Guess who got a preview of the Disney Jr.'s Ariel Seaside Celebration Event happening this weekend at Battery Park. Of course I did! But...

Guess who got a preview of the Disney Jr.'s Ariel Seaside Celebration Event happening this weekend at Battery Park. Of course I did! But your family can attend also.

Note: I was invited as media to the event. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.


While I was mini cos-playing in purple and black as Ursula the sea witch from The Little Mermaid, I made sure to get a "makeover" with a spray paint face design.

But there's also options for the arms.


After that I met Mykal-Michelle Harris, voice star of Disney Jr’s Ariel. She was so sweet and full of energy.

While I didn't steal her voice, I did join her for a photo and tell her how excited I am that she's part of the series.


Then I was off to bubble things up, with some help from one of the staff members. The bubble area so fun and there's lots of bubble activities to enjoy there, but I had to get ready to dance.


I joined the dance party, which had live Caribbean music playing and interactive lessons where I learned different dance moves. Then Ariel came out and joined in the dancing!


After all that dancing it was time to visit the snack stations. Families can enjoy fruit blended drinks and snacks including patties and fruit cups.

I tasted it ALL and it's so delicious. They also have vegan options, water stations and juice boxes.

While these are just a highlight of the different areas I visited, there's so much more to enjoy for families including tickets for the kids to ride the Seaglass Carousel after!

Disney Jr. Ariel’s Seaside Celebration

Over the June 28th-30th weekend, Disney Jr. is celebrating the new series "Disney Jr.’s Ariel” with a FREE family-friendly event taking place on the two-acre Battery Woodland.

Friday, June 28 / 3PM-5PM
Saturday, June 29 / 10AM–5PM
Sunday, June 30 / 10AM–5PM

Advanced online reservations are best way (currently full), but families can also register in person and walk-ins are welcomed space permitting.

A few of the interactive activities includes

Caribbean-inspired music and dance parties
Ariel’s Mer-ling Makeovers (brought to you by Roku)
Ursula’s Bubble Apothecary
Flounder’s Underwater Treasure Hunt
Atlantica Palace Play Area from Just Play
And more!

Sorry no Character Meet-and-Greets at this experience.

Learn more, visit - www.eventbrite.com/e/disney-jr-presents-ariels-seaside-celebration-tickets

Did you know that Manhattan Fencing Center have trained Olympic medalist coaches available to teach kids from youth (ages 4-6) through teen...

Did you know that Manhattan Fencing Center have trained Olympic medalist coaches available to teach kids from youth (ages 4-6) through teens (13-16)?

To learn more, I took my teen son for a fencing lesson!

Note: I invited as media for a fencing session for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

We met with Saber Coach Serge Shachanin, who took my teen son into Manhattan Fencing Center sports floor for a mini personal lesson.

During the lesson my son learned how to properly pick and wear the fencing equipment, basic footwork and how to stand and move, then about how to pick a blade.

Then it was time for him to put everything into action. Serge engaged my son with back and forth fencing and blocking. While my son was nervous at first, Serge correction and encouragements' help my son gain confidence and put more action into his movements.

After the lesson, both my son and I was excited with what he learned in such a short time. We both agreed that long term lessons would be very cool.

While it's recommended that kids start fencing lesson while younger, even teens starting now can benefit from learning to fence with some extra coaching and effort.

Fencing can help kids develop good sportsmanship, instill self-discipline, achieve healthy body, get accepted to top universities and so much more.

Manhattan Fencing Center

Manhattan Fencing Center offers classes (and camp) for musketeers (ages 4-6), youth (7-12), teens (13-16), competitive and elite.

Clinics and camps are taught by elite coaching team consisting of National, International and Olympic coaches. Camps are offered for students age 5 and up of all ability levels. Camps are divided by weapon, age, experience and USFA rating.

Their classes are unique in that they are broken up by both age and skill, unlike most other fencing clubs where kids are grouped together all in one big class.

They offer small classes and extra personalized attention to fencers which results in the #1 saber rating in the country so far and top college placements.

Manhattan Fencing Center is known for its trained Olympic medalist coaches in foil and saber for children and adults.

Before they head off to the 2024 Olympics, all qualifiers, Elizabeth Tartakovsky, Feres Ferjani, Pascaul Di Tella, Colin Heathcock, and Maia Chamberlain were trained by MFC Founder, Yury Gelman and coach, Vladimir Lukashenko.

Manhattan Fencing Center has two locations, one in NYC and one recently opened in newest location in Englewood, NJ.

For more information, visit - www.manhattanfencing.com

Sphero has launched the BOLT+™ coding robot, that uses STEM education with its advanced features to empower students to explore coding, crea...

Sphero has launched the BOLT+™ coding robot, that uses STEM education with its advanced features to empower students to explore coding, creativity, and core curriculum subjects through interactive lessons and activities.

Ideal for providing dynamic, hands-on learning, the BOLT+ robot caters to all programming levels and abilities. Students can design animations, games, and unique projects, making coding personalized.

With upgraded sensors, a vivid 128x128-pixel LCD screen, 38 newly designed, standards-aligned lessons, BOLT+ integrates into subjects like math, science, and language arts, offering a multidimensional, cross-curricular learning experience.

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Vivid LCD Screen - Promote creativity and self-expression with over 650 vibrant graphics and playful animations. Display real-time sensor data, aiding precision in code debugging.
• Engineered for Fun - Durable, waterproof polycarbonate shell keeps it safe from drops, crashes, and liquids!
• New Programming Blocks - Exclusive new programming blocks for BOLT+ allow students to expand programming possibilities.
• Program 3 Ways - Using the Sphero Edu app, program BOLT using draw and drive commands, drag-and-drop blocks, or JavaScript text programming.

ACTIVITIES

BOLT+ Programming - Explore 16 lessons that introduce and reinforce the key algorithm and programming standards from beginner to advanced.

Elementary ELA - Level up reading and writing skills in grades 3-5 with eight fun and hands-on BOLT+ lessons.

Middle School Games - Introduce key concepts of game design and play a variety of games with new lessons designed specifically for BOLT+’s unique capabilities.

Available now for preorder, BOLT+ single robots are priced at $199, shipping August 2024.

Learn more, visit - www.sphero.com/products/sphero-bolt-plus

The all-new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro – with the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard - are thin, light devices that help you do more, empower...

The all-new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro – with the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard - are thin, light devices that help you do more, empowering creativity and productivity for everyday work and play!

Surface Pro (Starting at $999): The most powerful Surface Pro, up to 90% faster, with the all-day battery life and in four stunning colors: Sapphire, Dune, Platinum and Black. Equipped with a cinematic 13” OLED display and AI-enhanced camera and sound.

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with Slim Pen (Starting at $449.98): Designed to be used attached or detached from your Surface Pro, this keyboard has a Precision Haptic touchpad and keys that give you ultra-quiet typing. And never lose your Surface Slim Pen again as it stores and recharges in this premium keyboard.

Surface Laptop (Starting at $999): A lightweight, portable laptop with the longest battery life on any Surface, available in four colors. The most intelligent Surface Laptop offers speeds up to 86% faster than before, the most inclusive touchpad in the market and comes in immersive 13.8” and 15” displays.

Discover, Learn and Buy with Microsoft Store

Shopping at Microsoft Store is all about ease and convenience. With the new Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface, they’ve got you covered.

• Microsoft Store exclusives: Customers can purchase Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface with 64GB memory (RAM) configurations which offer more performance and multi-tasking, only on Microsoft.com.
• Surface Laptop (7th Edition), starting at $2,399.99 ERP USD in Black with a 13.8-inch Display, Snapdragon® X Elite (12 Core) Processor and 1TB SSD Storage.
• Surface Laptop (7th Edition), starting at $2,499.99 ERP in Black with a 15-inch Display, Snapdragon® X Elite (12 Core) Processor and 1TB SSD Storage.
• Surface Pro Essentials Bundle, starting at $1,144 ERP, get the most out of your Surface Pro with this bundle, saving on a Microsoft 365 subscription and Microsoft Complete Protection Plan. Plus, when purchasing the Essential Bundle, customers can take advantage of 20% off accessories including the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.
• Flexible payment options: Find a payment plan that works for you with options like PayPal Pay Later and Citizens Pay Line of Credit. It's budgeting made easy.
• Online Trade-in Program: For a limited time, buy a new Copilot+ PC from Microsoft Surface and get extra cash back when you trade in an eligible device.
• Free and fast shipping with 60-day returns: Get your items quickly with 2–3-day shipping at no extra cost or minimum purchase required and enjoy the flexibility of 60-day returns on almost any physical product.
• 60-day price protection: Shop with confidence knowing you have 60 days of price protection from your delivery date. If the price drops or you find a lower price elsewhere, we’ll honor a one-time price adjustment.

The Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface are now available on - www.microsoft.com

Looking for Juneteenth celebrations? Path Through History has event reenactments, guided tours and exhibits, that highlights Black history a...

Looking for Juneteenth celebrations? Path Through History has event reenactments, guided tours and exhibits, that highlights Black history and culture.

Many of the events offer free admission, making it the perfect choice for all history lovers.

Juneteenth Week (Finger Lakes)

Date: Wednesday, June 12 – Saturday, June 15
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, daily
Location: Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford

Genesee Country Village & Museum’s fourth annual celebration honoring Juneteenth is a week jam packed with events and experiences that help emphasize the collective understanding of what freedom really means.

Activities include learning and tasting recipes and dishes from customed historic cook, Malinda Russell, the first known female African American published cookbook author.

Underground Railroad In the Lake Champlain Area (Adirondacks)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Ausable Chasm

Through this tour, visitors will have the chance to learn about the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad. With onsite exhibits detailing the lives and stories of fugitives from slavery to sculptures of those who represented hope and freedom, guests will have the opportunity to learn what it was like to be a runaway.

Colonial Crossroads – A Concert! (Hudson Valley)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 PM
Location: Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery

Once the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site will be the stage for an African and European music concert.

A family-friendly musical presentation, concertgoers will be treated to a vibrant intersection of European and African musical traditions established during Colonial New York that laid the foundations for blues, jazz and rock and roll.

The event will feature music performed on banjos, guitars, recorders and African gourd-made banjos.

Special Exhibit - "From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora" (Long Island)

Date: Saturday, June 15 – Sunday, June 16
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, Cold Spring

The Whaling Museum and Education Center will host an exhibition exploring and detailing the important role of African American mariners.

The whaling industry was a large employer, and it is estimated that between one-quarter and one-third of all the American whaling crews were people of color.

Stop by the museum for a firsthand look at the contributions African Americans had in whaling history

History Lessons in the Great Outdoors

This year also marks New York State Parks and Historic Sites’ Centennial. Path Through History Weekend adds to the celebration with family-friendly events at many of New York’s 180 state parks that are sure to get everyone enjoying the outdoors.

With over 150 Path Through History Weekend events taking place across the state, there is something for everyone’s individual interests.

Hike Through History (Greater Niagara)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls

Take a guided walking tour through the history of Niagara Falls State Park, the nation’s oldest state park. Grab your best set of comfortable sneakers and head outdoors as you discover the important people and events that created and protected these now famous waterfalls.

History Hidden in the Woods: Guided Trail Hike (Hudson Valley)

Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg

Take part in this 90-minute guided walk where you will have the chance to tour and learn about Mills-Norrie State Park.

Once the setting of the luxurious Hudson River-front estates, the hike will guide you through the historic site, uncovering the history of three estates including Staatsburgh and the Stonehurst estates.

Make sure to dress comfortably as the hike is 1.5 miles of uneven terrain. While the hike is free, reservations are required.

Children's Day at the New Windsor Cantonment (Hudson Valley)

Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor

Perfect for the little ones, this historic site is hosting a fun-filled Children’s Day. Spend the afternoon petting animals thanks to the Two by Two Animal Sanctuary, watch magic tricks from celebrated magician Robert Olson and play games like field hockey and military drill with wooden muskets.

Make sure to stop by the New Windsor Cantonment Visitor Center where you’ll find exhibits telling the stories of the men and women who lived at the 1782-83 cantonment and another on General Henry Knox's New Windsor Artillery Park.

NYS Parks Centennial Community Day Celebration! (Capital Saratoga)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Historic Site, Gansevoort

Celebrate 100 years of New York State Parks and Historic Sites at Grant Cottage State Historic Site. The perfect setting for a fun family outing, the event will feature music, food, exhibits, reenactors, entertainment and walkthroughs of the historic Grant Cottage.

Learn more, visit - www.iloveny.com