Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Dolls for ALL kids!

I cant even believe its December already. We will wake up tomorrow and it will be Christmas. Because we all know how fast this time goes. I feel like it was just last week when I was shopping for Christmas. Was it even summer though? Its just crazy how fast it comes, but how extremely chaotic it gets too. With so many new toys hitting the shelves every day you really have no idea what to get when the time comes. That's why I love looking through gift guides on blogs. Yes, I am a blogger who actually reads other bloggers blogs. It's really the only kind of reviews I trust now a days. My girls all tell it like it is so I know where to go when I need to know the latest in's of the season.

Every year I make some kind of Holiday Gift Guide, so this year I wanted to do it a tad bit differently and it just seemed to work out this way. My boys have always been big doll lovers - from action doll figures, to stuffed animal dolls. We have quite a variety in our home, and they all carry such a important memory one way or another. My boys love their dolls and give them names, and consider them their "babies" which I love. We have on occasion celebrated some of their birthday's which if you follow me on Instagram you have seen- we go all out. Cake and all! So it was just ironic in a sense that most of companies we have been working with had some kind of doll to send to us for reviews. We are so happy they did because now we got to invite many new stuffed babies into our family. Here I will share the ones that made it into our hearts, and we hope you love them just as much so you can gift them to a little one with a big heart this Christmas season!




1. Cutetitos Burrito Plush Toy : It's SO cute, and not just because it's in the name. My little one was so in love the instant we took it out of the box. He couldn't wait to unwrap it and cuddle it. This was one of the 12 collectable plush dolls that comes wrapped in a blanket like flour tortilla just like a little burrito. It's also no telling which one you will be unwrapping so that level of surprise is just as fun! We loved everything about this little guy, and he has already taken a couple of adventures with us wrapped in his tortilla blanket all around the big city. You can find these on Amazon, Target, and Walmart!



2.  Pound Puppies: This is just super nostalgic for me, because when I was born my grandma got me the first ever pound puppy pillow, and I used to love that puppy so much. I called him my wow-wow, and he went with me everywhere. It was something I still have till this day and would just never get rid of it because I have made so many amazing memories with him. When I saw that they were coming out with these new pound pups I was sure that my big guy would love it. He would love a real dog, but the way our NYC apartment is set up, he's going to have to wait it out for that to happen. So this is just the next best thing. He was very excited to know that he would be adopting this cutie as his very own. He loved that it came with an adoption certificate, and that he was also able to write the dogs name on the tag. This is a perfect gift for all little dog lovers out there that want to have a pup to show some love!

3. Bleacher Creatures/WWE Edition: Now we all know just how much my boys love ALL things WWE. We have yet to go a year without getting them something wrestling related as a gift. I love that they are still very passionate about it, and truly enjoy the story lines and learning about all the new and upcoming wrestlers too. These dolls are perfect because they aren't too big where the are taking up so much space, but just a tad bit bigger than an action figure would be, so it is great for play time when they create their own story lines with their dolls. They are also perfect because they are soft unlike action figures which very easily hurt you if they fall on your foot, or crash into your fingers when using them to create really cool wrestling moves. (This happens all the time, and the tears begin!) They love taking them around with them everywhere too, and its not a hassle to do so since they easily fit in mommas bag without any trouble at all. They will definitely be taking a trip with us to WWE Holiday Tour that we always attend each year right after Christmas.



4. FGTEEV Figures: Lastly I couldn't not end a HGG without sharing something absolutely every child in the world would love to find in their stocking on Christmas morning. FGTEEV is super huge for children right now. They love watching their videos on youtube, but now it gets even more fun because you get to play with figures of them and their funny youtube characters that they created through out the years on their channel. My boys find a million different ways to play with them, and never get tired of them. It's like being actual friends with the Funnel Vision family that you can't get enough of. They are perfect for on the go play as well, and if you are a parent you know that on the go toys are a must have in your purse when traveling with kids. These small little figures can even fit into coat pockets which Caleb has been keeping his Derpy Bacon to keep him company on all of his NYC adventures.

- These Products were sent to us for review purposes, but all opinions are 100% honest!

Beginning Of School Year Struggles!

Bare with me, but this is a post I had in my drafts and completely forgot I had written it - but when I read it I felt the need for it to be posted because its just a raw piece of reflection that I feel would make a difference for someone out there going through the same feelings I was at the time!

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As I sit here I am reflecting on my week. It was a bad week, like really. I can't even sugarcoat it because it was so downhill guys. This week Caleb started Kindergarten, and Jace started 3rd grade, and lets just say I felt like the worst mom in the whole entire world. Sounds dramatic right? But I seriously felt like my world was crashing down, and I couldn't stop it.

I wasn't worried about the first day of school. I was actually excited about it, because my little one didn't show any signs of being nervous, or scared. He seemed ready, and I felt great about him having his big brother to walk in with and I thought it would be easy peasy lemon squeezy. I swore I had it in the bag, like I was too confident. And maybe that's why it hit me harder than I could have ever imagined.

The first day was great, they were pumped, they made it in and they had a great day. But then the second day rolled around and I guess thats when it hit him that Kindergarten was actually more than just one day of your life, but more like your whole life, every single day. The complaining started, and the morning meltdowns hit hard where he kept saying "I don't want to go to school, I hate school" I just brushed it off and kept a calm and positive vibe, and got them to school and he cried a bit but nothing extreme. The third day rolled around it was even worse, now there was more tears, more yelling. Still I pushed through.... in my head though I was feeling crappy. I felt defeated. The fourth day was my breaking point. He cried from the instant he woke up, all the way into school - full on sobbing to the point where his big brother even felt so bad that he started crying, and thats when I noticed it was affecting both of them, and that made me feel even worser than before. I felt like I was straight up failing at motherhood. I just left both of my kids at school feel miserable and crying. So this momma cried her whole way into work, and as soon as I got into work I locked myself in the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and cried even more until I had no more tears left. My eyes were burning, red, and swollen and I felt very unlike myself. I felt worthless, I felt like my kids hated me, and I felt like I had completely let them down. What was I doing wrong? What can I do differently? Will this ever end? You would think as a mother of two, things like this would get easier with time ....but it surely doesn't. Your baby will always be your baby, and when they hurt, you hurt 1,00000 times more. I told myself they would be fine, they will get over it, they are okay, but I still felt like I wasn't good enough. Mom guilt hit me so hard, and this was the first time it ever hit me THIS hard, and I am not sure why exactly but it was a feeling I had never felt this intense. I truly disliked myself this week, and felt like I wasn't fit to be their mother, even though the instant I would see them they would tell me they had a good day, and we would play and cuddle and fall asleep together.

Now that the week is over, and all the meltdowns are over I am picking up all the shattered pieces and putting them back together. I am feeling more like myself and blessed to have gotten through it. God granted me a great Friday, maybe because they knew they have a four day weekend but I wont complain. It was finally a good morning where I didn't have to have a mental breakdown in my work bathroom or on the MTA subway. They walked in this morning with smiling and brave faces, and I was able to sip my coffee peacefully to work feeling like a good mom.  Does that mean it is completely over? I wish, but I know its just the beginning. But maybe, just maybe I had to go through this situation, these feelings, this guilt, so that I could come back stronger to get me through this whole school year. It sounds horrible but everything always happens to teach you something, to help you grow for something harder, and make you tougher to fight back. I did learn a lot from it, but I also realized how blessed I am to have so many people around me that are lifting me up at my lowest points, and it showed me that I am a great mom, because I care, and maybe I care too much - but my babies mean more to me than anything else in this world so my heart will forever hurt when it has to do with them. 

I wanted to share this because I know I am not the only momma going through these kinds of emotions with a new school year starting, and I want you guys to never feel alone in these feelings. We are all going through the same situations, but without talking about them we will never know and feel lonely in our thoughts. We will all be okay if we just open up about it, and speak to each other. We are not alone ever in this hood called Motherhood!

Fun at Kangas Indoor PlayCenter in LIC!

These city kids of mine rarely ever get to enjoy an indoor play center. It's just not a thing out here in NYC, sadly. Most indoor play spaces in the city are for infants, or toddlers. But once you hit the age of 3 years old good luck finding a place that is air conditioned for your child to run wild at. During winter days off from school it can start to get tough as well to try and find a place for a child to go where they can blow off some energy through out the day, without getting sick. When I found out about Kanga's Indoor PlayCenter in Long Island City I knew the kids would love it. Having two school aged kids, places like this can seem too boring for them, too "baby" so when I brung it up to them they weren't so enthused thinking it would be a basic and simple play space with all the basic things you always see. Down below I will share all of our favorite parts of our time there, and also three reasons you should go visit!





Jace (8 yrs old):
This place was just so cool, that I can't make up my mind about my favorite part. The whole entire big kid side was my favorite. They have a fast and reallllly long slide that makes you feel like you are on a roller coaster, but not too fast! I liked going down with my hands up because I felt free. You and your friends can also do a race going down the slides because it isn't just one slide. I liked that I didn't have to wait for a slide too, and it was enough room for everyone to play and have fun at the same time. I could stay there forever, because their was just so much to do and having my brother with me was a lot of fun that we got to do all the same things together.







Caleb (5 yrs old):
My favorite part of Kanga's was when we collected all of the color balls and put them in a tube that made them go up into the big basket on top, and when I saw we had so many I asked mommy to press the button so that it could all fall on us. It was so cool, and we did that like five times! I also really liked that they had ball shooters that you could blast at friends that are under! I was so sweaty because I just didn't want to stop playing!

                                                                                                                                                                         Dad:
I really enjoyed the whole experience. It was a very clean and well taken care of place. All of the staff members were kind and friendly and making sure everyone was having fun, but also safe. I liked how they had many options for the kids, from the bouncy house to the tea cup ride, and then an area just for toddlers and babies under the age of two years old so it was easier for younger kids to enjoy without the worry of the older kids being to rough or anything. I got to enjoy one of their massage chairs as well during the time the boys were playing, so it was great that they cater to the parents as well.







Mom: 
The first thing I would have to say I liked was the safety of it, when you first come in you sign a waiver for each child and parent, and then you get bands which are all different numbers for your group, so you can feel secure enough to let your child play freely in the center without any scares of them leaving or getting lost! But what I loved most is I got to enjoy the fun as well. It is a well designed play space that allows parents to climb, jump and swing as well. I usually sit back and let them enjoy it but it all just looked so fun that I had to give it a go just once. Especially the zip lining ball, which was such a thrill to do even as a full grown adult. Plus, there is nothing better than allowing your children to see you have fun, see you being happy, and playing with them. They really loved seeing me try and do some of the things, and they sure got some laughs from it as well.

FOUR Reasons YOU Should Go:


1. Parents/Caregivers are FREE. Yes, free fully. No purchase necessary. Which is something you ever see anywhere. I find that to be so reassuring though because financially many families cannot afford to pay a fee for each child and each parent, and it isn't quite fair if for the most part the experience is for your child but obviously it isn't a drop off center so a parent has to attend, as their is no other choice so it is only fair that parents do not have to pay for the space, yet still have the opportunity to enjoy it as well if they feel like it. - They do it all too. From birthday parties, to special events, and school trips!






2. They have a very large selection of food/snacks/ and beverages. You don't have to pack up your whole entire kitchen to come here, it is all available. Being a mother of two of the most pickiest boys in the whole world - let me tell you this is something I look into at ALL times because I know just how pick they can get with food, and the last thing I need is HANGRY little monsters as we are traveling back home anywhere so a good selection of food is a must. They had a pizza and french fries, plus a juice and they both give it a two thumbs up for delicious.




3. They have a very special Mother's Room where you can go into for some privacy to nurse or feed in general, or change a dirty diaper. It is a pretty big room which is big enough to roll in a stroller, or you can enjoy sitting in the comfy rocking chair so you can feed your little one without them getting too distracted by all that is going on around them. The bathrooms are all fully stocked though as well with changing tables, and step stools for the little ones to clean their hands. It is all vey clean and organized, and you see the workers always cleaning it up to make sure it doesn't get too messy in there. 


4. Lastly, they have free wifi so working moms this is your place right here. Still have some work to get done but the kids are driving you off the walls at home? Kanga's to the rescue! Get them to go play and bring your laptop so you can connect to their free wifi and get things done while they are having a blast. It is convenient for every single mom out there and that is why I really loved our visit. I loved that you could tell they put so much thought into this play space, and they didn't just put it together but thought of all the ways they could make it the best space for all different kinds of families.


- Thank you Kanga's Play Center in Long Island City for inviting us to your space for a fun day! We will be returning again for another great day full of climbing and jumping!

http://kangasplaycenter.com/
Instagram: @KangasLongIslandCity

ALL things BACK to SCHOOL!

I can't believe its ALREADY that time. Time flew right by, and part of me of course is sad that summer break is over, but another part of me feels like I can finally get my life back together. LOL. Going back to the regular structured school schedule will be difficult, and it will take some getting used to again, but at the same time it will be good for us all. Jace is heading into 3rd grade, I really don't know how that happened so fast. Our little baby Caleb is no longer a baby anymore guys and he is on his way to Kindergarten so he can finally join his big brother at his school. This momma is very happy about one pick up spot, and one drop off spot. No more running around from one place to another. I know though that this wont solve absolutely everything, and I most likely will still be running from place to place - but at least it will be in the same building - running from one classroom to another. I survived last school year, so lets just hope I have it in me for this one too!

I have made a list of some of my go to favorite school necessities for this year that I have found helpful and think you might need in your life too!

What Should Danny Do? School Days. Because who doesn't want to read their kids a book about making the right choices at school? As a parent I do worry that my children will make bad choices when it comes to behavior at school, and it’s something I speak to them about daily. I remind them to behave, and listen to their teacher because it is always better to be kind and respect your teacher! This book is super interactive where they see that they have the power to choose and shows them how their actions make a difference. Your choices will always stay with you through out the day, so it’s a great book for them to read before heading back to school, with a new teacher, new classroom, and new classmates.Grab your copy now and show your kids the power to choose! https://www.whatshoulddannydo.com/ (GIVEAWAY RULES DOWN BELOW)

Schools back in, and it’s time to get to work. Caleb is starting Kindergarten so sight words is a big deal. It’s the best way to get children to learn how to read so all summer we have been trying many different methods to teach him his sight words. I found out about Mrs.Wordsmith and loved the idea right off the bat. They are these small workbooks broken up into editions and they have circles with many different sight words for the age, and around the circle a sentence using that specific sight word. Then the child has to find the sticker that matches the word and stick it on top. I loved this whole idea because what kid does not love stickers!? You get to play with stickers and learn at the same time. It’s perfect! Plus it’s all so bright and colorful that it instantly catches their attention. I found them to be very helpful, and has given Caleb lots of confidence with his basic first time sight words, that now during the school year we can move onto the next book of words! www.mrswordsmith.com

A couple years ago I found out about Oilogic, and loved their cold & cough line. The boys got salt baths, and I would roll on the oils as soon as I noticed slight symptoms and just like that they would go away. I am a huge believer of their children’s cold/cough line and their sleep line. This year they sent me their new line which is perfect for back to school. They now have two new oils for our mini scholars called “Anxious and Nervous” and also “Attention and Focus”. I don’t know about you, but when I think about back to school those four words are the feelings I am stressing out about. Will my child feel nervous, or get anxious in a new setting? Will my child not be able to focus or listen to their teacher? Now with these bad boys I no longer have to worry about it. This week my little one had his Kindergarten orientation, and he had said he was a little scared so I was like YES, perfect time to test it out. And I’m glad to say it worked, really well. We got there and he said he felt better and not one tear, all smiles. You know I will be using these through the whole school year for both boys. Perfect for test days when they need to feel more confident! www.oilogiccare.com

I can’t do a back to school blog without sharing my favorites every single school year- Mabel’s Labels! I always rave about their amazing labels that I put on absolutely everything. You can see them on many of the pictures on this post alone. We can do a I Spy Mabel’s labels all through my house, seriously. This school year though they came out with their clothing stampers and now I’m just stamping away. This personalized clothing stamp labels all your kids’ tag-less garments with just one quick and easy press. The stamp is preloaded with black ink, which means there’s no mess and you never have to worry about a drying pad. Label that pile of clothes at record speed and you won’t have to worry about them getting lost again! 

Get yours here: www.mabelslabels.com

Lastly, I wanted to share MyWish4u ! Lunch notes are something I have been doing for a while now, and both of my boys love getting notes from me, but let’s face it it gets tiring to think up something every single time. Now with two I’m going to have to use my time wisely instead of coming up with unique notes to put in their lunchboxes. I am so excited to share that they have now came out with Spanish notes! My boys are still learning Spanish so these will be perfect once they get the hang of it, but it’s great that they are expanding their languages. The whole focus of the MyWish4U Company is to provide a unique and positive way of communicating with kids.  Our goal is making “Happier Kids Daily.”  The entire line of books is geared to making it easier for parents to let their kids know they are thought about and loved! For just $4.99 you are getting 101 pages, so two packs can last year a whole school year and more! The backside of the note is blank for a special note or doodle from the parent/caregiver.It’s a fun way for parents to let their kids know they are being thought about even when at school. I know my kids absolutely love it when I throw in something personalized for them into their lunch, because its a great little reminder that even though I am far and not with them at that time, I am still thinking about them and love them! It can change up their mood in the middle of the day when they are feeling lonely, tired or in a bad mood. I really feel like it can fully change their mind state if it hasn't been that great of a day. As an adult I would sure love a pick me up right in the middle of a work day - wouldn't you?  - HURRY though because they will only be available at Target for another week. So go stock up now, in english or Spanish! 

https://www.target.com/p/mywish4u-lunch-notes-from-me-wacky-facts-38-laughs-curiosidades-risas/-/A-54442287


NOW here's the fun part of this post : GIVEAWAY TIME! TWO followers can win either a lunchbox filled with NOTAS PARA EL ALMUERZO from MyWish4U, and a $20 TARGET gift card and/or a Copy of What Should Danny DO School Days book, poster and stickers. This giveaway will be running from AUGUST 23rd - AUGUST 27th! All you have to do is FOLLOW my instagram & then go comment below on the instagram post about this BACK TO SCHOOL blog post for your chance to win!

- Thank you to all of the brands who sent us their amazing products to review and share with our following! We are grateful. ALL opinions are 100% Honest!!!!

GOOD TIMES AT MADAME TUSSAUDS NYC!

If you have ever been to Time Square, or even saw a photo of it then you know about the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. I am probably the 1% of New Yorkers that have never been. Shame on me because we literally live walking distance, and we have passed by many times and have said we will make it a day one day, and that day just never came. Then we got an invite to come for a day to check out all they had to offer, PLUS their newest interaction - The Broadway section where you can journey through Andrew Lloyd Webber's most iconic shows! Madame Tussauds New York in the heart of Times Square is the only place with no ropes or barriers holding you back from your favorite stars. Voted as one of New York’s most unique attractions, Madame Tussauds invites you to pose “in a moment in time” with the world’s most iconic musicians, A-list stars, sports legends, world leaders and more. With over 85,000 square feet of interactive entertainment, including our Mission: Undead and Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience, the world famous wax attraction is bigger and better than ever.



They have different ticket options which include all kinds of different benefits. From silver, gold to platinum. For all my mommas that plan to go - Strollers are welcomed, so it is easy peasy for you to stroll around. Elevators are always working, for fast and convenient movement around the museum with children. You can't bring any outside food but they do have plenty of options inside, plus a Dylans Candy Store that has just about every single kind of candy ever invented. 

NOW onto our favorite sightings of the night :


The Boys Pick:



This was the very ending of our adventures of the NY Wax Museum, but I know it was their very favorite because who doesn't love the Avengers. They are strong, action packed, but also funny and exciting to watch. So when we found all the Avengers in one room the boys were just ready to show their inner superhero. After some photos with the whole gang we got to go in and get ready to watch the Marvel 4D experience. This 4D film incorporates 3D film technology with thrilling special effects, including wind, water and even SMELL. This isn't a movie. This is a true super hero experience that puts YOU in the middle of the action. The Marvel 4D Film and Experience is included in every ticket purchased online. It was the coolest thing ever, and of course they loved all the funny parts where they weren't expecting to get splashed with water!


Dad's Pick:


So with our tickets we were given entrance to go to the Mission:Undead, where guest become fully immersed in a zombie adventure where you play against your friends in a unique 7D multi-sensory interactive gaming experience. With rich cutting edge technology you  feel like you are actually a part of the game while shooting lasers at the enemy. Experiencing a thrill of a roller coaster and the excitement of a state-of-the-art laser blasting game all at once. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. You can help save the world one zombie at a time. The instant the boys heard about it they were like NO WAY, not at all, not even for a second. So when we got to the entrance of it dad said he would want to go and so I stayed with the boys in the front where we took photos with fake zombies, and watched some guest get their hands waxed which was really entertaining to the boys they said next time they would want to do it but they just wanted to watch it happen first. Anyway - Dad got to the do the ride and he said it was intense and a good choice that the boys did not do it because it feels super realistic and like you are dead on part of this zombie apocalypse going on all around you. He did say it was really fun for him though, and that it was definitely his favorite part of the museum because it was very interactive and his first time trying out 7D. Can you honestly believe we are now on 7D gaming? Back in my days the farthest we got was 3D, and had no idea we could possibly get this far. WOW! i'm old!


Mom's Pick:


Its a tough choice honestly. I loved how hands on the experience actually was, and it was not what I was expecting at all. I thought it was going to just be wax statues all over and that's that. But it was so much more than that. I loved how you could really get into the photos, for example the E.T bicycle that you could actually sit on, and the big floor piano that the boys were able to create music with, BUT my all time favorite had to have been the Ghost Busters interaction room. It started off as a subway station that looked a bit creepy and covered in slime. It felt like you were straight in the movie. Then to a phone booth which you could pick up and make the call. After some spooky and scary turns in the Haunted Mansion you find Slimer where you have to press a button to get him to come out of the haunted elevator. It leads us all to the end which is the Ghost Busters Headquarters, and you get to go on the computer to plan and build like you are part of the GB crew yourself. 



There is literally a million other photos we took which came out amazing and we had so much fun getting up close and personal with these legends, heroes, entertainers, etc. It was so much more than just a wax museum, and honestly went above what I was expecting which I really love when a place does this for me because it was a pleasant surprise that I can now share with all of you. PLUS, it really does feel like you are meeting these actors, singers, etc in real life because they did such a fantastic job creating them to look super realistic. It is a place I would most likely return to, and of course recommend you have a family outing to! It is hours of fun, and entertainment all in one.

Thank you Madame Tussauds NYC for inviting us, and as always all opinions are 100% honest and of our own.

Jump Around At SkyZone New Rochelle

A couple weeks ago we were invited to visit the New Rochelle location of SkyZone. You might know of them by their orange socks, but let me tell you - the experience is liberating. Weird word for me to use for an indoor trampoline place right? But I’m serious. This place is for all ages, and you walk out feeling like the best version of yourself, each time. 

The first time we went to a SkyZone the boys were very young, so though they had a great time jumping, they weren’t as fearless as they are now to try out obstacle courses, or dive into a pit of foam blocks. This time around they tried it all, over and over and I know it made them feel like big boys with big boy attitude! 

I will be sharing all of our favorite parts of the trip. Plus three random facts I think everyone should know before going to SkyZone!

Jace - 

I like basketball so I had fun shooting hoops while jumping really high. I tried to touch the rim of the hoop but I am still not tall enough. I still had fun because I got so many shots in. I did really good at it, and I tried all three sizes and even the highest one was pretty easy for me to do. 

Caleb- 

I had so much fun playing dodgeball because you got to jump really high, and also throw the balls really far to try and get the other players out. The balls didn't hurt either, just a little. It was a fun time with my family! They had an arcade section too, and I love arcade games a lot.

Dad- 

I really enjoyed all of it. Staying active with the boys is very important to me, and I love watching them get all of their energy out. But my most favorite part of it all would have to be the foam pit, where you could throw yourself into them and try your best to get out, which was a lot harder than I expected - but a lot of fun! Plus the free jump into the blow up floor because it felt like you were sinking into the floor.


Mom- 

I loved that I wasn’t too “big enough”, or excluded from anything. I was able to do everything they did and I enjoyed doing it. I think it is SO important to be able to show your children that you are their parent and you can still have fun, you can still be silly, and there is no age limit to enjoying yourself. If your kids see you happy, then that is the best memories to give them.  A happy mom who can dunk some hoops back to back is a cool thing to be in front of your too cool for you kids let me say!

SkyZone is a place that you can visit over and over and it will never get old.

Here are three things I wish I knew before we went to SkyZone:

- Bring a big bottle of water with you, but remember to label it with your name on it, and you can easily just leave it on one of the tables or by your locker. They do sell water and drinks there, but you are allowed to bring your own water, so its a good way to stay fully hydrated and not have to spend money on a couple bottles of water.

- ALWAYS wear a short sleeve/ no sleeve shirt - even if you go during the winter time. They do have air conditioning but obviously when you are jumping around you can barely feel it. So during the winter time I would suggest taking a short sleeve shirt and shorts to change into when you get there, before you go in to jump!

- 60 minutes is usually never enough time, especially if your kids are super active and always on the go. You know your children best - and I thought it would not be able to keep their attention for more than an hour so we decided to just do an hour, but an hour flew right by and they still wanted to do more. So I would highly suggest the 90 minutes of jump time instead.

Visit for yourself, and get your tickets here:

https://www.skyzone.com/newrochelle

- Thank you SkyZone NEW ROCHELLE for having us, we had a blast and can't wait to return. All opinions are 100% honest and our own.

Knights in Training At Medieval Times

Last year we went to Medieval Times to enjoy a fun filled Dinner and Tournament. It was such a fun time for us, but this time around we were invited to enjoy some more action with a VIP treatment. It was the best time ever, and it made the boys feel like real knights. I  going to share all of our favorite parts of the day, plus three reasons why I would go back again! 

Jace’s Favorite Part: (Eight years old) 

I really liked learning from the Knights in the show. When we got to stand in the arena it looked bigger than when you see it in your seat. I liked learning all the cool moves that you can do with your sword, and other weapons that they can use. They make you feel strong! I also got to ask the head knight some questions and he was very nice and answered them all! It was so much fun.

Caleb’s Favorite Part: (Five years old)

My favorite part was when the yellow knight won the competition because that was our team that we were rooting for, and every time he won a challenge we were able to scream and yell for him, and then it was also fun BOOing the other knights because it was a competition so we only rooted for the yellow knight, and he was the strongest so he won the whole thing!! He was the best one there, and I was so happy he won!

Dad’s Favorite Part: (Grumpy OLD man)

I really enjoyed getting to speak to the knights and see just how much training and hard work they put into being a knight. I also truly enjoy how much of a fun family environment it is and the experience I get to enjoy with my family every time we go there. It is always memorable, and something we can look back on as a great time together!

Mom’s Favorite Part: (FOREVER young! ;) ) 

I’m going to be such a mom right now and just say it. My favorite part of the whole experience was just being able to watch them be happy, and excited. Seeing them cheer and be so amazed at the whole show was a great feeling. Not having to worry if they were bored, or being asked a million times if it was almost over. I loved that it genuinely kept their full attention and they loved every second of it. It allowed me as a mom to sit down and enjoy it as well. I got to enjoy my drink and my food, and not have to convince my child to eat or sit down. It was a time for me to enjoy too, and that’s a rare thing in motherhood. 

Three Reasons I would come back AGAIN, and AGAIN! :

• Whether you are in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, ETC it is such an easy ride over. You hear New Jersey and you believe it will be such a mission, but it's not at all. Also the location of the castle is in a great area too where you can walk over and you can travel to and from. Just bring the bug spray because they are all over the place once the sun sets!
• It is never the same exact show. I love how they switch it up and they make it feel different every single time. It isn't always what you expect, and it leaves suspense every time you go!
• Every single person working in that castle is AMAZING. Their personalities, their insights that they share, and their kindness all around. We have not once had any issues when we were there and it goes to show that they put a lot of effort into creating a staff that is their to help in all ways at any time. Great service is a BIG deal to us, and so its always a fun time when you are surrounded by professional, yet fun and energetic people. 

FUN FACTS:

• To fill the arena for the horses and knights safety it requires 40,000 pounds of sand!
• The alabarda is a cross between a battle-axe and a spear. It is used by foot soldiers to keep the enemy at a distance. A point is added to the back of the weapon so if the enemy was missed on the forward stroke, he could be stabbed with a backward thrust.
• Training can take anywhere from 6 months to two years for a Squire before he becomes a Knight.

It was another memorable show, and I can't wait to share some more behind the scenes of The Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ on our next adventure soon to come!

- Thank you Medieval Times for hosting us on this VIP experience at your castle.

ALL opinions are 100% honest!

Creating Summer Memories with KiwiCo

With tons of subscription boxes in the market, there is no way you think you can make the "right choice" but something really caught my eye about KiwiCo! It's only fair that they get a little monthly surprise in the mail just as I do with all my makeup monthly subscriptions, so I loved that I could get them one box that they could both work together and create. I am trying to instill in them teamwork on a daily basis, because I wont sugarcoat anything - these kids for the most part can't get a long, and with school out and summer here it gets even worse. They are around each other 24-7 which means not much team work going on at all, and LOTS of arguments, and fighting. So finding things they can do together that isn't too hard but also challenging enough for them to learn that by teamwork they will get it done better. KiwiCo is for our little engineers in the making! Hands on science and art projects for kids of all ages. Whats great is that every box is designed by experts and tested by kids. If you haven't heard of the STEAM program - ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math ) it's been an amazing tool that many schools have been embracing in their curriculums!  There are seven lines to pick from depending on your child's age/ or interest. We are currently subscribed to KiwiCrate since it is for ages 5 to 8 which is exactly the ages of both of the boys. But whats awesome is there is no commitment to one line, you can always chose to change it up if you believe its not the best one to fit your kids interests. 

I genuinely love all that comes in the crate, because it wasn't just the hands on activity, but it also came with a handbook that teaches you a topic, and games to go with it. Plus extra activities you can easily make as well with regular every day things in your home. For example last months topic was on Arcade Games, and we got to make our own Claw Machine. Which was so much fun for both of the boys, and super simple for them to get done. But VERY hands on at the same time where they felt like they were big boys doing big boy things. It can really bring out their confidence and I could see it in their eyes as they were building the claw, how excited they were to be making this all on their own, and how proud they were at the end results. 

In this clip we are playing the infamous carnival game but instead of a hammer we are using a pencil to move the penny up the number thermometer to check your "strength". They loved it. They also had other ones like a fortune teller ball that you could drop the penny while asking a question and it would either drop to the yes or no ball to answer their question. They really loved these simple games that were just an add on extra to the main activity. 

Here is our final claw results, and we used our own stuffies instead of the pom poms they send you to add our own little twist to it. They still play this claw game every day and use all kinds of objects to make it a bit more challenging.

We can't wait to receive our next box soon and share with you guys!!!

If you want to get your own box now you can click this link and get $10 off your first box :

https://www.kiwico.com/Refer?i=JessicaS1465

BookCon 2019 and Meeting John Cena!

I am a full on crazy book lady, and proud of it. But what I am most proud of is the fact that I completely turned my whole family into book lovers. YUP, I did that!  I got dad to start reading, and even both of my boys - they literally have more books than I do, already. I just can't say no to buying them more and more books because it makes me the happiest momma on earth when I see them reading. My little one still doesn't know how to read on his own but really enjoys it when his big brother reads to him. I always loved reading. I learned how to read when I was in first grade, and since then I have not put a book down. As a mom now and my to do list piling up I don't get as much time to read, but I squeeze it in when my little one is resting, and me and Jace lay on the bed together and read beside each other. It's one of my favorite things. We just recently set up our terrace, and it has turned into our new favorite reading center.

 So BookCon was a must for us all, and it was even more epic to know that it was a week before Jace's birthday so it was kind of like an early birthday present for him, and he is still raving about it being the BEST present he got. You have no idea how that makes me feel!!!!

There was so much going on and so much to do, and I truly wish I would have gone both days so I could do some adult stuff, but as it was something I wanted to do for his birthday we stuck to a plan and got so much done. We met many amazing authors, and got plenty of free books too! We got there early when doors opened at 10AM so that we could make it to the first kids event which was the John Cena Story time where he was reading his book Elbow Grease. It was great- we got a front row seat where Cena himself sat up in front of us and read aloud his book. After he let the kids ask him questions and Jace jumped up to ask him how long it took him to make his book. I loved how he said he took his time with it, and it took about two years to make. Jace needed to hear that because he is always so tough on himself when he is writing his own books and wants to give himself such a firm deadline, so hearing someone he admires say that it takes a lot of time to make a book gave him confidence that he could get it done slowly, without rushing the process.

We walked around after that just checking out everything their was to offer from Harper Collins, to Workman, to Strand BookStore where we got some really fun stickers, postcards and pins! After we got to meet John Cena himself with Strand Book Store to get a photo with him and get his book signed. It was easy, and not as crazy as I was expecting it to be. Everyone was so nice, and in no way rushing us in and out. The boys were so star struck that they barely even said a word honestly. It was so cute! But it was nice to be able to get a professional photo instantly.

We then got a sneak peak of The Dog Man Musical by Theater Works which will be playing starting June 28th until August 4th at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. We cannot wait to go to opening night and see more because the sneak peek was just amazing!

If that wasn't enough excitement right after seeing the preview we ran to get online to meet the one and only Dav Pilkey, and the boys were so excited because we had some Dog Man and Captain Underpants books with us that they got to get signed by him. We were about to start looking around again but something told me to check the Scholastic/Graphix sign for the rest of their signings and low and behold the great R.L Stine was going to be coming in a couple hours so we found out what time the line would be starting and made sure we made it on time before it got closed off! We got to meet him and get his new book The Dummy Meets the Mummy. Also right next to him was the author of the I Survived Series- Lauren Tarshis and we got her newest book signed as well.

All in all it was a fantastic day with lots of free books and author signings and we are most definitely making this an annual family tradition now.