Broadway - New York City

I’ve been going to New York City for years – my mother-in-law always enjoyed going to see a Broadway matinee.  We’d go see a show, and then go out to dinner at Sardis, Jack Dempsey’s, Tavern on the Green, or Gallagher’s.  Sometimes I’d go on a work-sponsored bus trip with some of my friends.  Over the years I’ve seen Cats, Evita, Les Miserabes, Phantom, The 5th of July, Hello Dolly, and oh so many more.  My daughter, the dancer, really enjoyed seeing Chicago, the Musical.  I still have most of the Playbills from these shows.

Whether for a vacation or just a short one or two-day visit taking in the scenery in Central Park on a folding electric bicycle, one can’t help but think of Broadway and the delightful shows that await in these hallowed halls of entertainment delight. To me, Broadway is the essence of New York.  It can in turn be rowdy, bawdy,  loud, brawling, soft,  comedic, or romantic and yet rip-roaringly hilarious. For those who are willing to look for their perfect fit, Broadway has it all.

The problem with Broadway is that there are so many wonderful shows to see and such limited time (for most of us) in which to see them. Probably those who actually live in The Big Apple have enough time in which to appreciate the artistic treasure trove that’s represented within this wonderful city that never sleeps. Actually, in order to properly enjoy all the theatrical offerings available to you, you’d almost have to never sleep yourself!

It’s important to remember that all shows are not available at all times. Check to see whether Broadway Theatre Tickets are available for the show you wish to see before getting your hopes up. On to the musicals, which are my favorite types of Broadway entertainment. Chicago, Mamma Mia! Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Wicked are currently playing right now.

Broadway is a great way to really enjoy what New York has to offer its visitors for entertainment. While it’s hardly possible to see each and every show that might interest you, it’s quite possible to make the time to view the one that is most appealing to you and it will be quite an experience for your entire family.  Make it a tradition like my family has!

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Visions of Ski Lodges Dance In My Head

Happy New Year everybody!

Hopefully all my readers had a safe, enjoyable holiday.

I was supposed to babysit the grandkids last night, but my daughter and charming-son-in-law’s plans changed, so the Hubster and I went out to our favorite Italian restaurant for an “early bird” dinner.  Geesh, what’s become of us?

When we were younger, we used to go to New York City for New Years and party all night long; then the kids came along and we’d go out to our friends for a nice dinner and party and come home about 2 am.

Now, as Baby Boomer’s, it’s early-bird dinners, we stay home and the hubs turned in around 9 pm on New Years. Last night I blogged and tweeted and partied online doing the hashtag #lamenewyearseve.

I embibed a bit with sipped some Ice Wine on New Years eve.  There’s still some left from Christmas, and since it’s sort of officially still New Year’s Day, I’m finishing it I finished it.

You may ask what’s Ice Wine?  No, this isn’t a paid post, or anything of that sort.  I didn’t know what it was either until I went to Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York to visit my brother one year.  We toured some wineries that had wine tastings, since it’s wine trail country up there.

Here’s the official Wikipedia definition of ice wine:

Ice wine (or icewine, as one word, or in German, Eiswein) is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, but the water does, allowing a more concentrated grape must to be pressed from the frozen grapes, resulting in a smaller amount of more concentrated, very sweet wine.

When my brother visited for Thanksgiving, he brought a house gift of Ice Wine from Hunt Country Vineyards for my daughter.

I would describe it as smooth and sweet – almost like a brandy. To me, it leaves a definite coating when you drink it, unlike a regular wine. It’s meant to be an appertif, or after-dinner wine. I serve it in my Waterford Crystal wine glasses. Perhaps it could also be served in cordial glasses.

I’ve tweeted about ice wine, and Renee Ross from Cutie Bootie Cakes asked what it was.  Speaking of Renee – she was my Secret Santa Pal this year when I participated in the T.J.Maxx and Marshall’s Secret Santa exchange.  More on that in another post!

Now, in my mind I’m sitting by a roaring fire or wood stove looking out the window at the snow-covered ground in New England here.  I don’t ski anymore, but would be content to curl up in a ski lodge that has Wifi or read a good book, and sip a nice vintage ice wine!

I’m going to look into ordering from a Wine of the Month club and online, as it’s a long trip back to the Finger Lakes Region of New York.

I’ve found others locally at are equally as good – one has sweet flavors of pineapple and citrus while another has peach and honey flavors in it.

Have you tried Ice Wine?  What’s your favorite! If not, you might look into it for the holidays! It’ll make a great Christmas present!

Happy Holidays!

© 2010 Moomettes Magnificents

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Ringing in the New Year

I’ll be babysitting the grandkids this year since my oldest daughter and my charming son-in-law will be going out for a night on the town.

When I was younger I always looked forward to New Year’s Eve.  My husband’s family enjoyed partying, and there was many a New Year’s Eve that we would travel from Connecticut to New York City and spend the night.

All the in-laws would stay at the same hotel in the Big Apple.  We’d have dinner in the theater district at Sardi’s or Gallagher’s (where you can see the beef hanging in the window!) or sometimes at Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant on Broadway.  Afterwards we’d take in the scene at Times Square to get a glimpse of the ball.  Later we’d go back to the hotel and take in a show at Rockefeller Center the next day, and stop in at Tavern on the Green.

What was nice about going to NYC was that once we were there, the car was parked and we didn’t have to drive.  We’d take a cab or walk wherever we wanted to go.

Many cities and towns now have First Night celebrations, which is really nice because most family events and are alcohol-free.

During the holidays, everybody looks forward to celebrating with family and friends.  Our mailbox fills up with invitations to Christmas and Hanukkah parties, dinners, and other get-togethers.  Through each exciting gathering we learn to control our eating to avoid those holiday and New Year’s pounds.  Another thing to be aware of is how much alcohol we consume.

Everyone wants to get into the spirit of the occasion.  But good natured frivolity can get us into trouble when we drink without thinking at office parties and other holiday gatherings.  Having a truly good time means handling our alcohol responsibly. 

We need a plan before we even reach the party.

Choose a designated driver. You hear it all the time but that’s because it’s important.  This doesn’t give permission to drink until you can’t stand up but at least when you are ready to go home, someone who is in control of their faculties will be in charge of driving.  To appear fair, rotate the role of designated driver among your circle of friends so everyone gets a chance to participate fully in the party happenings.

Mix your alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages. One or two drinks can have less of an effect on us when drank intermittently with soda.  If you drink only one or two drinks it may be best to hail a taxi rather than risk driving home because you’re unsure whether you’re over the limit or not.

Blood alcohol content is how the police test for the amount of alcohol still circulating in your system.  In the United States, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent.  Anything above that is considered breaking the law and will result in a DWI or DUI arrest and possible prosecution.

When someone is stopped by the police, they assess the need to administer a breathalyzer test.  The person blows on the instrument and it registers a blood alcohol level.  The number that appears is admissible in court should it come to that.

But, how did they know to stop you?  Believe it or not, someone under the influence of alcohol tries to rationalize that they are alright to drive.  It’s the ones who are just over the limit that rationalize the most.

They reason that if they drive slower, they’ll make it home safely.  Unfortunately, the body has other plans.  Alcohol slows the reaction time.  As a result, people under the influence of alcohol drive slower so they have less trouble braking if needed.  They brake more often because they are trying not to hit anything.  Forgetting to turn on the headlights isn’t uncommon.

On the other end of the spectrum, someone who is blatantly drunk will drive fast, swerving across the center line and showing a disregard for traffic signals and signs.  Wide turns result in accidents either with stationary objects or another moving vehicle.  When people drink and drive, someone can die.

The bottom line is don’t drink and drive.  The odds are against us that we’ll get away with it.  Don’t bet someone else’s life (or your own) on it.

Happy New Year!

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Christmas season is a popular time of year to become engaged.

My husband and I have been married for 35 years, and we Baby Boomers were engaged for two before we married.  We got engaged over the Christmas holidays.  It really wasn’t a surprise, as we had picked out my diamond engagement ring together.  My oldest daughter and her husband became engaged at a Yankees game in the old Yankee Stadium.

Many couples today become engaged while on romantic cruises or weekend vacation getaways.  Enter to win the Best Wedding Proposal Story Contest by sharing your proposal story on HansonEllis.com and WIN up to $500.

Some of the most romantic weekend getaways exist in the most populated destinations in the US.  Here are a few to consider.

Needless to say, New York City is considered one of the most romantic spots in the U.S.  Whether you enjoy dinner in your hotel suite or dine at any one of the five star restaurants, the night is always young for lovers who seek solitude in a city that hosts millions of tourists each year.  Whether you take a carriage ride through Central Park, enjoy an opera or symphonic performance at Lincoln Center, or walk along Fifth Avenue during the evening hours; the city offers something for everyone.

Another favorite city is San Francisco. With its rolling hills, fantastic cuisine, and friendly people; San Francisco offers hotel stays that are sure to enhance your romantic side. Notable hotels are located in the Nob Hill area; and many others best views of the Bay and the city; or the downtown hotels that are close to cable cars, shopping, restaurants, and theaters.

Las Vegas, of course, is not to be forgotten. Time will stand still at this resort destination.  With a myriad of hotels to choose from you can enjoy your time here without having to worry about time, because there are no clocks in the casinos.

With great weather year round (hot, but always dry), you can wile away the early morning hours at the hotel’s pool and enjoy the evening attending a fabulous show or visit lady luck at the casino.

Not too far away from me is Lake Placid, New York.  Lake Place once hosted the Winter Olympics. Among the many things you might like to do is to take a walk to the neighboring town of Lake Placid, only two miles away. Here you will find shops along Main Street and you can gift shop or stop for lunch.  Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the activities available.

Once you’ve set your date, you can start planning and looking for personalized gifts and wedding favors for your bridal party!

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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As a mom of two daughters, both now college graduates, I’m certainly aware of how much work was involved in keeping their schedules straight when they were in high school.

Both of my daughters were athletes, competing in high school lacrosse matches as well as cross-country meets.  In between figuring out their academic schedules, and the associated trips throughout New England and beyond college campus visits, it was amazing that the girls also found time to have part-time jobs.

Additionally, my daughters attended a private high school which required 15 hours of community service per school year as a requirement to graduate.  Each of the girls had an excellent resume that they submitted when they filled out their college applications.  Each daughter was recruited by coaches to play their respective sports at the college they decided to attend.

Wendy’s High School Heisman Award

With college admissions growing more and more selective, the Wendy’s High School Heisman program presents a great opportunity to help those students who have managed to balance so much, stand out. This award celebrates high school seniors who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement; in essence, recognizing them for all of the things they already do. Colleges want to see well-rounded students who demonstrate dedication and commitment, making this program especially relevant and accessible.

High school seniors who have a 3.0 average or higher, participate in a school-sponsored sport and contribute to their community can apply at www.WendysHeisman.com, or a high school educator, guidance counselor, or coach can nominate them.

As a little reward, the first 41,100 applicants will receive a free Wendy’s gift card in amounts ranging from $5 to $50. One male and one female from each high school will win the award and continue on in competition for state and national awards.

Twelve national finalists will participate in Heisman Weekend festivities during an all-expenses-paid trip Dec. 11-13 to New York City. ESPN2 will feature all 12 national finalists during the Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Ceremony, which airs Dec. 13.  The Wendy’s High School Heisman website will display the names of all applicants and individual school winners on October 22, 2009.

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a $20 Wendy’s Gift Card.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment).

This contest will run until September 24, 2009 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Wendy’s and received a gift certificate to giveaway and to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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How To Get Sponsored to a Blog Conference

If you’re new to blogging, you’ve probably seen quite a few posts around the blogosphere from many of this year’s attendees at BlogHer09 conference convention in Chicago.

Besides BlogHer, future conventions include TypeA Mom Conference in North Carolina and Mom Summit 2.0 scheduled for 2010 in Houston.

Not only are the conferences educational where you can pick up valuable blogging and marketing advice, but you also have the opportunity to meet many of your fellow online blogging buddies.

I am looking forward to attending BlogHer10, which will be held in New York City next year.  As you know, I’m from Connecticut, and it’s just an Amtrak train ride away for me!

The benefits of attending these conferences don’t come without a price though.  Many moms blog for the sheer enjoyment of sharing personal experiences, while other moms and grandmoms blog to try to supplement their income.

In order to subsidize attendance at these conferences, many bloggers can’t afford to foot the bill from their personal finances alone and seek a sponsorship from companies that they have formed relationships with.

I too, am seeking Partial Sponsorships in order to attend BlogHer10.

Whether you’re just out-of-the-gate or are an established blogger and would like to attend any of the upcoming conferences, Trisha over at MomDot has done a terrific blog post summary on what to do in order to help you obtain Sponsors and get you started.

Check it out at MomDot: How to get a sponsorship to a convention

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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BlogHer10

Recently I participated in a contest sponsored by Cozi to win a $100 Scholarship for 15 Women Not Going to BlogHer09.

I had to submit a post, along with my Top 10 Reasons I Am Excited to Stay Home with My Family this Coming Weekend.  The 15 posts with the most comments would win.

Thanks to all my wonderful readers, Twitter followers, Facebook Fans, Friends and MomDot forum friends who rose to the occasion, I was one of the Winners!  I am so excited!  I really appreciate all the kind comments that you all left for me!

Although I’ve been to many conferences throughout my career, I’ve never been to a blog conference before and am really excited that BlogHer10 will be held in New York City.

Thanks to Cozi, I’ve already started my “fund” and will be hoping I can obtain more Sponsors to help send me to the Big Apple next year.

Cozi is a Free web service that will help you to manage your family calender and more.  I’ll be letting you all know a little bit more about Cozi in future posts, but wanted to thank everybody for getting me off the ground!

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Big Eye Dummies

Most children love animals and ‘Lil Moomette is no exception.

As a matter of fact, it’s ironic that my husband and I had a dog before we had our girls, and ‘Lil Moomette’s parents had a dog and a cat before ‘Lil Moomette was in the picture.

Actually, my husband and I were fur-free for awhile, but we now have a lazy, fat, almost 12-year old house-cat.  Whenever the grandkids come over, The Cat will tolerate the kiddos for only so long, and then retreats to someplace yonder.

All dogs are “Mutley,” (even though the poor dog is actually a purebread Black Lab!)

I’ve had the opportunity to review the new line of designer plush dolls aptly named “Big Eye Dummies.”  Milton The Cat is now part of our family.

Each doll comes with 2 sets of interchangeable eyes and mouths, along with its own back story. Made of fabric, the eyes and mouths come gently sewn down, but just need to be cut by an adult and the threads removed, at which point the mix ‘n match fun begins!

Big Eye Dummies are designed and created in New York City by David Lipson, a professional Animation Producer and Director.  David has worked on TV shows, including Word World (PBS), Lizzie McGuire (Disney Channel), Schoolhouse Rock (Disney), and shorts for Sesame Street (PBS).

Says David: “Big Eye Dummies offer several major innovations to the plush doll market, such as using high quality thread to hold them together instead of staples or nails. Another breakthrough was filling them with fluffy soft stuffing instead of rocks or bricks. Focus testing has shown that these improvements seem to really enhance the ‘cuddle and snuggle’ factor for children.”

Big Eye Dummies have received Creative Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice Award.

Big Eye Dummies have been tested by independent American Laboratories and comply with the European and American Toy Safety Standards.

Another benefit is great creative fun at Grandma’s house, or homeschooling, daycare or pre-school fun!

These plush dolls are just way too cute and cuddly and would make an adorable Birthday or holiday gift, not only for children, but tweens, teens and adults too!

Recommended Ages: 2 and up

Suggested Retail: $19.99

Available at: www.BigEyeDummies.com and specialty toy and gift stores, high-end children’s boutiques, design gift shops, and museum stores.

For More Information Visit: Big Eye Dummies

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of one (1) Big Eye Dummie Plush Designer Doll.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Big Eye Dummies and leave a comment about another fact that wasn’t mentioned in this post and why you’d like to win a Big Eye Dummie Doll.

Now for extra entries (each task will get you 1 extra entry):

~One Extra Entry: Add my banner button to your sidebar or add me to your blogroll, and come back here and leave the link (I will be checking)

~One Extra Entry: Blog about the contest on your blog linking to my blog and the site

~ One Extra Entry: Become a Fan on Facebook and let me know your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and leave your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow me on Networked Blogs (right sidebar) and leave your name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Favorite Moomette’s Magnificents in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment  (the link is on my right sidebar).

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Twitter and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest (Retweet button at bottom of post), and come back to this post and leave the URL link to the Tweet so I can check. You may Retweet once per day until the end of the contest, but please leave a separate comment for each Retweet, along with the permalink

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until July 14, 2009 at approximately 11:00 pm.

Winners are chosen by Random.Org, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

*Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

*Include your email if it’s not enabled.
*Open to USA and Canada Only
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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It’s amazing how time passes so quickly. Many of you may be aware that I really like hot, humid weather. My loyal readers know I live in New England, but I really believe I was meant to live down South.

When the kids were 11 and 7, we took them to Orlando in August for a family vacation. It wasn’t as crowded as in the winter months, and many of the children who live down south were already back in school. August was considered “off-season,” so our rates were really reasonable

Reminiscing about what a fantastic time we had taking in all the things to do in Orlando, my oldest daughter is already making suggestions that she would like all of us to take a family vacation next year. By then, my soon-to-be-born grandson will be old enough to be portable, and ‘Lil Moomette will be at a great age to enjoy all the activity. Family vacation includes Charming Son-in-Law’s parents from Vermont.

Now that my daughter’s a married Mom herself, I’m passing the baton, and am going to suggest that she obtain all the online travel guides from Trusted Tours & Attractions and make arrangements for everyone. I’m even going to hint that since I Love New York, I wouldn’t mind her looking into things to do in New York for my Birthday, which is in January and taking some New York City tours.  It would be a terrific opportunity to visit the shopping district and do some serious shopping to stock my eBay store, or spend New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple!

Planning your next vacation? Looking for ideas on what to do?  Sign up for the Trusted Travels eNewsletter and enter to win a $150 iTunes gift card Offer ends July 31st, 2008.

Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Frugal Fun Activities For the Family This Summer
2. Savvy Savings for Family Friendly Activities and Educational Scholarships
3. Fun Family Activities with Backyard Bug Safari Outfitters