Cape May Getaway For Hubby and Me #VisitNJ

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Cape May Getaway For Hubby and Me   Until Next Time, Cape May…Until Next Time…

capemaybeach1 Hubby and I have been together forever but the fact remains that we have found it extremely challenging to just get away with the two of us. Yes, we do have older sons that could watch their little sister and that is what happened the past two years that we have slipped away to Cape May. But before that we had not gone away overnight in eight years. If you have kids, please DO NOT wait eight years to go away with your hubby. The kids will still be there when you get back! The house may be a little more wrecked, the socks may be on the floor and you may have a bill from the pizza and Chinese food orders but aside from that everything will be okay.

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When hubby and I only had one child it was easy to pack up and leave him with the grandparents, when we had our second son it got a little more complicated. Two kids are harder to watch than one. And by the time Emily came along both grandmas were gone and my oldest son was packing up for college. That left us with few options. But last year we decided that the time had come and we were ready to get away. We went to Cape May for our anniversary in November. This year we wanted to repeat the trip and head to Cape May for our anniversary in November, it never happened, it got put on hold, but at the end of March the trip happened. Yes, we were four months late, but it happened. You know what they say- Better late than never, SO true! So don’t get hung up on the date, just make it happen when it can, but make it happen, while you can. 

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Hubby and I decided on a Friday morning that we would go to Cape May that night! As soon as our son walked through the door from work we were out. I must admit, the exit did come with guilt. I have only left Emily under five nights in her entire life. But I know she was in good hands. Grandpa came down to visit, I ordered pizza before I left and everyone was pretty much set. Hubby and I hit the parkway and we were on our way. Although Cape May is a little over three hours from our house it has a lot of history with us. It’s where we officially kind of fell in love. It’s where hubby would drive down to see me during the summers I spent there when I worked in Cape May during summers. It’s where we spent forever walking on the beaches and tell each other all of our dreams of the future. And it’s where we have taken all of our children one by one as they were born to be introduced to the beautiful ocean life. We have spent forever in Cape May and have created a million memories. Check out more about Cape May here: http://www.capemay.com/

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We arrived in Cape May around 8 pm and checked in just to be sure the room was set since we only reserved it a couple of hours ahead of time. After dropping off our ONE carry on (a total perk of traveling with just you and your hubby) we headed to dinner at The Lobster House. I have lost count of how many time I have eaten there and how many laughs I have shared with family and friends throughout the years. It’s like coming home and even though my mom and old friends have gone to heaven, their memories come alive when I walk through those doors. Dinner was delicious as usual! I had to have the lobster bisque, had to! It’s my most favorite thing about the Lobster House, along with the bread they serve there! We were too stuffed for dessert- Ugg! I guess it was a good thing but I do love their desserts, too.

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We took a ride around Cape May at night just to see everything. Most places were closed since our dinner took us late into the night. And the morning came TOO soon! I don’t know about you, but to me one of the best wake ups ever is to the ocean waves. We had a room that was ocean front so we could see that beautiful beach right away- It was another gorgeous morning in Cape May! I made this video BEFORE I DELETED all of my photos from the trip by mistake!! The ones pictured and this video are all I have….

After checking out we headed to the end of Ocean Drive. If you have ever been to Cape May you already know there is only so far you can do on Ocean Drive and at the end is the most wonderful view of the Cape May lighthouse. It was pretty windy and freezing but we could not resist a walk on the beach. We did keep it brief since it was COLD!! We walked the Washington Street Mall instead. The Washington Street Mall is not really a mall, it’s a cobblestone walkway lined with unique shoppes that you can find just about everything you ever wanted inside of. Since our last trip to Cape May I have become a fan of Pandora jewelry, so hubby surprised me with the Cape May lighthouse charm, love it! Thanks hubby!

We took in lunch at the Blue Pig Tavern inside of Congress Hall. We have dined at the Blue Pig Tavern since it first opened. It’s kind of small with a fireplace inside, but it’s worth the wait. PS- There was no wait the afternoon we visited. But if you visit in the summer, it’s worth the wait. There blueberry pancakes are incredible and the ruben sandwich is top notch! Yum!

The one thing that is bad about Cape May is that the time goes by TOO fast! It was like we arrived, dined, slept, woke up, beach, mall, dined and it was almost time to head home. Oh, we did stop for a banana split on the way out of town- a banana split! I’m not sure I even remember the last time I had one! 

So our trip was a total success! Hubby and I had a wonderful time and plenty of time to just chill and talk about everything. It was amazing, it was our Cape May! Add this trip to the memories…. Until next time, Cape May…Until next time….xoxo

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PS: I deleted ALL of my MARCH photos from my phone and they did not save in my cloud. SO, I have a handful of pics and memories. Check out our Cape May Zoo post– It’s a great place to visit. 

Disclosure: This was a personal post. All opinions are my own. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or @3decades3kids across all social networks. 

National Pet Day With Little Live Pets From Moose Toys!

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Happy National Pet Day With Little Live Pets from Moose Toys! 

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Is there anything better than having a pet? I can remember back to my own childhood and the special bond I had with my kitten and puppy. It was priceless and they were there for me to hear all my problems, play with, listen to music with and even catch my tears as I got a little older and had some break ups. They were a big part of my life and I don’t think I would be the same person if it wasn’t for having pets while growing up. My favorite cat was a Siamese that I begged and begged and begged and begged my parents for. One of our neighbors was a breeder and said I could have one for free if I could get my parents to agree. So, finally after weeks of tears my parents caved and my kitty became a part of my life. As for my puppy, I had to wait a bit longer. Hubby gave me a Dalmatian puppy when we were dating! A DALMATIAN PUPPY!!! If I wasn’t already in love with him, that sure would have sealed the deal! That sweet puppy was my best friend! 

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Anyway, that was my pet story. As for my kids, they did not have to work as hard to get a pet. When hubby and I got married we got a tiny little puppy right away, so when my first son was born he already had a built in pet. As the years went by we gathered up two puppies, two birds and a cat! We really had a full house going on! I would not have it any other way. There is nothing in the world like a pet.

Of course some people are not as into pets as our family has been throughout the years. As of right now we only have one cat, Sugar! We got him at a shelter one year ago and he certainly has filled our house and hearts with love. His funny ways make us all laugh and he communicates with us and lets everyone know what he wants and when he wants it. 

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So today we celebrate National Pet Day! In addition to our kitty, we do have a bunch of Little Live Pets thanks to Moose Toys! Recently Moose Toys sent us a surprise box in the mail. We were SO excited to find some great Little Live Pets inside. Little Live Pets definitely can trick you into thinking you have the real thing! They are super cute, fun and can even offer you the companionship of owning a real pet! Emily was beyond thrilled to open up the package. We didn’t have a clue about Lil’ Cutie Pups. Tp say Little Live Pets Lil’ Cutie Pups are adorable is just an understatement! We were both laughing and calling the puppies to come our way! They were just SO cute! In addition to watching them run and scamper in every direction, they also will carry their little play ball! It’s like having a palm sized puppy! 

In addition to the pups, we received the newest season of birds, Little Live Pets Birds Secret Keepers, which can record sweet, personalized messages! How cute is that? The little bird will keep your secret until you unlock it with the key provided. 

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Little Live Pets are the perfect solution for people who don’t want real pets or the clean up that comes with them. They are also just perfect for anyone who wants the most adorable little animals scampering around their house. I think they also make a great gift!

Please check out our unboxing video to see how adorable Little Live Pets really are and our reaction to their cuteness! Watch below or click here: https://3decades3kidsLittleLivePets

These cutie pies  come to life in the palm of your hand, so kids truly connect with them. PS- Parents will love them, too! Little Live Pets can help kids with learning the importance of nurturing and caring for a real pet. You can check out everything about Little Live Pets here. interactive range of toys that look, act and feel just like having a real pet, make them the perfect first pet for kids.

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Lil’ Cutie Pups (SRP: $14.99 (Sold Separately) / Ages: 5+ / Available at Major Retailers)
Say hello to the Lil’ Cutie Pups, the latest members of the Little Live Pets family! These little dogs are the cutest pups around. Lil’ Cutie Pups are full of life and love to show off their own personalities as they scamper about, beg and play with their ball!  After all that fun, they need to rest so you’ll even hear them falling asleep. Lil’ Cutie Pups interact with you and respond to your touch! Pat them and these Cutie Pups will sing for you! But don’t just pick one – there are 4 Lil’ Cutie Pups to take home, plus a Puppy Play-case to take your Lil’ Cuties with you wherever you go! Lil Cutie Pups RUBY & PLAYSET: $24.99.

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Little Live Pets Bird S7 Cage (SRP: $19.99 / Ages: 5+ / Available at Major Retailers)

Little Live Pets Secret Songbirds are the cool pet friends that move, feel and sound so REAL! They have flown back to say hello and now they can keep your secret.  Insert the key and tell them your secret. They will keep it locked in their heart. Only the keeper of the key can hear it!  Keep your Secret Songbird in its cage at night or carry it around. It’s the perfect home for your special bird! Your pet bird makes over 30 real bird noises. Little Live Pets Bird S7 Single Pack – SRP: $9:99

Disclosure: Sample products provided by Moose Toys. All opinions are honest and my own. They do not represent the views of the parent company represented within this post. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or @3decades3kids across all social media networks. 

Disney Hyperion Charlie & Frog Blog Tour!

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Disney Hyperion Charlie & Frog Blog Tour!Charlie and Frog_blog tour banner

Reading has always been one of my great loves. Is there anything better than being whisked away into a magical world inside your own head created by words on a page? Proudly I can say that I have passed that same love of print onto my own three children. Now that my youngest daughter has hit the tween years we are constantly in search of something interesting to read. I say we because I usually read along, too. Maybe it’s from spending over twenty years as a classroom teacher maybe it’s just because I love to read any book I can get my hands on.

As much as my daughter loves her online fun she cannot wait to see what books are newly out on the shelves. She loves to visit the bookstores and browse the shelves in search of the perfect read! If she had it her way she would leave the store with a towering pile of books so I have to limit her to three (okay, maybe four, or five?).  Recently I have partnered with Disney-Hyperion to review some of there young adult books. My daughter could not be any happier than she is right now with the news. 

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Our latest read is Charlie & Frog A Mystery by Karen Kane. I have to say up front that we are just entering the Disney-Hyperion young adult world of books. I’m amazed at the incredible assortment of good books there are to choose from. So, sit back and come along with us as we create a book list you can choose from with your own tween at home. 

Now, please do not worry about spoilers here. I won’t be giving you the details of the book but I will get you enough information that you can make a clear choice on if the book is something you want to read. Let’s face it, there’s something for everyone. This book just happens to be right up our alley in this family. Charlie & Frog: A Mystery captured my interest form the cover alone. It’s hard for me to resist a mystery, so I knew that my daughter would be caught immediately, too! As soon as I showed it to her she grabbed it up and wanted to start reading. 

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Although Karen Kane is a new author, she seems to have a piece of her heart included in this story. Karen is a sign language interpreter at Gallaudet University. This is her first novel. The beginning and end papers of the book include the American Sign Language alphabet. Each chapter features hand sign illustrations by Deaf illustrator Carlisle Robinson. This can help the readers become familiar with American Sign Language and even practice it. I know that before Emily and I even began to read the book we both practiced signing our names and words to each other. It gave us a little background on the story and really allowed us to be immersed in the lives of the characters we were about to meet within the pages of this new book.

The book centers around Charlie Tickler (love the name) and his friend Francine Castle as we know as Frog, and so forms the team, Charlie & Frog! Frog works inside the Flying Hands Cafe and happens to be deaf. She is a whiz at sign language but would much rather be a detective than stuck working at the cafe. Charlie is a kid who wishes had parents that would spend more time with him, actually any time with him would be nice at this point. Charlie’s parents are constantly traveling the world helping animals while he is left home with his TV watching grandparents. They seem to have a serious daily routine going on and Charlie definitely does not fit into it. 

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Although Charlie wants more attention from his parents they leave him once again to fly away to South Africa while he is left home with his grandparents and the cleaning lady, none of them that really want him there. Charlie decides to adventure out the little town, Castle-On-The-Hudson where he is given a mysterious message  in sign language from a terrified woman he meets at the library. This where the fun begins. Did I mention that Charlie does not know anything about sign language, well maybe just a few signs, but not many? There is hope though, Frog is an expert in sign language and ready to help solve this case when the woman disappears! Charlie needs to learn sign language so he can help solve the mystery and solve each clue left behind. 

Charlie & Frog: A Mystery is a great young adult book. It’s great for both girls and boys and has the reader tying to solve the mystery along side the main characters. The book touches on friendship, working together, growing up and helping others. My daughter enjoyed the book and we had plenty to discuss throughout the events taking place throughout the story. There were many times where I would say, “What would you do?”. This book is great as a read alone or a shared read with family or friends. It also opens up young adults to the world of Sign Language. This is definitely a book your children will love to read.

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You can enjoy  Charlie & Frog: A Mystery by Karen Kane (Disney-Hyperion; On Sale: April 10, 2018). The book is available at your favorite book store or online at (click here : https:Charlie-Frog-

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 Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was invited by Disney-Hyperion to be part of the Charlie & Frog: A Mystery Blog Tour. We are honored to be a part of this Blog Tour. All opinions are honest and do not represent the views of the parent company represented. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or @3decades3kids across all social media networks. 

Chuck E Cheese’s Get 50 Free Points! #INeedAFunBreak

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Chuck E Cheese’s Get 50 Free Points When You Say, “I Need A Fun Break”! ($5 required purchase)

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Calling all kids! Who wants to have fun and who needs a break? Calling all parents! Who needs a break? Who wants something for free? We have you covered at your local Chuck E Cheese’s. From now through May 6th all you have to do is say, “I need a FUN BREAK” when you order at Chuck E Cheese and you will get a printed coupon good for 50 tickets ($5.00 purchase required). I’m not sure about you, but I was pretty excited about this fun deal! In addition you can still get the 50 free tickets even if you are using a coupon for one of their great deals! 

Recently we were invited to Chuck E Cheese to check out this fab perk ourselves! I put in my order and said, I want a Fun Break and like magic, there it was- a voucher for 50 tickets! Emily was pretty thrilled to have an extra 50 tickets to go prize fun shopping at the end of our visit.

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Let me tell you about our visit! We haven’t been to Chuck E Cheese in over a year. For the most part everything was the same and great as usual. There were a ton of games to choose from that catered to all age levels. There was a section for basically toddlers and preschool and then the rest was for everyone. Of course there is a birthday section with tables and more tables set up for birthday parties! We have had our share of birthday parties at Chuck E Cheese. If you are thinking of planning one, do it! They make the birthday boy or girl feel like they are a celebrity and they let the parents just chill and take pictures and just enjoy the party! You can even choose from a variety of birthday cakes that include Chuck E Cheese, Hello Kitty, Barbie, Batman and more! So if a themed cake is what you want they have it right there for you. PS- The cakes were supercute! There is also a ticket blaster machine where the birthday child can grab some extra tickets while having the time of their life!

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We visited on Sunday. I am happy to say it was not overcrowded. We had plenty of space and did not have to wait for the games. If you have never visited a Chuck E Cheese they are all about kids having fun and also about safety. On the way in your children will be stamped with a number and the parents will also be stamped with the same number. On the way out everyone is checked with a black light for matching numbers. Bravo, Chuck E Cheese! Awesome idea! 

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Chuck E Cheese also serves a variety of foods including pizzas and a great salad bar. We ordered the newest item on the menu, the stuffed crust pizza! The crust is stuffed with mozzarella cheese and was SO delish! Our pizza with pepperoni and pineapple, so good! In addition to the salad bar they make the cotton candy right on site in front of you. My daughter thought that was so much fun and so did I! There is a drink bar so you can make you own choices when it comes to soft drinks or iced tea. You can put in your order and  it will be delivered to your table via a number you leave there.

chuck9 chuck8So our day at Chuck E Cheese was filled with laughs, fun and just spending time together. It was great to see all the kids unplugged and just playing their favorite games! We will definitely be back soon, Chuck E Cheese! Thank you for an incredible day! Check out more about Chuck E Cheese here—> https://www.chuckecheese.com/

If you live near a Chuck E Cheese you should definitely head over there and play with the kids for a few hours! There will definitely be a lot of fun involved. Please don’t forget to say, “I want a FUN BREAK” when you visit so you can collect your 50 tickets for free! Emily had a fun time choosing her prizes at the end and those 50 tickets sure came in handy!

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Disclosure: Media Invite provided. All opinions are honest and do not reflect the views of the parent company represented. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or @3decades3kids across all social media networks. 

 

You Are Invited To Meet Your Favorite 90’s Child Stars! #PopTV

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 You are Invited to Meet Your Favorite 90’s Child Stars! 
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We are so excited to share this invitation with you! Go Hollywood with the cast of Pop TV’s improv comedy series ‘Holllywood Darlings’ on Thursday, April 19 from 5-7 p.m. at your local Xfinity Store. Jodie Sweetin (Full House), Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven) and Christine Lakin (Step By Step) will be hosting a special fan meet and greet, along with mini makeover sessions in celebration of the season two premiere of their hit show airing Wednesdays beginning April 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Who Will Be There For You To Meet?
Jodie Sweetin
Beverley Mitchell 
Christine Lakin
What will happen? 
Fan Meet and Greet Plus- Mini Makeovers!
When: Thursday, April 19, 2018
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

 

Where will the event be?
XFINITY
495 Prospect Ave Suite 509
West Orange, NJ 07052
 
About Pop:
Fans don’t sit at the outskirts of pop culture making snarky comments. They live right smack in the middle of it, sharing, creating and connecting their passions with others. Pop gives fans a dedicated channel that loves being a fan as much as they do. A channel filled with optimism, humor, excitement and a passion for the great times in life – those you remember and those still to come.
Pop is a joint venture of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B). The partnership combines CBS’ programming, production and marketing assets with Lionsgate’s resources in motion pictures, television and digitally delivered content. Pop’s ownership structure is comprised of the company with the #1 broadcast network and many of the top first-run syndication series and the studio responsible for the worldwide box office phenomenon “La La Land,” winner of six Academy Awards, the breakout smash “Wonder,” the blockbuster “Hunger Games,” “Twilight Saga,” “John Wick” and “Now You See Me” franchises and acclaimed television series including “Orange is the New Black,” “Nashville,” “Casual,” “Dear White People” and “Greenleaf.”
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and honest. They do not represent the views of the parent company represented. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or @3decades3kids.