Category Archives: Travel

Crafting, Parenting, Travel

Beach Memory Jars

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Beach Memory Jars

Beach Memory Jars This year when we went to the shore we decided to make memory beach jars  which my sister inlaw found on pintrest.  It is a great Kids Craft. We gave the kids some vintage mason jars and sent them down to the beach to get some sand and  shells.  The kids had a great time choosing. My 12 year old was like awe mom I don’t want to do it .. then he totally got in to the waves to get some pebbles and rocks for his jar. We bought the vintage mason jars with us to the shore you can find them on ebay or at a local vintage shop.

Tools:

  • Mason Jar  Tip: You don’t have to use mason jar you recycle tomato sauce jars
  • sand
  • beach items, shells drift wood
  • bowl
  • colander to strain sand
  • paper/markers
  • Picture

beach memory jar

 

Instructions:

  • Picture tip: The pictures we tried close and far away,  we both agreed a closer picture looks better.  I got down on to the sand and took this picture of my daughter. It make it look like she is laying on the sand in her jar.
  • We ran to CVS while we were at the shore to get pictures printed.  I actually sent them from my laptop, from the beach house to the local  CVS and picked them up an hour later.  I could choose and edit any photos prior and did not waste any time searching through my photos in store on equipment I was unfamiliar with.   For editing I use PicMonkey which is free. Picture size was 4×6″ landscape picture.

girl laying in the sand

  • When you fill the jars with sand you need 1/4 of a jar of sand.  Then the add the shells, drift wood, and stones,  what ever is memorable for that beach.

  • We also make label with the beach name and year.beach jars

The tricky part was putting all the elements in the jar.

  • I ended using a bowl and strainer/colander  empty our the sand,  adding the sand with a large spoon,
  • Add front label tilting the jar with tongs and adding more sand slowly.
  • Then tilt the sand towards the front and add the picture.
  • Ten add your shells, stones, drift wood, and maybe small toys (legos, trinkets from the boardwalk)

The moms did a beach memory with the entire family.

beach memory jar

We then took a picture with the kids and their Jars. kid with his beach jar

Have a great time perserving your memories.

Product Reviews, Travel

Caesars and JerseyLove

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So if you recall  in the other post I wrote I went to Ac for the Jersey Love trip.  You know that the team of women donated $5k to the Belmar displaced families.   The trip could not be possible if it was not for our generous sponsors.

Caesars Entrainment sponsored all 40 of the women on the trip I want to show.  Why you need to visit the NJ shore.  Many of the small business are hurting  from Hurricane Sandy  like I expressed in my other posts.  Take note Also the large companies to need to make sure their business stay strong the reason is because the employee many people in the New Jersey area.

So if you want an amazing Adult weekend   Caesars AC does not disappoint.  One of the most accommodates AC resorts with top notch service and amenities.   Here is a glimpse of the rooms we stayed in .

The food at Caesars  represents the best the world has to offer.   I dined at the Atlantic and had Diver sea scallops that were the best I have ever had.  My dinning partners had filet mignon that  they said was like butter and cooked to perfection.

We also were treated to a sampling of Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival.  In the Harahs night club space at the Pool.  Which is rated as the one of the top best clubs in the US. We danced there one night and I have to say it is an amazing space See the picture below. The Festival will be held July 25-28th.  Headlined by Rocco DiSpirito.  Tickets are still available for the Wine and Food Festival.  During our Tasting  We will were able to try to a variety of different food samples.   Like Red velvet Cake pops, Crab cakes, ceviche,  Black Bean Empanadas.

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So if you want to pick a great weekend to visit Ac the Food and Wine festival is a great event to eat and drink.

The other amazing meal I had was the Sunday Morning Brunch at Atlantic in Caesars.  Let talk the best brunch I have every had.  Crêpe Station, Omelet station, Crab and seafood station, Sushi, Prime rib, chocolate fountain and more.. I was in Heaven.. foodies dream because it was not your typical brunch.

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So if you would like to experience a great fun Adult weekend.  I highly recommending visiting Atlantic city for the beach, pampering and food.  If you would like to see all the Photos from my trip to AC and Belmar  check out my Flickr Page for JerseyLove.

Thank you to Caesars Entertainment for allowing all of us to come to AC and give back to the Jersey Shore. It was a wonderful experience.

LIfe, Travel

Jerseylove- Wordful Wednesday

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jerseylove_001 (158 of 64)This Past weekend I was down the shore In New Jersey with 40 Bloggers sharing love with the Jersey Shore.  Which is back in Business. We  spent the day at Djais Belmar and donated $5000 Belmar fund 100% goes to displaced families from Hurricane Sandy.  Part of the donation came from the Bloggers and the other Part came from D6 Surf Skimmers.
Here is a reminder of the damage that is still present down the shore:
belmar_nj_post_sandy_001 (102 of 4)

If you would like to Donate Funds to the Belmar Fund for Displaced Families

Please do so By visiting www.belmar.com

Disclosure:  My hotel stay and food was provided by CaesarsAC, D6Surfskimmers, and Djais Belmar, Travel was paid for by me  for this social good weekend.  I was not paid monetary for this trip and the opinions are my own.

Travel

Where to Shop and eat in LBI

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LBI in the sandWhere to go and Where to Eat in Long Beach Island Nj  LBI .  LBI NJ is my New Jersey shore.  I started going when I was a kid and always looked forward to going every year.   When Hurricane Sandy hit LBI with vengeance  many business were hit very hard and my beloved LBI was hurt.  I spend the morning speaking with some of my favorite shops on the island.  I want to share there story’s and let you know some great story’s to visit when you return to the jersey shore this year! Shop

Artifacts Consignment Boutique

414 n. Bay Ave, Beach Haven Nj

and   11117 Long Beach Blvd

Facebook page Artifacts Consignment Boutique

I love this store it is wonderful home design and great items shop. Browsing you will find peices you cant live without.  The 1st time I entered we stayed for an hour browsing and shopping the staff is so welcoming and friendly.  The owner Amy put a little bit of herself in every peice she refurbishes and give that shabby chic and classic design look too.  You will not want to leave.

I spoke with Amy and she let me know Sandy was hard.  She lost the entire store to the 4 feet of surge waters. As an artist my self I can only imagine the sadness of seeing your work destroyed.  Amy was very up beat she said it is things and it is people that matter.  Which I think is a testament to the business owners of LBI.  Amy said about 80% of the business are back and more are reopening every day.

Artifacts has returned and in a big way.  Amy opened a 2nd store.   She hopes that you will Visit and come back to LBI .

Picture taken by  of Artifacts

The Sea Moon

1503 Long Beach Blvd Surf City Nj

I love this shop last year we spend a good amount of time visiting with the owners.  My mother law, Sister in Law and I found great items to bring home.  Which were unique and special.  The Owners Mary Ann and Larry have a wonderful selections and I cant recommend enough to make this store a  must see for gifts.

When I spoke with Mary Ann  she remembered me from a year ago.  That is personalized customer service you get from the small shops. Mary Ann said they had some roof damage there store was safe and she was thankful.  She said we have returned and are open for all to come by and visit.

She- Her heart was breaking for those in Oklahoma who lost love ones  I thought how lovely she was concerned with others.

Maryann also told me personally her home was damaged.  She said it was not bad.. then proceed to tell me we still don’t have a kitchen,  because of subfloor issues.  But she still thinks she she had it good.  I think not having a kitchen 9 month later is a hard ship.. but very was truly grateful people were returning.

I can only think support her small shop will help all they way around so shop on over  and Tell her hi..

The Little Outfit : children’s boutique

1900 Long BeachBlvd Surf City NJ

Website: The Little Outfit

I Love this specialty children’s boutique I found some lovely gifts for a friend who just had a baby while I was there.  The carry many the higher end children’s brand. Like Zutano  and Art Walk.

I spoke with the owner Donna and She said they had no damage.  She was very thankful that many of the business in Surf City were spared Sandy’s rage.

Donna expressed ..These small business owners are back they need our support. For many the challenge to return is a struggle many lost entire inventory.  She said many shop owners said many business did not have insurance that contents of there stores covered for this type of damage. Fire yes, Flood yes but natural damage no because it so expensive. So many businesses are back by the skin of there teeth.

She also let me know that some of the business are planning on returning but might have not opened yet,  they are taking the much needed extra time Since the busy season really kick off once school is out. They need people to return and shop, eat stay.. This is a Make it or Break it summer for most.

 

Some of my Favorite Places to Eat in LBI:

Beach Haven Fisheries

Between 21st and 22nd Streets Spray Beach Long Beach Township, NJ 08008

 Beach Haven Fishery website

I love the fishery the food is exceptional.  The lobster bisque is Ah-amazing! I have stopped for the bisque when I drive by just to get a quart.  The fried scallops are a gift from god hand breaded every day,  a large tender scallop that will make you beg for more.  The Owner John said the scallops was one of the main reasons he started the Family run business back in 1989.

When I spoke with John, he said the Beach Haven Fisheries was hit hard bu the storm 5 1/2 feet of water.  The gutted everything and rebuilt everything.   He said there was many obstacles but they are back and opened on time for Memorial day.

John said he really was amazed by the humanity of people that came and helped everyone on the island.  He said there were volunteers who would come down on the weekend to help,  some sleep in there car to help a stranger affected by the storm.

The Big Dipper Ice Cream

1501 Long beach Blvd Surf City  (same plaza as Sea Moon)

Ice Cream cones that are so big one scoop is enormous and great ice cream.

ice cream sundayThe Show Place

Centre Street and Beach Avenue • Beach Haven, NJ Beach Haven NJ

Website The Show Place

Is a singing Ice Cream Parlor fun for everyone!  They sign and preform while you eat your ice cream some times you have to sing for your sweat treat.  Supper fun!!   I always wanted to grow up and work there as a kid.  They are opening June 17th.  This is one of my favorite places to go as a kids I loved sharing it with my kids this past years and they Survied the Storm!!!  It is a Must visit when on LBI .  Next store to the Surflight theater, so see a play.

JERSEY LOVE a Blogging Trip for Social Good.

I heard some amazing stories of resilience and and humanity this morning.  I really urge you to return and visit the Jersey coastline.  This weekend 40 Bloggers from all over the country are visiting NJ to help raise awareness and support the Jersey Shore.  Please follow along with us  on twitter #JerseyLove .  Come back to NJ shore and support the business that help to shape the Nj coastline.  women of Jerseylove trip

Thank you to Caesars Entertainment , Caesars Hotel and Casino , D6 Skimmers for support our efforts to show #JerseyLove

Disclosure: I am Attending the JerseyLove SMM trip Caesars is paying for my hotel and food, so we promote tourism back to the NJ shore. #SocialGood The Business listed above have NOT compensated me at all I love them because they are are great owners and run fantastic small Business

What are your favorite Place at the Shore Please share them!!

 

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Bird In the Hand Inn: Review

Brid in the hand pool

Disclosure : I received a nights stay and 2 meals in exchange for this post the opinions are my own.

Recently I was visiting Lancaster and I had the opportunity to stay at Bird in the Hand Inn.    The Bird in Hand Inn and entire facility is own by the Smuckers family and has been run for 3 generations.  The inn is a great place for kids.  My kids are all about the overnight at a Hotel.  We never stay at a hotel unless there is a pool.  Good thing that Bird in Hand has 3 pools (2 indoors and 1 outdoor).  They also have a jacuzzi for adults, and yes I sat in it for quite a while.  So a great activity year round.  Yes they did provide towels so just bring your suit and sunscreen.

The bird in the hand has a mini golf course, an ice cream polar, playground and also a animal area where you can feed ducks and goats.   The grounds of the inn are lovely and spacious.  I really hope to return so I can enjoy the grounds more.

The rooms are clean, and great accommodations,  They have mini fridge, coffee maker, shampoo/conditioner, and blow dryer in  the rooms.  Out room had 2 queen beds.  The lovely thing that  Bird In Hand Inn has many different accommodations:  From Hotel, to suites, to a Campground.

women at a buffetThe in has a restaurant on the premise the Bird in the Hand Smorgasbord  or an alcart menu has great variety of Country Amish food and also the traditional favorites for the entire family.    The fried chicken was a big hit wit my family. The desert area was great  loved the Amish pies and sweets.  In the morning they offer a buffet for the guests of the hotel.  I really enjoyed the biscuits and gravy and the sausage.

Here is a video of what to expect at the Bird In Hand Inn and Smorgasbord:

I can recommend the Bird and the Hand as a great place to visit with the family.  I wish I had 2 nights because there was much more we wanted to see. Be sure to check out the Bird in Hand deals and vacation packages.  They even have packages that are with  Strasburg train.

Want to know what to do while in Lancaster here is a link to   My Favorite things to do while in Lancaster

 

 

Philadelphia, Travel

Heading to Lancaster with kids

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So this weekend we are heading to Lancaster to experience all that Lancaster has for a great family weekend.  It has been several years since we have visited Lancaster, last time was for my 40th birthday.  My children and I love it there.  It is either the horse and buggies, or the very different way of life,  that is so close to Philadelphia. It takes about an hour from where we live and it is one of my favorite road trips for a short weekend.

We are starting at the The Amish Village  it is a great place to learn about Amish culture on a real Amish farm. The Amish Village sprawls across 12 acres of farmland. Visitors can take a guided tour of an authentic Amish farmhouse and explore the farm property at their leisure.amish village logo

Then we are heading to the The Strasburg Railroad.  The train is fantastic a perfectly restored 100+ year old train.   This weekend they Vintage Base Ball Day at Strasburg Rail Road –  Saturday, May 4, 2013   The day is about Baseball; Enjoy an afternoon of America’s pastime, vintage base ball, at Strasburg Rail Road. Ride the  steam train through scenic farmland and disembark on the return trip at Verdant View Farm to watch a vintage base ball tournament between four regional teams. The tournament will be played by the rules of the game as they were in the 19th century, which promoted exercise and camaraderie, and featured the skill of playing with bare hands instead of gloves.strasburg train logo

This weekend we will be stay at  Bird-In-Hand Family Inn and Restaurant  My family loves staying in a hotel because it is such a treat. Since my family are such swimmer a hotel with a pool is king.   Also  my kids are very adventurous eaters so the fact that Bird in a Hand Inn and Restaurant has a Smorgasbord  sot  he kids will get to experience  some great Amish food.bird in hand inn logo

Then we are heading to one of my sons places The Choo Choo Barn.    Which is a large model train set of Lancaster county.  The light go down every 15 minutes and you get to see  the entire train set glow in the darkness.  Super fun for train enthusiast and family’s alike. choo choo ban logo

I can wait to share my families experience with you.   When we return be sure to follow along with our weekend on twitter with the #VisitLancaster  hashtag.

Disclosure:  I will be receive a trip to Lancaster for exchange for this post but the opinion in this Post are my own and honest.

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

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

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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.

 

Product Reviews, Travel

Sesame Place Christmas

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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.

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Sesame Place Halloween

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sesame place halloween

So I got to take the kids to Sesame Place  Spooktacluar  Halloween celebration. I have to say I think this is a great time to go to Sesame Place not too hot not too cold.  The kids really loved it. I brought my daughter age 7 and my son 11 and his friend 12.  They all have a good time, There was plenty to do for the big kids.

Pumpkin Decorating which is super fun they punkins were very reasonably prices starting at $4.  The Sesame Place personnel provided paint, stickers, duck tape and more.. so much fun for the kids.sesame place halloween

The kids also loved the Un Haunted house.  The house had interactive station as you walked through it. Like fun house mirrors and count the bugs.  The Kids really loved the interactive pumpkin that responded to them and talked to back asking questions then responding tot he children.sesame place hay maze

They also have  trick or treating.. you hunt through out Sesame Place to find the treats.  The kids really loved trying to find all the locations.sesame place halloween

The also had all Halloween themed shows and the great rides.  My daughter and son friend rode the roller coaster 7 times.

The decoration are also a ton of fun all count colors and pumpkins to look like the characters. sesame place

So you want to go they have a great Line up of Spootackular Weekends:

Check out SesamePlace Deals
October 20th and 21st — Abby Cadabby’s Fairy Pumpkin Party ‐ Help everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends celebrate Abby Cadabby’s birthday with her very own Fairy Birthday Party! This hour long party includes an all‐you‐care‐to eat dinner buffet, singing, and dancing with your Sesame Street friends. What birthday party would be complete without singing Happy Birthday to the Fairy‐in‐Training! Dinner is at 5:00pm and is by reservation only. Children under 2 are free. Visit www.sesameplace.com for complete information.
October 29th and 30th—The Count’s Halloween Party‐ Take a break from all of your Halloween fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular and enjoy the new dinner menu at Dine With Me! Celebrate Halloween with a terrific all‐you‐care‐to eat dinner buffet plus singing and dancing with all of your favorite Sesame Street friends at their very own Halloween Party! Dinner is at 5:00pm and is by reservation only. Children under 2 are free. Visit www.sesameplace.com for complete information.
October 30th — Halloween Costume Contest ‐ Come dressed in a Halloween costume to compete in the annual costume contest at Sesame Place! Registration will begin at 10 a.m. in front of Monster Rock Theater and there will be competitions for boys, girls, and families. All of the contests will take place at Monster Rock Theater and winners will be posted at the Welcome Center. All winners will be invited to be special guests in the Neighborhood Street Party Halloween parade.
###the count at sesame place

Disclosure: I received the compliment tickets to sesame place for the purpose of writing this post.  The opinions in this post are my own.

Want to link up your Sesame Place Post:   Add them here :