Category Archives: Philadelphia

Philadelphia places to visit with family and kids

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Camelback Resort Aquatopia a great weekend for you and your Teens Review

October 8, 2017 superexhausted

This past weekend we had the opportunity to visit Camelback resort and lodge in the Pennsylvania Poconos featuring Aquatopia. Camelback was nice enough to host us and sponsor us for the Fasllfest weekend. We took my son age 16, nephew 16, my daughter age 12 and with my niece 13 to this great family experience so everyone was happy.

We started the weekend by checking into the lovely resort we ended up with a great room on the fifth floor overlooking the ski slopes during the winter you can actually ski right into the lodge from the slopes which is sound super fantastic to me. Check out this video of what our room look like which was a king bunkhouse room.

As soon as we checked into the room in the kids immediately wanted to go down to Aquatopia. Which is Camelback resorts indoor waterpark featuring a glass roof! Which is great because you get the sunshine even when you’re indoors and the temp is perfect 365 days a year. Since we checked in the evening we went to the hot tub first my husband and I went in the indoor/outdoor hot tub. The kids join us for a little bit but they were busy exploring all the fantastic things that are in Aquatopia. The area features many rides both tube rides and large two rides I can be done together as a family. They also have a Lost River that you can either ride in a tube or you can swim through. The Lost River features a lot of waterfalls and lights to really enhance the experience of being on the river. My nephew really enjoyed the Flow Rider which is the first attraction you see when you walk in to Aquatopia. He wrote it for hours he’s been on it a few times but he is doing some tricks check them out right here and at this video.

The great thing about staying is the Camelback resort is your wristband gives you full access to the resort if you choose. Your wristband is your room key can can also be your wallet so no need to carry anything but a towel and a smile. We found this was a great option for the teens gave them a sense of freedom.

Here is an video showing a tour of Camelbacks Resorts Aquatopia so you have a full review and layout for the entire family:

In honor of the Fall Fest, we also checked out Kartrites’s Curse a haunted house on Monster Mountain. It was The kids first experience in a haunted house. I wanted to make sure wasn’t crazy violence but a great time had by all. The kids loved it they thought it was just scary enough and suspenseful enough to really get the juices going. To be honest we had to push a few through the whole haunted house.

Check out this video of their thoughts pf Camelback’s Resorts Kartrites Curse Haunted House :

Monster Mountain a also had some really great other Halloween themed events for the weekend that will be going on now through November like the Monster coaster which is in Alpine coaster ride down at night sounded really really fantastic.

They also had “Lights out” zip lining that sound like fun where you could ride the zip lines that were lighted for the night time. My kids are not the greatest with Heights so we decided not to do that but I think if you had a thrill seeker they want to take spirit something different I definitely think the Halloween themes at Camelback resort are perfect for a unique Halloween experience.

The food at Camelback resort was wonderful they have a great buffet which is about $16 for adults little less for kids that’s in the morning for breakfast I can highly recommend it. Wondering what they had check out my video on the food at Camelback.

Wanted to know what else they had when you need a break from the water a Camelback Arcadia which was an out of the water experience for the entire family. Arcadia featured rock climbing, Llser tag, laser room, mini-golf, hi hi ropes challenge course and also an arcade. At Acadia you could buy different passes depending on what type of experience you wanted so we had a Discovery pass which was about $29 that included all day rock climbing, unlimited mini golf, unlimited high ropes course, unlimited laser room, and one trip to the laser tag. Plus a five dollar credit for the arcade.

Check out the different experiences at Arcadia below in the videos.

Fall Fest : They also had a lot of other weekend activities that would be great for your younger children such as pumpkin painting, doughnut decorating, apple chucking, balloon animals, and many more activities.

I have to say this weekend was a truly spectacular weekend for my entire family not only is Camelback Resort and lodge perfect for the younger kids but it is amazing for the older kids. Which if you go to these types of waters parks sometime they tend to only focus on the little kids. The Camelback Resort designers created an experience for the entire family. My teens loved every minutes and there was something to do for everyone. We found one day would not have been enough time. We spend 2 nights which was great to get the full experience, if we were skiing/snowboarding we would want a week. My kids, niece, and nephew had a wonderful weekend. Everybody fell sleep as soon as we left which is the sign of a good weekend. Be sure to check out Camelback Resort and Aquatopia as your next fall family getaway.

Cooking, Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu

January 8, 2017 superexhausted

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu: In the last month I was asked to join Bertucci’s for the 35th Anniversary Menu celebration at a local Bertuccci restaurant. It was a magical night of food and learning about the brand from the original and still current head Chef Rosario. We started out with the Antipasto, which was just made this olive and cheese loving girl, my heart sung for the Perorino Romano Cheese very lovely salty and aged. My husband kept saying “Did you try the cheese!”

A photo posted by Sherry Aikens (@sherryaikens1) on Dec 8, 2016 at 3:31pm PST

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu: What to eat

Then all the Bertucci guests moved into the new stromboli which is coming soon to menu. Then my favorite the Pizza and the Nolio pizza is back!! I seriously was very happy, if you have not had Nolio pizza it is a must try. The Nolio Pizza is a Parma style prosciutto ans sweet caramelized onions lightly season cream, with Pecorino and mozzarella cheese. For me it is all about the caramelized onions so sweet and butter my mouth is water just thing about it. The Nolio left the menu for sometime. I learned that if a favorite menu items of your leaves the Bertucci’s menu you can always ask the Bertucci chef to make it for you according to Chef Rosario.

The restaurant originally founded in Somerville, MA, has become an east coast staple for hand-crafted artisanal pizza and Italian fare…and yes, those rolls have left an imprint in all our minds (and stomachs).

It was an additionally fun evening because Chef Rosario was sitting next to me, he was serving me the perfect bite of food and feeding me all night. He also called me “Bella”, in an Italian accent which could not hurt the charming feeling of the entire evening. I almost forgot my husband was next to me-OOPS. I would like to say I had pictures of Chef Rosario feeding me, but I was blushing too much to show, so you will have to check out my table-mate above being fed (see above). She was a sport posing for me.

Selfie with #ChefRosario thanks the food warms my heart and burst in my mouth #bertucciskitchen #foodporn #eatitalian #ChefRosario @bertuccis

A photo posted by Sherry Aikens (@sherryaikens1) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:35pm PST

I also found some of my new unexpected favorites at Bertucci ‘s is the Butternut Squash Ravioli. I was expected the Lobster Ravioli to steel my heart but no the Butternut Squash won out for me. I am not sure it was the asiago-sage sauce or the roasted brick butternut but it was so rich and decadent it was a perfect pillow pasta bite amazing.

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Lobster Ravioli

My husband and I we able to experience many dishes with our fellow dinners, like Chicken Ana Maria chicken with sage mushrooms artichokes and the coming soon Possimamente: Grilled Chicken Marengo on Arugla Salad which is a wonderful option for those non eating carb humans. We finished the evening with a Cannoli- I would love to say I had a picture of the cannoli but it did not make it long enough.. it was scrumptious.

The Bertucci’s we visited was a newly renovated one in Plymouth Meeting Pa complete with an outside Patio, which will make it a great destination during warmer months, and a new dinning venue to try the Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu .

I have to say because of everything I was able to experience at the 35th Anniversary Menu Experience, I could not wait to revisit Bertucci’s again. Over the holiday break my daughter and I went back we ordered some of my favorites on our Girls Day Out. Tip also if you go during lunch they give you a free salad, and those amazing soft yummy rolls.

If you have not been back in a while to Bertucci’s it is time to go, order some of your old favorites and try some of Chef Rosario’s new ones.

Disclosure: My husband and I were hosted by Bertucci’s in exchange for this post. My tastes buds are honest and true to how much I enjoyed the food at Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu.

LIfe, Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

December 6, 2015 superexhausted

If you follow my blog you probably I really enjoy exposing my kids to the arts. This December was no different, The Arden open a new play Han Brinker and the Silver skates and they invited us to preview it because my daughter was part of the drama school. The Play is Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates the script has been in the works at the Arden for 2 years, It was well worth the wait.
I took my daughter and her friends to experience the play. The play is a lovely story age appropriate for 5 and up. There is a little music and the actors are moving the entire play.

The story is of a family Hans, His Sister Gretel, and parents have fallen on hard times. The people of their town dismiss them because of poverty except for one kind girl who looks past the poverty and treats them with Humanity. It is the story of hardships, kindness, and how people can learn from each other presented in a lovely way that is appropriate for the plays young patrons.

The Stage is set up as a frozen river and is wonderful the actor with the felt pad shoes actually skate on the stage it is lovely to watch. They make it look so realistic you think you are outside. The choreography and the use of the stage is amazing, makes for a fast moving play that the kids and adults.
The Arden does a wonderful job with educating kids. After the play the actors sit down on the stage and answer questions
I think this plays is great for the winter not only is a winter time play but the message is wonderful. As an adult I was touched and felt tears coming at certain parts of the play. The actors are truly magical.

I would recommend taking the kids to a Matinee show. We went to The Continental for lunch after (tip they offer 10% with The Arden ticket stubs). It is a little pricier for kids about (10-$20 for a meal) no kids menu. I go because of my favorite appetizer The Onion Soup Bites (my copycat recipe is here). Which if you had them you will understand the splurge for the kids.

After lunch we walked up to and walked through City Hall. I did not know they have a amazing tree in the middle of city hall. All the girls remarked the center of city hall looked like Hogwartz. Next to City hall is Dilworth Park for Made In Philly market which will be there for the Holidays featuring many local Artisans. I loved the frosted cookies yummy. They also had soap makers, wonderful handmade clothes, and jewelry, that was all locally made in Philly. Dilworth Park also has an Ice skating rink.

Diagonal from city hall is Love Park where the Christmas Village is set up featuring great vendors from around the world. The girls loved shopping. It was a little tight in some sections of the market I would not recommend the Village for strollers. They did have a mulled wine you could purchase a commemorative cup for $8 and do refills for $6. It smelled good. They also had many different food.

Before heading back to the car we check out the Macys windows, If the girls were not complete tired I would have stayed for the organ and light show. The organ plays twice a day, the light show is every hour call the store to double check times.

Cooking, Giveaways, LIfe, Philadelphia, sponsored posts

My Thanksgiving Hero Nurse Deb #sponsored

November 14, 2015 superexhausted 1 Comment

A few weeks ago I wrote about LaBrea campaign for ThanksgivingHeros. I wanted to share about my Thanksgiving Hero with you Nurse Deb. 10 years ago, when I was in the hospital for over a month I met Nurse Deb . I was put in the hospital aka “pregnancy jail” after my doctors determined that I was unable to control my blood pressure on my own = hospital bed rest. I was taken for a weekend, which turned into a 35 days prior to giving birth to my daughter.

This time was hard since we were 2+ hour drive from our closest family. I had very few visitors in the hospital besides my husband and 4 year old son who came a few times a week after work. Needless to say I am social person and there is only so much Judging Amy reruns you can watch on a 13 channel hospital TV system. It was a very lonely time looking at those 4 beige walls.

In enters Nurse Deb, yes I remember her name (because it is the same as my sisters) and she was the most joy filled person I met during my stay. Nurse Deb has a very happy chill vibe – a cross between Phoebe from Friends and Joy from Disney’s “insideout”. This personality is not the norm if you spent any long-term stay in a hospital adult floor, all the “perky” people work on the pediatric floor. Since, I was alone Deb would spend time talking asking about what I was knitting, about my son, or just life stuff, she took a real interest. It was the human connection I was so much in need of I remember being grateful for her visits. She made the poking at prodding more palatable.

I basically sat around as a human incubator for months, every time Deb came to check on me she was patient and not rushed. After my daughter was born, I bumped into Deb in the hospital halls. My daughter was in the NICU for 2 months, Deb again taking an interest asking a ton of questions. I remember Deb saying was very happy to see me alive after the difficult delivery. After just giving birth to a 2.8lb baby and feeling like a failure for not making term-mom guilt. She was the 1st person who made me realize what a gift it was to be alive and everything was going to be OK.

Flash forward 8 years. I am sitting in my moms group meeting and this bubbly mom of 4, nurse walks in. Her husband Rick, is a police officer. The more I talk to her I realize this smiling engaging women is my warden and savior from the pregnancy jail. Over the last few years, I have grown to know her family Deb’s husband and 4 active boys. They don’t always have an easy road with both of them being in public service but they are very happy. Deb works extra during the year and doubles up so she can be with the boys. During the summer Deb and her family spend time exploring the US and bonding. Compassion, Hope, and Love is at the core of Deb’s Family.

When I asked Debbie about her holidays, she told me it has been years since her family has spend a Thanksgiving together. This year she working the day shift on Thanksgiving. I would love for Deb and Rick to have a special memory thanking them for their service. In my experience, Deb did not have to provide a warm smile and sit with me in the hospital but she did because she is true hero.

Do you have someone you would like to Nominate to be a Thanksgiving Hero? La Brea Bakery is looking for 5 people who serve on Thanksgiving? It can be Hospital workers, Police, Fireman, Food Service workers, hotel employees, transit worker, or any service providers who works to make the day for everyone else safe and comfortable. La Brea Bakery will deliver fully catered meals to 5 finalists across the nation on Thanksgiving. Submissions close Nov 15th 2015. Sounds like a great opportunity to share with your Thanksgiving Hero. Do you know someone? To learn more read further, check out here, and watch the video.

La Brea Bakery is the leading artisan bread in the United States, and is sold in 7,000-7,500 accounts (retail outlets and chains) nationwide. Learn more about La Brea Bakery.

How to enter your Thanksgiving Hero?

CONTEST ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS: To submit an entry click the “Thanksgiving Heroes” tab to create your form submission by including: your first and last name; zip code; email address; an essay of 100 words or less telling about your family member that you will be unable to share Thanksgiving dinner with and submit at least one photograph showing both you and your family member that you will be unable to share Thanksgiving dinner with. Submissions must be received by November 15th 2015. Finalists will be announced November 17th 2015, after which the public will have a chance to vote for their favorites through November 20th 2015.

NOW Enter your “Thanksgiving Heroes” To submit an entry

Be sure to follow along La Brea’s social media to get update on the #ThanksGivingHeros and the La Brea Bakery wonderful bread update

La Brea Bakery Facebook,

La Brea Bakery on Instagram:

La Brea Bakery onTwitter:

La Brea Bakery on Pinterest:

Sponsored by Single Edition Media on behalf of La Brea Bakery

Cooking, Philadelphia, sponsored posts

Martha Stewart is Coming to Philly

September 3, 2015 superexhausted

Martha Stewart’s book signing 2015 at Macys in Philly! : I have been a huge Martha Stewart fan for years all way back to when I was 1st out of college and looking for a job. Everyday, I would religiously watch Martha Stewart, my husband would come home and say “What did you make of Martha’s today?” I would make a dried apple rings wreath or some fabulous poultry cooked on wood twigs. My obsession with all things Martha finally needed intervention when, I cut up my husbands sweatshirt to make gloves Martha featured on the show that day..

My Husband said as he held his newly created sleeveless sweatshirt. “We need to find you a job!”

20 years later I am still loving all things Martha Stewart.

I have had the privilege see Martha in person 2 twice. Both during a filming of her shows. She is amazing to watch live, she is force, witty, and very funny. Watching either her cook or create is like having you elegant aunt in the room. You can feel the refinement you want to learn and duplicate.

Do you want to meet her with me? Also try her food, and you live in Philly? Next Thursday is your chance to Meet Martha at a Free Event at Macys Center City,

Martha Stewart and Thomas Joseph will host a special cooking demonstration as Martha shares secrets and tips from her new recipes in her latest cookbook, Appetizers.
Macy’s Center City
Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 5pm

Greek Hall, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA

Please RSVP to 1-877-55- MACYS (1-877-556-2297) beginning Monday 8/31, from 10-6pm EST Mon-Sat 1-6pm EST Sun.

Reservations are suggested. Seats are first come, first served.

With any Martha Stewart collection purchase of $50* or more in the Home department, receive a $10 gift card,** a copy of Martha Stewart’s Appetizers, and an opportunity to meet Martha and have her sign your cookbook.***

*Purchase must be made between Aug 31 – Sep 10, 2015 at Macy’s Center City only.**One per customer, while supplies last and time permits. ***Gift cards and Martha Stewart books will be distributed Sept 10th. Macy’s gift card valid Sept 10-17th. Martha will sign books after the demo only. Event subject to cancellation or change.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MarthaCC15

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Arden Summer Camp Review

July 28, 2015 superexhausted

Arden Summer Camp Review: My daughter had the opportunity to go to Arden Theater’s Drama Summer camp. She loved this camp, I really can’t say enough hope much my daughter enjoyed every moment. She beyond excited to attend the 1st day, only to return at the end of the day bubbling about how awesome, amazing, and fun the day of drama was.

The campers days included a fun schedule of theater classes. The children had acting classes with included improvisation, script writing, dance, and movement. My daughter adored Sam the acting teacher. Stating unequivocally Sam was “the best teacher” she’s ever had even at school. She would chatter on about Sam for the 20+ minute drive home.

The campers learned different type of dances from the shuffle, 2 step and more. I was able to observe a dance class with the younger children(grades 1st-4th.) I love photographing the pure joy that came out of every child it the dance room. They had a real music teacher who sang the songs and played them on the piano instead of using a recorded song, it was like a rehearsal at a adult theater.

The theme of the week was Superheroes. Which we loved. The children participated in a craft class, they created their own superhero identity. My daughter designed her own superhero persona named “Luna Wolf” complete with emblem and costume design. She was so happy to show me the crafts she created at the end of the week.

Each Day a group children create a scene and preform the scene in front of their camp-mates. At the end of a groups performance the other children shared a positive comments about their peers performances. Which gave all the children to preform at a level the were comfortable with and get feedback in a safe place. By the end of the week, my daughter was gaining real drama skills. With these new found acting abilities, I could see them translates to creating a confidant public speaker. The Arden Staff does a wonderful job of nurture growth in a positive creative way. Bravo !

As a parent I think the Arden Drama camp is amazing. From the moment you walk in the building the helper escorts your child to a classroom, every member of the staff is warm and inviting. The staff shares the daily schedule with you in the form of a handout. I found the handout to be a great allowing for actually talking points with your child. My daughter could give me a full review over dinner of her action packed day of drama camp.

The Drama camp was held at the Hamilton Family Arts Center which is the Arden’s Drama School location right next store to the Theater. The building is new and spotless. Great big spaces that allow for movement.

As a parent, my biggest concern was having to park to get my child everyday (hassle of looking for a spot, parking fees.. ect). The Arden Staff turned those concerns in to a non-issue.

Drop Off: The front of the school was a loading zone, you can run in and drop your child off.

Pick up procedure for the end of the day of camp was great (I never parked.) End of the day pick up: The BEST, you assign a “password” for your child at the start of camp. Then end of each day the Arden has a “drive by pick up” at the main theater. A counselor comes out and asks the child’s name and the child’s password. Only the people on your pick up are on the list and must have the password to pick up your child. The Staff verifies password & adults name, then the Arden Staff Member walks your child outside, and puts them in your car. Simple and Efficient.. no parking needed.

My daughter was happy and giggling every day. Check out my daughters full review of the week in the video.

Arden Summer Camp Review: It was a amazing experience. Any child will be lucky to attend this camp, it is a fun learning experience that allows a child to grow and develop in a interactive way. My daughter is already asking to go back next year.

Philadelphia, Photography

How to take pictures of runners for beginners

July 22, 2015 superexhausted 2 Comments

How to take pictures of runners for beginners : I was asked to photography a 5 K run this weekend. Normally I do more posed portraits and I love doing them. I was not sure I could get the essence of the runners as they worked and showed there athletic ablity. At the bottom of the post are my tips for you to get those cant miss shots of your family and friends in action in all those 5K and marathons.

I am not the most athletic person, when I went running down the hill after them at the start in 85+ degree heat was panting like a dog. I was more then happy when they left for the course and I could pick my spot from where to capture the finish. The race event was a summer soaker 5K so wet and fun as everyone got sprayed by a fire truck. My finish location was downwind of the fire truck was nice, loved the overspray.

I took 571 pictures and only a few were duds. I loved shooting everyone as they ran through to the finish.

How to take pictures of runners for beginners :

To get the action shots I focused on the Stomach of the athletes, faces are hard to shoot on moving targets. Make sure camera is focus to avoid blurry pictures.
Take test shots and check them of other runners to make sure you get the best shot of your runner.. If you runner might win find someone to stand at a location they might come across the finish.. the Fast runners Take 17-18mins so you have a few minutes to set up
Use eye visual and not digital screen if your camera has one.. looking through the hole will always take better shoots then viewing through digital screen
If you can rest you elbows on your chest/stomach it will stabilize your picture rather then extending your arms and holding camera away from your body. (squeeze you boob together) This will help with blurry photos. (if you have a tripod even better)
Use a fixed lens rather then a lens you have to zoom in at out, a variable lens slows down the focus time I used my fixed 50MM Nikon lens.
Find a Position for you to stand that is close but not in runners way
Take the picture on a large format (aka High resolution high Pixels) this allows you the best large quality for cropping (set camera for “Fine” in menu)
Set camera for fast pictures – Use the preset “action” Mode on the camera (the little guy running icon on dial) or a quick shutter speed 800
Take Multiple shots hold the shutter (the silver button down) of set for multi photos. You can always delete later

Have a great time shooting and Have a great week!

LIfe, Philadelphia, Product Reviews, sponsored posts

What to Look for when Replacing Windows

May 15, 2015 superexhausted

Disclosure: I was asked to review Window Nations service, I received a window for my home opinions in this post are all my own.

Window Nation review: Window Nation is a window provider that sells and installs windows, and doors for your home, they service several states. When I was asked to review a window company I was apprehensive a salesman will come to my home. I was not looking for a high pressure sale. When the salesman Dave came I did not expect to my pleasure I received an education in windows, and how they can affect your home.

Window Nation is big on excellent quality, they have one of the top rated companies in the window industry with an A+ rating. Also they call for your feedback through out the process to make sure you were pleased with your service. They want to be the best and are open to suggestions. A company that listens.

You can loose the majority of heat through the windows in your home. Dave the Window Nations salesman showed me using a heat lamp and a heat reading sensor how the different types of glass pains and gas can affect the heat that escapes from your house. The window industry standard that is 36% heat loss, my original windows in my home the one I am looking to replace (single pain) window let a whopping 91% of heat loss. This large picture window in home just think my window was almost an entire wall, so think how draft my living-room is? The Window Nation Window heat loss is 23% amazing way lower than the industry standard. I was impressed to see the demonstration Dave brought- you could feel the heat through the glass on many of the samples, the Window Nation window you can not.

Put you hand on your window.. do you feel hot or cold how much heat/cool are your windows letting out?

The salesman Dave was super great he taught me in the last 10 years the window industry has really changed. 10 Years ago my husband I replaced all the windows except this large picture window, so I had some knowledge of what what I did not want.

The first thing Dave taught me was the fit of a windows and insulation is one the most important concern when purchasing a window. (My old windows my husband measured.) Because if you have a great window, does not fit and it is installed improperly you can loose all heat or air condition just leaks out the sides.

Window Nations windows are fitted to 1/8 of an inch, they sent a Window Nation Measure Tech who work for at the manufacture to measure the window so it fits perfect. The salesman is not the same person who measures so your window, they spend the time in having a person come dbl check the measurements, taken at the original sales call to ensure your replacement windows with be made to your exact home. I liked the idea measure twice make once.

Then the Window Nations installers use a flexible latex insulation (OSI) that creates a seal around the windows that grows, expands, but also shrinks when need with the home. The latex insulation is important because if you have the wrong foam that expands too much it can actually push out the window, is what both Dave the salesman and John the installer explained. It makes sense, your house is change with the whether so should the space around your windows. Better efficiency better quality.

Window Nation Window that makes it a premium window. I also learned about the windows and gases in the windows. Window Nations have a high level of Argon Gas but also a non visual silver lining, and a UV protect-ant so your furniture will not fade. The lower window frame slants down and away to make sure that water runs off. I think this is great I have a friend that said she bought windows and the did not slant away and had major issues with water pooling not a problem with Nation Window Windows.

Also the glides in the windows allow it to slide easier then others, they are also very durable and cast metal so they don’t break (trust me my other windows have issues with bad glides). Visually the Window Nation windows are lovely the grids in the windows are shaped they are between the layer, they are not just flat. The windows tilt out and the screens pop out for easy cleaning

So you can see the difference?

What to expect from Replacement Window Installation:

The called to confirm the time a day prior then the installer call ed prior to coming, He was at the begin of the time frame for the installation window. Window Nations installation team. John came to install the window with his assistant. Prior I was asked to more my items away from the window, I was not able to move my large desk and John worked with me.

The laded down plastic both in and outside the window. The removed my old 1951 window with easy and it was painted in. The design was the original window we had the house 2 side windows one large in the middle, I went the same layout with the replacement. They installed the windows cleaning as they went. John was in my home for 2 hours installing my window, installation, and then wrapping the window. It was profession done and nothing was out of place when they left.

The Result :

We have lived with our new Window Nation window for the month. Hello beautiful view ! Out my beautiful window, where I sit at my desk everyday enjoying my windows that open, and I can close them to keep out the heat. I am never driven out by the rays of the sun because the heat stays outside on a 90 degree day. The week in April the window was installed the the temperature dropped into the 30’s.

The first night my husband came home he from work said “WOW, I can feel the difference it is less drafty.”

It has made a huge difference in our electric bill and how much more we enjoy our home. I seriously want them to come back at some point and replace the windows I replaced 10 years ago. All I can say is amazing change in our home thanks to Window Nation, it is the prettiest and largest window in our home great job.

Old window..Yuck in bad shape

New Window

Have you seen my pretty new window openers and latches? they tuck away How cool!

Do you need new windows ? Have you replaced your windows? Was it a good experience?

Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Annie in Philadelphia

March 8, 2015 superexhausted

Annie in Philadelphia: When I was 8years old the musical Annie premiered on Broadway. My parents got me the record of Andrea McCardel belting out lungs tomorrow tomorrow I love ya tomorrow. My friend and I would sing it is a hard knock life over and over again. My sister would sing maybe far away … Then the day came My grandmother took my mom, sister, and me to see the live performance. It was magical the the girl, the set, the dog. I drank in every second, it sparked a true love of musical theater in me that continues to this day.

Annie is a musical that transcends time little girls and boys love the songs.

This past week we were fortunate to attend an Annie preview event for the up coming Annie Broadway’s show that is coming to Philadelphia March 17-22, 2015. It is the classic version with all the song and red dress. Everything that you would loved and want to share with your children.

Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony AwardR-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

Check out the tickets and show times here

Save 50% on select tickets to ANNIE with promo code SANDY *

https://tickets.kimmelcenter.org/APO/apo.aspx?apo_no=SANDY

* Discount available on select Family Circle and Amphitheatre seats for the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening performances of ANNIE. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets and may not be combined with any other offer. ALL SALES FINAL. No exchanges or refunds. Offer may be revoked without notice. Limit 8 tickets per person. Additional fees will apply.

See you at the show

LIfe, Parenting, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids

March 3, 2015 superexhausted

Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids: This year I was able to go to the press preview of the Philadelphia Flower Shower. It was fantastic the theme this year is Movies, it is perfect for family. This year show is collaboration between Philadelphia Horticulture Society and Disney. The displays were based on Disney owned movies, from animated to live action.

I have a created a 2015 PHS Flower show Kids Scavenger Hunt- to make your kids trip to the show more challenging. Check it out here PHS flowershow Kids Scavenger Hunt

The show features many Disney Princess that is sure to delight. This display was from Robinson it is Cinderella Table.

This display is baser on every ones favorite clown fish “Nemo”

There is so much fr the kids to see from large flower displays to miniature, to press flower painting done by other kids. Your children will love the flowers. Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids is lifetime memory.

The 2015 Flower Show will “Celebrate the Movies” with the world’s great floral and garden designers taking inspiration from the world’s great cinema. It’s Lights, Camera, Bloom!

Prices: Tickets purchased online February 28-March 8:

Adult $30*

Student $20*

Child $15*

Tickets purchased at the PA Convention Center Box Office:

Adult $32

Student $22

Child $17

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running flower show in North America. All proceeds from the Flower Show support PHS and its acclaimed urban greening programs including City Harvest. Best Value Tickets They have some great things to do as a family.

Butterfly exhibit cost $3 per person and is well worth the money. My daughter loved it we actually spent many hours she loved it the Butterflies land on you she had one hanging on her eye. They teach you about the butterfly, and using a qtip with sugar water you can attract the butterflies.

It took my daughter a little bit to become comfortable with the butterflies but once she did she was truly happy she even used her own money to pay for a second time to go in to the exhibit- lets say we spent 3 hours total of the 6.5 hours we at the flower show in this exhibit.

Make and Take Area: We also made a Headpiece for $10 which she really loved. She wore it around the show and received a ton of compliments. They also have a Make an Take Terrarium for $20. I took this picture in the Bank of America Lounge which is a great place to relax and sit, it is located on the main concourse.

Gene Londons Hollywood collection: Which is a great collection of Hollywood history. It cost $5 to enter but it is a fun look back. You might recognize Audry Hepburn Dress or Marylin’s dress.

Cinderella Sunday This Sunday March 8th. Princesses and princes of all ages are invited to come dressed as their favorite Disney royalty and walk the red carpet on March 8. Guests can take photos with Cinderella. A PHS members-only Princess Party will take place from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Tea Room. Tickets are $28 plus a $1 service fee. Cinderella Sunday wouldn’t be complete without crowned royalty! Watch for an appearance of Miss Philadelphia and Miss Philadelphia Teen in the Make & Take Room from 1 – 2:30 pm, and then on the Show Floor from 2:30 – 3:30pm.

I would take the kids this year to the Philadelphia Flower Show for the Kids . I made a list for things for your kids to look for while at the show.

Check out my flickr page with more Philadelphia Flower Show Pictures 2015

Superexhausted