Wordless Wednesday- Mountain Creek #NJ #SkiNJ #GetOutAndPlay

Wordless Wednesday- Mountain Creek

MC2

Last year this time we were skiing New Jersey, Mountain Creek Style.  There is still plenty of time left to hit the slopes and we are hoping to get there while the snow is falling. Fingers crossed everyone will be back to feeling great and we can get there the end of February. See you at MountainCreek New Jersey.

MC5    MC3

MC

MC10

 

Disclosure: We were invited to Mountain Creek to ski, dine and stay over. What an awesome weekend. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else as @3decades3kids.

Ten Tips On Hosting Your Disney Side Home Celebration

Ten Tips On Hosting Your Disney Side Home Celebration

disneysidehome  disneysidehome2

This year our family was chosen to host a Disney Side Home Celebration for the second year. Such an exciting moment when that pixie dusted email arrives telling you that you have been chosen by Disney Parks to be a part of the fun. Now, you don’t have to be chosen in order to host a Disney Side Home Celebration. Honestly, we have been hosting them for years without the official name. A Disney Side Home Celebration is just inviting friends over and hosting a Disney themed party. Everyone has a Disney Side, what’s yours?

This year we are still trying to come up with a theme. We have it narrowed down and will announce it very soon when are invitations are ready. In the meantime, if you are looking for some tips on hosting a Disney Side Home Celebration we are here for you. We came up with ten tips on hosting your own party.

Tip 1: Choose a theme for your party. Some people were given a theme, others were not. If you do not have a preselected theme, it’s up to your family to come up with one. You can always choose one of the preselected ones for yourself or think of something original. Last year our theme was Hidden Mickey. It was a great theme and easy to feature at the party. You are welcome to try it if you still haven’t chosen.

Tip 2: Choose a date and send out invitations. Set the size of your party according to what is comfortable for you. Although it says home celebration, some people last year chose to have their party at a school, bowling alley, scout meetup, etc. We will be hosting ours at home again this year. By the way, your invites can be online or hard copy. It’s all up to you.

Tip 3: Do the Disney Side Happy Dance! You were chosen. Don’t stress about what was in your celebration package. There is no comparing if you are showing your true Disney Side. It’s about having fun and being happy. So just accept and enjoy!

Tip 4: Don’t forget about the music! What’s a Disney Side Home Celebration without music? Last year we created a play list on Spotify.com for free with over 200 Disney songs. It was awesome and kept the party going with tunes that everyone knew and some that they have not heard in a long time. Of course you can use your own music. I’m sure you already have some playlists created since your love Disney!

disneysidetable disneysidehomeflowers1

Tip 5: Decide if you will play games at your party. If you decide on games be sure you have the room and all your ducks in order. Check that all the game pieces are there. Check that the directions are clear. Check that everyone will have fun with the games you have chosen. http://family.disney.com/activities

Tip 6: Photo Booths are awesome and easy to make. Be sure to do them in advance. Any box can easy be cut up into a photo booth. Check out some awesome Photo Booth ideas on my Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/3decades3kids/disney-photo-booth/

Tip 7: Decide what treats will be served at your party. Check with party guests ahead of time for any special dietary concerns. Create some Disney themed names for the foods depending on your party theme. Example: Snow White’s Non-poisonous apples, Tink’s Pixie Dusted Cookies.

Tip 8: Decorate your party area with home made decorations. Kids love to decorate and really get into it. Last year we made Mickey paper chains, paper flowers , hidden Mickey’s for around the house and more. The decorating is part of the fun!

Tip 9: Decide if you will have goodie bags. We found a ton of fun toys, pens, puzzles all in Target’s dollar zone. They always have Disney themed goodies. If you google Disney low cost favors, you will come up with a zillion places to purchase any theme surprises.

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Tip 10: Don’t forget to take lots of pics and video. On party day it may be a good idea to put a friend in charge of pics and video. Sometimes the host can get pretty busy making sure that everything is going as planned and not have time to zone in on pics, let alone video. This year I am passing the torch on this job so I don’t have to worry about it.

We are so looking forward to seeing everyone’s Disney Side Home Celebrations. Big or Small each party will have its own unique Disney magic. It’s all about fun, friends and family….and sharing our love for Disney! What’s your Disney Side? Do you have another tip? Please leave it in the comments section. We are always looking for more tips!

http://www.disneysidecelebrations.com/

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this post. We will be hosting a Disney Side Home Celebration in February and just thought if we could help one person to plan, we have done our job. Contact Diane Sullivan at 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else at @3decades3kids We were provided with a Disney Side Celebration Kit by Disney Parks and BSM media. 

 

Giveaway: Score A Touchdown This Game Day With Stop & Shop #Stopandshop #GameDay

Giveaway: Score A Touchdown 

This Game Day

 With Stop & Shop and $25 Gift Card 

Super Bowl Sunday is on the way, ready or not! It’s the second biggest day of the year for food consumption in the U.S. next to Thanksgiving. Thank goodness Stop&Shop is here to help you score a touchdown in the food section! If you are like me, you are constantly serving non-stop food on game day. I was so happy to come across this awesome Turkey Chili Topped Baked Potatoes! Yummmmo!!

Shop & Stop is great at helping out, too. If you need an extra hand in the kitchen we have some great ideas. The preparation is easy with a selection of entertaining party trays, including sandwiches, wings, fried chicken, desserts and more available to order. Visit Stop & Shop’s Entertaining page at www.stopandshop.com to start your order or order in-store at the deli, bakery, seafood or meat departments. Let me know what you order. I’ll be right over with the family!

All Stop & Shop stores are also stocked with ready-made favorites at the wing bar or olive, hummus and salsa bar. Don’t forget to check out the produce section for pre-cut veggies and fruit as well as prepared guacamole and fresh salsa.

Game on for feeding the 12th Man

While chicken wings, dips and other tailgate favorites are sure to be on many menus, why not try putting a twist on meat and potatoes with Stop & Shop’s recipe for turkey chili-topped baked potatoes which are sure to please any crowd!

Turkey Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes

Prep time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: 1 hour          Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes

• 1 Tablespoon Stop & Shop olive oil

• ½ lb. ground turkey breast

• 1 Tablespoon reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

• ½ cup Stop & Shop shredded cheddar cheese

• Toppings (optional): sour cream, sliced green onions

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet; prick several times with a fork. Bake 1 hour or until fork-tender. Remove from oven.

2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add turkey; cook until no longer pink (165°F), stirring to break up turkey. Stir in seasoning mix and tomatoes; simmer 5 minutes or until heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat; keep covered.

3. Cut potatoes open lengthwise; squeeze gently to open. Fluff potato pulp with a fork. Spoon turkey mixture evenly over potatoes, top with cheese and desired toppings, and serve.

For more game day recipe ideas, visit the Recipe Center at www.stopandshop.com.

Halftime Healthy

Healthy and tailgate foods don’t often go hand in hand, but Stop & Shop is offering a few better-for-you suggestions to help navigate the football festivities while still enjoying your favorites.

• Don’t go to a party hungry as you will most likely end up eating more. Eat a balanced breakfast and lunch beforehand with lean protein, fruits and vegetables. Include some exercise or activity during the day, which can help balance the calories.

• Try small portions of your favorite dishes and slow down at the buffet. It can take your brain about 20 minutes to recognize fullness.

• Remember the veggie tray! Fill half of your plate with a variety of available vegetables, but go easy on the dip.

• Prepare your tailgate favorites with a few simple recipe swaps like utilizing low fat dairy products or ground turkey, turkey bacon or leaner beef.

Two points for safety

Another way to ensure your party is a success is to remember to keep food safety top of mind throughout the day from preparation to clean up to prevent food-borne illness amongst your guests. Incorporate these tips into your preparations:

• To prevent cross-contamination, be sure to use soap and hot water to wash hands, utensils and surfaces that have touched raw meat or eggs.

• The best way to know if meat is cooked thoroughly is to use a meat thermometer and check the temperature. Before removing from the grill or oven, insert a meat thermometer halfway into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it does not go through to the other side. To prevent harmful bacteria such as E coli, cook meat and seafood to these recommended internal temperatures: ground beef hamburgers – 160oF; ground and whole poultry – 165oF; chops, steaks and roasts from beef, veal or lamb – 145oF for medium rare, 160oF for medium and 170oF for well done; pork chops and roast – 145oF; and shrimp, lobster and crabs – cooked until the flesh is pearly and opaque.

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to avoid bacteria growth. Also remember the two-hour rule. Perishable foods should be removed from the table and refrigerated promptly. When it doubt, throw it out.

GIVEAWAY: We have a $25 Gift Card to give away so you can have some Stop& Shop fun of your own!

Answer the question in the comments below:

What is your favorite food?

Extra entries:

1.Follow us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/3decades3kids/ Leave a separate comment that you followed us and the name you followed with. If you already follow us on Pinterest, please leave a comment saying you are a follower.

2.Follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/3decades3kids Leave a separate comment that you followed us and the name you followed with. If you already follow us on Twitter, please leave a comment saying you are a follower.

3. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3decades3kids Leave a separate comment that you liked us and the name you followed with. If you already follow us on Facebook, please leave a comment saying you are a follower.

4. Subscribe to us on Youtube: http://youtube.com/3decades3kids  Leave a separate comment that you liked us and the name you followed with. If you already follow us on Youtube, please leave a comment saying you are a follower.

5. Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/3decades3kids  Leave a separate comment that you liked us and the name you followed with. If you already follow us on Instagram, please leave a comment saying you are a follower.

Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified by email on January 31st. Giveaway ends January 30th at 11.59pm. USA/18+ Please.

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was provided with sample products/giftcard. No compensation was given for this post. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and do not reflect the opinions of Stop & Shop. Contact Diane Sullivan at ELGEorgia@aol.com and everywhere else at .@3decades3kids. Yum! Yum! See you at Stop & Shop! #Foodie 

 To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com orwww.facebook.com/stopandshop.

Giveaway: Monster Jam Trucks to Wreak Havoc and Mayhem at IZOD Center and Nassau Coliseum

Giveaway: Monster Jam Trucks to Wreak Havoc and Mayhem

at IZOD Center and Nassau Coliseum

MJ_2014_SM_Logo

 

Who is ready to start the new year with some awesome family fun!? I know we are. There is one event we are looking forward to and that is the energetic Monster Jam! Produced by Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest provider of live family entertainment, Monster Jam features some of the most popular Monster Jam trucks on the circuit, including Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco® and Mohawk Warrior℠, along with the newly created Dragon and Be Aware.

What’s great about Monster Jam is that there is no age restrictions! You can bring your little ones and even include the grandparents. Everyone loves it! (PS: Just don’t forget the earplugs for anyone that is noise sensitive.) Fun for all ages, this four wheeled extravaganza features heart-pounding racing and unbelievable freestyle driving that is affordably priced for the whole family with $10 seats for kids. Standing at 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

Carl_Van_Horn, driver of  the legendary Grave Digger. This year I will have the sheer pleasure of interviewing him, so stay tuned! It’s going to be goooood!!

Of course it’s more fun with more friends so we have a 4pack of tickets set on the side just for you!

The winner will receive a family four-pack of tickets to their choice of a Friday show – either at IZOD Center or Nassau Coliseum – a $60 value (winner tickets do not include Pit Party). Join the fun. You will love it for sure! Winner will be chosen on January 23rd at 11:59pm and contacted. Winner will have 24 hours to respond with their full name, cell phone number and date of the venue they have chosen. USA/18+.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

                                                                                 

Feld Motor Sports℠ today announced that tickets for Monster Jam®, the world’s premier Monster Jam truck series, are now on sale. This four-wheeled extravaganza features heart-pounding racing and unbelievable freestyle driving that is affordably priced for the whole family with $10 seats for kids. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the IZOD Center Box Office, Nassau Coliseum Box Office, by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000.

Monster Jam will be performing at IZOD Center on:

Friday, January 30, 2015

7:30 PM

*Pit Party from 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Saturday, January 31, 2015

2:00 PM

*Pit Party from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

7:30 PM

Monster Jam will be performing at Nassau Coliseum on:

Friday, February 6, 2015

7:30 PM

*Pit Party from 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Saturday, February 7, 2015

2:00 PM

*Pit Party from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

7:30 PM

Sunday, February 8, 2015

2:00 PM

The events will feature some of the most popular Monster Jam trucks in the circuit, including Grave Digger®,El Toro Loco® and Mohawk Warrior℠, along with the newly created Dragon and Be Aware.

The Party in the Pits gives fans the opportunity to get autographs, view the massive Monster Jam trucks up close and meet the drivers.

Standing at 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

www.feldentertainment.com.
Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a Feld Ambassador Blogger. Review/Giveaway provided by Feld Entertainment. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. Email me at ELGeorgia@aol.com or .@3decades3kids.