To get us ready for The Angry Birds 2 release in theaters, we were invited by Sony Pictures Animation to an advance screening and family aft...

To get us ready for The Angry Birds 2 release in theaters, we were invited by Sony Pictures Animation to an advance screening and family after party.

Note: I was invited as media to the screening and after party event. While this is a sponsored post, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own

To be very honest, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy The Angry Birds Movie 2. As a major fan of the first The Angry Birds movie, I wondered how they could top all the humor and amazing storytelling.

But The Angry Birds 2 did top the first film! And even better then that, it used the power of friendship and engineering to do. Which is what the original game was all about. Remember those sling shot?! I was so excited to see it used in the film's storyline. More about that later!



So before joining the #AngryBirdsMovie2 activities, we had to pick a mask with some of The Angry Birds characters. This was such a fun way to start.

While I am definitely an "Angry Birds", I felt I needed to be open to what the "Pigs" had to say in this film. Plus how cute is Leonard and his piggy assistant Courtney?!

Once we had our masks, we headed into the screening to see The Angry Birds 2. I confess I laughed so much, I might have also shed a tear and cheered a bit at the end. The Angry Birds Movie 2 offers so much for families to enjoy. But more on that after I tell you about the family after party.

Sony Pictures Animation provided everything an "Angry Birds Movie 2" fan could enjoy after seeing the film.



Families were able to take photos with both Red and Silver. Enjoy Angry Birds themed drinks and snacks. Do varies Angry Birds activities and crafts including making a raft to save the Hatchlings. You'll understand why after you see the movie.

The kids (and to be honest adults also) had a great time and left feeling so happy. Which is kinda the feeling families will have after seeing The Angry Birds 2.

MY REVIEW

While the first The Angry Birds focused on anger for Red and his bird friends, this time around it's about love, friendship and ironically engineering.

Having to deal with a "new threat that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger" brings both birds and pigs together. This leads to a unique team using all their skills to save both island communities. The team plans together, builds wacky products together and eventually discovers something amazing about all the islands together. At the heart of this team is Red and Silver.

Silver who has an open mind, a caring heart and is super smart. Because of Silver we get to see a new side of the Angry Birds crew and the return of STEM ideas. Which lets be real, makes sense since this was behind the original Angry Birds game.


But more important the idea of Silver (and piggy Garry) highlights how important is to keep finding ways to encourage kids (and families) to use science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to envision, invent and create a better world. Whether for birds, pigs or humans.

For young girls especially, this encouragement is needed. So I wanted to share this PSAs (public service advertisements) of the Ad Council's She Can STEM campaign in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation/Rovio Entertainment.


This PSA encourages girls to pursue their STEM passions by challenging obsolete stereotypes and surprising girls with how cool, unexpected and inspiring STEM can be.

To learn more about She Can STEM, visit - www.shecanstem.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/shecanstem
Instagram - www.instagram.com/shecanstem

SYNOPSIS

The flightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their beef to the next level in The Angry Birds Movie 2!

When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride), and Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage) recruit Chuck's sister Silver (Rachel Bloom) and team up with pigs Leonard (Bill Hader), his assistant Courtney (Awkwafina), and techpig Garry (Sterling K. Brown) to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely superteam to save their homes.

Directed By: Thurop Van Orman
Screenplay by: Peter Ackerman and Eyel Podell & Jonathon E. Stewart
Produced by: John Cohen

To learn more, visit - www.AngryBirds-Movie.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/AngryBirdsMovie
Twitter - www.twitter.com/AngryBirdsMovie
Instagram - www.instagram.com/angrybirdsmovie

As the weather gets warmer, a great family activity is kite flying. To kick off summer, we took some time to fly a kite during Brooklyn Brid...

As the weather gets warmer, a great family activity is kite flying. To kick off summer, we took some time to fly a kite during Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy "Lift Off: A Waterfront Kite Festival" and had such an amazing time.

Note: I was invited as media for review purpose. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

To get started, we joined other families and individuals at The Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn in Brooklyn Bridge Park for a day filled with special activities exploring the science of flight.

We visited the different stations for fun projects including making our own lunch bag kite, help collecting air samples of different organisms, and making a rocket, just to name a few.


Nory made air kites to teach how circulating air can make objects move, along with DIY motorized contraptions that are relevant to flight/moving air, such as a robotic air propeller. Nory also showed children how to put together a simple circuit, and teach the functionality of each part of the circuit.



When we finished joining in all the fun activities, we returned to kite flying. The sky was clear, the wind nice and steady, which meant an afternoon of nothing but simple kite fun.

Want to take your family kite flying?


The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has announced the first event of its 2019 programming season. "Lift Off: A Waterfront Kite Festival", a FREE all-ages event, will take place on May 11, 2018 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

It will be the first of over 500 arts, recreation, fitness and educational events taking place in the park through August offering visitors of all ages something to enjoy in the park this spring and summer season.

Lift Off: A Waterfront Kite Festival” will include special activities exploring the science of flight. The event will emphasize S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts such as wind tunnels, robotic air propellers, and outdoor adventures. Kites will be available for purchase at the event, or participants can bring their own kites to fly on Pier 5.

Partners this year will include NORY, STEM Kids NYC, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Genspace, SPARK!, Private Picassos, BK Public Library, Geeks Rule, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s Environmental Education Center, among others.

Live music, stilt walkers, and face-painters will round out the event this year. Pack a picnic and enjoy the first event of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s soon to be announced full event schedule.

“Lift Off: A Waterfront Kite Festival” is the first of over 500 free and low-cost events that the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy presents every season to park-goers. The Conservancy offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of free cultural, educational, and recreational events, as well as opportunities to volunteer and support this world-class waterfront park.

To learn more, visit - www.brooklynbridgepark.org

Facebook - www.facebook.com/brooklynbridgepark
Twitter - www.twitter.com/BBPNYC
Instagram - www.instagram.com/BrooklynBridgePark

This weekend we were invited to checked out the "Journey Into The Four Realms", a Pop-Up Experience by POPSUGAR and Disney, in par...

This weekend we were invited to checked out the "Journey Into The Four Realms", a Pop-Up Experience by POPSUGAR and Disney, in partnership with Glade to spread excitement about the upcoming release of Disney's The Nutcracker and The Four Realms (in theatres November 2nd!).

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

The "Journey Into The Four Realms" Pop-Up was a fun experience, which feature different rooms based on the film's Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, Land of Sweets, and the mysterious Fourth Realm.


Each room offers props and backgrounds for you to take lots of photos. I spent time discovering the wonders of each room and how it relates to each scent.

At the end of the "Journey Into The Four Realms" Pop-Up Experience, I received a Disney Store Coupon and got to choose a Glade scented candle to take home. The candles scents are the same ones from the themed rooms, which is a nice tie-in.


While our experience stopped there, for those that want the full "Journey Into The Four Realms" experience, they can signup to get a complimentary manicures with OPI nail colors inspired by film. Each polish has fun names like Dazzling Dew Drop and Toying With Trouble.

SYNOPSIS

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world.

It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world.

Directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

Learn more, visit -

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneysNutcracker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheNutcracker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/disneysnutcracker

As we head towards the end of summertime, we're trying to squeeze in as much outside fun as possible, which included a "Back To Sch...

As we head towards the end of summertime, we're trying to squeeze in as much outside fun as possible, which included a "Back To School Hatchimals Bash" playdate in the park hosted by New Mommy Bliss.

We joined a few of our bloggers friends for a day of fun activities that included.....



Coloring activities for the adults and kids.


For the kids, Dominican cupcake decorating (and eating) along with some Mott’s Sensibles juice, which has 100% apple juice, coconut water and a splash of vegetable juice.


A few games of tag, red light green light and any other games the kids can make up.


Then we took time out to "hatch" new friends. This was SO fun. The kids were excited to discover which one of the Hatchimals "Mystery" friends would be theirs.


Besides the fun "hatching" feature, I like that the chicks can "grow" and interact with the kids. There's a whole booklet about the different eye colors, sounds and how to teach them how to "talk".


As the playdate came to a close, there was one more fun activity. The kids each received back packs filled with various supplies including Master Lock's dial combination lock, Watchitude slap on watches, Hatchimals Colleggtibles, and Mabel's Labels packs for their school supplies and clothing.



The girls and boys also received color pencils, magic sequin notebooks and pencil totes, and magic water pens from Fashion Angels and a few other fun items.

The fun ended with giveaways for Lysol, Hydroflask, Jakks Pacific and more. The parents were excited about the Lysol cleaning products. Cause someone needs to need help us clean up after the playdate. Ha!

We had such an awesome time at the #NMBxHatchimalsBTS playdate and can't wait for New Mommy Bliss to host the next one!

Earlier this year I shared a bit about Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the new 26-episode series that reimagines the TMNT iconic s...

Earlier this year I shared a bit about Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the new 26-episode series that reimagines the TMNT iconic series.

But now I have news about Brandon Mychal Smith, the voice of Mikey, plus a first look at the upcoming toys and products for the series.

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




So what was it like meeting Brandon? He's so fun. I recorded a bit of video during the presentation so you can hear him talk about voicing Mikey and working with the other TMNT voice actors.

Brandon Mychal Smith at Rise of the TMNT Toys & Products



After the presentation (and posing for photos with Brandon), I had to check out the Rise of TMNT toys, which offers so much play fun for kids (and adults, be honest).


Inspired by Nickelodeon’s brand-new animated series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Playmates Toys, the longtime master toy licensee for TMNT, previewed a few of the new products coming to shelves in October 2018.


Fans can also be part of the SEWER SQUAD! Playmates Toys is also introducing a Pizza Points Loyalty program, where fans can collect and redeem pizza points for awards! Be on the lookout for a secret code in every Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Playmates Toys package.


Role Play Assortment $12.99 each for 4+


Kids can collect all of the signature training weapons in the Turtles' arsenal and channel their powers to become their favorite Ninja Turtle!

Each Ninja weapon comes with a signature Turtle mask, and a newly designed throwing star. Time for mutant mayhem! Assortment includes: Raphael’s Tonfas with mask and throwing star, Leonardo’s ?dachi Sword with mask and throwing star, Donatello's Tech-Bo Staff with mask and throwing star, Michelangelo’s Kusari-fundo with mask and throwing star


Action Figure Assortment $8.99 each for 4+


This highly detailed "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" action figures are uniquely sculpted and fully articulated, with heights ranging from 3.25” to 5.0".

The collection features the four Turtles, as well as new characters Baron Draxum, Meat Sweats and others introduced in the series. Each figure comes with unique translucent accessories, and is compatible with most of the vehicles and playsets in the line.


Deluxe Ninja Action Figure Assortment $12.99 each for 4+


Each action-posed, deluxe figure stands 5.5” tall, and is ready to take out the baddies with shell kickin’ ninja action.

Set the Ninja in motion, and let go to activate deluxe flipping action! The Turtles let out an aaaaaaaction shout as they flip, and then land their flip with a signature Turtle weapon sound effect!


Shell Hog Vehicle with Figure Assortment $19.99 each for 4+


The Turtles rev up on their new Shell Hog motorcycles to take out any villains they encounter.

Equipped with spring loaded projectiles, high or low attack seat adjustability, and the ability to connect to each other, the Shell Hogs pack a punch going into battle. They can also launch off the Turtle Tank group vehicle (sold separately)


Turtle Tank $34.99 for 4+


The Turtle Tank group vehicle is 2 toys in 1 – it transforms from vehicle mode into a 2-in-1 Mobile Ops unit with a towering secret lab!

First, in vehicle mode, the front cab opens and two Turtles can sit inside, driving the brothers into action. Then, Donatello’s removable lab rises up and serves as the mobile command headquarters as the Turtles spy and plan to defeat the baddies below.

The Turtle Tank is compatible with the Shell Hog vehicles (can be connected to each side of the tank) and even fires them off when the Turtles need to get to the battle fast. Compatible with Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles basic action figures (sold separately).

43" Epic Sewer Lair Playset $119.99 for 4+


This massive playset is the biggest TMNT action figure playset ever, standing 43" tall! Kids can discover where Splinter and the Turtles live, play and train!

This deluxe playset is packed with over 20 features and includes four levels of play and seven rooms for training, kicking back, or taking out the bad guys! Features include: Splinter’s Dojo, Raphael’s Weight Training Room, Leonardo’s Rotating Weapon storage wall, Michelangelo’s arcade, the catapult Basketball hoop, hidden projectile launchers for villain invasions, rotating skateboard ramp, collapsing balcony, and so much more.

To see more Rise of TMNT toys, visit - www.playmatestoys.com


Official Trailer w/ Bonus SNEAK PEEK| Rise of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series


Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City.

The series stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You’re The Worst) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O’Neil and Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reimagines the iconic series and breathes new life into the classic characters, with jagged-shelled Raphael as a snapping turtle, wielding twin tonfas as his weapons; Leonardo as a red-eared slider, using an Odachi sword; Donatello as a soft-shell turtle, sporting a tech-bo staff; and Michelangelo as a box turtle, arming himself with a kusari-fundo.

Along for the adventure is the Turtles’ most trusted ally, April O’Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker, and Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles.

The new 26-episode series is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (character designer, Samurai Jack) and Ant Ward (supervising producer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) at Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. Veteran animation industry voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series.

For more Turtle Power updates, visit www.nick.com/rise-of-the-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles

Facebook - www.facebook.com/teenagemutantninjaturtles
Twitter - www.twitter.com/tmnt
Instagram - www.instagram.com/tmnt

The BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE show makes it's theatrical stage debut at La MaMa theater for three performances (June 8, 9 and 10) and it'...

The BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE show makes it's theatrical stage debut at La MaMa theater for three performances (June 8, 9 and 10) and it's a must see.

Note: I received tickets for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE weaves together live drumming and dancing by vibrant and inspiring young people with documentary footage.

MY REVIEW

Don't underestimate the BROOKLYN UNITED performances as just drumming and dancing. We saw them perform opening night and was shook. Literally. The whole theater vibrated from the movies and sounds the groups were making. The group brings lots of energy to each of the "acts" that will have you joining in to shout and clap along.


The dance and drum performance styles include a little bit of African, contemporary and hip hop but with a modern day twist.

While I enjoyed the rhythmic drum beats sounds and performances. It was the interactive parts of the show that was the highlights for me. On a large screen we learned the BROOKLYN UNITED history which includes how it was formed, how the kids balance school and rehearsals and how they impact the culture and the community as a whole.

Everything combines to a soul touching experience that is sure to inspire, as well as entertain. LOVED IT!


ABOUT

BROOKLYN UNITED is a high-octane, one-of-a-kind drum and dance corps comprised of 33 Brooklyn public school youngsters ages 5 to 17. The BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE show is co-directed by Tyrone Brown, Renita Leonce, and Dan Safer and choreographed by Dara Adams.


The evening of unparalleled entertainment depicts the troupe’s rigorous rehearsals, school challenges and family responsibilities in this behind-the-scenes story of BROOKLYN UNITED’s unique journey from their own neighborhoods in Brooklyn to the coveted spot on the Apollo stage and other nationwide opportunities.

BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE It is a stirring tale of what can happen when a community works together to inspire and support America’s future leaders.

Brooklyn United Live!


BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE will perform June 8 - 10, 2018 at LA MAMA (66 E 4TH STREET), FRIDAY AT 8PM; SATURDAY & SUNDAY AT 3PM -- $25 ADULT TICKETS; $20 STUDENTS/SENIORS, (PLUS $1 FACILITY FEE)

To purchase please call OvationTix at: 212-352-3101 or visit: www.lamama.org

To learn more about Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program, visit: www.bkunitedmb.com

The Lay’s Smiles Experience pop-up store opened in NYC for just 3 days, so we had to stop by and check it out before it leaves. Note: ...

The Lay’s Smiles Experience pop-up store opened in NYC for just 3 days, so we had to stop by and check it out before it leaves.

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


While there, we checked out the different stations including a ball pit, giant Mr. Potato Head and swing room!


Each station offered fun photos opps designed to make you smile. Which ties in nicely with the Lay’s specially designed bags available nationwide starting February 12 – April 7.

Not only do these bags have a fun "smile" design to them, they can also make a difference in someone's life through Operation Smile.


For every purchase of these Lay’s specially designed bags, a donation will be made to Operation Smile up to $1 million.

Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity dedicated to improving the health and lives of children and young adults worldwide who suffer from cleft conditions by providing access to safe surgical care.

So make sure to visit the Lay’s Smiles Experience pop-up located at 4 Times Square between W 42nd St. and W. 43rd St. It's open to the the public from Thursday, February 8 – Saturday February 10 from 11:00 AM EST – 6:30 PM EST.

For more information on “Smile with Lay’s” , visit www.Lays.com