Wordless Wednesday - My New Love

This is the reason why I named my blog BoyzRuleOurWorld. On Saturday March 23rd my nephew, Alexander James was born. With those beautiful eyes and calm demeanor he has stolen our hearts. This is why in my world, boyz will always rule.

There's still time for 4 lucky moms to be to win their ultimate dream baby shower hosted by the beautiful Jessica Alba!

In honor of Mother’s Day, The Honest Company is treating  a deserving mom-to-be in the Big Apple to a Honestly Ultimate Baby Shower hosted by co-founder and actress Jessica Alba this May! Through The Honest Company’s Facebook application, starting now through the end of the month, New Yorkers can submit their deserving moms-to-be for the chance to win a baby shower she will never forget! 

 

From now through the end of March, friends and family can nominate “deserving moms-to-be” for the baby shower via photo/word essay or video entry through a contest application located on Honest’s Facebook page. The definition of “deserving moms-to-be” and the criteria to be judged on is: someone who is working hard to create a safe and healthy environment for her family while dedicating herself to the service of others and charitable work, education, or overcoming adversity. This qualification is parallel to the mission of The Honest Company whose goal is create a more sustainable planet starting with non-toxic and eco-friendly essentials for every member of the family.

 

The four winners, chosen by The Honest Company in April, will receive a baby shower for their closest friends and family hosted by Jessica Alba. From fun activities to generous gifts from The Honest Company and collaborating family companies, the moms-to-be will be fully prepared to take on this exciting motherhood adventure.

 

WHO:                    Jessica Alba, co-founder of The Honest Company in collaboration with: Land of Nod, Tea Collection, Orbit, Naturepedic, Cloud B, HATCH Collection, Stonyfield, Beco

 

WHEN:                  March 12-March 31, 2013: Nomination Period http://www.facebook.com/TheHonestCompany

April: Winner’s Announced

May:  Honest Baby Showers

 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

 

 

Les Miserables Blu-Ray & DVD #GIVEAWAY 10 COPIES!

One of my favorite movies this year is Les Miserables. I was amazed at the singing by some of my favorite actors. I never had the chance to see the play on Broadway. This is definitely a musical that is a must have to own.

Synopsis:
Hugh Jackman, Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway star in this critically-acclaimed adaptation of the epic musical phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells the story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Jackman), hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe), after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. This enthralling story is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit and “an unforgettable experience” (Richard Roeper, RichardRoeper.com).

Bring home Les Misérables on Blu-ray™ and experience the single greatest musical of all time – in stunning high definition. Own the Academy Award® winning film on Blu-ray™ and DVD March 22, 2013!

Ten lucky readers will each win their own Blu-Ray/DVD copy of Les Miserables!

 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post

 

Cirque Du Soleil Totem Ticket #GIVEAWAY

Enter for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see

Cirque Du Soleil TOTEM at Citifield on April 24,2013!

I am a huge fan of Cirque Du Soleil's productions. They are beyond amazing. My first experience was in Las Vegas to see O. It was breathtaking. I can't wait to see TOTEM especially in the home of the New York Mets at Citifield. I am excited to have tickets to share with my readers!

Synopsis
TOTEM from Cirque du Soleil, the tale of the fascinating journey of the human species told with Cirque du Soleil’s signature high-flying acrobatics, performs a limited engagement at Citi Field March 14 through May 12. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem for more details. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.
Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species.
Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

Here is a preview of what you can expect.

Tickets can be purchased now online.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

 

Rise Of The Guardians DVD #GIVEAWAY

Last year my son & I had the opportunity to see Dreamworks Rise of the Guardians in pre-screening. It was an unfinished product but nonetheless, the movie was awesome. My son was amazed by the characters and story line. He truly instilled his belief in Santa Claus, Jack Frost, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sand Man. I enjoyed the movie just as much as him. It really made me want to wish that these heros were real.
Synopsis:

An epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes – each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

If you haven't seen this movie yet then you're in for a real treat. One lucky reader will win the DVD! It will definitely be worth a movie night at home!

Please use the Rafflcopter form below. First entry is mandatory.

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

Bello Mania at The New Victory Theater

This weekend my niece & I took the boyz to see Bello Mania at the New Victory Theater in Times Square. I was excited because a few years ago we saw Bello at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. He was hilarious then so I knew it was going to be an animated event. It was our first time at the New Victory theater but I have heard so many rave reviews about them. Their theater was the perfect venue size and their seats were quite roomy.
Bello was amazing! From the beginning he held all the kids and adults' attentions with his antics. All the boyz looked on in amazement as he walked a tight rope or climbed a swaying sky high pole. One of our boyz was even selected to go on stage! It was a great time for all. Bello Nock is a seventh generation circus performer. He currently holds a Guinness World Record for a high wire walk over a cruise ship at sea.

Bello Mania can currently be seen at The New Victory Theater till March 31,2013. The show is geared for children ages 4+ but I took my nephew who is 2 1/2 and he sat still watching the 90 minute show. Tickets can be purchased here.

Disclosure: I received tickets for a show to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Spa Week is coming back!

One of my favorite times of the year besides Restaurant week is Spa Week. When else can you indulge in $50 spa treatments at New York's premiere spas. Spa Week begins April 15-21st. You can start booking your appointments now. It's the perfect early Mother's day gift!

The time to unwind is almost here! In anticipation of National Spa Week’s Spring 2013 Event, SpaWeek.com is now LIVE with the complete directory of participating spas and their $50 treatments. Now is the time for stressed-out consumers to begin booking all of the rejuvenating, detoxifying, body-slimming, anti-aging and oxygenating services that their bodies and minds desire, all at an affordable price. Stop waiting around for that tax return and make the decision to indulge, guilt-free!

From April 15th – 21st, hundreds of spas and wellness locations from California to Connecticut will offer some of their most exclusive services, normally costing $100 - $500, for just $50 each. Every Spa Week season brings more innovation in services and a higher caliber of spa participants, and this spring is no exception. From futuristic facials (Exclusive Zero-Gravity Moonstone Facial anyone?) to advanced massage therapies, delicious body treatments (we’re drooling over this Coconut Pineapple Body Balm Wrap), top-of-the-line hair removal procedures and flat-out vanity pampering (Botox, Lip-Plumping and Eyelash Extensions are on the menu), Spa Week has something to spoil everyone. And with top national spa brands on board like LifeSpa, exhale, Clarins, Jurlique, Fresh and many more, Spa Week is a trusted resource for consumers to relax at respectable spa and wellness establishments.

In honor of this special time when so many people are making the decision to care for their well-being, visitors to SpaWeek.com will also have the opportunity to win the ultimate health and wellness package by entering The EnJOY Feeling Fit & Fab Giveaway. With the help of TODAY show nutrition expert Joy Bauer and the prestigious Golden Door Spa, one lucky winner will receive a life-changing prize dedicated to life-long health and happiness.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

Rise of The Guardians Saturday Event at Newport Center Mall,NJ

On Saturday, March 16^th, the Simon Kidgits Club will feature exciting displays and activities inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s hit film Rise of the Guardians, which features the Easter Bunny, Jack Frost, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Sandman—together for the first time!  Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on March 12^th, the movie tells the story of how these beloved heroes protect the hopes and dreams of children everywhere.  Children and their parents are invited to come by the Newport Center Mall and take part in Rise of the Guardians-themed arts and crafts activities and have a chance at winning some terrific giveaways

Sounds like a fun time for the whole family!

eShakti Promo Code

With warmer weather on the horizon, I know I can't wait to dress less. Last summer I was having fun wearing dresses. One place that I got a dress from last year was eShakti. They are an online retail store that have some beautiful dresses. You can even customize the dress to your fit. I absolutely love them.
Check out their site. I have a discount code especially for my readers. The coupon code is valid until March 20,2013. Use Gift Coupon Code: BYZRLERWRL13 at checkout.

Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

Jenny Craig & Redbook Wedding Dress Challenge

Since we are already 3 months into the new year, I wonder how many people have stuck with their resolutions for weight loss? I have to admit that I have been a total slacker! I am so upset about it too. I can jus kick myself for not continuing with my weight loss. I've actually gained a few of those pounds back. I am happy to say that I am teaming up with Jenny Craig & will be starting a new weight loss challenge with them. I'm looking forward to it and hoping to have success in the upcoming months. I will keep you posted but for now Jenny Craig & Redbook Magazine have collaborated on their annual Wedding Dress Challenge. It seems like a great motivator as well. Wish you luck!

 

 Have you ever dreamed about slipping on your wedding dress again? Did you get married 20, 10, 5 or even one year ago and want to get your bride body back? Jenny Craig is happy to announce that it is sponsoring REDBOOK magazine’s annual Wedding Dress Challenge. Click here to get more information on how you can sign up for this exciting 12 week challenge and join others who are on a mission to get back into their wedding dresses.

 

To get you into the spirit of the challenge, Jenny Craig is offering five simple weight loss tips along with a healthy dinner recipe to incorporate into your menu:

 

1.       Practice portion control: An easy way to be sure you’re eating proper portions is by using the plate method: 1/4 of your plate will have one serving of a starch, 1/4 will have a protein and 1/2 will have vegetables (non-starchy vegetables steamed or raw), which can be added in abundance. Remember that creamy salad dressings can add extra calories and fat, so choose a lower calorie option like balsamic vinaigrette.

 

2.       Load up on colorful fruits and veggies: It’s important to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into every meal because these foods lower the calorie density of meals. This principle, known as the Volumetrics® approach, is exclusively featured in the Jenny Craig program and allows you to eat bigger portions that have the same calories and nutritional value as less-filling meals. Also, selecting lean meats over higher-fat meats help to lower the calorie density of a meal because there is less fat and more protein in the lean cuts, which leads to fewer calories for an equal portion size.

 

3.       Be smart when dining out: Restaurants typically serve much larger portions than necessary. A good tip is to ask your server for a to-go box when you order so you can put half of your entrée into the box and take it home for another meal. By doing this, you’ll be satisfied and save yourself some calories, as well as have leftovers for later!

 

4.       Be active: Physical activity is a key component to weight loss success and increasing activity levels will not only help to burn calories, but it will also reduce stress. In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume (a pound equals about 3,500 calories). Remember the weight loss rule, 80/20. Weight loss is 80 percent about nutrition and 20 percent about exercise. An easy way to get in extra activity each day is to park your car far from your destination or take the stairs instead of an elevator.

 

5.       Get support: Grab a friend to exercise with because having someone there for support will help you keep up the momentum. On the Jenny Craig program, each client is paired with a consultant who teaches them how to build a healthy relationship with food, motivational techniques for stressful situations like social gatherings and dining out and works with their busy lifestyle to help easily add activity into their daily routine. It’s all about having someone in your corner to cheer on your successes!

 

An easy way to incorporate the Volumetrics® Approach into the meal below is by serving the fish along with some steamed veggies like asparagus, zucchini or broccoli.

 

 

Ingredients

1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise

2 tbsp. bottled, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette salad dressing

1 ½ tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp. lemon juice  

1 tbsp. vegetable cooking spray

1 ½ lbs. swordfish, halibut, shark, tuna or salmon steaks

 

Directions

1.       Combine the first four ingredients into a small bowl; mix well.

1.       Set aside 4 teaspoons mayonnaise mixture.

2.       Brush remaining mixture on both sides of swordfish steaks; set aside.

3.       Coat a grill rack with vegetable cooking spray.

4.       Place steaks on grill 4 to 5 inches from medium-hot coals.

5.       Grill, turning once, until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork, allowing 6 to 8 minutes on each side.

6.       To serve, transfer steaks to serving plates. Top each steak with 1 teaspoon reserved mayonnaise mixture.

 

For more information on Jenny Craig, visit: http://www.jennycraig.com/. And, don’t forget to visit http://www.jennycraig.com/heart-walk to learn about how Jenny is supporting the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life.™ initiative. To sign up for a Heart Walk, taking place in more than 300 cities across the U.S. in 2013, please visit www.heartwalk.org. 

 

 Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

CityMD Urgent Care Centers NYC

Last summer when Andre caught a severe stomach bug during our weekend trip in Maine, we had to take him to the ER. It's a horrible feeling being out of town & having a sick child. Even as we got home, we ended up taking back to the ER of our local hospital as well. Thank God he was okay but I have to admit that sometimes I have to consider if the illness is worthy of an ER visit. For one I don't want to sit in there for hours. Secondly, and I'm being honest I don't want to pay the $150 copayment. It's a ridiculous amount that if I can avoid it I would rather that.
A few weekends ago, I attended an early morning panel discussion with the lovely Serena of Mama Goes Natural, Jessica of Momma's Gone City and Sherice of Bad Ass Chronicles at CityMD's Upper West Side location.

CityMD are premiere urgent care centers located through out New York City.  They eliminate the stress of being in an emergency room. There's no long waits, high costs and chaos. As a parent, it brings comfort to know that I can bring my son in for an emergency such as a broken bone or cold. Most insurance plans are accepted. The staff are friendly and trained through all urgent care aspects. The centers are equipped with the most up to date technology.

 

CityMD has six locations in Manhattan. Hopefully they will expand to the outer boroughs and under served areas such as Harlem. I believe these residents can definitely use a low cost, high quality health care without the bureaucracy of a hospital. So the next time you are not feeling well, look to getting seen at one of their urgent care centers. I'm sure you will feel better once you've been seen.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I attended a panel discussion. All opinions are 100% my own.

Gerber "Big Dreams to Life Video Contest" & #GIVEAWAY

Do you know that baby's face? I remember buying Andre baby food & just trusting the brand because of it. Gerber has been around since 1967 providing quality life insurance for middle income families. You have to trust a company who wants you to invest for your child's future to bring his or her dreams to fruition. You know our kids can dream big.  I can only hope that we will be able to afford and make it happen for him.

That's why Gerber has launched the "Bring Dreams to Life Video Contest" to make it possible for one lucky child to win a $10,000 Gerber Life College Plan. Wouldn't that just help out a bit!

How To Enter:

• Step 1 - Take a video of your child (who must be 8 years or younger) telling what he or she dreams of being when they grow up.

• Step 2 - Log onto the Gerber Life Facebook page between February 25th and 

April 1st, 2013 and submit your video to the Bring Dreams to Life contest.

• Step 3 - Share your child’s video with friends and family on Facebook to get votes for a chance to win a $10,000 Gerber Life College Plan. Videos with 100 or more votes will qualify for the final round. 

Facebook voting begins February 18 and ends at midnight April 1,2013. Videos that receive 100 or more votes will advance to the final round. A panel of judges will select the Grand Prize winner and 10 runners up from among the finalists. The Grand Prize winner will be awarded a $10,000 Gerber Life College Plan and the 10 runners up will receive a $100 gift card. Winners will be announced on
March 28,2013. For more information about Gerber Life College Plan please visit www.gerberlife.com.

 Giveaway

 One lucky BoyzRuleOurWorld reader will win the following:

• $25 Visa Gift Card
• Gerber Life Calculator and Pen

Leave a comment telling me what your child wants to be when he or she grows up (mandatory entry) Then fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

 Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I received a gift card.

Worldless Wednesday

There really isn't a cooler kid than this one

McDonalds Fish McBites Review #GIVEAWAY

I usually like to treat my son at the end of a long work & school week. We aren't big fast food eaters but we do indulge once in awhile at McDonalds. Especially when their happy meal toys are ones that he really wants to have. He's seen the commercials for the new Fish McBites and has been nagging me to try them. I was intrigued too.
As McDonald's USA celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the classic Filet-O-Fish, the company is making waves with a new fish menu innovation – Fish McBites. Fish McBites are available through March 2013. They are crispy, tender pieces of poppable flaky wild-caught Alaska Pollock. Fish McBites are available in three sizes – Snack (3 oz.), Regular (5 oz.) and Shareable (10 oz.) as well as an option in the Happy Meal. He's a big fan of seafood so he was really excited about having another option for the happy meal.

The Fish McBites come as 6 pieces in a happy meal along with tartar sauce. I had to beg for one to try. It was very good and tasted fresh. I'm always a bit hesitant about eating seafood at a fast food restaurant but these didn't disappoint.

 We've been back a couple of times now to grab some McBites. I know Andre will be disappointed at the end of the month when they will be gone. The timing is perfect as well since it is Lent and we can't eat meat on Fridays. I love that McDonald's is introducing seafood to its youngest customers. I'm big on kids having a variety to choose from when dining with family. Head to McDonald's before the end of the month to try the Fish McBites out before they sail away!

Two winners will each win 2 coupons for a FREE Snack size Fish McBites. 

Coupon expires April 1,2013

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment with a valid email address telling me your favorite McDonald's meal.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Contest is eligible in the US only. Giveaway ends 11:59PM 3/8/13.Winner has 24 hours to reply with a mailing address. BoyzRuleOurWorld is not responsible for lost prizes.

Listerine 21 Day Challenge Update #LISTERINE

For the past 3 weeks my family has been participating in the #LISTERINE 21 day challenge.  We have tried to improve our daily oral health care using Listerine products. After reading about how much germs we really carry in our mouths it totally persuaded me to instill better oral healthcare for us.

My husband & son are daily swishers using mouthwash, so it was definitely a challenge for me to add that into my daily routine. I'm not a big fan of strong mint flavor in my mouth. I just don't like the heat but I have to say that using the Listerine Ultraclean Fresh Citrus flavor really changed my mind. I could feel my mouth tingling and it really had a fresher, cleaner taste afterwards. My son loved his Phineas & Ferb Smart Rinse Anticavity mouthwash. I think having one of his favorite cartoon characters on the bottle helped as well. He loves the bubble blast flavor. Since he doesn't chew gum, it gave him the illusion that he did. It even smells like bubble gum!

I am a bit compulsive when it comes to flossing. I keep it in my desk at work and carry it in my bag at all times. I hate having food stuck between my teeth so I am constantly looking at them after I eat. I loved the Reach Access Flosser. It made it easy to get into my molars for those times when floss wasn't feasible. My husband has been more conscious about using it as well. My son is only 6 so he generally doesn't use floss unless he gets something in his teeth that he can't remove with his tongue. But I definitely foresee them using it as much as I do in the future!
Overall this has been a great experience for my family. We all see a change in our oral health since using these products. We have become diligent in maintaining these processes everyday now. I believe in having Andre start now will lead him to have great teeth & breath in the future. Everyone loves fresh smelling breath!
Why not sign up for the challenge? To get more information on the Listerine 21 Day Challenge check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/listerine.

To help you get started, one winner will be selected to win a $100 Walmart gift card & various Listerine products. What better way to kick off to a better oral health care?