Category Archives: Product Reviews

Product review of family, living, cooking, fashion,kids,toys, healthy including Photography and honest reviews.

Pa Ballet Nutcracker Review- Making a Day of it in Philly

girls with the sugar plum fairyMy Review of  Pa Ballet Nutcracker:  I took my sister, daughter,and niece.  What a great da,  it took me right back to when my sister and I were little and my grandparents would take us to see the Ballet.  Our Day stared with  girls getting  dressed up in their holiday best for the occasion,  they were going to the ballet (fancy as my daughter would say).    My daughter planed for weeks for this day. I kept thinking “as vision of sugar plums danced in there head”.

We arrive early to pick our tickets,  so we stop across the street to get Shirley Temples (ginger ale w/ a cherry) for the girls.  Just like our grandparents use to do for my sister and I when we were kids.  The girls felt so grown us to have a drink with us in the fancy hotel prior to the show.   The hotel was filled with other little girls excited for the show,  the air was electric in anticipation.

We walked across the street and entered the PA Academy of Music.  The music hall is grand and elegant (fancy).  We stopped and took a picture with the Sugar Plum Fairy- the girls swooned.  The Pa Ballet is taking the photos  with your choice of he SugarPlum Fairy or the Mouse king for $20 for one of the ballet characters or $30 for both and of course you can use your own camera as well to get an extra photos once you paid. The proceeds of the photos benefit the Pa ballet,  you can pick up the photo during intermission or  after the performance.

Pa academy hallWe were fortunate  to sit on the lower level for this performance. My daughter and niece were so excited as we entered the performance hall.  The Academy of music is gorgeous and glittery gold. Once the ballet started the girl sat entranced.. loving every second. From the tree growing, and the ballerina dance on there toes. It was amazing the costumes where fabulous.  The children that preformed were enchanting.   The music enveloped you and made you want to dance with grace and posie.  Both my sister and I had tears in our eyes as the Sugerplum Fairy danced with her prince.  You could feel the love, she feels for ballet as she spun. Lovely and stunning.

Photos are not allowed during the performance, so you have to see it in person.

If you have not seen a Ballet this is a great one to start with.  The PA Ballet Nutcracker is lively and runs at a great pace to keep the children attention and you will love the music and costumes. The Pa Ballet does a spectacular job.  This was my second time seeing it I took my son when he was 9 –  he loved it too,  so lets not forget those boys.

We purchase ornament for the girls for $15 of a dancing Carla at the souvenir stand in the ballet.

PA Ballet Nutcracker Tickets are still on sale and some start at $20 (when I went with my son we sat in the upper seats he still loved it – also you can bring binoculars)

Here is the girls reviews after the performance;

I would make a day of going to see the PA Ballets Nutcracker.  Philadelphia is so alive with the holiday spirit.

After the performance we did go for dinner Olive Garden is around the corner on Chestnut Street off Broad street . Then a quick walk to  headed to Macys (one block in on chestnut, aka old Wanamaker building) to see/hear the Wanamaker organ and light show runs every hour on the hour. Girls loved it.. the store shoppers  stops and watches the lights for the 10 minute,  Freemacys wanamaker christmas lights

The afterwards we headed up to Macys 3rd floor to see the Charles Dickens Village  “Twas the night be for Christmas” exhibit,   FREE  open till 7pm  (also you do walk through the holiday dept at Macys when heading to Dickens Village exhibit so you can always pick up a souvenir there as well).macys dickens village

End of the Dickens Village which can end with you meeting Santa.  if you want the picture  staring  5×7″ picture was $16.95- or use you own camera Free  philadelphia macy santa posing  with little girls Enjoy you holiday and explore all the culture and fun philly has to offer.

Disclosure:  I received the tickets from the PA ballet.  But the opinions in this post are my own.

 

Disney On Ice Philly Ticket and Storybook Giveaway

dad reading a story bookAt A time when we are all holding our children close. I have been finding things that create memories with my children.  I love the  Disney Hallmark’s newest Disney Recordable Storybook titles, including “The Wish My Heart Makes for You” and “You’re a Hero! All the Ways You Save the Day.” And to bring the enchantment of Disney Recordable Storybooks to life, Hallmark is sponsoring the Disney on Ice tour  hitting cities across the nation, including the Philadelphia area!

I heard Hallie Berry took her daughter this past weekend to Disney on Ice and it was a huge hit with her daughter.

Recordable Storybooks – Hallmark added two new Disney titles to its popular library of Recordable Storybooks this year, including “The Wish My Heart Makes for You” and “You’re a Hero! All the Ways You Save the Day.” They join other Classic Disney Recordable Storybooks like Lightning McQueen and His Winning Team, Winnie the Pooh’s Plan Bee and What Makes a Princess. We’d love to provide one of the new titles of your choice to review.

Want to check out the Rockin’ Ever After Disney on Ice performance in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly:

With Merida from Braves 1st time on the ice!

Tickets range from $22.50-$90

Thurs,  Dec 27 2012  3:00PM
Thu,  Dec 27 2012  7:00PM
Fri,  Dec 28 2012 11:00AM
Fri,  Dec 28 2012  3:00PM
Fri,  Dec 28 2012  7:00PM
Sat,  Dec 29 2012 11:00AM
Sat,  Dec 29 2012  3:00PM
Sat,  Dec 29 2012  7:00PM
Sun,  Dec 30 2012 11:00AM
Sun,  Dec 30 2012  3:00PM
Sun,  Dec 30 2012  7:00PM

Hallmark Disney Experience Giveaway!!!

Hallmark Disney recordable storybook and a family four-pack of tickets for a giveaway.

Giveaway runs from Dec 17-Dec 20

Mandatory:  So leave a comment below letting me know what is your favorite Disney Story?

Additional entry  Tweet :   Hey #Philly Disney on Ice is here want to win Tickets and Halmark Storybook ?  frm @babypop  & @hallmark http://ow.ly/gbpaw

Please leave a comment and link to tweet  you did so below.

Disclosure: I received a Disney Recordable Storybook and four Disney on Ice tickets in exchange for this review.

Giveaway is for Philadelphia show only!

winner is #17  B wash

drawing winner

Sinners Chipotle Chocolate Chips Cookie

chipotle chocolate cookies

Lehigh Valley Dairy asked me to review their milk and create a Most Dunkable cookie recipe.  Sinners Chipotle Chocolate Chips Cookie  are my take on a adult taste cookie that goes great with a glass of Lehigh Valley Milk.  I call then sinner cookies because  of the 3 types of chocolate , rich powered chocolate , chips and milk chocolate chunks.  The  bourbon smoked salt add a savory  as you enjoy the flavor then slowly the burn,  the fire from the chipotle  get you around the 3rd bite.  This is the prefect gift for fan of spicy flavor. This is cookie that can only be enjoyed with a Lehigh Valley glass of milk,  with it clean fresh flavor I love their milk.

Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms prides itself on purity, which has led them to develop not only their 5-Point Purity Checklist, but also their new Pure Protect bottle. The new bottle helps protect that delicious, creamy, farm-fresh taste and essential nutrients from the harmful effects of light.  They are perfect pair together.

Sinners Chipotle Chocolate Chips Cookie

yields 36 cookies

  • 1 stick of unsalted butter
  • 8 tablespoons of refined coconut oil
  • ¾ white sugar
  • ¾ brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoon of corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons  Mexican vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons of powered chocolate
  • 3-4 teaspoons of chipotle (dried)
  • 1 16 oz package of semisweet chips
  • 8 oz milk chocolate bar chopped up
  • Smoked bourbon sea salt

chili and chocolate

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Beat butter, coconut oil, and sugars until well blended and smooth
  3. Add eggs, corn syrup and vanilla to  sugar blend until light and fluffy
  4. In separate bowl mix all dry ingredients  flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, powder chocolate, chipotle an blend well with a fork.
  5. Slow add the dry ingredients in to the wet a little bit at a time till all ingredients are well blended
  6. Then add the chocolate chunks and chips in the dough
  7. Scoop out using cookie scoop place 2” apart on a parchment lined  cookie sheet and sprinkle each cookie with sea saltchili cookie dough
  8. Bake for 9 minutes
  9. Allow to cool and enjoy with milk

Here is the easy printable Sinners Chocolate Chips Cookie

chipotle chocolate chip

These  cookies will  be a great additional to your holiday cookie tray.  Enjoy and surprise people with a little something special this year.

Note these cookies placed in the top 10 best cookies for the Lehigh Valleys most Dunkable cookie contest.

Want to see some other great cookie recipes check out and follow  my Pintrest Cookie Board.

Disclosure this recipe is is a sponsored post to be review Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms milk,  they provided me with cookie cutters, a stipend to purchase the ingredients and share your Most Dunkable Cookie Recipe.

cookie contest

Call Of Duty® – Black OPS II Hardened Edition Review

black ops 2This is my review of Call of Duty Black Ops II® Hardened Edition.  I love the Call of Duty Franchise, and I couldn’t wait for Black ops II to come out.

I got the Hardened edition which included:

• Collectible Steelbook®

• Official Soundtrack by Jack Wall with theme by Trent Reznor

• Exclusive Xbox Live®   Claw Avatar Prop and Zombie Avatar Costume

• Bonus  In-Game: Nuketown Zombies and Nuketown 2025

• 2 collectible coins

Well the packing is top notch. The new graphics are top notch,  The story line goes between present and past. Most campaigns are interesting and have good game play. You get to use wing suits, control the “claw” for one campaign. The new weapons are really cool just wish they were all available on xbox Live.

The cinematography is really well done and is needed to tie all the campaigns together. So far most are really well thought out and well done. I did have some issues  with one  campaign that involved riding a horse through the desert. After completing the main battle your run the horses straight at a tank and you have no control, till the horse falls on you and you have to “push” him off.  That is a really lame ending /transition. But that was the only down point of the entire game so far. Overall everything was very solid and realistic the sounds and video are sharper and have more detail. If you like the previous versions then you will love this one.

black ops 2I love xbox Live and that is where I spend most of my time. The new maps are really great my favorites are Meltdown, Turbine, Carrier and Nuketown  2025.. All the maps have pinch points to force interaction and the overall look of the maps and weapons are really good. They did a great job on details and map layout to create blind spots and attack points through out the maps. Turbine and Carrier are my current favorites for the longer distance shots. I enjoy the sniping aspects of Call of Duty vs the run and gun.

With all the new improvements this is a must have game ,you will love this version. The new weapons and sights are top notch and the fact that you can prestige a single weapon at a time is a great improvement. Hands down this is the best game of the franchise so far and a must have if you like first person shooters.

Author Mr. Superexhausted

Disclosure:   The game was sent to us from Activision to review, the blog post is of my own opinion.

Longwood Garden Christmas

Longwood_christmas_1970
Longwood Gardens, is one of my most favorite places to visit during the holidays.  Every year my family and I make the very worth while trip to visit Longwood to see the Christmas lights and beautiful plants.  Every year the staff transforms the gardens with millions of lights .    My children marvel at the lights.

So my recommendation for coming with the kids is to come around 3:00 in the afternoon. Take a walk around the outside gardens make sure you make you way to the tree houses. Then start walking back towards the main building as darkness begins to set in. Then  prepared to be amazed I recommend checking out the water fountain light show.  The grounds keeps have also added many many more outside light displays make for exciting walk through the lighted outside gardens.  Then walk through the Pierre du Pont home and see the resident cats.  Then finally stroll through the observatory and be sure to see the the table the poinsettia and also walk through the bonsai, jungle and desert area all being decked out with the holiday theme.

This year the theme is the stars at Longwood.  The main entrance of the observatory has hundreds of paper star hanging from the ceiling.
Longwood_christmas_1908BW
Th middle of conservatory is a amazing table seats over 100 people.
Longwood_christmas_1931s
Even the Kids garden get in to the holiday spirit.
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Longwood_gardens_1914

 

Is there a place to eat at Longwood Garden.  Yes they have a beautiful cafe and also fin dinning.  I find the cafe always has great food  for kids and adults.  They also adapt the menu for the season.  Also they do grow some of the food served in the cafe.

So when is the best time to come visit?  With over 250K people traveling to see the beauty at Longwood when is the best time to take the kids.  Longwood garden staff shared some tips that make the most out of family tip spent at Longwood.  Family Membership night is reserved for Monday nights.  During the week Tues Wed and after Jan 1st is also a great time because the decorations are still up .  So you can extend the spirit into the new year.
Longwood_christmas_1974e
Disclosure :  I did receive entrance to Longwoood gardens in exchange for this post,  it is a family tradition we have been doing for years so I am so excited to be working with Longwood.

 

 

7 Girls Stocking Stuffer Ideas Under $9

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Great Ideas for Stocking stuffers for Girls preteen tweens school ages 6-9. after reviewing product all year. Here are the top picks Girl Stocking Stuffer Ideas my daughter loved and has played with. These make my daughter feel like a big girl but keeping her little.
My favorite girl ages 6-9 stocking stuffers is:

  • Hair Chox by Fashion Angels On Amazon, Also at Ulta , Walmart  average price $3-4 each they are great because you can use them in your daughters hair them they wash out so color with out the commitment.

  • Here are photos of us using them at an event you have to pull the hair through the choxs,  but the color is vibrant .  We also use on my niece’s (High school girl)  she said she would like some for Christmas.

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  • The Monster High Tapeffiti about $6 My daughter loves these little tapes she decorates everything.

  • CHARM IT!   Amazon or the shopcharm-it.com site  I love CHARM IT!  jewelry because you can add on.  The charms run about $6-7 and they have every type of charm you can imagine.  So you buy the bracelet as a gift them load the stocking up with charms.    Like a cell Phone , soccer ball  or Initial. I love the idea of getting sister charms.

The pig ones we have and they have little rubber boots.

Charm_it_3707charm_it_3706

  • Stickers and sticker books are back $1-5. Yes the ones we had as a kid.  but now they make books that you can remove the sticker and trade.

  • Lip Balm Girls love lip balm .. any scent or flavor is always a win Pick up at walgreeen, cvs, anywhere.
  • Ear Muffs and animal hats roll them up and have Santa fit in stocking s this year. Animal hat are the new hot trend sweeping the playground this one is only $9- $40- I found these on amazon you can click on the picture to learn more.

  • One of my favorite stores to shop for the holiday “little stuff” is 5 below the have so much super fun great to.

Santa loves  filling the stockings and finding little gift that will make the morning something special.  PreTeen girls will love being  a big girl while still being young.

Disclosure: this post does contain Affiliate Links to help support the cost of running this blog.. yea basically I will earn enough to buy me a cup of coffee.

Activison Game Summit and Skylanders Giveaway

Activison_fam_summit_002185
So a few weeks ago I was fortunate to go to The Activision Family game summit.  I learned about some amazing thing about video games that changed how I think about videos games.

  • Game players perform higher in perceptual and cognitive tasks, and are often more creative
  • Video games can promote cooperation; gamers spend 80% of their time failing, encouraging resilience
  • 62% of gamers play collaboratively, games teach everyday skills including promoting teamwork!
  • Studies show that video games may help kids with anger issues, & those with depression
  • Girls who play games w/parents are better behaved, feel more connected w/their families (BYU study)

These are my top video pick for boys:
Wreck-It Ralph
> DSI, Wii  Help Ralph earn the Wreck-ognition he deserves before it’s game over!  On the Fly Swappable Characters: Use Wreck-It Ralph’s brawn to destroy obstacles or Fix-It-Felix’s magical hammer to repair them! Venture through exciting worlds based on the featured film; from Sugar Rush to Hero’s Duty, every world is unique but equally action-packed and fun! Find and accumulate collectibles like Hero Medals and Easter Eggs that you can display in your trophy collection!

Transformers Prime: The GameDSI and Wii  Help OPTIMUS PRIME and the AUTOBOTS join forces with human friends Jack, Miko and Raf to save the Earth from MEGATRON and his new secret weapon THUNDERWING. Play as one of your favorite AUTOBOT characters including BUMBLEBEE and BULKHEAD as you battle through unique vistas around the world to help defeat the DECEPTICONS.

I love these video picks for my PreTeen Daughter:

Lalaloopsy Carnival of Friends DSI Game Peanut Big Top™ is throwing the biggest Silly Funhouse carnival in Lalaloopsy Land for all to enjoy, including a special treat at the end! It’s up to you to find all of the Lalaloopsy friends at the carnival to reveal the BIG surprise!  40 different characters.

Activision_1668
Lalaloopsy Carnival of Friends DSI Game Bratz® are everyone’s favorite girls with a passion for fashion®! Now you can join the girls and run the hottest fashion boutiques in Stylesville. Help create the latest trends and tap into your inner diva!

Moshi Monsters Moshlings Theme Park DSI Game The Moshlings have lost their way around Amusement Isle and they need your help to round up their monster-mates and light up the magical Moshlings Theme Park. So experience 60 monsters and ride rides. great game for even the youngest games

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Some of my favorite Family Video Games – I loved playing these at the summit:


Angry Birds Trilogy
DSI, PS2, and Xbox Angry Birds is taking flight for the first time ever and crashing on game consoles everywhere! Gather your flock and sling into action!  3 Best-Selling Angry Birds games in 1.  19 exclusive level.  Over 100 hours of addictive gameplay.

WipeOut: The Game
>Welcome back to Wipeout! Where things are wetter, wilder, and even wackier than ever!  Tackle the craziest courses ever, like Deck the Balls and the Wild West.  Run the Wipeout course like never before with all new, 3rd person camera angles!  Battle your friends to reign supreme in Side-By-Side Multiplayer!  Over 200 uniquely outrageous obstacles!

Skylanders Giants Starter Kit
builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure®—merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toys with “brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. Skylanders Giants introduces sixteen new characters to build on the magic of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, including super-sized Giant Skylanders with powers to match, as well as the new LightCore™ Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real-world as players’ transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power® that builds on the magic of the toys.

Want to win Skylanders Giants starter pack?  For Wii

Leave a comment below on What is your favorite Video game to play with the kids?  (be sure to enter you did so in rafflecopter )  winner will be picked using Rafflecopter.. I know but it makes things easier.  Open to US Residents only.  Winner will be notified Dec 18-  Let me know you address Dec 19th so I can get it out to you for Christmas. skylanders game
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received games from Activision for the purpose of this post,  the opinions are all my own.

Ebay gift giving made simple

Girl on a computerSo this holiday season,  I learned about the Ebay shopping gift list app. It is really cool.  My child with the supervision of an adult can choose all the items she wants on her gift list this year.  Then we can send it to Santa up north.

We simply just click on the link and with Facebook Ebay Holiday App logged into the ebay app mobile or on your desk top.   You can create a list  Super Simple, entered the kids name and then picked away adding the gifts we hope to get this holiday season.  I loved how easy it was.   Than I shared the list to friends and Family  for my kids to my extended family. So simple.

I love the interface it allows to have the children doing shopping list but also choose for your spouse.  Also I created a list for my husband which he can’t view.

eBay Gifting App Screenshot

Ebay makes it so simple you can do  ebay gift list creation any time anywhere.  Including swim team practice like we are.

Also just by me creating a list I can win from ebay  something off my list or a gift card.  So head on over and check it out makes ebay shopping easy.

I  was  hired by Splash Creative Media to write this post on behalf of eBay.

 

Things to do in Philadelphia Area for the Christmas Holiday

longwood gardensSo for year my family has done many things around Philadelphia for a Christmas Tradition:  Here is a complete list of things to do for the holidays Christmas  Philadelphia, Lancaster, New Hope and Atlantic City for your Family to start a Holiday Christmas Tradition of your own.

Philadelphia Christmas Holiday:

  • From November 20-January 6, visitors to historic Pennypacker Mills enjoy guided tours of the richly decorated mansion. And on select Saturdays, they can learn how to make Christmas wreaths and see how Victorian candy was made, among other activities. 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, (610) 287-9349, historicsites.montcopa.org/pennypackermills
  • A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights and finishes with sounds from the Wanamaker Organ, November 23-December 31. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, wanamakerorgan.com
  • At Pottsgrove Manor from November 23-January 6, guided Twelfth Night Tours enable visitors to experience the historic mansion when it’s dressed in its traditional English holiday best. Then, on December 9, costumed 18th-century “residents” lead candlelight holiday tours through the manor. 100 W. King Street, Pottstown, (610) 326-4014, historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor
  • Old City gets into the holiday spirit with Deck the Alley, an annual holiday tradition on Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street. Taking place on December 1, the event gives visitors a chance to explore the historic homes all decked out for the holiday season, tour the museum or enjoy the sounds of carolers. 2nd Street & Elfreth’s Alley, (215) 574-0560, elfrethsalley.org
  • Every year, the East Fairmount Park Mansions (Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Mount Pleasant, Strawberry Mansion, Sweetbriar and Woodford) are adorned in holiday finery for yuletide tours. Visitors can wander through one or all of these architectural masterpieces the first two weekends of December (December 1-2 and December 8-9). Mount Pleasant and Woodford will also be open most days from December 11 to December 31. (215) 763-8100, fairmountpark.org
  • History buffs get into the spirit of the season in their own way when they witness Washington Crossing the Delaware River, a free, annual reenactment staged at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park. A day of family-friendly activities accompanies the full dress rehearsal on December 9 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Routes 32 & 532, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-4076, ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing
  • The holidays go red, white and green at Longwood Gardens during A Longwood Gardens Christmas, taking place Thanksgiving Day through January 6. Visitors can wander through half a million glowing lights to see thousands of poinsettias, vibrantly decorated trees and dancing fountains, which brighten the gardens’ vast grounds and conservatory. 1001 Longwood Road,
    Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
  • Morris Arboretum debuts its Holiday Garden Railway display on November 24. This miniature winter wonderland amid the evergreens features a quarter-mile of model-train track with twinkling lights, seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines, cable cars, bridges and trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia-area landmarks made from all-natural materials. 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.org
  • Linvilla Orchards looks more like the North Pole from December 1-24. The decorated farm features a Christmasland display and petting zoo, while the market section is stocked with all-things holiday and crafts for younger guests. Santa makes an appearance every Saturday and Sunday in December, and on select afternoons, visitors can sing along during Caroling Hayrides, marshmallow roasting and apple cider. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media,
    (610) 876-7116, linvilla.com
  • The traditional German Christmas Market runs from November 3-December 31 at Byers’ Choice. In the village-like setting, shoppers can find gingerbread houses, advent calendars and handcrafted toys, plus workshops, live animals and a nativity scene. On December 15-16, guests can also enjoy A Christmas Carol, a one-man show performed by Charles Dickens’ great-great grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens. 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, (215) 822-6700, byerschoice.com
  • Sesame Place Very Furry Christmas– Park is open 1-8 most weekends after Thanksgiving – and a full week during the Dec 25-31.  The parades and characters dressed up in holiday attire and the park is filled with lights.  Themed holiday shows and more.
  • Please Touch Museum® presents the Enchanted Colonial Village Supported by The Philadelphia Foundation, with intricately restored Colonial scenes depicting the Bakery, Blacksmith Shop, Toymaker, Tailor Shop, Watchmaker and others. Open November 16-
    January 2, the village first made its home at the Lit Brothers department store from 1962
    until 1975. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.orgnutcracker

Philadelphia Area Christmas Shows

  • The Philadelphia Orchestra Saturday, December 1, 2012  11:30 am Verizon Hall  Deck the halls and come-a-caroling with The Philadelphia Orchestra for a festive celebration filled with your favorite sounds of the season, sing-alongs, and of course, Santa! Kick your holidays off right with music from The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, narrated by award-winning storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston. You never know what surprises may appear, so jingle all the way to Verizon Hall and don’t miss out!

  • New this year! Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to partner with The Salvation Army. At performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, audience members are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. Once collected at the theater, these toys will be distributed to families across the Delaware Valley throughout the holiday season and beyond.

    Starting at just $20, tickets to all 23 performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ at the Academy of Music are on sale now. Tickets are available online at paballet.org, by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office  Check out my full Ballet post

  •  Rockin’ Ever After Disney on Ice performance in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center Disney on Ice tour
  • Abington Presbyterian Church Christmas by Candlelight service.  Abington Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest churches in North America. The Preformance has  3 choirs from children through adults.  Plus a full orchestra.   Free performance.  Dec 16th 4:30 & 7:00
  • The Keswick Theatre keeps the holiday season humming all month long. The lineup includes: Rockin’ Holiday Celebration with The Duprees, Shirley Alston Reeves and many others, December 1; The Pink Martini Holiday Show, featuring vocalist China Forbes singing classics from Hollywood musicals from the1940s and 50s, December 2; The Irish Tenors’ holiday celebration, December 6; Home for the Holidays, starring beloved singer/songwriter Judy Collins and legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, December 7; Vegas icon Wayne Newton, performing classic hits and holiday favorites, December 11; Manhattan Transfer Holiday Show, December 13; Philly Nutt Crak-Up, a fun and funny holiday dance spoof, December 15.
    291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, (215) 572-7650, keswicktheatre.com
  • This year’s holiday calendar at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Merriam Theater and the Academy of Music is chock-full of old-fashioned favorites. Highlights include: Holiday Spectacular by the Philadelphia Orchestra, December 1; The Rock School’s Nutcracker 1776, December 1; A Celtic Christmas at the Kimmel, December 2; and Holiday POPS! by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, December 7-22. Kimmel, Broad & Spruce Streets; Academy, Broad & Locust Streets; Merriam, 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org
  • Those in the mood for a magical holiday musical can stop by the Walnut Street Theatre, the oldest theater in the country, to catch a one-hour, kid-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, December 1-22. Also on stage, Plaid Tidings, featuring 1950s tunes and holiday gems, November 20-December 30. 825 Walnut Street, (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org
  • It’s year five for Philadelphia’s high-tech holiday show, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, at the 58-story Comcast Center. Onlookers stand in awe of the original holiday imagery set to the music of a 64-piece orchestra and shown on the world’s largest four-millimeter LED screen in the building’s lobby. The free 15-minute show occurs at the top of the hour, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (except 5:00 p.m. on weekdays), from Thanksgiving to January 1. 17th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, visitphilly.com/comcast
  • A Brandywine Christmas takes over the Brandywine River Museum from November 23-January 6. On view: a display of trees featuring “critters” and all-things natural, a Victorian dollhouse, a model railroad with more than 2,000 feet of track and exquisitely crafted jewelry inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Handcrafted natural critter ornaments made by volunteers are on sale December 1-2. U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org
  • Starting on November 23, the picturesque Franklin Square lights up to brighten the season—literally—and provides a holiday backdrop for visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select weekends. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
  • On December 15 at 5:00 p.m., the Independence Seaport Museum hosts the third-annual Parade of Lights. Children can visit with Santa, then the event moves outdoors, so that revelers can watch lighted and decorated tugboats and other vessels float along the Delaware River. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
  • During the Penn Museum’s Peace Around the World: Passport to Cultures on December 2, visitors receive an itinerary that takes them to galleries where speakers share holiday traditions of their home countries. The afternoon also features international music and dancing, children’s choirs, exotic face painting, balloon art and crafts. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, penn.museum
  • Fried potato pancakes take center stage at the Gershman Y’s annual Latkepalooza, where local restaurants whip up their take on the classic for guests to nosh. Music and games add to the Hanukkah fun on December 9. 401 S. Broad Street, (215) 545-4400, gershmany.org
  • A tongue-in-cheek twist on Jewish Christmas activities (going to movies and eating Chinese food), the Gershman Y presents its annual Moo Shu Jew Show, an evening of stand-up comedy and an eight-course dinner, at Chinatown’s Ocean Harbor Restaurant on December 24.     1023 Race Street, (215) 545-4400, gershmany.org
  • On December 25, the holiday spirit goes beyond Christmas at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which presents its annual day of family fun with music, games, children’s activities and more. 101 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.org
  • The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts a Kwanzaa Celebration for the whole family with jam-packed afternoons of celebratory activities, December 29-30. There’s free admission for those who bring a canned-good donation for Philabundance. 701 Arch Street,
    (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com,

New Hope Christmas:

  • Peddler’s Village welcomes the holiday season with the Grand Illumination Celebration, Friday, November 16, 2012, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display also opens on November 16.
  • At 6:15 pm, Santa Claus “switches on” the holiday light display throughout Peddler’s Village. In one breathtaking instant, the Village is transformed into a holiday wonderland with one million jewel-colored lights and glistening reindeer. Savor a cup of complimentary apple cider, heated in an old fashioned kettle, with marshmallows toasted over an open fire and listen to musicians and local choirs perform holiday favorites throughout the evening. Linger at the Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display in the Village Gazebo as the sweet smells and whimsical creations return you to childhood. Admission is free and the display will be open during shopping hours through January 5, 2013. After the ceremony, bring the children to Giggleberry Fair to share secret wish lists with Santa. Santa continues to entertain childrenat his indoor workshop at Giggleberry Fair, from November 16 through December 23, each Friday through Sunday.
  • Kick off your holiday shopping at the Merchants’ Open House Weekend with refreshments in each shop and something for everyone on your gift list, November 16-18. The Village’s extended holiday shopping hours are November 16 through December 30, Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.christmas decor

Lancaster Christmas:

  • The Night Before Christmas Train New this year, the Night Before Christmas Train runs on three Friday evenings during the holiday season, November 30, December 7 and 14. This very unique train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. A reader dressed in a Victorian nightshirt and cap will read Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, The Night Before Christmas, as passengers enjoy cookies and milk as the train rolls along. After the train ride, children are also treated to storybook readings of holiday classics aboard our Caboose (stationary) and visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.
  • In the spirit of the season, kids may come dressed in pajamas and bring along a new pair of pjs to donate to Water Street Ministries’ families in need. Just by attending this event, your participation will help men, women and children who are in need in our community. $5.00 from every ticket will support the work of Water Street Ministries. 
  • Event Details: http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/the-night-before-christmas-train.php
  • *The Rail Road is also offering a Christmas Feast aboard the Dining Car during this event (for an additional charge): http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/christmas-feast.php
  • Santa’s Paradise Express Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to the Strasburg Rail Road to celebrate the Christmas season on November 23-25, December 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, 2012. This holiday tradition provides a fun, relaxing atmosphere for families as they travel on a 45-minute ride in an authentic vintage steam train. Santa, his helper and musicians stroll from car-to-car, greeting and entertaining children of all ages.  After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Children ages 3 to 11 also receive a gift from Santa and his helper.Event Details: http://strasburgrailroad.com/santas-paradise-express.php
  • Choo Choo Barn’s Holiday Display  Choo Choo Barn is celebrating the season with an enhanced holiday display from November 23 through December 31, 2012. Look for 51 hidden Santas and watch as Santa’s sleigh flies above the gigantic model train display. Enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the display including holiday lights and the snow-covered landscape. Plus, take a close look at the zoo animals in Traintown to see how they’re getting into the holiday spirit! Choo Choo Barn is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day). Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-11.  Event details: http://www.choochoobarn.com/holiday/
  • Join the Choo Choo Barn and help the community by participating in Canned Food Fridays. The 24th annual food drive returns to the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg, PA, on December 7, 14 and 21, 2012 from 10am – 8pm. Admission to the Choo Choo Barn’s 1,700 square foot model train layout is free if you donate at least one non-perishable food item per person. During Canned Food Fridays Choo Choo Barn will feature an enhanced holiday display and kids can search for 51 hidden Santas.
  • Food collected will be donated to the Lampeter United Methodist Church Food Cupboard and the Chester County  Food Bank. After exploring the unique model train display, children are invited to visit with Santa Claus at The Shops of Traintown, from 3pm – to 8pm. After their visit with Santa, children will receive a gift from the Choo Choo Barn and a coupon for a free cookie at Isaac’s Restaurant & Deli in Strasburg.
  • National Christmas Center  This place is a great place to visit with the kids and walk through new and olf tradional christmas.  My kids loved it.   427 Lincoln Highway East (U.S. Rt. 30), Paradise, PA 17562, 717-442-7950
  • Dutch Wonderland has a Christmas display and rides open for the holiday season Open Saturday Nov 30.  Great for little kido’sholiday decor

Atlantic City

  • “Winter Sweet” — a new, family-friendly, nightly outdoor show — will debut on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk on Saturday, December 1 at 6 p.m
  • “Winter Sweet” debuts as part of a daylong celebration of the holidays in Atlantic City, including the Atlantic City Holiday Parade, the Christmas tree lighting, and other special events. Aiken is appearing courtesy of the Trump Taj Mahal, which presents Clay Aiken’s Joyful Noise Tour 2012 in the Mark G. Estess arena on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m.
  •  “Winter Sweet” is free and no tickets are required.

So what are you doing this year?

Sesame Place Christmas

sesame_placeThis past week we were invited to go to Sesame Place Very Furry Christmas. Such a great family tradition for the family.  This was the 2nd year we attended,  Sesame Place did not disappoint.

New this year, is the Sesame Place Furry Express, a brand new trackless train ride, which takes guests on a tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory and ends the journey with samples of their famous gingerbread treats.sesame place

A Very Furry Christmas will also feature exciting special events, including concerts and character meet and greets.   Sesame Place will also celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks set to Sesame Street themed music.

I loved seeing the boy love the evening of lights and rides.  They had such a fun time being kids and enjoying the holidays. sesame place very furry christmasThe nice thing that they add this year was the heat lamps the really made the cool night pleasant.

I wanted to share the video I took of the swings.

A Very Furry Christmas opens at Sesame Place on select dates beginning Saturday, November 17th. The park will also open daily from December 26th through December 31st. For a complete operating schedule please visit sesameplace.com

Admission tickets for A Very Furry Christmas are $21.99 and include a free second visit.  Guests with 2012 and 2013 Season Passes are able to upgrade their Season Pass to include unlimited admission to all 20 operating days of a Very Furry Christmas and a 30% discount on food and merchandise for $14.99.


Disclosure:  I received pass to the Very Furry Christmas in exchange for this post.