Category Archives: Travel

Philadelphia, Travel

Philadelphia Flower Show #wordlesswednesday

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Last week I told you about the Philadelphia Flower Show.  This afternoon, My daughter played hookie from school (1st grade) and we went to the flower show.  I thought it would be a great way to expose her to the beauty, smells, and learn about plants,  so an educational day.  Please be sure  to read the end of the post to see what I purchased at the show.  I think next time I would love to make a night of it with VisitPhilly.com they have a all sorts of great packages and discounts for overnight stays in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

Here are some of the pictures I took at the show, for more picture I took of the day please check out my Flickr Philadelphia Flower show page.

The wave entrance was really cool my daughter loved seeing the sea life on the screens.

I thought the orchids were so beautiful and they were every where:

I loved the massive entrance water fall and Hawaiian mountain

The Miniatures and the pressed flower pictures were amazing!

Check out this window display- wow just wow

I think these were my favorites- I am a sucker for color:I also got a great picture of my girl!I have to share while I was at the Flower show I bought this lovely “Pooley” bud vase:bud vase

I love it for all the flowers that get pick for me over the next few months, they also have it in all white. Chive is located  Canada- shipping to US Orders under $50 will be charged $7, orders over $50 will be charged $10 in the continental US.

They do have some special offers chive.com so I thought I would share:

If you spend over $50 before shipping, they will send you Free Hudson 4 caterpillars ($16 goodie ) enter code “chiverocks”

or

If you spend over $50 before shipping, they will send you Free Hudson large arch ($18 goodie ) enter code “ilovechive”

So what Flowers are you planting this Spring?

 

Travel

Red Gold a Company with Heart

This past week I went to Indianapolis to visit Red Gold Tomato’s Factory.  The trip was sponsored by Red Gold Tomatoes and 6 other blogger attend with me. The Red Gold is a company that cares about tomatoes and its family of employees, which is great to see in today’s world.

Red Gold was a class act for the moment we arrived.  The Red Gold personnel had a limo to take us from the airport to the hotel and entire weekend.  Check out the ride:

Next stop, local  Indiana restaurant Bongers for dinner,  the food was fantastic.  I really enjoyed the house specialty tomato soup.  The chef only uses Red Gold tomatoes, and refuses to share the recipe for his divine soup. Bongers even had a mural painted Red Gold Tomato logo on the wall of there building  for cool folk art feeling.

On Saturday we headed to the Red Gold Factory. We received plan tour and learn about the processing of the Red Gold tomato products.

Red Gold is a 4th generation Family own, Made in the USA business.  The Reichart family who is headed up by Brian and Selita Reichart, both are hands on with factory and its employees.  During the plant tour we saw of some of the best state of the art equipment I have ever seen.   You can tell during the tour, the employees and management work together as a team.  In fact Selita told me no major decisions are made unless the decision is made by a group of employee and management working  in collaboration.   Wow! such a nice thing to hear when so many American workers are unhappy. Good to know Red Gold is supporting the American worker and improving the market.

Another thing that I learned about Red Gold (Red Pack brand  for east coast) was about the physical tomatoes.  Red Gold has a very special tomatoes and the goal of every tomatoes is to be a Fresh Pack whole peeled Tomatoes.  Meaning, it must come out of the can perfect no bumps bruises and completely in tack. Whole tomatoes are the top tier of canned tomatoes.The growing season is only 65-70 days.  The time to plant is determine by the harvest time so the tomatoes are ripe and ready to process into canned tomatoes.  Not one of the Red Gold local farms are 100 miles from the processing plant,  the reason is to insure a fresh picked tomatoes.   Also the Red Gold Tomatoes are different . The specific hybrid tomatoes is firm and more dense then others canned tomatoes .  The reason is the tomatoes are heated, cooked and peel.  Which is a lot of stress so the tomatoes and needs to be firm when it is ripe.

Want to know what Red Gold Tomatoes are better check out my post on the Red Gold Tomato taste test I did.

Disclosure I did receive the trip and tasting via Red Gold tomatoes but the opinions in this post are of my own.

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

State of US Car Manufacturing What I learned at the AutoShow

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This past Friday I attended press day at the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show unveiling of the 2013 models.  It was a really special day, I was able to bring my husband as my video camera man, needless to say he was thrilled.  General Motors hosted our visit to the auto show.  It was so wonderful to explore the cars without the crowds.

The best part of the day was having a personal tour of the show floor by James Bell Head of GM Consumer affairs.  We started at the Chevy Corvette, it looked like as James put “if Darth Vader had a car”.  The corvette is always a sexy car but this model was gorgeous black paint that sparkled with depth.  I am sure what was under the hood was sure to make you scream.(I digress but the Corvette was special.)

I feel like the tour with James was an education in the current state of the car market.   What automotive companies were doing a great job like the Subaru,  Audi, and General Motors.  James explained that the standards and rules have changed thus affecting car design.   Some company have done great job,  other well … lets say … There is always next year.

US changes to expect for Car Makers:

  • Fuel Efficiencies:  By 2020 all us cars manufactures will have to achieve an average a fuel efficient rating of 35 miles per gallon, for their entire US fleet.  IE they have to sell more little efficient cars to balance out the large gas loving vehicles.   As expected electric, hybrids, and alternative fuels are planning a large part in get the US cars manufactures to meet this standard.
  • Size of cars– The cars will continue to get smaller, because of the fuel demands, the designers will need to pushes the envelope in all areas to meet US standards.  Engineers will continued to be challenging by using less space in a vehicle but still providing comfort for the consumer.
  • What does this mean for the large cars?  The large trucks and SUVs will not go away entirely but there will be less of them and they will not take center stage.  Jim also pointed out that the average  US drivers thinks that  large cars are safer.  Jim says that is not always true, Smaller cars can react quicker in an accident and move out to the way.  I personally never thought of smaller cars reaction time, he does have a point.

State of General Motors : James Bell explained that GM is back on top as the #1 car company in the US, as president Obama reiterated in 2012 State of the Union address.  General Motors was for many years the best selling US car company, then for a brief time Toyota was, but they are happy to say they are back where they should be.  While Test driving the GM cars I was really impressed  the attention to detail throughout the entire car.    They really are competing on all levels of style, comfort, and consumer’s needs. The GM designers really did achieve amazing quality and luxury at all price levels.

Thanks to James Bell for taking to the time to walk the Philadelphia 2012 Auto show with us.

For more about check out my upcoming post:

-Outside the US …learning about the car manufactures in the world how it effect the US consumer.

-My Test drive of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco with the Vehicle Line Manger Malibu Tracy Mack-video

-My test drive with the 2012 Cadillac SRX with Social Media GM Northeast Lauren Fitapelli- video

 ATS by Cadillac

2013 Cadillac ATS available in April

Disclosure: I did receive free entrance to the auto show with my husband but the opinions in this post are my own.

 

Parenting, Travel

Visit to NJ Capital

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So recently we were invited to NJ State Museum and The NJ Statehouse.  We had a fun day and learn somethings too.  I grew up in New Jersey  but never tour the Trenton Nj capital till recently.  Jersey Family fun planned the day for us and it was such a treat.

We started with the NJ State Museum which is free,  (you leave a donation if you wish).  The have wonderful museum 3 floor.  Which contains Dinosaurs, Nature, Nj History, and art exhibits.  So a little bit of everything.  The also planned a head for kids and through out the Museum is a kids stations so children can also do small interactive things as well. Like designing a quilt or looking to a microscope.

While we were there that had a singing performer and a large Dino puppet(man ) walking around.

Also the Museum has a Planteriam and for a small fee of about $6.00 you can see there exhibit.My daughter and son loved it because it was 3-D

Then we headed over for a NJ Statehouse Capital Building Tour.  Where we heard about the building and the legistrative process.  Because the house and Nj congress was not in session we really got to see the behind the scenes.

Take a look at the building:

My son got to attend a Mock hearing of law making which he loved in the bottom of the capital building which he loved.  I have to say we had a great day.  I would recommending packing a lunch because there is no place to eat near the capital or museum.

I loved the idea it was in with in a 1/2 drive from where we live in north Philadelphia.  We had a great day it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. Thank you to Jennifer at Jersey Family Fun, NJ State Museum and NJ State House for having us for the day.

Cooking, Travel

I am going to Taste Of the NFL Superbowl Weekend with RedPack Tomatoes

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So after years of working with the NFL and design NFL Jerseys in my prior life.  How do I get to the Superbowl weekend with my blogging and Red Pack… I am ecstatic!!!.   I am headed to Taste of the NFL Superbowl weekend with RedPack Tomatoes with 7 other bloggers. Taste of the NFL is a “Party with a purpose”  a charity dinner and auction benefiting local food banks in every NFL city.  All the chefs are representative every NFL city as well.   Every chef will also have a NFL player from the city assisting him at his food station.  So for my town Philadelphia  it is Chef Jack Mc David and former Eagles Player Jerry Sisemore.  35 chefs wine… Tell me this is not a foodies dream. It’s mine.

 

Photo by Peter Ross from www.tedallen.net

This years host is Ted Allen from Food networks “Chopped.’  So hopefully I will get a picture of  Ted Allen because I am a seriously Food Network junkie.   The music this year is Sara Evans.  There will be TLC’s Cake Boss stars Mauro Castano and Joey Faugno. The newly crowned Miss America will be on hand to greet guest.   I am looking forward to the entire evening.

While visiting in Indiana,  I will also be touring the Red Gold / Red Pack facility and learning about there manufacturing.  I love the idea that they are a Made int he USA company keep jobs here in the states. Also to learn about how Red Pack processes there Red Gold tomatoes to keep them fresh tasting. It is going to be a great weekend away.

Here are the posts I wrote about Red Pack to win the contest.

Holiday Blue Ribbon Chili with video

Sweet BBQ Ribs

Black Eyed Pea Soup with smoke Turkey Leg with video

I will  be sure to report more before I go. Be sure to follow along on my Facebook page BabyPop Designs and twitter @babypop Superbowl Weekend.

Disclosure: I  have received the Taste of the NFL trip from Redgold Redpack tomatoes all the opinions in this post are of my own.

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Furry Christmas

So this past Friday, My family and I were invited to attend the opening day of the Sesame Places Very Furry Christmas.  We had a blast.  I took my daughter age 6,  my son age 10 and his friend.  This was the start of a new tradition Sesame place at Christmas. Sesame place was decorated beautiful for Christmas with over 300 trees and  characters dress in holiday attire.   the has spilling poinsettia pots. The lights were amazing.


They had a lightening of the 25ft  Christmas Tree which was a musical with dancing lights on the trees. Very fun my daughter was entranced.   They also had 3 Christmas stage shows and the Christmas parade down Main Street.  The kids cheered as the parade rolled by.

I got some of the Kettle corn I have to sat it was some of the best I have every had. Great treat in the cooler temps.

My daughter made her list for Santa and got to take her picture with them.  Which was great because we got to avoid the mall and have fun at the same time.  So it was a real bonus.

If you are thinking what about my big kids. I was worried that the older boy would not have a good time they rode the rides the entire time and asked to come back again.  Thanks for Sesame for having us and letting the big boys to be little again.

Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas are open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from now till Christmas then for the week of  Christmas, Tickets are $19.99 each for non pass holders or 13.99 to add Christmas pass an to 2011/2012 sesame place season pass.   Sesame place is so close to Philadelphia 30 from Center city, 2 hours from New York and 2 hours from DC so it is worth the trip for a fun Christmas thing to do.  I love the idea of coming in between Christmas and new years be sure to check out the Sesame Place web site.

Disclosure: I did recieve these tickets from Sesameplace for free but the opinions in this post are all of my own.

 

Photography, Travel

Duran Duran A night with my 1st man

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So at the age of 13, my girlfriends and I sat in the cafeteria we talked about our dreams.  I wanted to marry Simon, my best friend Jodi  want to marry Nick,  for Judy and Karen it was John.  No there were not boys in our middle school.  They were the members of Duran Duran.. and no we never called them with their last names. We were on a first name basis.. after all we were going to marry them. .  We dreamed hope and believed that the members of Duran Duran were to be ours. (insert 13 year old doe eyed stare)

We read every Tiger Beat and Pop magazine that had Duran Duran pictures plastered across the cover.  Scotch taping “our mans” pictures to our bedroom walls.  We purchased ever DD album even the Europeans ones keeping them in plastic sleeves to protect the dreamy faces on the covers.

During the 8th grade winter break,  I went to NYC and took pictures in front  of Trump Towers because that is where Duran Duran lived when in NYC (or least thats what TigerBeat said).  I will also never forget my Mother’s face when we ran up a phone bill calling NYC to try to look for them,  pretending we  were a  British press agent, just so we could feel close to them.(in a non-stalkerish 13 year old crush way)   Aha… to be young and in love with a celebrity singer.

This Monday night… I got to be 13 again.  I went to see Duran Duran with fellow  ” Duranie”  Hillary(and Simon fan too boot) with Duran Social.   Prior to going to the concert, I posted it on facebook I was going to the concert.   A high school friend Marc comment that it was one of the best concerts he ever saw and he has been to over 60.  Marc was right Duran Duran rocked it.

It was surreal,  we were 4 rows from the stage. (squeal)  When Duran Duran came on stage and my knees buckled with excitement.  Simon (and the band) was electric and kept me on my feet  the entire time. The crowd stood and danced the for 2+ hours.  The audience was amazing filled with middle aged duranies… I felt like I had arrived with “my people”.

I have to say all the members all looked good. But for me it was Simon.. When he-  moved  Hillary and I  squealed followed by  howls ,  it was AWESOME. I am still smiling about it. Yes John , Rodger and Nick looked wonderful as well.  Now, back to Simon.. his 40 year bod .. can shake it.. (insert my dreamy 8th grade look).  I think he got hotter with age.  (sorry to my husband)

They played  all our favorite songs Rio, Reflex, Save a prayer, 1984, Wildboys,  and more.  The concert was the true essence of a great concert; they played the songs  you know and sprinkled with the new songs.    I was really amazed Simon (my man) sang for 2+ hours keeping the intensity up the entire time.

Duran Duran is touring for the next few months if you are near a venue I recommend  check them out it is well worth the funds. Hillary is already mentioning a road trip from Philly to Atlantic City  next week to see them at the shore!

If you don’t live near a city where the Wild Boys are visiting; Check out  Duran Social / Mightybell experiencel to catch up with other Duranies throughout the world.

I apologize that this post was bias towards Simon LeBon.. but it is Simon (insert squeal again.)

Disclosure:  I received the tickets form Duran Social / Mightybell experience in exchange for this post.  The opinions written in this post are completely of my own.

Philadelphia, Travel

The Bangles 2011

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So last night I got to see The Bangles ..yes those Bangles the “Walk like an Egyptian” ones.  I went with a group of mom bloggers and Ben FM.   We all got dressed up. I wore high “Jersey” 80’s hair, sparkle top, over sized mens blazer sleeves rolled up and of course bangles.  We saw them at TLA In Philly  on South Street.  So no one even looked twice on the street at my high hair  while I walked to the venue.

I was ushered in and escorted to a private area where we got to meet the Bangles.  I want to ask questions, but when we met them but I was somewhat stunned the looked great. I was like that teenage girl who bought all there albums.  They also where my age,  but looked better.  They all have great arms, and perfect skin, age has been excellent to them.  So we of pictures them and they signed autographs. Pictured here with Jessica  DelcoMom and the Bangles It was awesome.

 

Ok !! The music I have learned that this is the 1st tour in a long time,  they want to wait to tour till they had new music.   Their new album! Sweethearts In the Sun. The music was fresh yet 60 influence. I really cant wait to download it.   They still have it!  The Bangles voices where amazing harmonizing and fluid.  It was great. It was one of the best nights I had in a while. I just danced and enjoyed the music.   Check out my video where there is a short clip.


 

Thank you to Joey Fortman for stetting this up with 95.7 BenFm. Thank you to the Bangles for take time out to meet us at the start of there tour.
Disclosure: I did receive the tickets free of charge but the opinions in this post are of my own.

Photography, Travel

Mystic Aquarium

On our recent trip to New England we were fortunate enough to stop at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic Connecticut.  The aquarium is right of Route 95 and very easy to find.  I was really impressed with this aquarium, it was lovely. The aquarium was very well kept and clean.  We spent about 2-3 hours but we could have spent longer.  Mystic Aquarium was great experience for my 10 year old and my 6 year old for a day.  I know younger kids would enjoy it as well. It is a great way to break up a long drive to New England.

Once arrived and walked though the outside areas 1st starting with the beluga white whale. They we beautiful the kid really enjoyed seeing a whale you never see in an aquarium.  Then on to the sea loin and seals exhibits sleep large animals in the heat.  Each outside exhibit had a aquarium guide to answer any questions you had regarding the animals.  My son loved this because he could ask all sort of neat fact.

The penguins was a lot of fun.  The aquarium had an outside viewing area, and an observation area in side so you could see the birds swim..  They even had a baby penguin that did not realize that if he went in the water he would cool off which we learned from the guide.

We then made our way inside the aquarium.   Mystic aquarium is the most interactive Aquarium I have ever been in with 4-5 different hands on experiences.  Mystic aquarium has a shark tank you can touch the sharks. My son stood there forever he never wanted to leave.  He question guide on everything.

Mystic also has a jelly fish viewing area. Which were my favorite it was like watching moving living art in a tank. The colors were amazing; I could not stop taking pictures. You can also read about how technology allowed these wiggly jellies not be seen outside the ocean.  In My opinion the jellies alone are worth the trip.

They also had another touch area of New England sea life “Discovery Cove” the aquarium guide was so kind to my children as she answered all their questions. Why we over looked the 3 blue lobsters.  We learned the blue takes the same as the normal lobsters.  The even had steps so even the little ones could touch.

On our way out of the aquarium we spent some time with the sting rays.  As my son was with the sharks he was touch them.  My daughter learned to feel the rays skin.  Pulling them away from this tank was no easy feat.

One thing that I thought was fun was how the aquarium told the kids in simple terms about the animals.  They would have a sign that said the animal’s name, Habitat, coloration, defense.   There were signs on everything. Including the washing station.. Species: Paper Towel habitat: live together on a roll Coloration brown or white Defense: curling up in a ball… So cute

We really loved Mystic Aquarium.  I would recommend it for the hands on learning experience.

Disclosure: My husband and I received tickets to explore the aquarium. The opinions in this post are all my own.