Harlem Globetrotters- Fun For The Entire Family

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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.
Email: ELGeorgia@aol.com


Great Wolf Lodge Poconos Fireplace Loft Suite and Let’s Chat With…

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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

The New Atkins For The New You Cookbook Launch Party NYC and Let’s Chat With…

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“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://3decades3kids.net/blog/




Nuclear Cowboyz IZOD Center March 2&3 Ticket Giveaway!

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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