Happy Mother's Day to Me

Mother's day didn't go as planned. There were some bumps & glitches but my boyz tried their best. It was a beautiful day in the city and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. We went to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for brunch then headed to Highline Park. We walked, laughed and ate some very expensive organic ice cream. $17 bucks for 3 cones! My husband didn't complain. Even though I had a great time with them, my mood was horrendous. I knew I was being argumentative and snappy with them. I attributed it to premenstrual syndrome but I also believe it was because at this time, I would've been 5 months pregnant. I haven't thought about it for awhile but yesterday was just a painful reminder. There won't be four of us next Mother's day. And I have to realize that that is okay. To be a mother to this precious little boy is a blessing and I wouldn't change it for anything. Time heals all wounds and slowly I know my scar will fade away.

The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things

We recently were given the chance to see the off Broadway show, The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things. My son was thrilled to get to see a real live magic show. Even my husband decided to tag along.
Magician Max Darwin is energetic & comedic while he entertains the crowd. The show is very much based on audience participation which the kids loved. We were left in awe at some of his tricks. The funny thing is one of the tricks that Max did with the quarter behind the ear I actually do to my son. I obviously don't have the magician's talent but now my son thinks Max stole my trick! LOL If he only knew...
Synopsis:
The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things is a magic show with a mind of its own.  Bursting with striking visual magic, laugh out loud comedy, amazing juggling, and loads of audience participation, this magic show is an out of control roller coaster ride designed to make you and your kids laugh harder than you ever have.
If you're in the city and have an hour to spare with the kids, I suggest you take them to the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center (MMAC) to check out Max. Tickets can also be purchased online via Telecharge. Max and his box will be performing until July 1st. It definitely will be an amazing experience!
If you have your own "little Max" at home that wants to create some magic of their own, you can now purchase Magic in Minutes  DVD. It will teach you 12 different magic tricks that your child can easily learn at home. The DVD can currently be purchased at the theater for $20.

Disclosure: I received tickets to the show for a review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Thank You Christine and Doris for the opportunity!

National Moms Night Out #MacaroniMingle

This past Thursday May 10th, I was fortunate to be able to join over 100 moms in the Bronx to celebrate National Moms Night Out. It is the first national organized celebration of motherhood to give moms a much needed night off. Co-Founders of the Bronx meet up group Mommy's Mingle, Christina Schiavone-Cespedes & Rebecca Borrero along with Macaroni Kids East Bronx publisher Geanine Petraglia hosted the Bronx's first event. And what an event indeed!!
It was held at F & J Pine restaurant on Bronxdale Avenue. Women were greeted at the door with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, swag bags and entered into a party with music by Non Stop Entertainment. There were over twenty vendors that appealed to every woman's needs. Rebecca Perez of Justbecca's Vintage Jewelry was there with her one of kind summer collection. Beauty Specialist Lily Agosto was on hand to doll everyone up. Of course what every woman loves are her sweets and
The Sweet Tooth Bar did not disappoint! Their yummy chocolate covered marshmallows were to die for! I have already contacted them to create sweets for my son's birthday party next month. Of course let's not forget the tarot card reading done by Michele of Michele's Cutting Corner. For $10 (100% of funds were donated to Moms On Bullying campaign) you sat for a chance to hear about your future. Nerve racking as it was, she was awesome and on point, at least for me. I can't wait to pay her a visit again. They had so many  vendors that the list could go on. What was incredible was that all these vendors are women owned businesses.

Zumba Time

Fashion Glam Life

Pure Romance by Jo-Ann

Justbecca's Vintage Jewelry

Lily Agosto

Michele of Michele's Cutting Corner

Pixie Clips

Cuties passing out Skinnygirl drinks

Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera also stopped by the event to issue a resolution declaring May 10th a National Mom's Night out in New York State. What an honor it was to hear her speak & praise these 3 women for their passion & hard work in making a successful first event in the Bronx.

After a few hours of non stop shopping, eating, drinking and dancing many of these women left with smiles on their faces & sore feet. Some even left with some great prizes such as gift cards, Arbonne gift baskets, wine baskets & I must say that I won the 50/50 raffle! I was shocked to say the least.
As the women exited, they were greeted with treats from the Crosstown Diner. They graciously donated over 100 baked goodies for each & every mom. They were so yummy it was hard to choose from! I wanted them all!

I just want to give a HUGE thank you to Rebecca, Christina & Geanine for pulling off such a fascinating event. I know it took a lot of hard work & time away from the families to plan this. You all did an amazing job. I look forward to May 10th of each upcoming year to see how bigger & better this party will get! Happy Mother's day to 3 kick ass Bronxites! You ladies rep the borough well!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All views expressed are my own.

Happy Mothers Day to my amazing mother & sister.

Wordless Wednesday

Yes I'm rooting for the Heat!

APASSIONATA 'THE BEGINNING" TICKET GIVEAWAY

I'm excited to announce that coming to the IZOD center on June 1st is Europe's live equestrian show APASSIONATA "The Beginning". If you are love horses & their beauty then this show is for you. I have the opportunity to offer a family 4 pack of tickets to opening night for one lucky reader.

Here is a brief synopsis:

APASSIONATA has been Europe’s most popular live arena show for nearly a decade, thrilling more than five million fans across 15 countries with a breathtaking display of the beauty and the bond between horse and rider.

Now APASSIONATA comes to North America to take audiences through a magical adventure featuring more than 40 horses, with exhilarating equine stunts by the world’s best performers. Breeds from Friesians to Bretons - some rarely seen in North America – and their riders were brought from Europe to create this evocative theatrical event. From trick riding to liberty dressage, these teams have honed their craft on a single breed for generations. With graceful horsemanship and enchanting music, this equestrian sensation captivates families and horse lovers alike.

Directed by Scott Faris (“Walking with Dinosaurs”) and featuring an award-winning Broadway creative team, APASSIONATA “THE BEGINNING” is sure to give audiences of all ages an unforgettable experience.

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win a family 4 pack of tickets to the opening night show at the IZOD center on 6/1/12.

To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Winner has 48 hours to reply to the email before a new winner is selected.

Tickets can be purchased online via ticketmaster.com Use the special discount code listed below