Nintendo’s Splatoon Is Taking Over Our House This Summer! #Nintendo

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Nintendo’s Splatoon Is Taking Over Our House This Summer!

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This summer something has taken over our house! No one is complaining that’s for sure. In fact this gaming family has welcomed the takeover with open arms! Splatoon, Nintendo’s new energetic third-person shooter game is a perfect game for families and kids of all ages! Splatoon offers a unique experience that differs from other games in its genre. Players can seamlessly transform from their human form into squids, and can swim around in the paint that they have coated the ground with from their guns.

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Splatoon’s multiplayer mode focuses on two teams competing the cover the most ground with their team’s paint color. This makes for a hectic, exciting, and fun multiplayer experience. Splatoon’s graphics show off the technical power of the Wii U, and all of the different vibrant colors in the game set it apart from most other games on the market.
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My children have become big fans of Nintendo’s Splatoon. It is a game that appeals to all ages, due to the fact that it is very bright and colorful along with having RPG-like character customization and multiplayer with high replay value. Splatoon is an incredible game, and has become a classic in my home. By the way: SPLATFEST!! We have and will be so there! If only we could choose the winning team! Thanks for all the fun, Nintendo. You know how to keep this family happy! 
 
Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was provided with Nintendo WiiU gaming system along with Splatoon and Amiibo figures in order to be a Nintendo Gamer and complete this review. All opinions are those of my own and completely honest. No compensation was given for this post. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or Diane@3decades3kids.net 

Hershey Park In Hershey Pa #HersheyParkHappy @HersheyPa #LaughTrakk

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Hershey Park- The Sweetest Place On Earth

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Looking for an absolutely wonderful place to visit with your family? Look no further than Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our family recently took a roadtrip to Hershey, Pa to spend the weekend. We love getting out of the city and heading to the beautiful mountains and countryside that surrounds the Sweetest Place on Earth. This trip we had a definite list of things we wanted to do including checking out the new ride- Laugh Trakk.

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To our family there is no better place to be than Hershey, Pa! We just love Hershey Park and all the memories we have created throughout the years. With a family of five we are always looking for weekends we can spend just unplugged- sharing laughs and good times. Hershey Park has something for each one of us. I honestly believe it has something for everyone. As soon as we arrived at Hershey Park we headed directly to the newest ride, Laugh Trakk! The ride definitely did not disappoint. This indoor spinning roller coaster had us from the entrance which is fully lined with mirrors to get your group laughing and having fun before the ride even begins. The Fun House theme is in full effect and trust me on this one, do not miss it when you are visiting! By the way there is a Hershey Park app you can download to have the entire park in the palm of your hands.

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Personally I think one of the biggest perks to Hershey Park is the enclosed waterpark- The Boardwalk. We just love it. This seasonal delight is just big enough for you to enjoy for an hour or the entire day. It’s a great place to start off the day and then continue you on to all the nighttime fun there is in store. My daughter is pretty much obsessed with the both the mini and big wave pool at The Boardwalk. As for hubby and the boys, they can’t keep away from the waterslides and tubes. There are also Boardwalk themed games of chance and foods right there to make you feel like you are at a seaside resort!

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When it comes to choosing a resort while visiting Hershey Park you will not find better than the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge. During this trip we had the true pleasure of experiencing the Hershey Lodge which captivates you for the moment of check-in to the Hershey Characters appearing in the lobby and the special kids check in time where children can decorate their own lanyard and join into special check in activities. As for the rooms- spectacular! They are just beautiful, clean and super roomy! Did I mention that the wallpaper in the rest room is Hershey kiss themed. As a guest of the resort you are treated to extra time in Hershey Park along with a free shuttle service that takes guests door to door. The only issue we found about the Hershey Lodge is that it is very difficult to leave. It’s so welcoming and there are so many activities, along with an indoor and outdoor pool that you may never want to leave!

We found the best way to work a two day/ one night stay is to arrive early on day one- check in early at the resort and pick up the tickets to Hershey Park. Then head over to the themepark for the day. On day two we wake up and head over to the indoor/outdoor pool for a swim, then head over to Chocolate World.

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Chocolate World is located just before the entrance to Hershey Park. It is free to enter, and you can also take The Ride Chocolate Tour through a the story of making chocolate which includes a sample at the end of the ride. Yum! It’s also a great place to shop and dine. You can find all of your favorite Hershey’s candies and also some that you may not find anywhere else. There are special cupcakes, fudges, choco covered strawberries, milkshakes and so much more.

There are activities you can choose for an additional price. The trolley ride, Trolley Works is a fun family activity that takes you on an entertaining and informative ride through time. We tried three of the activites. All three were family friendly and definitely worth it! Our first was the 4D Chocolate Mystery- Wow! This fun 4D interactive show even includes the audience to choose the ending! You may even hear your name, so listen carefully. Our second choice was The Chocolate Tasting Experience (new for 2015). Chocolate Tasting? Count me in! Our family was not sure what to expect but it certainly exceeded all of our expectations. Without giving out spoilers I can just tell you that this activity purred from beginning to end. We learned how sight, smell and sound all play into the different types of chocolates throughout the world. And I thought I was a chocolate expert! Our final activity was Create Your Own Candy Bar! Wooza!! This one was definitely my favorite. The entire family felt like we were transported into the Hershey’s Chocolate factory to create our very own chocolate bars! First you suit up including a hairnet, then you choose your toppings, and watch your chocolate bar created on the assembly line right in front of your very eyes. During the process you even have the chance to create your very own original wrapper! This is definitely something you will want to do again and again. So much fun!

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Well, this post was super long but filled with goodness just like Hershey, Pa. So what are you waiting for? Here’s the website to check it all out and make your own reservation. There is still plenty of time left to summer. Another wonderful time to visit is Fall/Halloween and Winter/Christmas. We cannot wait to go back again! Thanks for all the happiness Hershey. No wonder we love you so much! http://www.hersheypa.com/

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was provided with a deeply discounted media rate including room/activities/tickets. All opinions are honest and that of Diane Sullivan. #SummerInPa  Contact me  at Diane@3decades3kids.net or 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else @3decades3kids.

 

Safilo Launches Glasses for Children

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Safilo Launches Glasses for Children

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Recently, the Italian eyewear company Safilo launched their brand new line of glasses for children, Kids by Safilo. I was lucky enough to attend a special preview event for the line, and the glasses looked fantastic! For Safilo, it’s not just style that matters, though, but quality construction, comfort, and medical effectiveness. In attendance at the event were Dr. Andrea Thau, President-Elect of the American Optometric Association and Dr. Ken Nischal, Co-Founder of WSPOS who both extolled Safilo’s decision to extend their brand to also include children’s eyewear. Thau and Nischal also explained the importance of getting kids’ eyes checked early, stating that just as parents take their children to the pediatrician and dentist very early in their life, a visit to the eye doctor should also be made to detect any visual problems before permanent damage occurs.

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Also on hand was Safilo’s own Director of Brand Management, Bruce Abramson. Abramson expressed Safilo’s commitment to creating quality eyeglasses for children that not only looked great, but also fit the medical standards that a pair of glasses should in terms of comfort, safety, and efficiency. He also stressed that Kids by Safilo is a line of eyeglasses developed specifically for children– unlike other glasses which might just be smaller versions of adult glasses, Kids by Safilo features frames that were designed with children’s facial structure in mind to make the glasses the best that they can be.
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I was thrilled to attend this event not only since my youngest daughter just started wearing glasses. Since I have worn glasses my entire life, I never thought twice about all of it and the changes it would make in my daughter’s life. It’s not the easiest thing in the world for a child to wear glasses and I’m glad that Safilo is making things easier for both children and their parents. Check out more about Safilo Kids here: http://safilo.com/kids/
Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was invited to the Safilo media event and compensated by gift card for travel purposes. There was also a gift bag given at the event. No compensation was given for this post. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and completely honest. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or Diane@3decades3kids.net and everywhere else as @3decades3kids.

Field Station Dinosaurs Features Dr. Scott Sampson -Dinosaur Train-August 8th!

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Field Station Dinosaurs Features Dr. Scott Sampson -Dinosaur Train-August 8th!
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As you may already know Field Station Dinosaurs will be closing its gates for the final time come September. But, until then you can join the fun and make the most of the last month of dinos in NJ! There are some awesome events left for you to enjoy with the family. This one is going to be great! If you are a Dinosaur Train fan you will not want to miss you chance to see and meet Dr. Scott Sampson! The Field Station: Dinosaurs’ “Super Star of Science” program continues with a special appearance and program by Dr. Scott of the hit PBS show, Dinosaur Train.Dr. Scott Sampson, dinosaur paleontologist, science communicator, author, and star of the hit PBS show, Dinosaur Train.

 This kid-friendly interactive presentation—tailored for 2-8 year-olds and all other dinosaur enthusiasts—offers Junior Paleontologists a chance to learn the ins and outs of being a dinosaur paleontologist, from that “Aha” moment of discovery, to digging up fossils, to preparing them back at the museum, to studying them as a scientist. What is a dinosaur and what isn’t? How do we reconstruct dinosaurs? What did dinosaurs eat? Dr. Scott the Paleontologist, host of the PBS KIDS hit series, Dinosaur Train, will lead this lively tour and even share a BIG secret at the end.

 His presentation will be followed by a book signing where visitors may purchase his latest book, “How to Raise a Wild Child.” Then at 5:30pm he will be in the Commander’s Tent for a meet and greet with season pass holders and visitors with the Commander’s Pass.

When: Saturday- August 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Free with admission
 
Where: Field Station: Dinosaurs

Goya Amphitheater

1 Dinosaur Way

Secaucus, NJ

Grand Opening of Clark Commons @AppleBees Neighborhood Grill & Bar! #New #NJ #Foodie

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Grand Opening of Clark Commons Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar! New Clark Commons Restaurant Features Community Theme and Outdoor Patio with Bar

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Our family is always on the run which means we are constantly searching for dining options along the way. Since we are a family of five we look for something that is not going to break the bank and somewhere where everyone in the family is satisfied. For the longest time Applebee’s comes up whenever we are in the choosing process. Recently we were invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newest New Jersey Applebee’s in Clark Commons! It was a honor for us to be among the first diners following the grand opening! Clark Commons is located at 1255 Raritan Road in Clark, NJ and very easy to find! At the grand opening event we were thrilled to meet the one and only “Apple” and “Bee” who were there to  greet guests and take photos with kids. They even made their way over to our table. That was a first for us and quite entertaining!

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Whatever Applebee’s you enter, you can get a sense of the people that make up that particular community. The new Applebee’s  features a community-themed look that focuses on education, non-profit organizations and first responders in the Clark area, with wall decor consisting of photos from local high schools and youth sports programs, emergency responders and community groups. Some of the local schools and organizations to be featured include Arthur L. Johnson High School, Mother Seton Regional High School, Union County Vocational Technical High School, Rahway High School, Clark Little League, Clark Girls Softball League, Clark Pop Warner, Clark Recreation Youth Sports, Clark Historical Society, Boy Scouts Troop 145 and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA.

“We’re very happy to announce the opening of our new Applebee’s in Clark,” said Kevin Coughlin, director of operations, Applebee’s New Jersey. “The restaurant will feature the brand’s evolved look – inside and outside the restaurant – along with its elevated flavor profile, so we’re confident the people in and around Clark will enjoy dining at Applebee’s in Clark Commons. We look forward to serving, meeting and supporting the people and organizations in the community.”

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Something our family has not seen before is the newest addition to Applebee’s we had the chance to see at the Clark Commons.   This location features a 680 square-foot brickyard outdoor patio, which will be heated and features a fire pit for outdoor seating all year round, along with an indoor and outdoor bar serving a variety of specialty drinks and beers ranging from neighborhood favorites to craft brews on its 22 tap handles. Additional features include 24 flat panel TV screens – 18 inside and 6 outside – for guests to cheer on their favorite sports teams. This is definitely a place to gather with family and friends over and over again!

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We were happy to find out about a great deal going on at Applebee’s! To beat the summer heat, guests can enjoy Sangria specials all day every Wednesday throughout the summer. The special includes $5 Summer Sangrias by the glass and $10 Summer Sangria pitchers, available in Berry, White Peach, and Red Apple. Bring it on!!

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There is also an awesome deal on appetizers! They are being offered for half-price, Monday – Friday, from 3 -6 PM in the bar areas starting July 27 – Dec. 1. Yum! You can taste them all! It is always so hard to choose with our family we end up getting a few and sharing. So if you are in the mood for delicious dining choices, desserts, or sharing drinks with friends, Applebee’s has you covered! See you at the new Applebee’s Clark Commons! Now Open!

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was extended a media invitation to experience the new Applebee’s Clark Commons. No compensation was given for this post. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and completely honest. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or Diane@3decades3kids.net and everywhere else as @3decades3kids.