Panera Bread Broth Bowls

February 28, 2015

Ok so I have a tiny secret.

Yes I always talk about the great food that’s available in NYC – trust me, there is. But, you always have to have a reliable chain restaurant as well that you know is both delicious and offers healthy options for traveling, being that Maximo and I are always off on some adventure. My go-to has always been Panera, (as you’ve seen me talk about them before) because you can always find them when traveling in different cities and on the road. So yes, there just HAPPENS to be a Panera in Astoria (score!) and sometimes, especially in the cold like now, I love to grab their 1/2 soup and salad option on-the-go. Maximo has zero complaints about this.

Well, Panera upped their soup game this month – offering two new broth bowls, and being the lovely food critic I am, they wanted me to taste them out.

Panera Bread Broth Bowls

They include two new bowls: Soba Noodle Bowl with Chicken (or Edamame for a vegetarian option) and Lentil Quinoa Bowl with Chicken or Cage-Free Egg.

The Asian-inspired Broth Bowls combine exotic and delicious ingredients — like quinoa, kale and chicken raised without antibiotics — to create filling bowls full of global flavors and fresh greens, all steeped in umami soy-miso broth. The new Broth Bowls allow guests to awaken their appetites for adventurous eating while also enjoying familiar options.

Let me just say – my favorite and pick of this round is the Lentil Quinoa Bowl with Egg. The flavors and all the protein in this simple meal are sure to warm and fill you up – plus keep you full on less calories. Hello KALE! Seriously – I want you to go and try it – on me (well, and Panera, of course!)

{Giveaway}

Enter below to win one of two $25 gift cards to a local Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island or Long Island Panera Bread location. Simply comment below which broth bowl you want to try and why!

Panera Bread two $25 gift cards

Simple Playdough Recipe

February 25, 2015

Ok I am about to blow your minds with this one. You can call me Susie Homemaker, but really, when did it become more convenient to NOT make your own things at home? It really takes 5 minutes to make homemade playdough and it’s safe, non-toxic, and fun to get the kids involved in the process. Plus, the colors don’t stain!

Let’s keep it simple, shall we?

Simple Playdough Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 tsp. cream of tarter
1/3 cup salt
1 Tbsp vegetable oil (coconut oil works well too)
food coloring, or you can use beet juice for red, orange juice for orange, spinach for green, etc.

Directions:

1. Literally mix them all together. Even though you don’t have to bake it, I have found it is easier to heat it over the stovetop in a pot – the mixture melts easier and stirs in the colors better, but it’s not necessary. You should howeverstart by mixing the liquid ingredients first, and then adding the dry mixture.

2. If you do heat it up, make sure to let it sit out for about 30 minutes to cool off in a pile before letting the little ones play, or wrapping it up for storage.

3. Storage is simple – just place in an air-tight plastic bag to enjoy over and over again!

Planning a Perfect New York Moms Baby Shower with Huggies

February 23, 2015

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MomsTrustHuggies #CollectiveBias

I love being a NYC mom.

It has it’s challenges that’s for sure, but like they say, if you can make it here you can make it anywhere. Being new york moms has it’s pros (culture, coffee on every corner, grocery delivery!) and cons (carrying strollers up and down subway steps). But you have to learn how to balance them out. Since my girlfriend was having her baby shower this weekend (and first baby coming in a few weeks!), I thought it would a great way to teach her how adjust to mom-life in the city but helping her pull together some of the essentials she would need when that little girl arrived, and how both Huggies Snug & Dry and Little Movers diapers plays a major part in our lives. Seriously – we’ve been using Huggies since day one.

1. Know where your diapers are

[tweet_box]Even the most prepared of moms have a moment of failure. #MomsTrustHuggies #ad[/tweet_box]

Even the most prepared of moms have had a moment when they didn’t have diapers. Myself included. The biggest challenge of city life is trying to be prepared for anything, with the least amount of items as possible. Trust me – it’s a freaking gift to pull this off, and when you do you feel unstoppable. But, like I said, sometimes your days run longer, and you’re just one diaper short of getting home. That’s when you need to rely on 1. CVS always having Huggies and 2. Knowing that Huggies will get you home with no leaks. The last thing ANYONE wants to witness is a diaper change on the subway, or a screaming, smelly baby who just blew out his pants.

Secrets: The best gift you can get any new mom is priceless advice. Use the MommyNearest.com app to find the closest CVS. Since it’s location-based, it’s going to show you where your Huggies are closest located. There’s no time for effin around right now. Why CVS? Because they’ve never let me down. Seriously – anytime I’ve run into my local trusty CVS (Astoria on Ditmars and 31st aisle 16 to be precise), there are always shiny red packages of Huggies awaiting me.

While you’re thinking of it – go and save this coupon for $2 off your next Huggies purchase at CVS. You’re welcome.

2. The pack light challenge

I can pack THE world’s best and lightest diaper bag in my sleep. I can even tell you how many diapers you’ll need for the amount of hours you’ll be out and about. The biggest problem new moms face is being over-prepared. It’s something you can’t avoid – and it’s always easier to be safe than sorry, but trust me, your back will thank you if you follow my steps. Get your mom-to-be ready by prepping her a light-weight diaper bag with these simple essentials:

Secrets:

1. The Huggies Clutch “n Clean. Brilliant. Before these came out I was using freezer bags to take only a few wipes as a time. As a city mom, you just don’t need that huge pack, and buying them individually can really add up. This grab-and-go clutch lets you take as many or little as you need (and you can buy them in bulk to save money!).

2. Powder formula. Stop lugging water everywhere – liquid is heavy. Bring powder formula that’s lighter and grab a water on any city street. Or in a restaurant. Same goes for snacks and pouches. Carry something lightweight that doesn’t crumble in a bag like apple chips. They are healthy, barely weigh anything and stand up to a few shoves under the stroller.

3. Light strollers. I hate to break it to you, but you’re going to need more than one stroller as a mom. As that baby transitions into a tot, you need the lightest, most durable stroller out there. For us, we love our UppaBaby G-lite. It’s a mere 17 lbs and it fold up in one snap so you can either carry toddler in stroller like a Crossfit challenge, or you can throw it over your shoulder while he climbs the steps on his own.

3. Register for the essentials at your baby shower and make them fun!

ZTA sorority sisters – we are all still good friends.

Us city moms are pros at finding storage for things in our tiny apartments, but when baby comes, it’s amazing to see how large some of these things can be! Expert moms know that you don’t need everything at once, so when you’re registering for your baby shower, stick to the basics – diapers and wipes, sleepers, washcloths and bath products, and a bassinet. It’s fun to want those fancy high chairs, but you won’t need them for over six more months!

Secrets: Make the baby shower fun. Diapers have a bad rep – I mean, they’re used to collect human waste – so turn them into a pretty diaper cake and decor!

Seriously it’s really NOT that hard – I made this one in less than an hour and under $50! All you need is: about 40-50 newborn size Huggies, a $10 cake plate from a craft store, ribbon, rubber bands and a paper towel roll. (Tip: those little rainbow looms that kids loves to make bracelets with are the best for wrapping diapers and are unbelievably cheap (I got a bag of 200 for 50 cents)!

Other fun decor can include washcloth babies.

Another fun and super easy (and quick) project was this box of “baby wash cloths.” Start with a cute container, put a blanket on the bottom to prop them up, and then wrap the diapers in washcloths and use socks or washcloths for the hats as well. Draw on the eyes with a sharpie. Boom.

What are some of the creative ways you’ve used diapers for a baby shower? I’d love to hear about yours! Leave a comment sharing your favorite mom-tips!

Why I Will Let My Son Play Football

February 22, 2015

I grew up in middle America where football isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. We don’t just watch the games every Sunday, we have a football channel dedicated to 365 days of coverage. I can dictate more sports facts and stats from history than the average male, and half my wardrobe is able to match the team colors when I head out to watch a game live. That’s dedication. And that’s why I feel I need to come to the rescue of this sport from all the negative attention it’s been receiving lately. So, here goes: As a mom, a female and a fan, yes, I would allow my son to play football one day. Here’s why:

1. I want him to follow his dreams

It’s not about me, it’s about him. Here’s how I see it: I will support my son whatever after-school activities he decides to get involved in—whether it’s theater, football or cooking classes. I will not force him to play football, and I will never say no. I believe a healthy part of growing up is trying new things and discovering what it is that you’re most passionate about. I don’t want to inhibit his imagination, but at the same time, yes I will still be a parent. Part of my responsibility as a mom is to be hands-on and make sure that whatever he chooses is indeed safe and performed properly. I would never send my son to a cooking class unattended with knives, and I would never send him out on a football field without prior knowledge of the coaching program. Our obligation as parents is to watch over our children as they make their own life choices.

2. Football safety has come a long way

Many of you are probably thinking: How can I subject my son to something so violent? Yes, concussions are possible but football safety has come a long way as far as equipment is concerned. Thanks to technological advancements, better research and safety regulations, the number of concussions per year among youth athletes are going down. According to the CDC there were 120 sports-related deaths of young athletes from 2008 to 2009; 50 in 2010; and 40 in 2011. Those numbers sound scary, but let’s put them in perspective. Based on the National MCH Center for Child Death Review in 2010, 4,419 children were killed in car accidents, 1,097 from drowning, and 838 due to poisoning. Another concern: the heat and dehydration issue. Yes, this is real and yes, it’s scary, but football isn’t the only sport that has kids outside for hours running around in the middle of the summer. Kids go to band camp, cheerleading practice and kick line sessions—and they’re often outside dancing, jumping and pushing themselves in the heat, too. The hope is that teachers and coaches make sure they have plenty of breaks, liquids and shade. At the end of the day, I’m not going to prevent my son from doing something he loves due to fear of the unknown. That in itself is parallelizing.

3. It encourages kids to work hard

I didn’t grow up with family myself, and I had to find ways to put myself through college to get where I am today, so I can understand personally how hard it can be to get a quality education in order to succeed in life. Many kids don’t play for the dream of the NFL, they play for the dream of a scholarship to a great college. The NFL is just a bonus. But pushing yourself to be the best, working hard to get somewhere and understanding that goal and striving to achieve it? Is that a bad lesson to teach our children? Sports shows children that you won’t always be handed things—that if you want something, you have to work hard to get it. Not everyone gets a trophy at the end.

4. It teaches teamwork and sportsmanship

Football gives kids a chance to work with others to achieve a goal and how to earn the right of a win that isn’t handed to them. It also teaches them about the feeling of failure. It’s a proven fact that failure is more powerful than success—it’s how you learn how to achieve greatness. If we don’t let our kids fail, how will they ever know how to succeed?

5. They need role models

While I would never condone the negative behavior exhibited by some football players over the years, I do stand by the fact that many of the athletes and coaches can be looked at as role models—especially for children (and there are many of them) who don’t have positive males in their lives. (Coaches can often help fill this gap. Take Tiki Barber, for example. He didn’t grow up with a father, and he credits his coach with helping to mold him to greatness.) A lot of professional players also give back to organizations and non-profits that are near and dear to their hearts. Jay Cutler, who suffers from diabetes himself, sends kids who also have the disease to camp, and donates $1,000 for every touchdown (and $100 for every completed pass) to the Touchdowns for Diabetes program. David Garrard donated $10,000 for every touchdown he had as the Jaguars’ quarterback to the the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and now runs his own foundation for children. There is good in everything, and sometimes, as parents, we need to comb through the negativity to find it.

What is your stand? Will you let your son play football, or any sport for that matter?

This article was originally posted on MommyNearest.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts 2015 Travel Mug Program {Giveaway}

February 20, 2015

Oh Dunkin’, just when we think we can’t love you anymore – you go and make our day. Since Dunkin knows we are constantly on the move here in New York City – mom or non-mom, they’ve decided to help us out with more java.

Enjoy an exclusive first look at Dunkin’ Donuts’ New Refill Travel Mug program

With the travel mug, Dunkin lovers can purchase an extra-large Hot or medium Iced Coffee for just $1.49 (running now through April 30 in Metro NY*.

Mugs are only available through the annual Dunkin’ Donuts coupon book – which should start arriving at Dunkin’ Lover’s houses around February 20th, so be on the lookout! Don’t get a Dunkin’ Donuts coupon book? You can sign up for the free DD Perks rewards program here.

ORRRRRR – you can win your own right here!

{Giveaway}

#WomensLives Matter – That Means You

February 15, 2015

Celebrating a 30th birthday together. Coming together to celebrate life is the most amazing feeling in the world.

It took me a long to to realize that this is probably the most powerful statement of a female’s life:

“Girls compete with each other and women empower each other.”

As you grow up a female, there are lots of odds against you and not a lot of support along the way when you need it most – at your most challenging years. Myself included, at 18 I was at a crossroads. I didn’t have any support or guidance and I realized that I could either suck it up and actually do something for myself like go to college and get an education, or I could continue down the dangerous road of a carefree lifestyle.

ZTA sorority sisters – we are all still good friends.

I didn’t want to go to college. I hated it with every ounce of my body. I didn’t have a penny to my name and I stood there looking at the Clarion University sign with tears in my eyes wondering how the F I would ever do it. But I laid in my dorm that night saying I would fight. I would fight tooth and nail for myself to be successful, to be the person no one ever thought I could be, just to prove them all wrong, and to prove to myself that I was worthy of it all.

I look back on those days a lot when I feel like I still don’t have a purpose in life. I remember how far I have come and how much blood sweat and tears it has cost me to be standing here in front of you today. Because you see, girls don’t see the value in their success anymore. We are pulled in so many directions and have so much pressure it’s impossible to ever end up right here where I am.

Happy.

There were so many dark moments and bad decisions I could have made that would have cost me my life, and trust me, not all of my decisions were good ones, but somehow, somewhere in the pit of my soul I knew I was meant to do more than just sit back and be someone who only “existed.” And this is why I want you all to take a moment to remember just who extraordinary you are, and how you got here too. Every woman has a story, and together those stories can weave a powerful new road for our children to walk upon, just as other women have done before us.

People always want to talk about the amazing and unbelievable things that are happening in the world, myself included. But I think we often forget about all the amazing things are happening right here around us. We don’t look within ourselves or our own communities to see greatness, because we don’t believe that it can happen in front of our eyes – we think we have to go and read some immaculate Pulitzer Prize-worthy article on how people just like us are changing the world. But that’s the thing – people like us ARE changing the world, little pieces at a time within ourselves to be strong, and when we all compile those simple stories together it starts to mean something.

Life has a mentality to want to pull you down, to make you give up, and in this day and age it’s even harder. You have reality tv to watch how other’s live, or social media to see all the vacations and presents and fabulous things everyone else is doing. But before you go and get “Facebook envy” remember that not always what you see is true. And before you judge people, realize they too might be just like you, hiding behind something to make everything feel just a little bit better.

My Story

Girlfriends are important at any age. In my twenties with some of my best friends.

I am asked a lot how I am a strong person and how can they be strong too? Strength isn’t something you can learn, it’s something you experience – usually not in a good way. Luckily, at the age of 33, I can look back and see that I have experienced a lot and have met tons of extraordinary females along the way. It wasn’t always good, and there have been a lot of setbacks, but as I have grown, I’ve seen a few grow and blossom as well, and have met new faces that have taught me a lot. Strength comes from within when the ability to know that you are meant to survive whatever struggle you are facing. Whether it’s as simple as a morning commute with a toddler, graduating college, or dealing with a loss, we women as a whole really can pull it together when we have to.

I could go on an on to tell you about how I’ve overcome so many obstacles, but I think all you need to know is that I am sitting here typing this to you – I am a success story. And so are you. Tell yourself that.

I want to share with you a few stories of women who I know right here, who have taken small leaps and have large impacts on their lives. And hopefully, you’ll share your story too, or see that as women, our lives do matter, and every time you pass a woman on the street, I want you to look at their face and see their story within in.

Meet Reesa

After becoming a stay-at-home mom almost six years ago, I felt very unsure of my place in my home. I placed a high priority on income and importance being synonymous with one another. Over the years, I tried to find work outside of the home, but I realized my true calling was to be at home with my children. As I started blogging more, I realized my blog offered an outlet for me to not only voice my opinion, but bring in income to my family as well. Being able to work from home and care for my children, while contributing to my family’s finances has given me a huge boost in my self-esteem and self worth.

Meet Candice

I once read some kind of statistic that said that when negotiating any kind of deal or contract 89% of men will ask for a better deal, or more money, or just something that gives them “more.” And I read in that same article that 95% of women will not ask for more. So I decided, that I would always always ask for more because what is the worst that could happen? So at my last job when I was given an offer letter it was less than what I was expecting. I sent my response and laid out my case about why I needed a higher salary in order to feel comfortable excepting the position. The result was that my yearly salary was about $12,000 more annually then it would have been had I not asked. Later, when I was laid off, I was offered a very very small severance package. I again sent a rebuttal. I asked for four times more than what they were offering me as a severance. Result? They gave me three times more than they originally offered (even though it wasn’t as much as I asked it was exactly what I wanted). So now, instead of being grumpy about not being offered as much as I want, or excepting jobs that make me feel like I’m not being paid enough, I just always, always ask for more. I will say, that it is possible that I was laid off from my last position because I was earning more than everyone else at my level. But, on the other hand it was a very lucrative 15 months.

Read more about Candice’s journey here.

Meet Valerie

How I combine work and family is by scheduling blocked time. It allows me to not only work more efficiently, it also allows me to dedicate more time to the people and things that are important to me. And it helps me to prioritize. I wrote a piece on my blog entitled, How I Balance Home Work & Me Time. It talks about how I was drowning in work but with the help of blocked time it allows me to enjoy everything in my life. Working smarter not harder is my motto.

I have so many other women stories to share, and if you want to share you’re story – I encourage you to join our #virtualvillage. Email me directly at stephanie@footballfoodandmotherhood.com

[tweet_box]Strength isn’t something you can learn – it’s something you experience. #womenslives[/tweet_box]

Can Do Duck the Musical

February 9, 2015

One of the best Broadway shows for kids just opened this past weekend (and is running on Saturdays and Sundays through March 8)! Can Do Duck: The Musical—a new show for kids that has one of the most uplifting and positive messages we’ve seen in awhile! (Don’t say we didn’t warn you to bring some tissues.) Here’s why you’ll want to grab a ticket to this musical playing at the Lynn Redgrave Theater at the Culture Project.

It teaches kids to believe in themselves

The motivational play (best for kids ages three to 11) teaches viewers to believe in themselves and say, “I can.” You’ll follow along with two families—one human, one duck—as they get their feel for the world by trying new things, working together as a team and loving each other despite their personal differences.

Based on the book The Can Do Duck, by Ducktor Morty, M.D., the show really knows how to reach and hold the attention of a younger audience. While there’s no bad seat in the intimate 199-seat theater, kids can grab a spot on the floor and sit right next to the stage. (This is especially great for toddlers.)

It’s interactive

Don’t be surprised if your child gets picked to try new things on stage during the show with the cast so they too can say, “I can!” Did we just see a duck do the chicken dance? Anyone (or animal) can do things when they try.

After the show, all children are invited up to learn how to swim, fly and dance with the Can Do Duck families under the spotlight.

It sends a positive message

In addition to watching a fun show, kids will leave learning a positive (and heartwarming) message about themselves and others in their lives. Even parents will find themselves singing along to catchy tunes like “You Are Loved,” while hugging and swaying to the music with their children.

HOURS AND ADMISSION

Location: Lynn Redgrave Theater at the Culture Project, 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays through March 8 at 11am

Admission: Adults $40, children $30 (under two are free). Group rates available for $10 to $15.

How to get there: Take the B, D, F, M to the Broadway–Lafayette stop, or the 6 to the Bleecker Street station.

This post was originally published on MommyNearest.com.

Juno-Inspired Winter Wear – Bring on Spring

February 5, 2015

As moms, we never seem to really spoil ourselves anymore. Remember those days when you used to have a big Saturday night planned with the girls and you spent the day shopping, getting manicures eating and napping in anticipation? haha – oh the GOOD days. Now, its more like – go to Target and I walk out with more Thomas trains and cheap tees that max will rip off like Hulk Hogan instead of any new dresses or pumps for muah.

Not to fear. It’s a new year! January came and so did the snow. So instead of burying yourself in head to toe black like the average New Yorker, put a little color in your life. We love Kohl’s because you can find some super cute pieces to pair together for affordable prices (so you won’t feel guilty to splurge on yourself). I spent less than $50 on these two outfits. Also, Kohl’s just switched to their spring line set-up in store and inline, so you can start to pull yourself out of your depressed winter state with some pops of color.

Note: these photos were taken during Juno – the flizzard of 2015, so as you can see, we were confined to the balcony of our NYC apartment, but we still get dressed to feel fab! The key to not feeling drab as a mom is to still get ready in the am. Words right out of Molly Sims mouth!

Tropical Tuesday

I picked up this skirt from Anthropologie on the sale rack over the holidays for only $60. It seemed designed perfectly to go with this LC Lauren Conrad deep blue lace sweater from Kohl’s ($24.99). I also paired it with a crisp white button-down from C. Wonder, and my favorite winter booties from Betsy Johnson.

My secret is to invest in a few great staple pieces (button-down, and great winter boots) and then finding the expensive pieces for less -hello Kohls!

Polka-Dottie Mamma

These polka-dot leggings ($19.99) from the LC Lauren Conrad collection are PERFECT for moms. They’re not spandex, so you don’t have to worry about them being see-through. Plus, the fun print is a simple, effortless way to spruce up your look. You can still chase a toddler, and climb snow piles in winter boots while looked pulled together. Helllllllo! Does it get any better than that? Boots are from Aldo($120) and the vest is from the now closed (so depressed!) C. Wonder store. I also got it on sale for only $40! I heard C Wonder in the Flatiron is still open this week (Columbus Circle closed already and online sales have been disabled), so if you can – head out and see what they still have for you!

Don’t worry- Kohl’s comes to the rescue with easy, awesome online shopping for us New Yorkers (and my favorite store to shop is in Monroeville while in Pittsburgh!).

Why I Love Kohl’s

First, who doesn’t LOVE Kohls??? Not only do you get Kohl’s cash to re-spend for shopping, you can get FREE shipping over $50 and they’re also ALWAYS running other promo codes on their website (or in store you’ll find even more mark downs).

Where to shop (my favorites):

– Online!
– New York: Rego Park (Queens!), Paramus (New Jersey), and Levitttown (Long Island)
– Pittsburgh – Monroeville next to the mall.

Photo credit: the fabulous Stephanie Riddle, who was trapped in my apartment and had literally no other option.

Thank you to Kohl’s for sponsoring this post.

Weekend at Woodloch

February 2, 2015

This past weekend we were invited to head back to Pennsylvania to play in the snow at a resort that’s slipped my radar. You all know I am the biggest fan of spontaneous weekend adventures, so when I heard Woodloch Resort in the Poconos – I knew I had to check it out! The Moms, Denise and Melissa, planned the cutest little getaway with other NYC families we know so it was a perfect for the kids to be able to beat cabin fever – by visiting a cabin! It was also sponsored by Vaseline – because I mean, what’s a better way to protect those rosy cheeks in the cold weather than with trusted and true Vaseline products like intensive care advanced repair? I’ve been a fan since my own mom used it on me as a kid growing up.

You can follow all of our adventures on social media with the hashtag #VaselineMOMs.

About Woodloch

Woodloch is located about 2 hours (2 1/2 with traffic) outside of NYC (5 hours from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Philly – I’ve done the research for you!) in a very rural area of the Pocono Mountains in northern PA. Just the drive up to the resort is an adventure in itself and immediately took me back to my roots with winding roads through the countryside and mountain ravines. I love being able to spend a little time outside of the city to recharge, and this was just far enough to be close enough for a weekend escape.

The Rooms

The rooms are large and inviting for families, with a separate living quarter, balcony to take in the serene and quietness of the wilderness, and even two bathrooms. This is perfect for when the kids need to crash early (after all those outdoor activities!) and you want to relax on the couch with a glass of wine.

They offer different lodging options for any family budget – from classic country rooms, to deluxe extended rooms with living areas (what we had and shown below), to Edgewater suites (with kitchens) to even full-house rentals featuring 4-6 bedrooms. And people – the prices are affordable through the winter, ranging from $99-469 a night (for an entire house!)

Outdoor Activities

Snow tubing is obviously the main attraction! Toddlers are welcome to ride with an adult on the all-ages hill behind the main lodge. There is also an “extreme” snow tube adventure were you have to be 7 years of age or up (and ride by yourself). I literally couldn’t get Max off this hill. I got the best workout of my life dragging him up the slope about 20 times in a row.

And don’t worry – if you start to get chilly, you can warm up at the outdoor fire pit right next to the tubing area!

There are also outdoor go carts to ride, ice skating and hockey (on a REAL FROZEN LAKE), and even family olympics to participate in.

Indoor Activities

Inside, there are fun events like a cake decorating, a kid’s art room, game room and “forest” (with indoor cars for the kids to ride!), AND an indoor pool and mini kids water park. They also host tons of activities such as music and game trivia, live theater shows complete with characters (Elmo was a HUGE hit), storytime with milk and cookies, and BINGO.

For the Adults

Not to be forgotten, it’s also a great place to escape without the kids (or if dad wants to play babysitter!). They have a full-amenity spa with massages, manicures, facials and steam rooms (yes, please!). There is also a beautiful golf course for the warmer months (with four sets of tees for all ages so you can take the kids!) They also have nightlife for adults – so you can sneak off to the night club for a few drinks, DJ and bar games. They have you covered for the winter – trust me!

Food

Of course food is a huge component of any trip, and Woodloch has it worked out so you don’t have to worry about it or leaving! They offer two separate dining areas, and even a little general store when you can pick up supplies to munch on or cook (if you have a house or kitchenette). They also have a little coffee station for us caffeine addicts. There are also three separate restaurants that you can visit on the premises (Clubhouse Grille Room that overlooks the golf course), The Boat House Restaurant, and TREE.

Now, I also think it’s worth noting the customer service. IMPECCABLE. Coming from NYC where everyone could really care less, the staff here was more than attentive to the littlest of diners. They brought Max anything he needed, and even though we had to leave early on Sunday am to get back to NYC, they brought us a little packed bag of food for him to enjoy on the ride back. Seriously, great customer service sells me every time. They also had a great variety of food options for picky eaters and vegetarians. And I am pretty sure Max could’ve survived on their desserts for the entire weekend. Happy toddler means a happy mom – thank you Woodloch for understanding this and making our overall experience amazing!

Overall rating:

We’ll be back before the winter is over. That’s all the rating you need to know!

I received a complimentary trip to visit Woodloch Resort on behalf of The Moms and Vaseline. All opinions are my own.

Rolling with the Punches #BetterStartsNow

January 30, 2015

2015 has been a love/hate relationship in the last 30 days. Some really awesome things have happened and some really shi**y things have happened. And resolutions? Ha you know I don’t even TRY to create those. No one follows them and it’s a waste of time to try to create unrealistic goals you know you won’t meet. Instead of letting yourself down – stop trying to make the impossible happen and do little things that will ultimately make you feel better about yourself.

I’ve learned you have to roll with the punches. You may think I live this fun, glamorous life up here in NYC, but just like anyone else, I experience a lot of pitfalls and problems. The thing is, I just never let it get me down. I look at them as challenges I have to accept, and to this day, I’ve always been able to find a way to make whatever happen that I want. Seriously. Life gives you lemons – stop holding them crying saying you asked for limes. Cause you’re going to get a lot of limes, and the life lesson is learning how to make YOURSELF happy with limes.

I am getting ready to move here in NYC and if I explained the process, you’re head would spin off and explode. It costs upwards of $10,000 cash upfront and you have to find, love, and move in AND out all within 30 days. The best question someone asked me? What if you don’t find an apartment? haha – well here in NYC there IS no plan B. You find an apartment or you live on the streets. This is probably why New Yorkers are so resilient. We don’t have an option to fail here or the city will swallow you. This is how I have come to be a strong person. You have to learn to say yes and no more, but to the things you would be saying the opposite.

#BetterStartsNow

Citizens Watches just opened up a new store in Times Square, and to highlight the opening, we had a little event including ways to make yourself better – starting now. Simple little 5 minutes changes to your schedule that can make a world of different in your life. I thought this was a great idea – start thinking about the little things you can do now to make yourself happier and better instead of these huge long-term goals you will feel guilty not to keep. Work yourself up to them.

Step outside your comfort zone

photo credit: Randi Zinn

Ok yeah you’ve heard this before – and I’m not saying go jump out of an airplane – just do something you want to do but need the help to do it. Case in point. I’ve always wanted to try spin classes, but since I don’t get to workout and often as I want, I wasn’t sure it was something I could keep up with. When Randi Zinn invited me to join her, I knew this was my chance. Being in a room full of peers gave me the push to keep going, I wasn’t going to be the one who couldn’t finish. I also loved the encouragement from the trainer, Sunny. Seriously – Soul Cycle isn’t just a workout – it’s an experience (that I am now hooked on by the way). Think of something you want to do but just keep pushing it off and get a friend to go with you and “hold your hand.” You’ll be surprised to see you can accomplish it, and will feel empowered by your new-found strength. We all need our #virtualvillage, but we also need a in-real-life village, too.

Do it for yourself

One of my favorites? Christian Zamora taught us some quick beauty tips to look good in 5 minutes or less. I see you rolling your eyes saying you’ll never do it – but seriously, even Molly Sims herself said it yesterday – if you force yourself to get dressed and look pretty everyday, you’ll FEEL better. Ever hear about how they tell people who work at home to just wear heels at the desk? Something simple makes you feel more pulled together. I’ve been really wanting to work on my eyebrows.

Ask for help

We all have a flaw in ourselves we want to fix, and Christian not only took the time to show me and help me pick out makeup that would make them look fab – he invited me in to do a makeup tutorial next week. You know why? Because I ASKED HIM. People want to help others – stop thinking you have to do it all on your own – if you have a makeup artist standing there – ask him for tips. If you have a friend standing there while you’re struggling to clean up after your toddler and make a deadline, ask her to help!

YOLO

Yes I said it. Listen life is too short to be sitting around miserable and crying about all the things you WISH would happen. If you feel better about yourself, you’ll be more daring to make changes you were afraid to in the past. With that, I say spoil yourself a little. Heck, I really say it all the time! Now don’t go breaking the bank, and you can’t do it ALL the time, but go invest in something that is really going to make you feel better – a new pair of shoes, a classic dress, great pair of jeans or a fantastic piece of statement jewelry. I’m known for my manly, chunky watch that I wear every single day, but lately I’ve been feeling more minimal, and I wanted something that would be a classic piece when I dress up from time to time. Chunky watch doesn’t go with little black dress. So this beautiful, chic Citizen’s Sunrise watch ($350) is perfect for my evening wear. PS – did you know that no Citizen watch uses a battery? They all run on sunlight, called eco-drive. That means you never have to change a battery again!

How are you dealing with the day-to-day grind? Share your favorite quick pick-me-up tips!

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#BetterStartsNow

Step outside your comfort zone

Do it for yourself

Ask for help

YOLO

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