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A must while in #Niagara @whirlpooljet #jetboatadventure #Hosted

Well, we did it!  Our first real family road trip. We have been on a road trip to NYC but that was only four hours! We packed up the car and headed to visit our relatives in Michigan. It was such a great trip as I have been talking for years about visiting my family in Michigan and we had such a great time. I do love traditions and traveling!  Along the way we stopped at Niagara Falls and my kids were in awe of the falls. We took a boat tour on the Hornblower. That is the Canadian version of Maid of the Mist and we really got up close to the falls! That is one boat ride that you have to take if you visit Niagara. The other fun, fast and very unique tour we took was on the Whirlpool Jet Tour!  We were treated to this very unique boat ride through rapids! The Whirlpool Jet Tour is one heck of a boat ride and one that you do not want to miss if you are headed to Niagara.

On this speed boat you will take a tour (around 45 minutes or 1 hour) learning about the history and geology of the majestic Niagara River. We arrived at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre where they walk through what to expect. As an fyi…This location is open July and August, and is accessible by the WEGO bus system and while you do not go see Niagara Falls, this trip down the river is unlike anything I have ever experienced and is truly a fast, fun and must do on your trip to Niagara.

This is as close to white water rafting as I am going to get! We were able to cruise through class 5 whitewater rapids! This is a boat ride for all you daredevils so if your family likes a fun adventure this is for you. Kids under 12 cannot ride in the first few seats but it is a great fast family boat ride. They do suit you up in life jackets AND you will get very wet so it is my recommendation to just wear a bathing suit.

Disclosure:  Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offered us four tickets to experience this adventure! All opinions are my own in this blog post.

Here we are on the @whirlpooljet #jetboatadventure
Here we are on the @whirlpooljet #jetboatadventure

 

 

 

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@RedSox Lego Day #RedSoxMoms

There are two fun events coming up for the Boston Red Soxs. This Saturday is Kid Nation Day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and enjoy LEGO Day at Fenway Park during the August 31st game.

On Saturday, August 6 from 11 am to 3 pm, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston will host the Red Sox Showcase, powered by T-Mobile, at Assembly Row! The Red Sox themed truck includes a batting cage, pitching stations, a steal 2nd challenge and a virtual reality experience.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston’s Master Model Builder, Megan Quigley, will be conducting a live Red Sox themed build and visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with a World Series trophy replica made entirely out of LEGO® bricks! In addition, there will be brick pits, LEGO® build stations for fans to show off their Red Sox pride and visits from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston costume characters Bertie and Kai from Ninjago.

The Red Sox and LEGO Systems, Inc. are proud to announce the first LEGO® Day at Fenway Park, Wednesday, August 31 at 1:35 pm when the Red Sox face the Tampa Bay Rays. The purchase of a game ticket through this special offer also includes a limited edition Red Sox themed player build, made with LEGO bricks. Additionally, this ticket package will include access to the pre-game LEGO Build Experience in the Kids Concourse from 11:00am-1:35pm. During the LEGO Build Experience  there will be an unveiling of a life-sized Red Sox player LEGO model for fans to see and take pictures with. Tickets are limited to the first 2,000 guests who order through this special offer.

Disclosure: I am part of the Red Sox mos  initiative and every so often I am treated to a Red Sox game!  All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

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Running around in flip flops? Yes to @oofos

This has been the summer of running around! I have had my traditional flip flops on nearly every day so far this summer and my feet hurt! I do love my flip flops but I needed something that was a bit more sturdy, yet could hold up on the pool deck. I learned from experience not to wear leather or fabric flip flops anywhere near chlorine as it does stain. I was so excited to receive two pairs of oofos to test out.  Yes, the name sounds funny and they look a bit different but THEY ARE SO COMFORTABLE! Obviously I don’t literally run in my flip flops but these line of sandals, flip flops and clogs are called recovery footwear so if you are a busy mom and have been going non stop in your flip flops give these a try! They are also super easy to clean too so if your kids are looking for a solid pair of slides or flip flops to put on after their sports these will be the ones they will want as they are so cushy.

OOFOS are very lightweight, easy to clean and the designers of OOFOS created them to provide impact absorption and arch support that you don’t normally see in flip-flops. While they are great for a busy mom to run around in they are perfect for my two girls to put on after a day of swimming, soccer and dive. OOFOS also helps to reduce strain on feet, knees and back and absorbs more shock.  Plus a bonus for us moms when the weather gets cold you can switch to the OOFOS clogs with the same OOFOS benefits. 

The OOFOS line was originally created for fitness enthusiasts to recover from repeated workouts on hard surfaces and they absorb shock after a workout. If you are a mom wearing traditional flip flops and have felt pain in your foot give these a try as they will certainly take pressure off your joints. Check out the Q&A on their site here.

 

Disclosure: The company sent me a couple pairs of OOFOS to test out. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

love my @oofos! They are the most comfortable flip flops
love my @oofos! They are the most comfortable flip flops
@oofos recovery footwear for anyone looking for comfortable shoes
@oofos recovery footwear for anyone looking for comfortable shoes
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@RedSox Fun today and this weekend #RedSoxMoms Happy 4th of July!

The summer season is here and so are the fun events with The Boston Red Sox!! Here are some cool happenings today and this weekend.

 

Today only, from noon until 5 pm, vote #SoxASG five times and receive a special offer for 2 tickets to a select game for just $55! Help get your favorite Red Sox to the All-Star Game and see them at Fenway before the big game!

Voting: https://securea.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2016/ballot.jsp?tcid=ASG16_bos_dedicatedemail&partnerId=ed-10515134-908606643

 

Saturday, July 2

Red Sox Mobile Showcase in Danvers, MA: https://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/mobile-showcase/

 

Monday, July 4

All-American BBQ Night: https://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/all-american_bbq.jsp

 

Tuesday, July 5

Red Sox Mobile Showcase at Faneuil Hall: https://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/mobile-showcase/

Stars & Strips Cap Promo Item: https://boston.redsox.mlb.com/ticketing/singlegame.jsp?c_id=bos

 

Enjoy the 4th everyone!!

 

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@RedSox Fun today and this weekend #RedSoxMoms Happy 4th of July!

The summer season is here and so are the fun events with The Boston Red Sox!! Here are some cool happenings today and this weekend.

 

Today only, from noon until 5 pm, vote #SoxASG five times and receive a special offer for 2 tickets to a select game for just $55! Help get your favorite Red Sox to the All-Star Game and see them at Fenway before the big game!

Voting: https://securea.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2016/ballot.jsp?tcid=ASG16_bos_dedicatedemail&partnerId=ed-10515134-908606643

 

Saturday, July 2

Red Sox Mobile Showcase in Danvers, MA: https://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/mobile-showcase/

 

Monday, July 4

All-American BBQ Night: https://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/all-american_bbq.jsp

 

Tuesday, July 5

Red Sox Mobile Showcase at Faneuil Hall: https://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/mobile-showcase/

Stars & Strips Cap Promo Item: https://boston.redsox.mlb.com/ticketing/singlegame.jsp?c_id=bos

 

Enjoy the 4th everyone!!

 

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Top 5 Tips for a great self tan this summer #selftanner #summertips #summer

The hot weather has arrived and summer is right around the corner. Now that I am older I wear a high SPF ALL THE TIME! I do like a bit of color and over the years have tried a ton of self tanning products. Some work and some don’t. As a person with fair skin I know you have to be careful with what types of products you use too. I tested out a new line called Skinny Tan and thought the products were great. So with summer here I thought it would be time to list my top 5 tips for a great self tan.

1. Use the mitt please – no tan palms.  I use a self tanning mitt that comes with most products as some of the latest products dry super quick. What I do after I apply self tanner with the mitt is go over any parts that need to be rubbed in a bit more with my hands and quickly wash. I also make sure I self tan at night as to let myself dry overnight as you need it to sit for at least 8 hours no matter what the directions say.

2. Exfoliate days before and day of to get the best result – prep your skin days before by exfoliating and moisturizing before and then day of exfoliate for best results. Skinny Tan has the best exfoliator and it smells like coconuts. What I like about Skinny Tan is it is made with a seed tanner plus they also use naturally derived Guarana that together with the tan will help make cellulite look visibly smoother and less obvious – bonus!

3.  Keep skin hydrated to make the tan last – You have to moisturize your skin as you don’t want flaky skin to come off with the tanner. What is tricky is I like to use oil and have not found an oil that does not take off the tanner until I tried Skinny Tan. Skinny Tan makes a nice after glow which is an oil that gives your skin a very nice sheen!

4.  If you have a big event to go to don’t test out self tanners but use a bronzer instead- A big event is not the time to test out a brand new self tanner that worked on your friend (because each skin tone is different) instead use a 24 hour instant bronzer that you can see going on that way you wont make any mistakes! Skinny Tan has a great bronzer that washed off easily with soap and water. However, be warned if it rains it will run a bit!

5.  Choose your lotion or mousse wisely – I like lotion the best. I found that certain mousses wash off right away in the shower the next day. One lotion I love is Vita Liberata as it lasts. The Skinny Tan does last as well but it did go on a bit thick so the next day the color was a bit overwhelming, however it faded each day and by the 3rd day I had a nice golden tan!

Don’t forget to use that SPF over any self tanner as many self tanners do not offer SPF!

Disclosure: Skinny Tan sent me a few products to test out; all opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

Try Skinny Tan for a natural glow with ingredients to smooth out cellulite
Try Skinny Tan for a natural glow with ingredients to smooth out cellulite

 

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A review: @SeaCrestCapeCod – perfect for a quick get-a-way #Falmouth

I have always loved Cape Cod and have frequently visited the lower and outer cape towns so many times over the years. It was not until a few years ago that I really discovered Falmouth. Oh sure I have been to Woods Hole to take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard but never really stayed or ventured out in town. We were able to spend an overnight at The Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth (they were kind enough to extend the media rate) during April school vacation week and what a trip! As soon as we checked in and got to our ocean front room we were relaxed and the beach is RIGHT there! In fact if you stay in an ocean front room your kids can be on the beach and you can sit on your deck to watch them just feet away.

This waterfront resort is set on Old Silver Beach and is less than seven miles from Main Street Falmouth shopping and dining. The amenities are wonderful and include a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a poolside bar. We were treated to lunch at Red’s and with the views of the ocean my kids said it felt like we were eating lunch on a ship! The sunset is stunning from this hotel and we highly recommend staying for April school vacation week. In fact I have never seen the water that clear and blue on the cape before – a very special location indeed!  This resort offers group activities, movie nights and especially for the kids the KANGAROO CLUB! Learn more about all the fun here.

The resort also has a conference center and is the perfect location for a wedding!

The weather was almost 70 degrees the day we were there and it felt like summer. We will have to go back to check out the resort in the summer as the kids really wanted to experience the outdoor pool!

Disclosure:  I stayed for an overnight at the Sea Crest using their special media rate and was treated to a lunch at Red’s. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

The fish and chips at Red's restaurant @SeaCrestCapeCod is fab!
The fish and chips at Red’s restaurant @SeaCrestCapeCod is fab!
Stunning views and clear water @SeaCrestCapeCod
Stunning views and clear water @SeaCrestCapeCod
The most beautiful sunset is @SeaCrestCapeCod
The most beautiful sunset is @SeaCrestCapeCod
The view from the ocean front room @SeaCrestCapeCod Kid friendly, welcoming staff and THE VIEW is what makes this resort special!
The view from the ocean front room @SeaCrestCapeCod Kid friendly, welcoming staff and THE VIEW is what makes this resort special!
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Be there for @BostonBizWomen #bostonbusinesswomen #innovationconference May 9th at the @WestinCopleyPl

There are a lot of networking and conference events for women and while I try to attend as many as I can as a busy entrepreneur and mom my time does not allow me to attend them all. The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is one I cannot miss. The inaugural Boston Business Women Innovation Conference is a conference developed by the group Boston Business Women and will take place May 9, 2016 at the Westin Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.

Arianna Huffington, president and editor in chief of The Huffington Post is the keynote speaker and the event will be emceed by Emmy award-winning producer and television personality, Jenny Johnson. The founders of Boston Business Women (which is a group I highly recommend you join) was founded by Kristina Tsipouras and Megan Marini.

Here’s a link to the schedule, as well as a link to purchase tickets here.

The Boston Business Women Innovation Conference will cover several topics, including money mindset, the secrets of success, personal branding and how to master work-life balance – I need this one for sure! I cannot wait to network and meet other like-minded business women.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend and given a free ticket. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

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#‎HolidayGiftGuide2015: Gifts for teens, foodies and tech items

‪Twenty days left until Christmas so you better get shopping soon. We see a lot of fun, useful and different items come across our desk at trendymommies.com. Here is our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide with a few ideas for the beauty product junkie (any teen really), the foodie and tech items.

I have a closet full of beauty products and I love to test out new ones. My go to favorites for my teen and tween girls are any items from the Say Yes line. They have hair, body, face and even a baby line. Two perfect items for stocking stuffers are the wipes and the lip balm. My girls love the coconut balm and the grapefruit one.

The facial wipes are perfect for anyone really – use them as hand wipes or face wipes – great for travel too.
Tata Harper is another all natural line, a must try and a new favorite. Each product from this line is very rejuvenating and offers multiple benefits for your skin. Their antiaging lip treatment is like an aromatherapy treatment. A nice set for mom or a sister is the Tata Harper Natural Glow from Head to Toe. ($115 at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman) Perfect for dull winter skin this collection polishes and deeply hydrates. The Smoothing Body Scrub is amazing. I love to use a body oil in the winter and their Revitalizing Body Oil is perfect for when you step out of the shower. The Fortifying Body Lotion and Redefining Body Balm are little extras for smooth skin. The Rejuvenating Hand Cream is right by my bedside table and is very nourishing. This set makes the perfect indulgent winter gift.

 

For those who want perfect hair the PHYTO Huile Supreme & Secret de Nuit Hair Set & PHYTO Huile Soyeuse & Secret de Nuit Hair Set ($59; Retail value of $78 at Sephora and Sephora.com) are perfectly packaged and ready to gift. These are very nice sets and who doesn’t love a rich, beautifying treatment oil and a leave-in night cream for smooth healthy-looking hair? A nice gift for the beauty lover!

For the foodie in your life– If they love coffee and hot chocolate and like an extra little treat AND if you need a hostess gift try chocolate coffee toppers from Topperfino . Topperfino coffee toppers are made from a premium Belgian dark chocolate finished with unique edible coffee art designs. They are stunning for a party too. Place the Topperfino on top of your coffee cup and watch it melt into a creamy flavorful addition to your coffee or chocolate. They come in dark chocolate, caramel, French vanilla and hazelnut and more than 20 coffee art designs. Each box comes with 10 toppers and retails for $13.99 plus shipping or two for $24.98 including free shipping.

Also nice hostess gifts can be found at the spice lab. This site has gourmet salts, spices and teas – check it out as any foodie would love a gift from this site. The items on this site are very unique and are wonderfully packaged.

Each year I buy my kids PJs and everyone loves PJs as a gift! For anyone who can’t wear PJs that are too hot like fleece or flannel, well Cool-Jams makes the perfect gift! Cool Jams is the best moisture wicking sleepwear and they have nightgowns and pajamas. I tested them out and they are super soft and very nice! And I was super cool at night.

A fun, inexpensive item for the tech lovers and for those teens that love to take selfies is the NanoHold. It brings hands free to a new level. It is an adhesive that sticks to your phone and holds to any smooth flat surface. This innovative product carries with it microscopic technology all in the size of a credit card. Nanohold is the only one of its kind to come with a cover to protect against dirt and preserve the length of the adhesive grip.  Price is $6.00.

 

What to get for dad or the hubby?? If he is always loosing items get a Tile! Tile is a small Bluetooth device that you can hook on your keys, stick to your phone, drop in your wallet, to help you keep track of your items via the Tile app on your phone. Tiles retail for $25 for one, $70 for a four pack and are available at Apple, Best Buy, and Target stores and Amazon.com. Really cool as you “Ring” your tile if it’s within Bluetooth range or check the ‘Last Place Seen’ on in-app map.

Finally if you are trekking to grandma’s house for the holidays a nice bouquet is a wonderful gift. Teleflora debuts a festive lineup with two bouquets paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”: the Snoopy’s Cookie Jar Bouquet and the Peanuts Christmas Mug Bouquet. Lush chrysanthemums and carnations adorn a decorated doghouse (which doubles as a cookie jar) and a hand-painted ceramic mug captures Charlie Brown joyfully ice skating with his best furry friend.  Teleflora sent me a winter wonderland bouquet and it was unlike any other bouquet of flowers I have seen!  Check out their web site and order from there.

Happy Shopping!!

Disclosure: The above companies sent me the products to test out and review. As always all opinions are my own in this blog post.

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Chocolate in their lunch bag? Yes with @AdoraCalcium

I love a nice sweet treat in the afternoon, usually right after lunch and so do my kids but who knew this tasty little disk of chocolate called Adora was good for you?

Adora® Calcium is a chocolate supplement that is made with organic Dark and Milk Chocolate from Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa. With even more vitamin D3 for enhanced absorption just two of the chocolate disks provide 100% of the daily recommended value of calcium. Of course us  moms need calcium and so do kids!  I love the dark chocolate and my kids love the milk chocolate. The disks are small enough to not make you feel guilty having a sweet treat!  Here is what I packed for tomorrow for lunch! My daughters will be excited to see the Adora disk in their lunch.

Disclosure: Adora sent me a package of the dark and milk chocolate to test out. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

Little disks of goodness - chocolate calcium disks!
Little disks of goodness – chocolate calcium disks!
Kids lunch filled with goodies and Adora Calcium disks!
Kids lunch filled with goodies and Adora Calcium disks!