Bye Bye June!

I can't believe its the last day of June already. It has been such a busy month for us with birthdays, weddings, death in the family, crossing off an activity on our bucket list and ending of the school year for Andre. I now have a 7 year old heading to 2nd grade. It was a great month but boy am I tired! Now its time for summer camp & new routines. I foresee a busy summer ahead so buckle up!

Wednesday was his last day at school. We are sad to see that several teachers & staff have decided to not return next year. Thus is the life of a charter school but we are grateful that they were there for the beginning of Andre's education. They have definitely made an impact. They won't be forgotten either.

We will miss you Ms. Song & Mr. Hendricks!

Friday was Andre's big 7th birthday! I have always had a birthday party for him but this year we decided not to. We still celebrated (for 2 days) LOL Ever since Legoland Westchester opened up this spring, I knew that Andre would love to party there. Initially I wanted to rent a party room but I felt the packages were quite expensive. Instead I opted to invite a few friends from school to meet us there in the morning to play. It may sound expensive as well, but I had a great coupon that offered a Buy 1 Adult ticket Get 1 Child FREE. There's no redemption code so you can literally use it again. I used various family members email address & computers to buy them. I saved money & I was able to pay for the parents as well.

The kids had a blast! As soon as we walked in, Andre hugged me tightly and exclaimed "This is the best birthday ever Mom!" I was touched & relieved. I knew it would be a good day for him.

The day before my husband's birthday, his grandfather passed away. He was the patriarch of his family and a great man. He was 97 years old so he did indeed live a full life. One we can only hope to as well. It was hard saying goodbye and returning him back home to Haiti. Our hearts are heavy but we know he's where he has wanted to be for a long time.

Nou manke ou Granpapa

There's so much to talk about that I can't put it all in this one post. So stay tuned for some giveaways and reviews. Sorry for being so late! Also look out for my new look!

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are 100% my own

Take a Time Out! #June12 #McDonalds

As a mom, I never really feel like I get a break and I only have 1 child. I don't know how families with multiple kids do it. All I ever hear is "Mom", "Mommy", "Denise!" when I get home. Remember those old Calgon commercials "take me away!".  She needed a time out and so do I and I'm sure you do too.
So we're both in luck. June 12th is National Time Out Day. A day to remind ourselves to take a "time out" from our hectic schedules to take a break and relax. What better way than heading to McDonalds for an iconic Big Mac or one of your favorite lunch or dinner extra value meals.

There is only one Big Mac. This classic burger is made with a double layer of sear-sizzled 100% pure beef, special sauce on a sesame seed bun and topped with melty American cheese, crisp lettuce, minced onions and tangy pickles. The Big Mac paired with our World Famous Fries and your choice of an icy soft drink is the perfect way to take a time out, the McDonald’s way.

There are more than 600 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by over 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area

Make sure sometime during the day, you take a moment. Put yourself on time out and don't feel guilty about it.  We all deserve a break! Head out to McDonalds sans kids and enjoy a meal!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I received extra value meal coupons

Polarn O. Pyret Twice A Year Sale!

It's that time again for Polarn O. Pyret USA twice a year best basic and classic stripe sale!

 

Everything from swimsuits, basic tops, underwear, socks and stripey PJs are on sale until June 12th!

http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/best_basics

 

I was first introduced to this Swedish brand a few months ago at a Momtrends travel event. I was so impressed by the colors, fabrics and style. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of them. I definitely could envision Andre in some of their fab clothing.

 

Take advantage of the sale NOW!

 

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.



FREE Kids Movies This Summer in Yonkers #GIVEAWAY

Have you heard of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas?  They are an acclaimed cinema eatery chain known for combining dinner, drinks, films and events all under one roof. They are currently located in Texas and Missouri but they are opening one right in Yonkers, NY this summer!

 

With school almost being out for summer. I think one of the hardest things to do is trying to keep kids occupied for 2 months. "I'm bored!" "I'm hot!" is all you hear from them. Keeping them entertained can be costly especially in this city. When it's humid out, I like to find areas where there is free air conditioning. One of the ideal places is the movie theaters.

 

Starting July 12th through September 1st, they will have a FREE family screening at 11am daily. This is known as their "Kids Camp."  It has been very successful at the other Alamo locations and has become a fan favorite.

 

Please find a list of titles below

 

June (Not available in Yonkers location)
MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN
SPEED RACER
CASPER
HAPPY FEET

July
LAND BEFORE TIME
BEE MOVIE
THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE
STUART LITTLE
August
SPY KIDS
MONSTERS VS ALIENS
MADAGASCAR
MUPPETS IN SPACE

 

I think I will definitely take advantage of a FREE movie this summer with Andre.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema isn't your typical movie theater. It's an experience for the movie lover. Check out this video from the CEO & Founder Tim League.

I can't wait for the opening of its newest location in Yonkers. To keep up to date on the latest developments in Yonkers you can like them on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will win a $20 food voucher

Please use the Rafflecopter form below. First entry is mandatory. All others will not be counted if it is not done.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Netflix Makes Streaming Disney Easy #GIVEAWAY

One of our favorite things to do as a family is watch movies. The prices to go to the theaters in New York City however has become so outrageous that we really don't go unless it's a must see. Thankfully we have a subscription to Netflix where we can stream movies online.

What I love most about Netflix is their assortment of Disney titles, including the classics. They also offer a variety of picks from Disney Jr. Since we've been back home from our trip to the Disney Social Media Moms conference we have been missing the spirit of Disney. With Netflix I can stream one of my all time favorite movies 101 Dalmations or my son can watch some episodes of Phineas and Ferb. Either way Netflix makes family time easy, fun and accessible!

 I have the app downloaded on all our electronic devices. It's on our Ipad, Itouch, Android phones & tablets. I love that it's pre-installed in our Blu-Ray DVD player as well. We are always ready to stream and never miss a moment to relive our favorite Disney titles.

A commercial-free, all-you-can-watch Netflix subscription is only $8 per month, providing great fun at an extraordinary value for you and your entire family:

•  Streaming is easier than you think.  Download the free app on your iPad, click on the Netflix app on any gaming device – and you’re in business
• Netflix is so simple to use that kids are streaming their favorites more than ever on mom and dad’s tablets
• Netflix Kids offers movies and TV shows for children 12 and under in one spot
  We work with Common Sense Media to provide ratings, reviews and information so parents can easily make choices for their kids
  
  
  GIVEAWAY
  I am excited that Netflix has offered 3 readers a FREE 3 month subscription to Netflix! Now you and your family can stream your favorite Disney movie at home or on the go!
  
  
  Please use the Rafflecopter form below. First entry is MANDATORY. All other entries will not be considered if this is not done.