we got int he car.  He was truly interested in the fact that something like this really happened.  He asked me if I remembered it. . .and sadly, I don't.

So, we looked it up. It would seem that in October of 1988, an Inuit hunter discovered three grey whales trapped in the ice in the Beaufort Sea near Point Barrow in Alaska. Just like the movie. The movie deviates from true life in many of the other aspects - creating a more entertaining story. The end result is that the Soviet Union DID help free the whales. The efforts cost the US approximately $1 million and was criticized by some scientists. Two of the three whales made it out of the ice into open water.

As for the movie - there is plenty of drama, some romance and a happy ending. The cast is well done, the scenery is gorgeous, and it brings a whole new way of life to light.

What I loved the most, was that this movie inspired my child to learn. To learn more about whales,  to find the original book the movie was based on, and to learn about the facts the movie was based on.  Sometimes a movie is more than just entertainment.

If you see Big Miracle (and I HIGHLY suggest you do), stop by and tell me what you thought!

catch you soon -

movie review. . .The Muppets

If you grew up with Sesame Street (or watch it with your kids) or were a kid in the late 70's to early 80's - then you know who the Muppets are.  you know Kermit, Miss Piggy and Fozzy.  If you are a die-hard fan, then you probably know Rowlf the Dog, Animal, Sam the Eagle and Beeker too.

We were lucky enough to be invited to a local premier by John's office.  So we headed off to Plymouth Meeting early Saturday morning,  went through security, where we had our bags checked, turned off our cell phones and got wanded (keeping the movie a secret until it's release is a BIG deal), then got our popcorn and drinks.
 
The Movie involves the Muppets trying to get control of their studio back from an oil tycoon.  Luckily they have the help and support of three friends (2 humans and 1 muppet).  Disney did a great job of adding in plenty of nostalgia for the "older" crowd (80s robot), while giving new Muppet fans plenty to love.  My boys decided they love Fozzy Bear the best (mom is a die-hard Animal fan).  The kids and parents all loved the movie - it's great for kids of all ages.  I was trying to determine why it's got a PG rating. . .and concluded it must be the line about "butt shoes" (my kids' favorite line).

There is a long list of cameo appearances, including Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Neil Patrick Harris and Selena Gomez.  I won't spoil the surprise and tell you who makes a BIG appearance. If you get a chance to see the movie this holiday weekend, I hope you'll stop back and tell me what you thought.  Also - who's your favorite muppet?

manical laugh. . .manical laugh. . .

catch you soon -  

Family Travel to Busch Gardens

In August we took a trip to Virginia, and our third stop was Busch Gardens.

I had been to Busch Gardens once before, with my Aunt, Uncle and cousin when I was about 10 . . .I didn't remember much. . .so I was looking forward to seeing if this trip sparked any memories.

The entrance to the park is full of beautiful gardens and things to look at.  It is wide and there is plenty of room for crowds of people entering the park.

At the entrance waiting to go in

There is a height-check station at the entrance where parents can have their children's height checked and get wristbands that serve as a guide to ride height requirements.  It can save a meltdown or argument at the ride and is a wonderful idea!

a pretty fountain

There are several countries represented throughout Bush Gardens: France, Germany, Ireland and Italy.  Each with rides, restaurants and entertainment.

the boys wanted to know what this was

 
The kids had three clear favorites:

The Grover Coaster

The Bumper Cars (Der Autobahn) (there was one for big kids and one for little kids)

and the Railroad, which circles the park and stops in England, Italy and France.

These three attractions got most of our attention throughout our time in the park.

There's the Sesame Street Forest of Fun for the smaller set, with "just-right" rides and shows.  Owen loved hanging out here and trying out all the rides - even though he's not a big Sesame Street watcher.

It was a hot day, so we ducked into the Festhaus, for some tasty treats and entertainment.  I decided this was the one memory I had from my visit when I was 10. I remembered eating in there and seeing the show.

We checked out the Land of Dragons with their three-story treehouse and boat ride.

Owen and I took the Sky Lift, which goes from England to France and then to Germany before returning to England.

Sadly, it turned out to be a rainy day.  But there were ponchos for sale, and plenty of indoor places to escape the heaviest rains.  Since there was no thunder or lightening, most of the park could remain open and operational. We went on airplanes, dragon eggs and boats and saw Clydesdale and Sheep too.

Personally, I love amusement rides - the badder the roller coaster, the more I want to ride.  But with 1 child that is not a "rider" and one that is only 4. . .I had to curb my passion.  For those that want to indulge however, there is a variety of thrill rides to please. 

Overall, we had a wonderful full day at the park.  It was super clean, beautiful and fun to walk around.  There is something for everyone and every age in your family.  There are rides, shows, animals. . .a little of everything.  In writing up this post, I realized how many things we missed - so we definitely need to go back soon!

If you are interested in planning your own family getaway to the Historic Triangle area, visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com

In addition, Busch Gardens has their Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town events coming up.

catch you soon -

note - we were provided complimentary admission to Busch Gardens to facilitate this post; however, as always, all opinions expressed here are my very own.

Family Travel to Colonial Williamsburg

You can't visit the Historic Triangle, without checking out Colonial Williamsburg.

I went with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin when I was about 10. . .I didn't remember much - the period clothing, some shops and a shuttle bus.  And my memories were no match for the amazing sites that met us when we arrived via the shuttle bus.

We started off at the Visitor's Center - a beautiful building with lovely grounds.  The kids threw coins in the fountain, and I was intrigued with the 3-D monument.

I was pretty confident that Ryan would enjoy the living history museum of Colonial Williamsburg. . .but I was surprised by how much he truly enjoyed it.

We were met by a guide who gave us a brief and interesting account of what we would see and what we could expect during our visit. . .he led us around the Palace and through the green, regaling us with stories of life in colonial Williamsburg.

Our first colonial life experience was hooping. . .Ryan had a great time and wasn't half-bad at it.  Owen didn't want to try it.

From there, we began our experience with RevQuest.  Ryan was instantly drawn into the story and almost too excited about it to pay attention to the directions and be patient.  I love when kids can get that enthusiastic about education.  RevQuest is a brand-new on-site and online game that asks participants to unlock clues that help save the Revolution.

Both kids enjoyed Revolutionary City - a dynamic event that reflects Williamsburg's role in one of America's defining historical periods.

The element of live theater was incredibly moving and entertaining.  Even though Owen was a bit young to understand, he was interested in the Costumed Interpreters and all the activities going on.

We checked out the Printing Press,

wig shop,

and rode in a carriage.

Both the boys loved the brickyard, but only Ryan was willing to help with the clay.

On Friday night, we went back to the Palace Green for Salute to the Nation, a stirring tribute to our nation followed by amazing fireworks.  The moving speeches and patriotic music were well worth a few mosquito bites.

The kids liked it so much and Ryan wanted so badly to finish his RevQuest to get his coin - that we went back on Sunday morning before we left Virginia.

As a side note, restrooms are readily available (you may need to walk a bit), clean and cool.  There are also several places to get a cool drink and you can refill your commemorative cup as well.

We also went to Merchant Square - a quaint shopping area with restaurants, a candy store, a book store, clothing, antiques, souvenirs and more.  Somehow, I didn't take any pictures there - but it's adorable and tons of fun.  We had a delicious lunch at a Pizza Shop.  You can get to Merchant Square via the shuttle bus or walk from Duke of Glouster Street.

If you want to plan your own family getaway to Colonial Williamsburg, visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com 

catch you soon -  

note - we were provided complimentary admission to the Colonial Williamsburg to facilitate this post; however, as always, all opinions expressed here are my very own.