3decades3kids

Harlem Globetrotters- Fun For The Entire Family

2012-02-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

The Harlem Globetrotters

Fun For The Entire Family

Yesterday my family and I had a chance to take in a Harlem Globetrotters game at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. I have been a long time fan of the Globetrotters and loved the cartoon on television years ago.

When I worked at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, I used every break to peek in at the Globetrotters during practice and their game.

So, yesterday was pretty special to me. Getting to sit down and watch the Globetrotters in action for the entire game was quite a treat!

The combination of basketball skills and comedy was just right. It amazed me to see the team clowning around one minute and orchestrating a complex move the next. The team members danced, joked, jumped into nets, and carried each other on their backs. The audience was wild with clapping and laughter. There was also dancing to YMCA and of course everyone cheered to the music of Sweet Georgia Brown.

We also laughed non-stop when Globie entered the basketball court. The Globetrotters mascot was filled with surprises that had the people on their feet with laughter.

If you have a chance to catch the Harlem Globetrotters don't miss out. You will not regret it!

For more information about The Harlem Globetrotters click here!

To find your favorite Harlem Globetrotter on face book click here!

Now in its 86th consecutive season of touring the world, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in 120 countries over six continents and have entertained over 128 million fans. The 2012 edition of the show will carry on the traditions of the Globetrotters displaying amazing basketball skills and wizardry with a focus on family entertainment. It also features an autograph session at the end of the game to give everyone a close up interact with their favorite Globetrotter. New for 2012 will be the Harlem Globetrotters rookie class featuring the tallest Paul Tiny Sturgess 7'8" and shortest Jonte Too Tall Hall 5'2".

Check out The Harlem Globetrotters online.

Disclosure: All opinions are that of DianeSullivan/3decades3kids.

3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com

Great Wolf Lodge Poconos Fireplace Loft Suite and Let's Chat With...

2012-02-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

Fireplace Loft Suite

and

Let's Chat With...

This past weekend I had the sheer pleasure to visit the Great Wolf Lodge Poconos with my family. It was a family celebration in honor of Valentine's Day and I could not have thought of a better place to make some more wonderful memories with the people I love most in the world.

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I have come to love Great Wolf Lodge. We have spent many nights there and have tried quite a few of the room choices. This time, under the recommendation of a dear friend we went with the Fireplace Loft Suite. What a fantastic room choice. The Fireplace Loft is a multilevel room with a fireplace, balcony and can accommodate up to 8 people.

The room has a private loft room at the top of the stairs with its own TV and bathroom.

What more could you ask for?

The room had a breathtaking view of the Pocono Mountains and I could not spend enough time taking in the scenery. If the weekend away was not relaxing enough, something wonderful happened while we were there. I have been waiting all winter for a bit of the white stuff and am happy to report that the entire 3days it snowed off and on . I felt pretty blessed to have my family beside me and watch the pristine snowflakes gather around us. It's little moments like that where you just would last a lifetime. To check out all of the room choices please click here.

Although it was a little bit difficult to leave that cozy rustic room, we did have plenty of time to enjoy the water park, wave pool, and water slides. Of course the kids enjoyed activating their wands and traveling the halls completing Magi Quest. We even were lucky enough to share in an ice cream social with Violet, Great Wolf Lodge's newest wolf. Emily capped off the weekend with an indulgent trip to Scooops Spa for a Valentine's Day mani/pedi. What more could a little girl ask for?

Our weekend was packed with fun. I love the lobby and it was so magical to be there as the snow fell outside the windows. I think I will remember it forever. We also enjoyed Story time in the lobby at night, visiting with Wiley, balloon art and face painting for the kids and Emily's big Saturday night at the Dance Party!

Disclosure: Special thanks to Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

Email ELGeorgia@aol.com

Let's Chat With....

...Director of Guest Services-Michael De Julia.

During our stay I did have a chance to meet up with Great Wolf Lodge's Director of Guest Services: Michael De Julia. We had a chance to chat over coffee so I could find out a little about him and his time at Great Wolf Lodge. Mike told me that he has been with the Great Wolf Lodge team for three years, starting out at the Mason, Ohio location and since moving to the Poconos site. Although criminal justice was his first career choice years ago, he has been in hotel management for the past 20 years. After seeing him in action with the guests, I would have to say that he made the right choice. I had a personal experience with Michael from one of my past stays where I needed to speak to him about a minor issue. He surpassed my expectations in resolving the issue. Little did I know that I would be sitting down with him at an interview a little over a year later.
Well, let me share some of the questions we chatted about.

Diane:. What are some of the responsibilities of your position here at Great Wolf Lodge?

Michael: As Director of Guest Services I oversee overall guest satisfaction, oversee the front of the house-including the lobby, the front desk and check out the first impressions of the guests.

D: What is the most gratifying thing about working here at Great Wolf Lodge?

M: I love watching families create traditions right here at GWL.

D: As you already know, I adore staying at GWL for Halloween, but recently, I was really taken by my stay during Snowland. What is your favorite time of year to work here at the lodge?

M: I love Snowland and the entire Christmas season here at GWL. The decorations and atmosphere here make the season even more magical.

D: Personally, I am not a big fan of the water tubes, although I do love the wave pool and the jacuzzi. Have you had the chance to experience the water park yourself? What is your favorite?

M: I have had the chance to check out the water park. I love the thrill rides, especially the Double Barrel Drop.

D: I cannot even begin to imagine what it takes to get GWL guest ready for the day. Can you tell me something that happens while we are all sleeping?

M: The Loose Moose begins preparing for the day at 5am. Also, the front desk is on a 24 hour work day, ready to help and answer questions at any time of the day or night. The water park also takes hours to prepare for the morning opening.

D: Our family loves the new addition of Main Street to the Great Wolf Lodge. How is it being received by the guests?

M: Main Street is a huge hit here at Great Wolf Lodge! All the attractions are located in one area to make it convenient, which makes things easier for families to have fun.

D: My family has visited Great Wolf Lodge for Birthdays, Halloween, Snowland and during winter to snow tube. We have created lasting family memories thanks to GWL. What is one of favorite memories about working here at the lodge?

M: One of my favorite memories is when Great Wolf Lodge hosts it's annual Toys For Tots at Christmas. It is great to help children that are less fortunate. The children get to visit with Santa and receive a special gift. I love to see the happiness and smiles on their faces surrounding this special event.

Our interview concluded with Michael telling me that he loves working at Great Wolf Lodge because every day is different. He enjoys meeting new people and helping to put smiles on their faces. Along the way he gets to create his own lasting memories. He loves to see the happiness that Great Wolf Lodge brings to families. He is glad to be a part of it every day!

I'd like to thank Michael for taking time out of his busy schedule to be a part of this interview. Both Great Wolf Lodge and Michael De Julia have put many smiles on my family's faces! Thanks for the memories, they are appreciated. Diane Sullivan. 2/12/2012 More info? greatwolf.com

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at the Ziegfeld Theatre on March 1st Free Screening

2012-02-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

at the Ziegfeld Theatre

March 1st 7:30pm

Free Screening

Introduction By Robert Osborne

Special Guest Spike Lee

Looking for a fun night out

with a classic movie?

This is perfect!

Click on link for tickets!

TCM.com/roadtohollywood

The New Atkins For The New You Cookbook Launch Party NYC and Let's Chat With...

2012-02-17T22:26:00.000-08:00

"The New Atkins

For The New You Cookbook"

Launch Party NYC

Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc. and Chef Donatella Arpaia

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the NYC book launch of

"The New Atkins For The New You Cookbook: 200 Simple and Delicious Low-Carb Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less". The event, hosted by Atkins and Donatella Arpaia-celebrity chef, restaurateur and new mom was inspiring!

Atkins is the original low-carb weight loss plan that is based on an extensive scientific body of research. Information was flowing and Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., vice president of nutrition and education at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. and book author was on hand to introduce us to the book and the new ways of thinking about nutrition.

Colette explained how the body processes foods and helped the group of men and women further understand the Atkins process.

The new Atkins cookbook is on shelves now and highlights more than 200 tasty Atkns-friendly recipes that have never before been published.

As a real treat, Chef Donatella Arpaia was on hand to cook up some delicious and nutritious healthy Atkins foods from the new book.

Sauteed Onion, Black Olive and Goat Cheese Pizza

Roasted Ginger-Tamari Salmon Steak

Donatella is known as a judge on Food Network's "Iron Chef America", "Next Iron Chef" and a regular contributor to the "Today" show. Chef Donatella Arpaia delighted everyone with her cooking talent with demonstrations showing some of her favorite Atkins Cookbook new recipes. She prepared Sauteed Onion, Black Olive and Goat Cheese Pizza, Shaved Fennel Salad with Lemon Dressing, Roasted Ginger-Tamari Salmon Steaks and Crust less Ginger Cheesecake with Lime-Sour Cream Topping. There were also appetizers to choose from including vegetarian, non-dairy, and proteins. There was something for everyone. The consensus was that the foods were absolutely delicious! It was hard to believe they had anything to do with a healthy lifestyle!

Donatella could not have been any more down to earth as she spoke about her own struggles with weight loss since having a baby. This is something many women deal with for years after giving birth. She shared how tough it was to begin a lifestyle change, but how she can already see changes in herself due to her new devotion to the Atkins program. Chef Donatella and Atkins have teamed up in support of each other.

Colette Heimowitz also let the attendees know that, "The Atkins Diet is designed to flip the body's metabolic switch from burning carbs to burning fat. Graduated carb introduction helps avoid blood sugar and insulin spikes, which cause hunger and cravings resulting in overeating and weight gain". Everyone was educated about the diet's long term well balanced plan that can fit into any lifestyle. Following the Atkins plan may result in up to a 15 weight loss in the first 2 weeks. This plan is time tested and scientifically validated.

"The New Atkins for a New You Cookbook" retails for $19.99 and available wherever books are sold or at http://atkinscookbook.com/.

Let's Chat With...

....Chef Donatella Apraia

After the event concluded I did have a chance to chat with Donatella. We did have a common ground since both having babies in our 40's. She had her first and I had my last. It seems that Donatella really has her mind set on the reaching the goal and with the help of Atkins, I'm sure she will get there at a steady pace.

I also could not help but let her know just how delicious her cooking that day was, what an absolute treat for the senses!

Here are a few questions I asked Chef Donatella.

Diane: Since your life and career both are surrounded by delicious foods, what is the biggest challenge you face trying to stick to the Atkins plan?

Donatella: The great thing about Atkins is that you can eat out at restaurants because there is always something on the menu that fits with the plan. As a chef I'm always around great food, so a diet that restricts calories is not for me. The other great thing about Atkins is that I am eating healthier than I've ever eaten before. I eat many more vegetables and lots of lean protein!

Diane: Congratulations on being a new mom! How do you plan on ensuring that your child(now just a baby) will develop healthy eating habits?

Donatella: Thank you. My son is 3 1/2 months old so I don't have to worry about his eating habits yet. One thing I have heard is that mothers are the main role model for their children's eating patterns. I hope to be a great example to my son by eating a wide range of fruits, veggies, and proteins so he can grow up and live by my example, getting all the essential vitamins and nutrients he needs to thrive!

Diane: What advice do you have for anyone beginning Atkins?

Donatella: Any time you make a lifestyle change you have to give it time to run its course. Crash dieting is not a healthy approach. What I love about Atkins is that it is gradual and sustainable weight loss.

Special thanks to Chef Donatella Apraia for taking time out of her busy life to conduct this interview. Best of luck to Donatella in the future with her baby, husband, career, life and Atkins! Thanks for the delicious afternoon! Very Appreciated...Diane Sullivan http://www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com/

Nuclear Cowboyz IZOD Center March 2&3 Ticket Giveaway!

2012-02-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

Nuclear Cowboyz

IZOD Center

March 2&3

Ticket Giveaway

When I heard about Nuclear Cowboyz, I could not have been any more excited! Being a BoyMom for twenty years we are always looking for some high action fun. Now don't get me wrong, my daughter will enjoy this one, too!

Tickets are already available for the 2012 Nuclear Cowboyz tour at IZOD Center on March 2-3, 2012.

Nuclear Cowboyz is the greatest, high octane-fueled entertainment freestyle motorcross tour ever produced. It is the legend of two powerful freestyle motorcross tribes whose survival in their futuristic world is told through an action-packed narrative of fearless freestyle aerial feats, gravity defying stunts, and outrageous pyrotechnic displays synchronized to hard rock music.

The Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 Tour is affordably priced with kids' seats starting at just $15!

Tickets are available at the IZOD Center Box Office, Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Advance adult ticket prices are $45.00 and $125.00 for VIP Fallout Zone seats, which includes an exclusive opportunity to meet the riders. Tickets are $2.00 more on the day of the performance. Additional facility fee and taxes may apply.

Experience Nuclear Cowboyz with a VIP Fallout Zone ticket! A limited number of tickets are set aside for the BIGGEST Nuclear Cowboyz fans. Each VIP Fallout Zone ticket includes: Premium seating, admission to a private meet and greet with the stars of Nuclear Cowboyz where you will be presented with a commemorative VIP Fallout Zone credential and poster. Only VIP Fallout Zone ticket holders will be able to take part in the meet and greet. It's the ultimate VIP experience. Don't wait as these seats are extremely limited and will go fast!

The 2012 Nuclear Cowboyz tour returns with the greatest cast of freestlyle motorcross, trials and quad riders ever assembled including recent X Games 17 medalists Mike Mason, New Jersey's Ronnie Faisst and Adam Jones with Taka Higashino, Beau Bamburg, Derek Garland, Nixey Danielson, Brody Wilson, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Dustin Miller, Wes Agree, Geoff Aaron, Keith Wineland, Dere Guetter and brothers Colton and Caleb Moore.

The Nuclear Cowboyz riders take their unleashed power to the massive ramps of the IZOD Center with fantastic tricks alongside the sizzling Nulear Cowgirlz dancers. Nuclear Cowboyz is a freestyle motorcross performance of pure danger and raw energy that catapults the extreme into the heart pounding, unimaginable theatrical explosion. A must see for 2012!

To get tickets click here!

Ticket Giveaway

We have a Family 4 Pack of Tickets for one lucky 3decades3kids Reader!

To Enter:

Leave a comment below that you would like to win, including your email address.

Like 3decades3kids on Facebook and leave a comment on the FB page.

Like NuclearCowboyz on Facebook and leave a

comment on the page that 3decades3kids sent you.

Follow @3decades3kids on twitter and leave a comment below that you did.

Follow this blog on Google Friends Connect.

Follow 3decades3kids on Pinterest!

Good Luck! Winner will be chosen Feb. 28th 11:59pm and have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. USA/18+. Thanks.

Disclosure: Giveaway/Review Tickets provided by Nuclear Cowboyz.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com

Wordless Wednesday: A Great Wolf Lodge Valentine

2012-02-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday:

A Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

Valentine

Our view from the balcony of our room.

Em waking up to a great Valentine's Surprise!

Fun at the waterpark!

Scooops..Kids Spa for a special Valentine's Day treat!

All opinions are that of DianeSullivan/3decades3kids

Special thanks to Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.

www.greatwolf.com

Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Presents Dragons

2012-02-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Ringling Bros.

and Barnum & Bailey

Presents Dragons

Discount Code

My family and I are pretty excited every time the circus comes to town. It seems that no matter how young or old you are, there is always something very enjoyable about going to the circus.

Our family has gone to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for as long as I can remember and enjoyed it every single time.

This year's circus is themed Dragons! I'm already sold!

In honor of the Chinese New Year we have a special code to offer that will take off $8.80 on tickets(no double discounts). See ticketmaster for details. Off expires February 13, 2012.

Dragons Dates

Prudential Center: March 1-4

IZOD Center: March 7-18

Nassau Coliseum March 21-26

To redeem discount, use code 88Dragon

Ticketmaster.com

1-800-745-3000

Also: Please follow @dragonsightings on Twitter.

From now until March 26th, follow along on Twitter and be on the lookout for mysterious dragon sitings to pop up all over the Tri-State area. Local residents can take part in a variety of dragonsitings activities. Stay up to date with the latest dragonsitings buzz, hilarious man on the street video, observations by the dragon himself and fun contests!

Disclosure: Code provided by Feld Entertainment.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com

Wordless Wednesday: The VOW Screening NYC

2012-02-08T05:14:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

The VOW

NYC Screening

Opens Feb. 10th

Disclosure: PreParty and Screening hosted by The VOW.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com

Giveaway Uprinting.Com Rolled Canvas 16"x20"

2012-01-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Uprinting.com

Rolled Canvas 16"x20"

Giveaway

Uprinting.com

is a leader in online printing. We all have printing needs. If you are like me, you are always looking for a fast and reliable source for your printing. Whether it be business cards, photo cards, brochures, or a rolled canvas as featured above, Uprinting.com covers it all.

I jumped at the invitation to review and giveaway a Uprinting.com product. It was a hard choice to make with all of the products offered by Uprinting.com. Since we all have our favorite photo somewhere, I thought it would be wonderful to get mine onto a rolled canvas. The thought of seeing a photo of my children on a rolled canvas thrilled me.

Uprinting.com is quick and efficient and offers too many products to name. The prices are reasonable and the shipping has a few choices. Most products can be shipped in one day!

Please check out more about Uprinting.com by clicking here!

GIVEAWAY

1pc. Rolled Canvas Printing for One Winner

16"x20" with 2inch border or no border

1 Business Day Turnaround

*Free Shipping

Limited to US residents only/18+

To ENTER:

Like Uprinting on Facebook Click Here!

Follow Uprinting on Twitter Click Here!

Write a comment on 3decades3kids wall

saying you would like to win the canvas Click here!

Leave a comment below for each that you have done!

Restrictions:

This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years old and above.
No prize substitutions allowed.
Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period.
Only email addresses used for the giveaway will be eligible to claim the prize.

Disclaimer (Please use this format).
“You should assume that the owner of this blog will receive free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions.”
Contest ends January 30th, 2012 at 11:59pm.

Movie Review: The Vow NYC Screening and Party Opens Feb. 10th!

2012-01-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

Movie Review:The Vow

NYC Screening and
Girls Night Out Party

Opens In Theaters

Feb. 10th

Recently, I was invited by The Vow to the NYC Screening of the movie and special Girls Night Out Party preceding the movie. What a great night of pampering, treats, goody bags and a wonderful movie.

From the moment I heard about The Vow, starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, it was immediately put on my must see list!

Our Girls Night Out started with a great make up artists and hair stylists awaiting the group to transform them into Red Carpet ready! There were some delicious goodies and drinks to be had, and a delightful take home bag of goodies, including one of my favorite perfumes, Romance-Ralph Lauren.

Once everyone was primped and pampered we headed upstairs and gathered together in excitement wondering how the actual movie would be.

The Vow, inspired is inspired by true events is rated PG 13. Parents are strongly cautioned due the the car accident scene.

After this loving couple is involved in a sudden car accident, Paige(Rachel McAdams) ends up in with a brain injury. Awakened from the coma only to find out that she thinks her husband is the doctor. Let the tears begin to flow as we feel Leo's(Channing Tatum) heartbreaking pain. I can't even imagine my husband not recognizing me, or me not recognizing him. To complicate matters, Paige's last memory is from years ago when she was in Law School and engaged to a prior boyfriend. Paige has since moved on in life, married Leo, moved to NYC, has her own art studio and really has nothing to do with her parents.

Now things are different. Paige is torn between going back to her parents' house and into the arms of her ex-fiance or trying to make a life with Leo, who is a complete stranger to her now.

Our heart breaks and cheers for Leo throughout the movie as he tries to win back the one true love of his life all over again.

Just as I thought this movie is perfect! If you have ever loved someone, are looking for love, or in love now, you cannot go wrong with this one. It's heartwarming for Valentine's Day and will conjure up old feelings about why you and your other half ever fell in love to begin with. The Vow opens in theaters on Feb. 10th, 2012. Don't miss it. You will not be disappointed.

PS: Bring your tissues!

xo Happy Valentine's Day!

Disclosure: Screening/Giveaway passes provided by Sony Entertainment/TheVow.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

@3decades3kids

Email ELGeorgia@aol.com

Calling ALL Avengers Fans! Marvel's The Avengers Assemble on Twitter For A Worldwide Chat And Sneak Peek of The Superbowl Spot and Chance To Win Prizes January 31st

2012-01-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

Marvel's The Avengers Assemble on Twitter

For A Worldwide Chat And Sneak Peek of

The Superbowl Spot and Chance To Win Prizes

January 31st

2pm(est)
Marvel Studios will be sponsoring a Global Twitter Chat on Tuesday, Jan. 31st at 2pm(EST) with cast members and the director of the new action-adventure "Marvel's The Avengers", opening in theaters on May 4th, 2012!
This 30 minute live tweeting chat will feature writer/director Joss Whedon and cast members Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg.
Fans everywhere around the world will be able to participate in the Q&A on Twitter by using the @Avengers handle and the #Avengers hashtag. So exciting!!
Participating fans will have the chance to see a 10 second tease clip of the 30 second Super Bowl spot that will air during Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5, 2012 on NBC.
There will also be "Avengers" trivia and "Avengers" prize packs!
For our international fans, you will be able to submit questions for the talent in your native language through a global translation tool provided by Ortsbo.com.
The chat will be moderated by Marvel's @Agent_M.
Marvel's The Avengers is that Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, NickFury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.
Starring Robert Downey Jr. Chris Evans Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skargard and Samuel L. Jackson, and written and directed by Joss Whedon, "Marvel's The Avengers" is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series "The Avengers", first published in 1963.
This film is distributed by Walt Disney Motion Pictures.
Follow @Avengers on Twitter for up to the minute details!
See you on January 31st!!!

Disclosure: All information provided by Walt Disney Studios/The Avengers Movie.
All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan
www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com
@3decades3kids
Email ELGeorgia@aol.com

The Vow NYC Advanced Screening and Girls Night Out

2012-01-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

The Vow

NYC Advanced Screening

and Girls Night Out

Pre-screening Event

January 25th 6pm

In Theaters Feb. 10th

Just the thought of Rachel Mcdams and Channing Tatum (Paige and Leo) on screen together already creates a feeling of warmth within my heart. Combine that with my total love for romance and how I can *melt* at the thought of someone falling in true love and you can see why I have been waiting for The Vow.
This movie is inspired by true events.
After the couple is involved in a car accident, the Paige ends up in a coma with almost complete memory loss. (I'm already on a tissue alert thinking about it.) She is confused about her parents and still has feelings for her ex fiance. As if life is not complicated enough,
her husband has to win her heart all over again.
The Vow sounds like the perfect LOVE story to me. I think you will adore this movie if you are in love now, have ever been in love, or are searching for you-r one true love.
The Vow is rated PG-13.

If you are a 3decades3kids reader, you don't have to wait until Feb. 10th to see The Vow. We have 50 tickets to share with readers to the NYC advanced screening of The Vow. This advanced screening includes a Girls Night Out pre-party filled with fun!
Hair stylists and make up artists will be available to tweak your already perfect look or to give you a new look!
Goody Bags will also put a smile on everyone. I think there will be a room full of happy!
This event will be overbooked, so please print out your tickets immediately and get there early! There will be a line and most likely a cut off number. Location can be found on your ticket.
GNO party followed by advanced screening-January 25, 2012
If you would like 2 tickets to the screening, please email me at ElGeorgia@aol.com

You can find out more about The Vow by clicking here!
You can like The Vow on facebook by clicking here!
You can follow The Vow on Twitter by clicking here!
Sony and Spyglass Entertainment.

Disclosure: Review/Giveaway passes were provided by The Vow.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com

Giveaway:PRIZE PACK One For The Money- Now In Theaters!

2012-01-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

One For The Money

Starring Katherine Heigl

Now In Theaters
And
Prize Pack Giveaway

When I heard that Janet Evanowich's popular heroine Stephanie Plum(Katherine Heigl) from the eighteen book worldwide mystery series would be coming to life,

I was a little more than thrilled about it.

Lionsgate and Lakeshore's Entertainment present

ONE FOR THE MONEY, in theaters now!

Stephanie Plum is desperate for money, out of work for the past six months and just got her car repossessed. She turns to her sleazy cousin for a job as a recovering agent for his bail bonding company.

She takes on Cousin Vinny's biggest bail-jumper, former vice-cop and murder suspect Joe Morelli with no hand cuffs and just a can of pepper spray. She may have something personal in it, too, since the irresistible Joe Morelli is the same Joe that seduced and dumped her back in high school.

Stephanie learns all about being a recovery agent from Ranger, her hunky colleague and the best in the business. She also realizes along the way that the case against Morelli is not air tight!

Things get complicated when you add in the mix of her meddling family, a potentially homicidal boxer, witnesses that keep dying and the flying sparks when she actually comes face to face with Morelli. Things get complicated and Stephanie realizes that her new job is not nearly as easy as she thought it would be!

I am really looking forward to seeing this action-comedy directed by Julie Anne Robinson. Also starring Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguizamo, Debbie Reynolds and Debra Monk.

To check out the movie on Facebook click here!

For more movie info click here!

GIVEAWAY

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Prize Pack

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email ElGeorgia@aol.com

Celebrate Family Time in Year Of The Dragon at NJPAC

2012-01-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Family Time

Year Of The Dragon

NJPAC

Jan. 21st 2pm, 7pm

Jan. 22nd 2pm

Looking for something different? After spending twenty years as a teacher, I am always in search of something that is not just fun for the family, but also entertaining and has a twinge of learning to it. I think Year Of The Dragon is going to be one of those events. Learning about other cultures is always a welcomed idea in our family. As soon as I heard about this Family Time show, I knew we would have to see it!

The thought of flowing lines, twirling ribbons, and the thunderous motion of martial arts are combined in this traditional, yet contemporary music and dance. It's all choreographed by New Jersey's own Nai-Ni Chen. This event is touted by the New York Times as weaving the discipline of Chinese arts with the freedom on American modern dance.

This event is recommended for ages 8+.

Three Shows

Saturday: Jan. 21st 2pm and 7pm

Sunday: Jan. 22 2pm

You can get tickets here:888-GO-NJPAC , at box office, or on link below.

Tickets: Adults $23-$25

Children $12

www.njpac.org

Disclosure: Review event tickets provided by NJPAC.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email: ElGeorgia@aol.com

Tough Mudder Poconos..How Tough Are You?

2012-01-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

Tough Mudder Poconos
April 28&29th
May 12&13th

How Tough Are You?

We all like the tough guy, right? Well, this is where being tough can really come in handy for a cause. This event is not just for the tough. It's for the tougher than tough. Some say it's the toughest event on the planet! The course is rough and has you run through fire, ice water and 10,000 volts of electricity. But, it's not just about proving oneself. Tough Mudder has a cause and it's a very good cause. When you sign on to Tough Mudder, individually or as a team, you are signing on to help out the Wounded Warrior Project.

I can't think of a better reason to show your strength, climb, crawl, run, and get muddy.

Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile course designed by British Special Forces to test strength, stamina and more and has raised more that 2 million dollars toward The Wounded Warrior Project.

Look like something you would like to take a shot at?

Tough Mudder Poconos is SO popular,

they had to add a second weekend!

Pennslyvania #1- April 28&29th

Pennslyvania #2- May 12&13th

You can register here!

Now, as for me, I'm about as far away for being a Tough Mudder as a person could be. But, I will still be there to show my support and to have fun watching. If you want to join the spectators, click here!

If you like to volunteer yourself for the day, click here!

The day does not end with the event, there is also a Post Party with live music, food, drink and more!

Check out Tough Mudder online.

Disclosure: Event tickets provided by Tough Mudder.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email ElGeorgia@aol.com

LOCATION:

Beauty and the Beast 3d Opens January 13th For a Limited Engagement!

2012-01-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Beauty and the Beast 3D

Opens January 13th

For a Limited Engagement

I can't even begin to imagine my life without Disney as a part of it,

so when I was invited to the NYC screening of Beauty and the Beast 3D, I was thrilled.

Of course I was wondering if I could keep my composure during the movie without flashing back to seeing the original movie with my now 20 year old son sitting just a few seats away from me.

It's funny how fast time goes by and yet how the Disney movies still capture the exact same magic.

As for Beauty and the Beast, it was even better in 3d. Of course by this point in my life I know every word and song. It was wonderful to view the movie in 3d. The opening scene was spectacular, along with the wolf fight and of course the enchanting Beauty and the Beast dance scene.

We did have the Beast along with us for the ride.

He suited up in 3D glasses to watch the movie and loved it! We had to agree with the Beast. The digitally remastered movie presented in Digital 3D was a force to be reckoned with.

I'm sure we all know the story. The spoiled prince shuns away the old beggar woman in need of shelter only to find out she is a beautiful princess who casts a spell on the prince and turns him into a horrible beast unless he can find true love by the time the last petal of the enchanted rose falls.

Everyone in the castle is transformed into delightful and lovable characters. Along comes Belle(voice of Paige O'Hara) to show the Beast(voice of Robby Benson) what true love can be and the rest it history, Disney history!

I could watch this movie over and over. Now I will watch it with a new love.

It was a dream come true to be able to watch Beauty and the Beast 3d with not only my oldest child, but also my two other children that never had the chance to see Beauty and Beast on the big screen.

We have Beauty and Beast on VHS, we have in on DVD, and now we will have in 3D.

For more information on Beauty and the Beast 3D click here!

Beauty and the Beast is in theaters now for a limited engagement.

For more photos from the NYC screening event Click here!

Disclosure: Screening passes made available by Disney Pictures.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Email ELGeorgia@aol.com

Review: Kidlandia Kreechurs

2012-01-14T00:17:00.000-08:00

Kidlandia Kreechurs

Available at FAO Schwarz NYC

and online FAO.com

As if Kidlandia.com is not already the greatest site around for children to visit, create and rule their own kingdom, things just got even better!

This little guy above, Caterplump, is one of five plush huggable toys to go along with Kidlandia.com. My daughter could not get her hands on this little Kreechur fast enough. She claimed it as hers immediately and told me it was part of her online kingdom that came to visit! How could I disagree. She took Caterplump right to the laptop and showed it what it was like to be on this side of the action.

The toy is simply adorable and obviously very popular with any child that has experienced Kidlandia.com. You can check out my review on Kidlandia by clicking here!

Caterplump, along with the other plush, come with a secret online code to Kidlandia.com. Caterplump came with a code for 5,000 kaploons! Kreechurs are limited editions and only available online at FAO.com or at the NYC location of FAO Schwarz.

They are very adorable and perfect for ages 3 and up!

Your child will love this. Mine did!

Disclosure: Review product provided by Kidlandia.com

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Diane Sullivan

Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com

Reveiw: Disney On Ice Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey Now-Jan. 22nd NJ

2012-01-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

Review: Disney On Ice

Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey

Now-Jan. 16th Prudential Center

Jan. 19-22nd IZOD Center

There is nothing in the world to me like spending the night out with our entire family. Thanks to Disney On Ice we had a wonderful time recently at Prudential Center -Newark, NJ.

No matter how old you are, you can always enjoy a night out at Disney On Ice.

We have seen many shows in the past, and most recently, Dare To Dream, but I must say that Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey is coming in at the top for me. There is something for everyone.

Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey takes you through four magical Disney stories. Act One begins with The Lion King. A perfect beginning in my book! It really energized the audience as they clapped along to "Oh, I Just Can't Wait To Be King"! Some of the little ones, including my daughter could not help but get up and dance right there next to her seat!

Next up was The Little Mermaid! Yeah! Well, it is one of my favorite Disney movies.

Ariel was irresistible as she swim skated through her under the sea world. The ocean floor came to life right before my eyes and we sang along to "Under The Sea".

Lilo and Stitch immersed us into the tropical paradise of Hawaii and we could not help but fall in love with our little experiment 626 all over again.

Of course in between each scene Mickey, Minnie and friends made an appearance to guide us through their magical journey.

During the final act we were off to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook and of course Tinker Bell. The pixie dust was flowing as Tinker Bell magically helped Wendy, Michael and John rise high in the sky and fly around. It truly was a breathtaking moment. Both children and adults were caught up in the magic that only Disney can supply. One of my favorite parts was near the end when Captain Hook is gobbled up by a cranky larger than life crocodile! Now I understand why you never smile at a crocodile!

In the true Disney fashion there were fireworks at the end!

My family loves Disney On Ice and we especially enjoyed this edition of the show.

Disney On Ice is touring the USA. You can find it in a town near you and buy tickets by clicking here!

For more information on Disney On Ice please click here!

If you have the chance to get to the show, don't let it pass you by, you will not be disappointed!

Playing Prudential Center Now-Jan.16

Playing IZOD Center Jan. 19-22

Disclosure: Review/Giveaway tickets provided by Disney On Ice/Feld Entertainment.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

www.3decades3kids.blogspot.com

Gustafer Yellowgold's Golden Heart and Ticket Giveaway!

2012-01-13T19:36:00.000-08:00

Gustafer Yellowgold's Golden Heart Symphony

An Out-Of-This-World NYC Premiere at

Symphony Space

Feb. 11 & 12th, 2012

Starring the Little Yellow Guy From the Sun

Gustafer Yellowgold

With Morgan Taylor

Yellowgold Band

The Chelsea Symphony
Win a Pair of Tickets!

At the NYC premiere engagement of Gustafer Yellowgold's Golden Heart

Symphony on February 11&12th, the wonderful Chelsea Symphony will bring the Indie Rock magic of Gustafer Yellowgold's music to a whole new level.

Gustafer Yellowgold, a small, yellow, cone shaped head fellow who came to Earth from the sun, has a knack for finding himself in absurd situations as he explores his new life.

This fun multimedia Gustafer Yellowgold is equal parts pop rock concert and hand drawn cartoon movie. With the Chelsea Symphony added to the mix it makes for a breathtakingly epic symphonic journey into Gustafer's world.

If you live in the NYC area I'm sure you have seen this yellow little fellow posted all around the city.

This is one that I know many of my family and friends are looking forward to seeing very soon.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

Gustafer Yellowgold's Golden Heart Symphony and Symphony Space have teamed up with 3decades3kids for a wonderful giveaway! You can WIN 2 tickets to the Feb. 12th 4pm show!

Check out to win below! Winner will be chosen on Feb. 5th and notified by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 18+ USA.

Check out Gustafer Yellowgold's Golden Heart Symphony

Feb. 11 at 11am

Feb. 12 at 4pm

Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space

2537 Broadway at 95th Street

NYC

Adults: $25

Children:$15(under 12)

212-864-5400

SymphonySpace.org

If you are not in the NYC area, you can check out a show that is near you by clicking here!

Disclosure: Giveaway tickets provided by Symphony Space.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday: Beauty and the Beast 3d Screening NYC

2012-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

Beauty and the Beast 3d

Screening NYC
Debuts Friday
January 13th

Disclosure: Special thanks to Disney Pictures for screening passes.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids.blogspot.com/DianeSullivan.

MonsterJam Rolls Into NYC Tri-State Area Family 4Pack Tix Giveaway

2012-01-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam Rolls Into

NYC Tri-State Area
and Family 4Pack Tix
Giveaway

Nassau Coliseum

January 27-29th

IZOD Center

Feb. 3rd and 4th

If you know anything about me, you may know that I have been a BoyMom for over 20 years! Even though I have a little girl now who's five, I have spent a great amount of time in the BoysWorld.

When it comes to family fun, Monster Jam rises to top of our list.

I mean what better way to spend the day with your family than watching Monster trucks jump, crush and rumble. My family loves it, and I personally am a huge fan!

Maybe I have a secret desire to drive like Grave Digger!

I was pretty excited to hear about the Monster Jam tour heading to the NYC area.

Our family can't wait to get there an hour early for the preshow, "Party In The Pits"! It sounds amazing!

What a way to start off the show- getting up close and personal with the Monster Trucks and their drivers!

At this tour of Feld Auto Sports and Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam will be led by the legandary Gravedigger celebrating its 30th Anniversary along with Turtle, Crushstation, Shockwave, Thrasher and more!

Tickets are on sale now and range from $70 for VIP front row to $15 for children 2-12.

They are available by phone at 800-745-3000, at the box office, or at you can click here for tickets! Ticket Giveaway Below.

Party In The Pits is available for $10 per ticket/You must have an event ticket. This is an add-on ticket.

Party In the Pits

Nassau Coliseum: Jan.27th(5:30-6:30), Jan.28th(11-1).

IZOD Center: Feb.3rd(5:30-6:30), Feb. 4th(11-1).

Show Times:

Nassau Coliseum:

Jan.27th: 7:30pm

Jan.28th: 2pm and 7:30pm

Jan. 29th: 2pm

IZOD Center

Feb.3rd: 7:30pm

Feb.4th: 2pm and 7:30pm

GIVEAWAY:

Family 4pack to IZOD Center

Friday-Feb.3rd-7:30pm

The people at Feld Motor Sports and Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam have been generous enough to provide one lucky 3decades3kids reader a Famly 4 Pack of Tickets to Monster Jam!

To enter this giveaway:

Please follow 3decades3kids.blogspot.com on GFC(Google Friends Connect).

Please follow @3decades3kids on Twitter.

Please LIKE 3decades3kids on Facebook.

Professional Bullriding NYC Jan. 6-8th!

2012-01-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

Professional Bull Riding

NYC Jan. 6-8th

Friday night I had the extreme pleasure of attending my first live Professional Bull

Riding event at Madison Square Garden NYC. I had watched the sport on tv for many years and always wondered what it would be like to see it live. To some it up in one word EXCITING!

This extreme sport had everyone's eyes glues as one rider after the next tried to make the time of 8 seconds in order to move on to the next round. Top ten moved onto the next round.

The PBR Tour began tonight and continues right through October!

It will be coming to a town near you.

Click Here for the schedule and to buy tickets!

The bulls were bucking and the riders were flying despite their massive grip of strength to hold on!

Professional Bull Riding will be in NYC Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are still available and if you have the chance you should definitely check it out.

It's really exciting, a ton of fun and a lil' bit crazy, if you ask me!

I enjoyed the event The Professional Bull Riders(PBR) will present the 6th Annual Madison Square Garden Invitational on January 6th-8th, 2012, to kick off the nationally televised, elite 2012 Built Tough Series Season, featuring the world's toughest cowboys and rankest bulls! The PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series will rock New York with three bone-crushing, adrenaline-soaked performances, as the Top 40 bull riders in the world – including the 2011 Madison Square Garden Invitational champion Valdiron de Oliveira – risk it all against athletic animals weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. Fans will be thrilled as they watch intense 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks when riders try to stay on and survive animals 10 times their size.

The nationally televised PBR 2012 Built Ford Tough Series will visit 23 different states with 28 events in 2012. The 2012 schedule will feature the best bull riders from across the globe competing against the rankest bulls on the planet in front of millions of fans across the country to win a share of over $10 million for the season.

Tickets for the Professional Bull Riders 2012 Madison Square Garden Invitational are $205, $105, $50, $35, $25 and $15 (prices do not include taxes and facility fees) and are available at the MSG box office,www.ticketmaster.com, and by telephone at (800) 745-3000.

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, January 6 -- 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 7 -- 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 8 -- 1:00 p.m.
Disclosure: Special thanks to PBR for review/giveaway tickets.
All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

3decades3kids Wordless Wedsneday:

2012-01-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

3decades3kids

Wordless Wednesday

Em's 5th Birthday Party

American Girl Cafe NYC

Em celebrated her 5th Birthday at American Girl Cafe NYC.

What a day!

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

Free Tix to Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray and Late Night With David Letterman

2012-01-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Free Tickets to

The Martha Stewart Show

The Rachael Ray Show

The Late Show with David Letterman

During the past year I have had the pleasure to attend many studio tapings in NYC.

I had the pleasure of meeting Regis Philbin before he retired and was also part of a special group of ten Twitter followers that Tweeted Live from Martha Stewart's 1000th show! Recently, I had the pleasure of being a part of Bill Cunningham's Live audience. There are so many fun shows taping in NYC and tickets are always available.

I thought I would save you the trouble of exactly how to get the tickets and connect you directly to the pages you need below!

Good Luck! With just a little bit of planning you can be part of the studio audience, too!

Click here for ticket reservations to The Rachael Ray Show

Click here for ticket reservations to The Martha Stewart Show

Click here for ticket reservations to Late Show with David Letterman

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/Diane Sullivan

The links above do not guarantee tickets will be available

Most tickets require a 12 week wait period/Please check details on each site.

My Favorite Cheesecake Recipe

2012-01-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

This is my family's favorite cheesecake that they beg me to make. I thought I would share it with you! It's easy to make(please don't tell them). Delish!
What you need:
1 spring pan
graham cracker crumbs(you can also substitute oreos/chips ahoy..etc)
4 packs of cream cheese
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon flour
1 stick butter(1/2 for cake and 1/2 for graham cracker crust)
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
Can of your favorite fruit topping

Make the crust first by melting 1/2 stick of butter and 1 1/2 cups of graham crackers. Press down into the pan to create the crust.
Mix together everything else in a bowl.(easy, right)
Pour the mixture into the pan with the crust.
Bake at 325 for about 60 minutes. You have to check this. If it still looks really loose. Bake for 10 more minutes.
IMPORTANT: Leave the cake in the oven for half hour to set. Shut off oven.
The cake will have cracks on the top. That is normal.
Place in frige for about 2 hours before you remove from spring pan. (be sure to use knife and go around the side of cake pan before removing.
Top with your favorite choice of fruits or eat it plain. It's Delish!
Recipe by Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids Questions?Email me at Elgeorgia@aol.com

Happy New Year 2012 From 3decades3kids

2012-01-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012

From 3decades3kids

Just a little note to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

It has been a joy to share so many happy and fun

moments with you during the past year.

I am looking forward to even more during 2012.

Thanks for following my life with 3decades3kids.

My this year bring you magical times and memories

that will last a lifetime.

Love, Hugs and Happiness,

Diane (ElGeorgia)

xoxoxoox

My Gingerbread House Birthday At Great Wolf Lodge

2011-12-29T16:11:00.000-08:00

My Gingerbread House Birthday

At Great Wolf Lodge
What A Great Surprise

The Gingerbread House at GWL Poconos.
When my hubby approached me a few weeks ago about my upcoming 50th birthday, he gave me an open book on how I would like to celebrate it. Although I live right on the border of NYC, my heart kept going back to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. There is something truly magical about that resort that I just cannot shake. I love the coziness and the sight of all the families and children just being together and having fun. I could have chosen dinner out or a night away for just the two of us, but I was really looking for something much more low key. I go out all the time to different events, so I really just wanted to be somewhere where I could relax and blend in.
Little did I know there were a few surprises in store for me! I had told hubby the perfect birthday would be to go to the Great Wolf Lodge, grab some Starbucks, some Bubble Gum fudge(my favorite), and relax in the lobby. The kids thought it would be fun to go bowling at the new Ten Paw Alley and I could not disagree. I was not sure until days before that I was actually going to GWL. Hubby is quite a secret keeper-along with the kids, and even GWL director of rooms (Michael De Julia) was in on the secret surprise!
So, let's get to the fun! My birthday was yesterday and I was thrilled to not have a formal party, or a big hosting event. I knew my close friends would take me out, so I was not worried about not seeing them on my official birthday.In the early afternoon, we headed to Great Wolf Lodge. It was a perfect day! The weather was great and as we entered PA, there were even snow flurries. I was so excited about arriving at Great Wolf Lodge!

My husband never expected me to want to go back to GWL after just spending a weekend in December there. Little does he know, it's one of my favorite places to go. My birthday arrived and it was off to GWL!

As soon as I entered the lobby, I knew I made the right choice. We headed right to the Starbucks! Yes!

I was amazed to see the Gingerbread House still up in the lobby. I was under the impression it would be taken down after Christmas, only to find out it would be up until the end of January. Each and every Great Wolf Lodge has built their own unique gingerbread house. When we visited earlier in December, I don't think there was a person I ran into who I did not tell about that gingerbread house! I just loved it!

I had no idea of what the rest of the day would bring!

It wasn't long before we met up with Bill Colavito(general manager) and Michael De Julia(director of rooms). Seems they had a surprise of their own in store for me, as they treated our family to bowling, MagiQuest and a giant box of bubble gum fudge! Yum! The people at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos are just wonderful.

We headed off for some bowling at Ten Paw Alley. Sadly, I came in 4th out of 5th. Well, at least my 5 year old let me ahead of her on my birthday, right? Last time we checked out Ten Paw Alley only the kids played, but this time Larry and I joined the fun and I can honestly say it is a game for everyone!

We checked out the Northern Lights Arcade and then walked around as Emily enjoyed Magi Quest!

I was having such a wonderful that I could not imagine the day could get any better. Then I got an even bigger surprise: My family announced that we were going to have my birthday dinner inside the Gingerbread House! I was shocked and thrilled! I had wanted to dine inside the Gingerbread House during our last stay, but there was no availability. What a surprise! I mean, I was sold at the Starbucks and Bubble Gum fudge, but this was just amazing! I also found out that two of my long time friends would be joining us at dinner. That brought me to tears of happiness.

Although I did not want a party, I did want to share the day with my family and friends.

At 5 pm we headed to the main lobby where we were greeted by our personal waitress. She opened the gate and let us into the giant handmade Gingerbread House. It felt incredible to be inside of a gingerbread house. I was delighted to be surrounded by gingerbread walls decked out with fruit slices, peppermints, kisses, licorice, rock candy, and gumdrops of many colors. The doorway in was lined with gingerbread men! There was also a fireplace inside, including reddish graham crackers. I just had to sit and take it all in. I loved the huge lollipops in planters and the monster sized red gummy bear! This was something very special and I wanted to make it last forever.

Our waitress was very attentive and served our meal home style. The food was delicious as usual.

My hubby even brought along a flower cake centerpiece!

As for dessert, a group of table servers entered the gingerbread house singing and clapping and carrying a festive plate overfilled with goodies and adorned with lit candles of all colors. I was really taken back by the entire experience, since I am usually the planner and not on the other end of things.

It was a wonderful birthday and I am very thankful that for all of it.

The Gingerbread House at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos will be open for dining until the end of January 2012. It has open reservations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have a chance to dine inside the gingerbread house, you will not regret it. It's a very charming and one of a kind treat.

Thank you Larry, Louie, Adam, Emily, MaryAnne, Connie and Great Wolf Lodge for

giving me the best birthday ever! I will never forget it! Click here to find out more about Great Wolf Lodge!

The night ended as with the magical snow in the lobby!

Magic! Birthday Magic!

Disclosure: Special Thanks to Great Wolf Lodge for the great birthday treats!

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

Professional Bull Riding Comes to NYC Jan.6th-8th!

2011-12-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

Professional Bull Riding

Comes to NYC

Madison Square Garden

January 6th -8th

It's not often that the subject of Professional Bull Riding comes up in our house or in the NYC area. It was thrilled to find out that The Professional Bull Riders would be coming to NYC this coming new year! My family is so pumped to get a chance to join into the action and fun of seeing LIVE Bull Riders try to top each others time scores! The kids have been checking out the riders online and getting ready for the fun!
CONTEST: You can enter on Facebook for a 2 pack of tix to the event! If you don't have Facebook, just leave your comment below! You can comment up to 5 times! Good Luck!

The Professional Bull Riders(PBR) will present the 6th Annual Madison Square Garden Invitational on Jaunary 6th-8th, 2012, to kick off the nationally televised, elite 2012 Built Tough Series Season, featuring the world's toughest cowboys and rankest bulls! The PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series will rock New York with three bone-crushing, adrenaline-soaked performances, as the Top 40 bull riders in the world – including the 2011 Madison Square Garden Invitational champion Valdiron de Oliveira – risk it all against athletic animals weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. Fans will be thrilled as they watch intense 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks when riders try to stay on and survive animals 10 times their size.

MADISONSQUARE GARDENEVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, January 6 -- 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 7 -- 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 8 -- 1:00 p.m.
Disclosure: Special thanks to PBR for review/giveaway tickets.
All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

Kidlandia Where Kids Rule Their Own Kingdom

2011-12-26T23:11:00.000-08:00

Kidlandia

Where Kids Rule

Their Own Kingdom

One thing that always attracts me to something is being able to personalize it!

My oldest son's name is Louie and when he was a young child it was always so discouraging to look at personalized products and not see his name on the list. My husband still says I chose Adam for my second son's name because it was the first name on the personalization chart!

Everyone loves to see their name in print and on a special item.

When I first heard about Kidlandia, I was thrilled. Kidlandia can be found at FAO Schwarz and online at Kidlandia.com. It is a company founded by Brian Backus, who has been following his dreams for years!

At Kidlandia, you can create maps, place mats, pillowcase, mugs, puzzles and more that are personalized to your liking. What I love about Kidlandia is that it's more than just a name on a product. You or your child can choose an item and that's where the fun begins!

Adam's mug he created online at Kidlandia.com

Adam chose a mug, then the character and different features he wanted to be shown. He also designed the back of the mug. When it arrived in the mail he was thrilled to see his creation come to life!

Emily, after much narrowing down, decided on the pillowcase.

She worked for a while choosing which names she wanted and where she wanted them. She titled the pillowcase Emily Island and featured everyone she could think of on her island! There was Daddy Lagoon, Mommy Lake, Pirate Adam's Bay, Lake Louie, Emily River and more. She even used our three pets, Biscut, Pebbles and Sweetie Pie in different locations on the pillowcase. She let her creativity go and it was very simple to accomplish. I honestly do not think she could believe it when the pillowcase arrived by mail and she actually saw her work come to life! Needless to say, both the pillowcase and mug are getting a lot of use time!

Em checking out the map at FAO Schwarz NYC.
Later that night, she chose the same map to create at home on a pillowcase.

We also had a chance to check out Kidlandia at FAO Schwarz in NYC.

It's located on the lower level and has easy directions

to follow to get the job done. You can print out a fun map

right at the store in just 3 easy steps!

Step1: Select a design.

Step2: Personalize with names and pictures.

Step3: Prints out in 3 minutes!

So much fun!

Kidlandia gives your child a chance to create a personalized creation of their own that they can keep forever! For more info please check out Kidlandia.com

You can also check out Play.Kidlandia.com for online play!

The game is so much fun! My children love it. It's easy to play and fun to create.

The Kreechurs are loaded with surprises to keep the kids coming back for more.

Disclosure: Special thanks to Kidlandia.com for review products. All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.

Merry Christmas From 3decades3kids

2011-12-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

From 3decades3kids

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

From 3decades3kids and a very

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being a part of our lives!

You are appreciated.

Hugs,

Diane, Larry

Louie, Adam and Emily

xoxo

3decades3kids.blogspot.com/Diane Sullivan

Great Wolf Lodge Poconos: Visit the NEW Main Street!

2011-12-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

3decades3kids

Great Wolf Lodge

Poconos

A Visit To The

New

Main Street!

On the bottom level of Great Wolf Lodge Poconos there is a new addition and it's a great one- Main Street!

As if Great Wolf Lodge wasn't already fun enough, with the addition of Main Street, you can find so many activities rolled up into one location!

It's all on the same level as the waterpark and very easy to find.

Before you turn the corner to hit Main Street you can grab some treats at the Bear Paw Sweets & Eats. Our family enjoyed some delicious homemade fudge and Christmas treats then we continued onto the fun!

The kids turned the corner first and headed right into the MagiQuest Shoppe to grab some new wand toppers and get their wands activated. You can also find the Northern Lights Arcade with plenty of games to choose from! We continued on to the Cub Club designed especially for children up to 12 years old. You can find activities, games, toys, crafts and coloring inside!

Emily was thrilled to try out the new

Story Explorers interactive storybook adventure!

What a wonderful time she had creating an animal of choice and then taking that animal (she chose Sammy the squirrel) around the Great Wolf Lodge looking for Story Explorers special areas where she activated the special messages with her new friend! You can also purchase the Story Explorers without the stuffed animal. You can wear the wristband yourself and it's just as much fun! At the end of the experience you return back to the Cub Club where you are presented with your very own personalized book about Story Explorers! Delightful! I have a feeling we will be making more Story Explorer animal friends in the future!

After our fun time with Story Explorers, we headed to what I call a hidden treasure at the Great Wolf Lodge: Ten Paw Alley. Almost everyone loves to bowl and at Ten Paw Alley you can bowl like a pro! Everyone can play since the ball is not a big as a regular bowling ball. You can hold it in your hand and roll away! Don't worry if you are not so great or very young, there are bumpers that can be pulled right up, so everyone is a winner! You can play alone on your own lane, or play against each other. My family and I agreed that we ALL loved Ten Paw Alley!

We also had to test out the new pizza place Wolf It Down! The prices are very reasonable and family friendly. It's just a walk up window, but you can take the pizza (and other menu items) back to your room or to some of the tables that are available nearby.

Finally, if you have Girlie Girl in the crowd there is something very special waiting for her. Scooops is a SPA just for children!

You can get a chocolate, strawberry or vanilla themed fizzy for your little girl's feet or choose from a manicure or pedicure. There is even a birthday package. Of course Emily had to try out Scooops on our last trip and had both a manicure and pedicure! It's adorable and the kids LOVE it! If you are planning to go, don't forget to make an appointment in advance, it does sell out pretty quickley.

Well, our opinion on Main Street is a total thumbs up! There is plenty of fun to be had and you will leave with a smile on your face! We did!

For more information please click here!

www.GreatWolfLodge.com

Disclosure: Special thanks to Great Wolf Lodge for our fun experience and activities.

Special thanks to Michael De Julia, Director of Rooms Division.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/Diane Sullivan.

Great Wolf Lodge Poconos Snowland

2011-12-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

3decades3kids

Great Wolf Lodge

Poconos
Snowland

Years ago when I was a child, every Christmas season was spent in the magic of anticipation of the big day. The magic surrounded me and no matter where I was there was something to mesmerize me. Twinkling lights, festive Christmas trees, music, Santa, it was all part of the magic of growing up with Christmas.

Having three children has allowed me to see Christmas through their eyes over and over. With my oldest son being 20 and my youngest daughter being 5 we are still in Santa mode big time around here.

Recently, I have the pleasure of being mesmerized all over again, and this time, it was through my own eyes. My family and I were invited as guests to Great Wolf Lodge Poconos this past weekend. You won't believe you are just about and hour and half from NYC in the heart of the Poconos. From our arrival at the lodge it was like being transported into a winter wonderland the lodge calls Snowland. Entering the grand lobby made me just stand in amazement and gaze all around me. Thousands of sparkling lights, a Christmas tree that went from floor to ceiling, the cozy warm fireplace surrounded me. I also immediately fell in love with the life size gingerbread house that each Great Wolf Lodge is showcasing in their lobby during Snowland. The gingerbread house was actually baked at the lodge and assembled by hand. It was a tempting work of art and dazzled with fruit slices, colored gumdrops, gingerbread men and much more. I don't think I will ever forget it.

I could have stayed in the lobby forever(literally), but soon it was time to head to our room. This time we ventured into a room we've never tried before called the Wolf Den. The Wolf Den features a full size mini room within the regular room. The children had their own bunk beds and even their own television. The artwork in the Wolf Den surrounded the beds with wolves of many sizes and adorable wolf pups.

It wasn't long after we settled in that we got our bathing suits and headed to the water park! Choices had to be made between hitting the wave pool, the Double Barrel Drop, Hydro Plunge, and Slap Tail Pond. Needless to say everyone had a blast or should I say, a splashing time!

After having our water park fun, it was time for more fun!

We check out the new

Main Street(Click here to find out all about Main Street in my special post all about Main Street!).

The kids picked out some new wand toppers, got their wands activated and headed into the hallways to play MagiQuest!

MagiQuest is a game located throughout the Great Wolf Lodge. The children use wands to activate special game pieces that are located throughout the different levels of the lodge, concluding with fighting against a life size on screen dragon! If you plan on playing please set aside about 3-4 hours! It's well worth it and can be done over the extent of your stay. We peeked in at the new Ten Paw Alley and played the next day. Only one word could describe it- FUN- and for all ages!

We also checked out Story Explorers and interactive story adventure, with Emily, while the boys headed to Gr8 Space!

We all met back up in the lobby for Story Time at the Clock Tower in the Main Lobby. We were all treated to an extended story time including Christmas sing along tunes and my favorite part, SNOW in the lobby! The faces of the children and adults alike gleamed in happiness! What a precious moment!

Now, as if this was not wonderful enough, we also had the chance to visit with Santa right in the lobby. My daughter had her little list ready to go and was thrilled to see that Santa had stopped at GWL to check how all the boys and girls were doing. We were read a good night story by Rowdy the Reindeer and her friend fireside. What a way to hear the night story.

I guess I don't have to say how easy bedtime went back in the room. Everyone decided on their favorite sleep spot and settled in for a cozy night of sleep. It was not easy to leave the next day to say the least. I am already trying to convince hubby that we need to go back very very soon!

For more information on Great Wolf Lodge please check out

GreatWolfLodge.com

Disclosure: Special thanks to Great Wolf Lodge for providing us with a special room and activities. Special thanks to

Michael De Julia (Director of Rooms Division) for his outstanding attention to detail. It was very appreciated.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/Diane Sullivan.

Essex County's Codey Arena- Ice Skating Fun!

2011-12-20T14:07:00.001-08:00

Essex County

Codey Arena

Ice Skating Fun
Next to Turtle Back Zoo

Recently my family and I were invited to test out our ice skating skills at Essex County Codey Arena.

The skating rink is located at 450 Northfield Avenue-West Orange, NJ right next to Turtle Back Zoo.

Being I had never been inside Codey Arena, I did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the huge lobby and all the arena offered.

There are three party or meeting rooms, concession stands that offer an array of delicious foods and drinks, pro shop, arcade and much more.

There are also two different skating rinks with surrounding stands that hold 500+ people.

My oldest son has his own skates so he was ready to go. He laced up while the rest of us got our rental skates. My daughter loved the thought of being able to just put on skates and go! She was ready to perform a Figure 8, even though she had never been on ice skates in her life. Surprising, she did a wonderful job and did end up skating without holding hands a few times. I guess all her practice on the kitchen floor paid off!

As for the skating rink, it was wonderful. There were plenty of people on hand to help out the beginners and keep the skaters flowing in the same direction.

We all loved the upbeat music. It was perfect to skate to and kept everyone smiling!

The rink was also very family friendly. There were all ages represented from little children just learning to skate to families and people skating solo.

There was also plenty of seating for the watchers. I loved how you could walk around the entire rink along side the skaters. There were also many step off doors where you could exit the ice if needed.

The entire experience was wonderful and the kids are already begging to go back!

I think we will be hitting the ice during this week off of school and also during winter break in February! Click here for the Codey Arena skating schedule!

If you are looking for somewhere family friendly to take the kids, don't miss out on Essex County Codey Arena Ice Skating Rink. It's indoors so you don't have to worry about the weather!

For more information click here! 973-731-3828

See you on the ice!

Disclosure: Special thanks to Codey Arena for our fun day of ice skating and winter treats!

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/Diane Sullivan.

Great Wolf Lodge Win One of TEN $250 Gift Cards! Good Luck!

2011-12-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

Great Wolf Lodge

Win One Of TEN

$250 Gift Cards

In A Fabulous Face Book Party!

Just Sign Up With Your Name and Email!

Follow My Trip This Weekend

Dec. 17th & 18th to GWL Poconos

on Twitter and Facebook!

Our family is planning a big trip to Great Wolf Lodge Poconos this weekend and we are all getting very excited about it already! The bathing suits are out, the robes are packed and the flip-flops are by the door. The kids have their Magi Quest wands ready and I even noticed that stuffed Wiley snuck into the suitcase.

I am thrilled to tell you that I will be tweeting LIVE from Great Wolf Lodge Poconos on Saturday and Sunday!

Our family cannot wait to check out Snowland complete with snow, story time and Santa in the grand lobby.

We are also ecstatic to see how the ground floor has been transformed! The last time we were there in May, everything was in a transitional stage.

I have already heard so many great things about the Ten Paw Ally (the new bowling center), Story Explorers(an interactive story zone) and the new location of our family favorite-MagiQuest!

I can't wait to share it all with you! You can follow me LIVE on Twitter at @3decades3kids!

If you are a Facebook fan don't worry, you won't be left out! I will be posting pictures on 3decades3kids and Great Wolf Lodge Facebook pages , too!

I also have some really GREAT NEWS to share with you about Facebook! Great Wolf Lodge is hosting an outrageous contest giving away TEN $250 gift cards! The sign up is quick and easy and takes UNDER 10 seconds! How can you resist? You can enter right HERE!

Good Luck with the contest! Let me know if you win-so I can go back to GWL with you! (kidding) lol.

You can check out our last trip here and here!

The kids loved their Paw Passes!(I believe The Paw Pass has changed since our last visit: I will update on this trip if possible.)

Going to the lodge...The Great Wolf Lodge...Hoooowwwwlll!

PS: You can check out some great deals at GreatWolfLodge.com!

An additional post will follow this one after the completion of our weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge!

Disclosure: Special thanks to Great Wolf Lodge.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/Diane Sullivan.

3decades3kids Rainforest Cafe Breakfast With Santa and ChaCha

2011-12-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

3decades3kids

Rainforest Cafe

Breakfast With Santa and ChaCha

December 17th and 18th

Menlo Park Mall -NJ
732-452-0011

Every year when December is within reach there is always something I can never resist. I have been to many, many breakfast with Santa throughout the years, but this one is one of the best around. Breakfast with Santa and ChaCha at the Rainforest Cafe in Menlo Park Mall-New Jersey is wonderful. We have been going for many years, since before Emily was born!

We already love the Rainforest Cafe, but combine that with Santa and Cha Cha and you can't miss.

You won't find a better value around, with just $12.99 for adults and $9.99 for children you won't be able to resist! The buffet breakfast is so delicious: sausage, eggs, pancakes, bacon, french toast, hash browns, donuts, fresh fruit and much more. You will not leave hungry, that's for sure. There is also a drink bar with coffee, tea, milk and juice.

Breakfast is delish!

One of the things I love about this breakfast is something unique that is done upon entering Rainforest Cafe. I guarantee you will not see this at just any Santa breakfast. Don't look for Santa walking around- No way- You will find Santa swimming with the fish right in the fish tank! Believe or not, it's really true!

Santa is magical!
But, don't worry, Santa will magically disappear from the tank while you are busy dining and he will reappear later on to hear everything that is on your child's list...and even yours, if you'd like!

The elves are there, too. They tell stories and even have a sing along with all of your favorite Christmas songs!

We adore the fish at Rainforest Cafe!

Your child may even be lucky enough to win the coloring contest! Adam and Emily have both won in the past and the prizes are very special! But, that's to the wonderful direction of the General Manager, Sanjay Gupta, no one will leave empty handed. Every child there leaves with a Rainforest Cafe goodie bag! The parents get their own treat with a one time use 25% off coupon at the gift shoppe! Rainforest Cafe really knows how to make Breakfast with Santa and Cha Cha a huge success.

Em had a l-o-n-g list!

If this sounds like something you'd like to do, you are in luck! There are still two days of Breakfast with Santa fun left- December 17th and 18th. The breakfast starts at 8am sharp. Believe me when I tell you it is worth waking up early for. You won't be disappointed!

Merry Christmas! There is no better place to celebrate than Rainforest Cafe!

If you do not live in the Menlo Park Mall -NJ area, you can check here for a Rainforest Cafe in your area.

Special thanks to Rainforest Cafe and Sanjay Gupta for making sure that we always leave with smiles on our faces. All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/Diane Sullivan.

Wordless Wednesday: 77Kids RockStar!

2011-12-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday:

77Kids by American Eagle

My Rock Star

77Kids by American Eagle. Emily rocked out today at the
Times Square Store during a private Christmas Party and Shopping Spree.

There were a lot of holiday smiles at 77Kids today!

Adam had a blast at the photo machine!

3decades3kids.blogspot.com/Diane Sullivan

ABBA You Can Dance 3decades3kids House Party!

2011-12-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

ABBA You Can Dance
House Party
ABBA You Can Dance
For Nintendo Wii
(UbiSoft)

ABBA You Can Dance! Click Here To Buy!

Anyone that knows me, knows that my family and friends are always looking for a reason to celebrate and have fun, so when I was invited to host the

ABBA You Can Dance House Party for Wii

I jumped at the idea.

The holidays are already a great reason to party and with

ABBA in the house things just got better.

So, disco ball-check!

Delicious snacks and drinks-check!

Dim the lights-check!

Guests piling in-check!

ABBA You Can Dance ready to roll-check!

Let the FUN begin-check!

I am a party person, I am not much of a video game person, but the new dancing games and ABBA You Can Dance have even gotten me hooked!

If you are an ABBA fan(or even if you're not), you will love this dance game.

The music is energetic and ANYONE can do it! I know because I did it and I am NOT good at any kind of video game! My 5 year old daughter even tried it and loved it! The music is fun and the dance patterns are easy to follow. You can dance alone or with a friend, or up to four people. My two friends tried it together and had the entire house rolling

with laughter watching them do the moves in sync(well, almost in sync).

Fun Snacks including my very own ABBA treats!

This game is so much fun to play and would be hit if you played it alone, with a friend and it's even extra fun to play at a party!

My favorite feature of the game was the fun factor and not being embarrassed because I could not do the moves. Most of the people at the party gave the game a try and they all agreed that it was a pure delight to play. You could not help but have a good time and laugh as friends came more and more out of their shells to the tunes of Dancing Queen, Fernando, Mama Mia, Does Your Mother Know and more! You can choose from twenty six ABBA songs that have been digitally remastered for your game system. There is even a karaoke mode for your singing friends!

We partied around the Christmas tree with fun that lasted for hours. If you are looking for a great gift for someone young or not so young, this is perfect! The ABBA You Can Dance was absolutely titled perfectly! You really can dance with this one and it will create memories your family will be talking about for days or weeks to come. Our family has already played it a few times since the house party and I think it's going to get a lot of wear and tear over the holidays and at our New Year's Eve party!

You can check out more about ABBA You Can Dance here!

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday:A Look Back at My Visit To The Martha Stewart Show!

2011-12-07T20:25:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednesday:

A Look Back At The Martha Stewart Show

Special Twitter Audience!

Wordless Wednesday:Diane Sullivan

3decades3kids Our Favorite Christmas Movies

2011-12-04T08:04:00.001-08:00

3decades3kids

Our Favorite Christmas Movies

and List of Movies and Times

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the lead up to the big day. We celebrate the entire month of December with Christmas foods, crafts, lights, cookie baking and decorating. But, one of my favorite Christmas activities with the family takes place right in our own living room. We love to watch Christmas movies together as a family. Everyone has their favorite. Mine is The Polar Express! For years it was Miracle on 34th Street, but may change from year to year.

Each member of the family gets to choose their favorite movie and also their favorite cookie. We bake up a mini batch of whatever cookie is chosen and of course it is accompanied by milk or hot cocoa.

This tradition continues, even though my oldest son is away at college. I love that our family watches special Christmas movies together. I am looking forward to the movies that my family choose this year. We try to do this as often as possible. After all, December only comes around once a year, so we may as well make the most of it! Happy Movie Watching to you and your family!xo

Below is a list of Christmas movies listed by date for you and your family to enjoy!(list composed by Mary Randall)

Thursday, Dec 1 -

"Mickey's Christmas Carol": 6pm on ABC Family

"The Santa Clause": 7pm & 9pm on ABC Family

"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town": 8pm on ABC

Friday, Dec 2 -

"The Santa Clause": 3pm on Hallmark Channel

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas": 8pm & 10:30pm on ABC Family

Saturday, Dec 3 -

"The Santa Clause 2": 10am & 8pm on Encore

"It's A Wonderful Life": 8pm on NBC

Sunday, Dec 4 -

"Disney's A Christmas Carol": 2:05pm & 5:30pm on Starz

Monday, Dec 5 -

"The Santa Clause": 6pm on Hallmark Channel

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys" (musical remake of the original): 7pm on ABC Family

"A Charlie Brown Christmas": 8pm on ABC

"The Polar Express": 8:30pm on ABC Family

"The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause": 8:30pm on Disney Channel

"Mickey's Christmas Carol": 10:30pm on ABC Family

Tuesday, Dec 6 -

"The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause": 2pm on Disney Channel

"The Santa Clause": 8am on Hallmark

"The Polar Express": 6:30pm on ABC Family

"A Christmas Story": 9pm on TCM

Wednesday, Dec 7 -

"The Santa Clause 2": 10:20am & 8:45pm on Encore

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"(Cartoon): 7:30pm on Cartoon Network

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": 9pm on ABC Family

Thursday, Dec 8 -

"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town": 8pm on ABC Family

Friday, Dec 9 -

"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town": 7pm on ABC Family

"Frosty the Snowman": 8pm on CBS

"The Santa Clause": 8pm on ABC Family

"The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause": 10pm on ABC Family

Saturday, Dec 10 -

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"(cartoon): 2pm on Cartoon Network

"The Santa Clause": 6pm on ABC Family

"The Polar Express": 8pm on Disney Channel

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer": 8pm on CBS

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": 10pm on ABC Family

Sunday, Dec 11-

"The Polar Express": 11am on Disney Channel

"The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause"; 4pm on ABC Family

Monday, Dec 12 -

"The Santa Clause": 2pm on Hallmark Channel

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": 9pm on ABC Family

Tuesday, Dec 13 -

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas": 8pm and 10:30pm on ABC Family

Wednesday, Dec 14 -

"Disney's A Christmas Carol": 10:35am & 5:15pm on Starz

Tuesday, Dec 20 -

"Disney's A Christmas Carol": 11:25am on Starz

"Mickey's Christmas Carol": 6pm on ABC Family

"The Polar Express": 9pm on ABC Family

Wednesday, Dec 21 -

"The Santa Clause": 8pm on ABC Family

Thursday, Dec 22 -

"The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause": 7pm on ABC Family

Friday, Dec 23 -

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas": 8pm on ABC Family

Saturday, Dec 24 -

"A Christmas Story": All day marathon on TBS

"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town": 7pm on ABC Family

"Miracle on 34th Street": 8pm on TCM

"It's A Wonderful Life": 9pm on NBC

Sunday, Dec 25 -

"The Polar Express": 8pm on ABC Family

Disney On Ice Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey Win a Family 4Pack of Tix to Opening Night!

2011-12-03T12:44:00.001-08:00

Contest is officially closed: Sarah/@SmallSlice is the lucky winner of:
Disney On Ice

Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey

Win a Family 4Pack

of Tix to Opening Night!

Nassau Coliseum- January 5-8

Prudential Center-January 12-16

IZOD Center-January 19-22

Our family is very excited about Disney On Ice Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey coming to the NY/NJ area in January 2012. It always seems that when the holidays are over, our family gets a little glum. This will be a perfect smilemaker for all of us to enjoy together. I think we may even being surprising a few family members with some tickets as a Christmas gift!

Now we can follow Mickey and Minnie as they jouney through four magical destinations.

Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they head out on a magical journey through the worlds of Lilo and Stitch in Hawaii,

Simba and Nala in the African Pride Lands, Ariel and Sebastian as they explore under the sea, and Peter Pan & Tinkerbell as they magically fly through the sky!

Disney On Ice Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey features a team of international figure skating talent.

Nassau Coliseum- January 5-8

Prudential Center-January 12-16

IZOD Center-January 19-22

Winning 4 Pack of Tix is good on Opening Night of Your Choice of the Three Listed Shows! Jan.5, Jan.12, or Jan. 19th!

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey are $80.00, $55.00, $35.00, and $25.00 (prices do not include facility fees and taxes). At Nassau Coliseum only, there is also a $150.00 VIP Dining Experience available. Tickets are available at arena box offices, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster Charge By Phone at (800) 345-8000, (212) 307-7171, (201) 507-8900 or ticketmaster.com. To learn more about Disney On Ice, log on towww.disneyonice.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

NASSAU COLISEUM (Uniondale, NY) – January 5 – 8, 2012

January 5 7:00 PM

January 6 10:30 AM 7:00 PM\

January 7 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

January 8 1:00 PM 5:00 PM

PRUDENTIAL CENTER (Newark, NJ) – January 12 – 16, 2012:

January 12 7:30 PM

January 13 7:30 PM

January 14 1:00 PM 5:00 PM

January 15 2:00 PM

January 16 1:00 PM

IZOD CENTER (East Rutherford, NJ) – January 19 – 22, 2012:

January 19 7:30 PM

January 20 10:30 AM 7:30 PM

January 21 11AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

January 22 1:00PM 5:00PM

Please Enter Contest Below!

Disclosure: Review/Giveaway Tickets provided by Disney On Ice.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.

TNT Mystery Movie Night Premiered Last Night and Continues for 4 Weeks!

2011-11-30T07:34:00.001-08:00

TNT Mystery Movie Night Premiered

Last Night with

Scott Turow's INNOCENT

and Continues for 4 Weeks!

Although I have only recently become a fan of mystery, thanks to being swept away by six incredible authors at the TNT Mystery Night movie event in NYC, I had to tune in last night for the kick off to watch Scott Turow's INNOCENT. I am not fibbing when I tell you that I was pretty much glued to the TV. I must secretly BE a huge mystery fan and do not even know it!

During the recent event I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the first 20 minutes of INNOCENT and I knew right then I had to see the rest.

Scott Turow's INNOCENT is the sequel to Scott Turow's book, Presumed Innocent released in 1987, where Rusty Sabich, a well known prosecutor is accused of the murder of his colleague, whom he had an affair with.

In last night's INNOCENT, Judge Rusty Sabich(Bill Pullman), once again is faced with being accused with murder. This time he wakes up in bed next to his wife(Marcia Gay Harding) who is dead. Rusty does not have a clean track record when it comes to affairs. When his wife, who suffers from depression, comes across evidence of an affair she suspects Rusty is involved in, things go downhill. Rusty stands trial for the murder. Meanwhile he is faced with losing a relationship with his son that means the world to him. Without giving too much away, Rusty's son becomes involved with his dad's past mistress. I honestly enjoyed INNOCENT and of course now

I have to go read the book!

There are encore performances of INNOCENT in the coming days.

The premiere of TNT Mystery Movie Night was fascinating. TNT is planning 4 weeks of Mystery!

You can check out the times and more about TNT Mystery Movie Night on my past post! TNT Mystery Movie Night is featuring six novels to made for television movies.

Tonight's special feature is Sandra Brown's Ricochet

at 9pm on TNT.

Enjoy and see you at TNT Mystery Movie Night! What a great way to spend the evening!

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

Wordless Wednesday: A Very Furry Christmas At Sesame Place

2011-11-29T19:10:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednesday:

A Very Furry Christmas

At Sesame Place

Open Now-Dec.31st!

Sesame Place

The beautiful 25ft. tree that greets you as you enter Sesame Place.

Louie, Adam and Emily outside of the North Pole!

Dine With Me At Sesame Place. Dining with Sesame characters and Santa, too!

So many beautiful lights. You have never seen Sesame Place like this.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

TNT Mystery Movie Night Premieres November 29th We Know Drama

2011-11-28T17:56:00.001-08:00

TNT Mystery Movie Night

Premieres November 29th

We Know Drama

Recently, I was invited by TNT to attend their TNT Mystery Movie Night event at the New York Times Center NYC. After an intimate cocktail reception, the gathering of mystery fans entered the screening auditorium to the night of their lives. Anyone who loves mysteries would have died to have been there. We were delighted to meet six mystery authors in a conversation moderated by Tina Jordan of Entertainment Weekly.

We were lucky enough to be a part of the Q&A with the authors Scott Turow(INNOCENT), Sandra Brown(Ricochet), Lisa Gardner(Hide), Richard North Patterson(Silent Witness), April Smith(Good Morning, Killer), and Carol Higgins Clark(Deck The Halls).

Marcia Gay Harden was also on hand to introduce us to sneak peek of Scott Turow's INNOCENT which is the first in a four week TNT Mystery Movie Night Series. INNOCENT features Scott Turow's character Rusty Sabich(Bill Pullman) as a judge who is being charged with the death of his wife(Marcia Gay Harding), 20 years after he has been cleared from the death of his mistress.

We were treated to the first 20 minutes of this made for TV movie and I must say I was very saddened when the movie was cut. I wanted MORE! I personally will be seated in front of TNT on November 29th for the premiere of Mystery Movie Night! Innocent is the sequel to Scott Turow's Presumed Innocent.

As if the evening in itself was not enough, every seat was adorned with a wonderful TNT Mystery Movie Night Swag Bag filled with goodies that every mystery fan would love. Each gift was tagged with an evidence number.

Loved it!

Listing of movies

TNT Mystery Movie Night Series

Scott Turow-INNOCENT-Nov.29th-9pm

Sandra Brown-Ricochet-Nov.30th-9pm

Lisa Gardner-Hide-Dec.6th-9pm

Richard North Patterson-Silent Witness-Dec.7th-9pm

April Smith-Good Morning,Killer Dec.13th-9pm

Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark-

Deck The Halls-Dec.20th-9pm

All on TNT/EST

Disclosure: TNT provided me with tickets to this preview event and TNT gift bag.

Review: Disney On Ice Dare To Dream

2011-11-27T11:51:00.001-08:00

Disney On Ice

Dare To Dream

Recently my family and I were thrilled to be guests of Disney On Ice Dare To Dream at IZOD Center. Anyone who knows us, knows that our middle name should be Disney!

Since our children are 20, 12 and 5, we have been long time fans of Disney On Ice. It has been interesting during the past 5 years to see Disney On Ice through our little Princess's eyes. She was very excited to hear we would be attending Dare To Dream, especially since it included some of her favorite Princesses.

We had the chance to see three vignettes including Princess and the Frog, where you can see Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen along with Louis the alligator and The Shadowman as they race against time to find true love. Sometimes kissing a frog does work out!

Cinderella followed, which is one of both my daughter and my favorite stories. Emily was mesmerized by the magical coach that carried Cinderella to the ball and also the beautiful glass slipper!

As the final act we were thrilled to see Rapunzel

along with Flynn Ryder, Pascal and Maximus as they skate to the adventure of your favorite movie moments. Rapunzel's tower just about reaches the sky and her hair could wrap around the entire audience! Delightful!

I think as a family we all really enjoyed the finale including ALL the Disney Princesses and of course Mickey and Minnie! It was like a trip to Disney World right in our own backyard! We also came home with some great Disney souvenirs including a Rapunzel doll, icee cup, and Rapunzel lantern light! By the way, the lantern scene during the Rapunzel segment is worth the entire trip!

For more information on Disney On Ice and show times in your area please click here!

Disclosure: Disney On Ice and Feld Entertainment provided both review/giveaway tickets.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place and Ticket Giveaway

2011-11-26T12:17:00.001-08:00

3decades3kids
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

and Ticket Giveaway
Open Now through Dec. 31st!

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner. We have found a place where Christmas is in full swing! You don't even have to go all the way to the North Pole to see Santa. Right at Sesame Place you can find a wonderful one of a kind celebration on. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is in full swing! Enjoy all your favorite Sesame Street characters as they parade down Sesame Street in their holiday best! Although the water rides are not available, there is more than plenty. All the non-water rides are opening and decorated for the season. There are also day and evening parades, and three new holiday shows! Dine With Me is also a great choice, where you can feast on Holiday foods and meet your favorite characters and even Santa. If your not in the mood for that, there are other eateries open and also a real treat of having hot cocoa and kettle corn right on Sesame Street!

My family and I had the pleasure of being guests of Sesame Place for opening day or A Very Furry Christmas. We have been to the park many many times, but have never seen it like this. Seeing the Sesame Place sign as we pulled up all decked out and surrounded by lit up Christmas trees in primary colors, we knew we were in for a real treat! But, we had no idea just how wonderful our day would be. The first thing we spotted as we walked through the gates was a 25 foot decorated and lit Christmas tree. Wow! As we came to find out late in the evening, the tree is not only, it tells a story in sync with light motion and music, 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show. How beautiful!

We continued down Sesame Street and just had to stop and take in all the Christmas beauty. The park really outdid itself in holiday beauty and it transformed into wonderment as the evening approached.

Under the Mistletoe with little sister. lol

We couldn't help but grab some hot coca and a bag of Best Darn Kettle Corn. Our first stop was one of the three new holiday shows, we did see all 3 by the end of the night. My family loves the shows and each one was unique, but just as fun and filled with holiday cheer!

In between Elmo's Cloud Chaser and The Flyin' Fish we caught the afternoon Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade and could not help but sing and dance along to the Christmas edition of the parade. We also peeked at the night version of the same parade. It was even better at night, surrounded my lights!

For an up close character encounter, we made reservations at Dine With Me.

Of course, one of the highlights of our trip was a visit to The North Pole, where elves were waiting outside to greet us and give the children a paper and crayon to write their very own list to Santa. Inside, Santa's workshop is adorned with everything you could think of that put a smile on all of our faces.

So, if you are looking for something magical to do with your children during the Christmas season, Sesame Place is a wonderful choice. It's only 90 minutes from NYC and easy to get to. The prices are extremely reasonable for this kind of fun! PS: Bring your Sesame Street shopping list, there is plenty to choose from! Check out the park operating hours here!

A Very Furry Christmas Admission Charges:

Single-Day Admission $19.99(plus tax)

Christmas Pass available to 2011 and 2012 season pass holders $13.99(plus tax)

Children 23 months and younger FREE

Seniors (55+) $16.99(plus tax)

GIVEAWAY:

Sesame Place has been generous enough to provide me with a Family 4 Pack of A Very Furry Christmas passes. You can enter on 3decades3kids and NewarkMacaronikid

Good Luck! Contest ends Nov. 30, 2011

Disclosure: Special thanks to Sesame Place for providing review/giveaway tickets. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.

Saturday-November 26th FOX Presents A Year Of A Million Moments Tour!

2011-11-23T20:09:00.001-08:00

FOX

A Year Of A Million Moments

Mobile Van Tour

Hits The NYC Metro Area

For Its Final Stop

This Saturday November 26th

12pm-4pm

Sam's Club

300 Park Place

Secaucus, NJ

Fox has something very exciting going on this year as it presents

A Year of a Million Moments Mobile Van Tour!

This is your last chance to catch the tour as it heads into the NY metro area.

Working arm in arm with FOX Gives, they have been traveling the USA on a 18 city tour in 14 weeks with a goal of donating ONE MILLION dvds! Nice work FOX!

As you for you, all you have to do is show up and you can recreate and be in a part of your favorite film. Using a green screen, you can choose from jumping off a building in Die Hard, chasing a bus in Little Miss Sunshine, showing your moves like Napolean Dynamite and more! How can you miss out on fun like this?

The tour van will also double as a dressing room, complete with hair and make-up!

This Saturday is your last chance at the fun!

So come on out and be a star!

Disclosure: All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

Win A Family 4 Pack to A Very Furry Christmas At Sesame Place!

2011-11-18T17:06:00.001-08:00

A Very Furry Christmas

at Sesame Place

November 25- December 31st

on Select Nights!

Family 4 Pack of Tix Giveaway!

Sesame Place, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street, is now ready to celebrate the holidays with you and your family! Join Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends as the delight you with cheer during Sesame Place's Furry Christmas. Be dazzled by over 300 Christmas trees, festive music and three special Christmas shows! There is also holiday shopping and a special Christmas Menu. Ideal for families with young children, Sesame Place is the place where parents and children can share in the spirit of imagination and experience Sesame Street together. A Very Furry Christmas runs on select days from November 25- December 31st.

Our family is planning a trip very soon to check it out and could not be any more excited! Even though the water rides will be closed, there will be plenty to do between shows, games, rides, dining and the parade! We even have a dinner reservation to dine with the Sesame Street characters and Santa, too! A Very Furry Christmas admission tickets are available for purchase at $19.99. Guests with 2011 and 2012 Season Passes are able to purchase a Christmas Pass for A Very Furry Christmas at a 30% discount, $13.99. A Christmas Pass includes unlimited admission to all 19 operating days of A Very Furry Christmas and will also provide the pass member with a 30% discount on food and merchandise at Sesame Place during the event. Here are some fun things you can expect from your trip to Furry Christmas!

1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show
Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade
Sesame Street Christmas Show
Elmo's World Live! Happy Holidays
Elmo's Christmas Wish Show
Rides
Visits and Photos with Santa
Christmas Dining
Christmas Shopping and more!

A Very Furry Christmas Admission Charges

Single-Day Admission $19.99 (plus tax)

Christmas Pass* $13.99 (plus tax)

Children 23 months and younger FREE

Seniors (55+) $16.99 (plus tax)

*only available to 2011 and 2012 Season Pass Members

Sesame Place is located just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of New York City. For more information, call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO or visit www.sesameplace.com

Giveaway:

Win A Family 4 Pack of Single Day Tickets to A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place!

Sesame Place has been generous enough to provide one lucky 3decades3kids reader with 4 one day tickets to Furry Christmas!

To enter please follow 3decades3kids on GFC (google friends connect) on the side bar.

For extra entries please follow 3decades3kids on Twitter.

For extra entries please like 3decades3kids on Facebook.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry below!

Good Luck to you! Be sure to leave an email or way to get in touch with you if you win! :)

Winner will be chosen November 30, 2011 at 10pm and contacted by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 18+ USA residents only.Ticket Details: Four(4) Single Day Tickets to Sesame Place. Valid through December 31, 2011 Cannot be combined with any other offer.

The tickets can be not be redeemed and have no cash value.

Disclosure: Review and Giveaway Tickets provided by Sesame Place. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

Wordless Wednesday:A Tribute to Regis

2011-11-15T17:23:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednseday:

A Little 3decades3kids Tribute to Regis!

We wish Regis luck and love

on his new venture in life.

We loved seeing him many many times

and meeting him was awesome.

What a legend!

Nothing like a Regis hug!

After the show.

Live! with Regis and Kelly NYC

Kelly, Louie, Regis, and Adam after the show.

Adam sandwich!

Disclosure: All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids.

Sister Act The Musical Review Broadway NYC

2011-11-12T20:19:00.001-08:00

Sister Act The Musical

Review

Broadway NYC

Recently, my family and I were guests of Sister Act The Musical on Broadway, NYC.

I had seen the movie on television a while ago and thought it was pretty funny, but I had heard the musical was a little different, so I was not quite sure what to expect.

Sister Act on Broadway really was an entertaining musical from beginning to end.

Set in the early 1970's, this show really came through. As a catholic school girl for not only 8 years of elementary school, but also four years of high school, I really had quite a few chuckles throughout the show!

Watching the sisters go from quiet and subdued to rockin' with St. Mary was really quite entertaining!

Yet, Sister Act held up in the way of not offending anyone. It was very lighthearted.

Sister Act catches us from the very beginning where Deloris Van Cartier(Patina Miller) is a witness(by mistake) to her married boyfriend's crime of shooting someone. Deloris, a disco singer, is whisked away and put into hiding. A what better place to hide a cigarette smoking, risque woman? How about with a convent full of white as dove pure sisters.

The new Sister Mary Clarence(Deloris) and Mother Superior butt heads at the beginning. How can they not? But, as time goes on Sr. Mary Clarence friends the other sisters one by one and teaching them a whole other way to praise the Lord through song. Meanwhile the church they are associated with is up for grabs and ready to be sold unless the parish can come up with to outbid the buyers. Thanks to Sister Mary Clarence and her new spirit she brings to the church, things start looking up.

I honestly have to say , I loved this musical! The scenery was vibrant, the actors delightful and the music, songs and live orchestra carried the precision of fine tuned clock! The upbeat songs Fabulous Baby and Take Me To Heaven made it pretty difficult to stay still in your seat!

Bravo, Sister Act! Bravo!

As an extra treat, I was asked to stay afterwards for a great talk back session with eight of the cast members. My son Adam (BBookBoy.blogspot.com) asked if there was ever a complaint about offending any religious orders. He was told that to date they have not gotten one complaint! They also let us know that many many priests and sisters have attended the show and thought it was lighthearted and funny.

I directed a question to Sweaty Eddy(Chester Gregory) asking him what happens when things go wrong during the show. Everyone on stage agreed with him when he told me that you have to just keep going, no matter what happens. He also told me that if you were the cause, you would hear about it later, mostly in a joking fashion. I can only imagine! The cast members were so in sync, even during our chat! You could tell that they just gelled as a group. It was wonderful to see. Sarah Bolt was very sparkly and let us know how difficult it was to work to far from her home state. She also brought up something that I really never thought about before. The fact that she had to work on all the holidays because those were the busiest days. After speaking with the cast, I have a better understanding of what goes on before,

during and after the curtain goes up.

If you have a chance to see Sister Act The Musical, don't let it slip by,

you won't regret it. It's also fun for kids!

See you on Broadway at Sister Act The Musical!

For Tickets click here! For Kids Night On Broadway(Kids 6-18 go FREE with a paying adult) click here!

Kimberly Marable and Adam

Disclosure: Review tickets were provided by Sister Act The Musical.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.

3decades3kids: Disney The Muppets Screening Review

2011-11-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

3decades3kids: Disney The Muppets Screening Review: Review: The Muppets Screening NYC Muppets Hit The Big Screen November 23rd! It's really hard to remember my life without Ke...

Disney The Muppets Screening Review

2011-11-12T18:07:00.001-08:00

Review: The Muppets

Screening NYC

Muppets Hit The

Big Screen

November 23rd!

It's really hard to remember my life without Kermit in it! For as long as I can remember the muppets have been in our house as magnets, pillows, little characters and stuffed animals. I can remember going to Disney Studios (then MGM Studios) in Florida and the excitement the entire family felt watching the life size muppet characters come to life as only the muppets can do.

So, as you can imagine, I was pretty thrilled when I first heard that a new movie, The Muppets was in the making. I could not wait to see it! A few days ago, I had the pleasure of attending a private screening of The Muppets, thanks to Moms And The City, NYC.

3decades3kids enjoying the screening!
Adam(Gonzo), Emily(Kermit),Louie(Fozzie Bear)

Muppet Mania!

To add to the excitement, Moms And The City along with Disney outfitted the entire audience of children and adults with Muppets costumes of their choice including Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and Gonzo!

The smiles were flowing as everyone sat back in anticipation of The Muppets.

Immediately at the movie's opening we were introduced to Walter, the newest muppet, and biggest muppet fan ever. He's lived his entire life along side his brother Gary(Jason Segal) who loves muppets, too (but is not one). Gary's promise to his girlfriend Mary(Amy Adams)to spend their tenth anniversary dating together goes haywire when they decide to take Walter along for the ride. Of course they could never think of leaving him behind, since their destination is Muppets Studio in Hollywood. When Walter sneaks into Kermits old and unused for years office, he overhears Tex Richman's(Chris Cooper) evil plan to take over Muppets Studio and drill for oil under the theater. This sets the scene as Walter, Gary, and Mary set out on a quest to find Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, many other muppets and of course, Miss Piggy in order to raise ten million dollars to save Muppets Studio!

The movie was delightful! It was wonderful to see the old gang up on the big screen and the excitement spread through the theater, as clapping did happen not once, but twice! There also was a bit of a tissue alert for me as Kermit sang Rainbow Connection. That brought back a lot of special memories.

The Muppets is a perfect holiday family movie. Thank you Disney for keeping the magic alive and the memories right at our fingertips! Wocka! Wocka!

See you at The Muppets movie! For tickets please click here!

Disclosure: Special thanks to Moms And The City and Disney Pictures for event invitation.

All opinions are that of 3decades3kids and Diane Sullivan.

Curious George Holiday Spectacular on PBS Nov. 23rd!

2011-11-11T06:23:00.001-08:00

Curious George

Holiday Spectacular

Nov. 23rd on PBS

Monkey Movie Marathon

Recently, my family and I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful PBS Kids event in honor of the upcoming special Curious George Holiday Spectacular which airs on PBS November 23rd.

This holiday special will include the broadcast debut of the original Curious George movie, followed by Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, and then Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas.

What better place than the Monkey Bar NYC to host to the event, which along with monkey decor, yellow runts filled centerpieces, and monkey wallpaper adorning the walls, you could also find the famous yellow hat! We were welcomed with a yellow carpet to walk!

Once inside, we were of course greeted by Curious George himself. He was not only available for photos, but also to entertain the children as the adults dined in luxury and buzzed about the new Curious George special and all the great things PBS has in the works.

Also on hand was one of the co-owners of the Monkey Bar, Graydon Carter and his family. It was wonderful to be in the company of some of the heart of PBS. I enjoyed hearing from Dorothea Gillim-Executive Producer Curious George, Linda Simensky-Vice President Children's Programming PBS and Lesli Rothenberg, Senior Vice President Children's Media PBS.

I also had the pleasure of chatting with Lesli Rothenberg over lunch and it really was delightful. As a 20 year teacher veteran, it was a teacher's dream come true to be able to chat with Lesli about all things PBS, especially since PBS has played such an important role in my life as a teacher and also as a mom of three. Since my children are 20, 12 and 5, we have been a PBS family forever! We discussed how important learning at home was to children and what a vital role parents have in their child's preschool life. We also discussed the value of media in the classroom and Lesli tipped me off to a wonderful site called PBSparents.org where parents can go to track their child's development and also find some great hands on activities to do with children of all ages. Of course I had to get home and check out the site right away, and as a teacher and mom, I have to say it is wonderful! I already found some great activities for Emily and I to do together and some for her to try on her own!

Now, as for Curious George, he has always been a family favorite, so I was not surprised to hear that he was the number one and most viewed show on PBS! Go George! I know our family and friends will be tuned in on Wednesday, November 23rd to see Curious George: Holiday Spectacular! There will also be encore presentations all weekend long (Thanksgiving weekend). So gather up your little monkeys and let's get curious...with Curious George (okay, I know you are singing along). For other fun activities please check out PBSkids.

Disclosure: Special thanks to PBS for event invitation.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.

Wordless Wednesday: PBS Kids Curious George Holiday Spectacular Event

2011-11-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday:

PBS Kids Curious George

Holiday Spectacular Event

Airs November 23rd on PBS

(After being a teacher for 20 years there was no way I could miss this PBS Kids event!)

Em loves to walk the red carpet and the blue carpet and the yellow carpet, too!
Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

Looks like the man in the yellow hat left a little something behind.

We were treated to a monkey delicious dessert featuring Curious George's picture.

The Monkey Bar NYC

PBS Vice President

Of course, Curious George was on hand to greet and play with the children!
Disclosure: Event was provided by PBS Kids.

Wordless Wednesday: Kris Jenner Book Launch NYC

2011-11-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

Kris Jenner Book Launch Event

The Darby, NYC

Today, at The Darby in NYC, I was treated to a wonderful book launch event hosted by Moms & The City.

Kris Jenner's book Kris Jenner..and All Things Kardashian hit the bookshelves on November 1st. I had the pleasure of being part of a chat session with Kris and found out what a sensitive and caring person she is and how inspiring she is as a mother and business woman. She also graced the small group with fashion and skin care tips! Kris was on hand to autograph her book! I'll be reading my copy tonight!

Disclosure: Special Thanks to Maletzky Media, Moms & The City

and Kris Jenner.

All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.