Get Lost in Family Adventure at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

Situated along the banks of the Colorado River between Austin & Bastrop, Texas the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort is the kind of place that has you planning your next visit there before you even leave! Whether you want a  family vacation, a couples getaway, or both, the Lost Pines Resort has it all covered and then some!

Some of Beautiful Grounds at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort - photo by Susan Pazera

 There are over 16 miles of trails where you can horseback ride, bike ride ( the bike rentals are free), and hike as you take in the gorgeous property that encompasses the Lost Pines Resort. Rafting or kayaking on the Colorado River, swimming in the 1,000 foot Crooked River Water Park, tennis, zipline, climbing wall , and golfing at Wolf Dancer Golf Club are all part of the many experiences offered at the Resort.

The Lazy River at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort - photo by Susan Pazera

My son having fun on the water slide at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort -photo by Susan Pazera

 My 16 year old son had the opportunity to kayak the Colorado with certified guides. It was his first time kayaking and the guides were exceptional,  he caught on quickly and learned the history of the area while paddling down the river!

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

 Want to indulge in a little pampering? Sign the kids up for Camp Hyatt,( more below) the Resort's program for children, while you relax and get a massage at Spa Django. Spa Django offers therapeutic massage, deep tissue, facials, manicures, pedicures and many other body treatments. I was invited to experience a wonderful "Django Massage", a combination of relaxation and aromatherapy. Kendra, my wonderful masseuse, was the best. Not only did I get a fantastic massage, I received a lesson on "Django", which means " I awaken"and got to listen to music by Django Reinhardt from which the signature massage gets it's inspiration. The little ones can indulge in some pampering too at the Wilde Hare Youth Spa. Ice Cream pedicures, Ooey Gooey manicures, glam hair extensions, and princess hairdos are offered for the younger set!

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

 My youngest two children got to experience Camp Hyatt. They went on a nature hike, did crafts ( my 4 year old loves the ceramic piggy bank she got to paint), played indoor and outdoor sports, watched a movie ( popcorn included :) and had a great afternoon. It was very hard to get them to leave! Camp Hyatt was their favorite part of the day!

Don't miss visiting the Resort mascots, two Longhorn Steers ( T-Bone & Rib Eye ). There are "meet, greet, and seat" events available that allow you to interact with them and even sit in their saddles. They also have two Percheron draft horses that provide wagon rides throughout the resort. Say hello to Hoss too, their 125 pound Newfoundland "pup"!

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort

There are so many dining experiences to choose from at the Lost Pines Resort.  Firewheel Cafe and Sheller's Bar and Grill are perfect for the whole family. For super casual poolside dining there's Old Buck's Place located right next to the lazy river! If you are looking for elegant dining be sure to check out Stories Fine Dining Establishment , fine wine and beautiful decor and everything you need to celebrate special moments. And for dessert?? End your day by the fire pit making S'mores and watching a movie on the Big Screen under the stars!

Enjoying S'mores by the Firepit at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort -photo by Susan Pazera

The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort is the ideal place for a family vacation and also for the couple looking for a romantic getaway. We had a wonderful time and like I said, the planning has already started for our next visit!
For more information about Lost Pines visit www.lostpines.hyatt.com or call (512)308-1234.

Another beautiful picture of the Grounds at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort- photo by Susan Pazera

Summer in The Mountains - Smuggler's Notch Resort in Vermont

Close your eyes and picture yourself gliding across a beautiful mountain lake in a canoe, hiking through a green mountain forest, and then soaring high above the trees to get a bird's eye view of mature strands of hemlock, white birch, and sugar maple. Imagine days filled with tennis, golf, pools & water slides, family picnics, and  geocaching. Well, all of these adventures and much much more await you at Smuggler's Notch Resort in Vermont. Summer at Smuggs' is the experience of a lifetime!  Smugglers' Notch guarantees fun and they know how to deliver!

Smuggler's summer programs for children ages 3 to 17 offer nature discovery, pool outings, and arts & crafts as well as many other great ways to fill the day. Kids 7 to 10 can choose to focus on special interests such as performance, adventure & games, and a variety of other programs. Specialty camps in Tennis, Skateboarding, and High Adventure are also part of the wide range of activities Smuggs' provides.  The popular High Adventure Camp features four days of active fun including kayaking, taking on the High Ropes Challenge course, Notchville Park's climbing tower, and an exciting Via Ferrata experience with zipline. Via Ferrata, also known as "the Iron Way",combines hiking, rock climbing, & high ropes adventure. Guides will clip you in and lead you on a hike through the woods, rocky terrain and stream beds near Smuggs'. Safely traverse local gorges, scale huge boulders and walk along picturesque trails. No experience necessary!


With 8 heated pools and 4 water slides to choose from you can spend your days lounging poolside as the kids splash and play in the sun! At Rum Runners' Hideaway, Smuggs' scenic 6-acre reservoir located high on Morse Mountain, your family can enjoy fishing, picnicking and swimming. In the swimming area, there is a Fidget Ladder Climb and Aqua Jump, a 25-foot diameter water trampoline with attached Slide Walk and Aqua Launch for bouncing and launching into the water—a great way to have fun and soak yourself and your friends! 

Your family will also love Smuggs' llama treks, which provide an opportunity to hike and picnic with these gentle creatures in the woods and trails around Smugglers' Notch. These 3 hour treks are fun for all ages. You may just fall in "llove" with a llama! 


Have a little one that's too young for the outdoor adventures?  No problem! Just drop your munchkin off at Treasure's, Smugg's state of the art Child Care Center. Children ages 6 weeks to 3 years can enjoy time in this 5,400 square foot wonderland. Giant fish tanks in every room, a multitude of age-appropriate toys, and a large outdoor playground make it a perfect place for your children while you have some Mom/Dad time out on the mountain.  

My older children and husband were thrilled to experience the Arbor Trek Zip line canopy tour, the newest addition to Smugg's attractions. The Tour follows a mountain brook from high above Smugglers' Notch Resort Village. The 2 1/2 to 3-hour Zipline Canopy Tour will have you soaring down more than 4,000 feet of zip lines, crossing sky bridges, and rappeling from trees. There is a minimum weight requirement (70lbs) but, there is a tandem option with an instructor for those that don't meet it.


Adults can choose from a mix of activities that include health and wellness programs, guided hikes, cooking classes with the chefs of the Resort's renowned Hearth and Candle Restaurant , and the new weekly Indulgence Tour . Indulge yourself in this day trip that is designed to pamper you with coffee, chocolate, wine, maple syrup, Vermont history, and covered bridges. This trip includes stops at Brown & Jenkins Coffee Roasters, Snowflake Chocolates, Boyden Valley Winery, VT Maple Outlet, and Covered Bridges. As well as a stop at the Old Red Mill to view the Snowflake Bentley Collection.





From down on the ground to high up in the sky.. indoor play ( be sure to check out Smuggs' FUNZone ) to the great outdoors.. and from tot to teen and in between, Smuggs' has it covered! Every member of your family will discover plenty of ways to have an unforgettable vacation!


For more information and to choose a Summer Vacation Package that fits your family's needs please visit their website at  www.smuggs.com  or call 1-802-644-8851.

RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles

Let it RAIN!!!


My family and I recently had the opportunity to travel back in time. This magic was thanks to RAIN- A Tribute to the Beatles, a show that transports the audience to the past to experience the iconic music and presence of the Beatles.

You're not just watching a show, you are participating in a performance with John, Paul, George, and Ringo. RAIN makes you feel like you are right in the middle of a Beatles concert, listening to them perform songs over the span of their careers. There is no "play" to see, just an excellent selection of hit after hit performed at such a high caliber it's as if the actual Beatles are in front of you playing live.  Video screens display clips of real Beatles footage, commercials from the time period (which are hysterical), trivia, and the audience members enjoying the show.  There is nothing quite like dancing and singing to great music with your kids and we were up on our feet and enjoying every minute of it!

We were lucky enough to meet the extraordinarily talented cast of RAIN, Steve Landes (John Lennon), Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), and Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr).  My teenage son Sam had the chance to ask them a few questions.

We were lucky enough to meet the extraordinarily talented cast of RAIN, Steve Landes (John Lennon), Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), and Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr).  My teenage son Sam had the chance to ask them a few questions.

Sam:    How long have you been together performing?

Joey:   More than 20 years. Our newest member (Steve Landes) has been with us 12 years.

Sam:    How long have you been fans of the Beatles?

Joey:   We are 1st and 2nd generation fans, I actually saw them perform on the Ed Sullivan Show.
 

Sam:    How are you able to imitate your characters so perfectly?

Joey:   We studied them and still study. We really listen, constantly. It's an ongoing process that we tweak and tighten all the time.

Sam:    What is your favorite song to perform?

Joe:     We love them all and love the audience interaction.

Sam:    Which of the Beatles songs has a message that resonates most with you?

Joe:     Well, right now "Revolution" because of what is going on in the world today.

Steve:  All of the songs have a positive message..peace, love, how regular people can change the world. The messages are just as relevant today as they were back then.

Sam:    That's true. I was surprised that some of their music sounded country

Ralph:  As the times changed they expanded their repertoire to include something for everyone.

Sam:    What advice would you give to someone ( like me) who wanted to pursue a career in music?


Ralph:  Be well rounded. Learn and listen to all different types of music.

Sam:     Thank you so much for speaking with me, I can't wait to see the show again!


RAIN is a fantastic experience for the whole family! Bring the kids and bring the grandparents, everyone will have a great time! RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles is touring Nationally and showing on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre 256 West 47th Street, New York, NY  10036 . For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.raintribute.com

Kidfresh

As the busy Mother of four kids I am always on the go with them. This one has tennis, the other gymnastics, another at dance class...sometimes cooking a meal is not an option and coming up with quick healthy meals has been a challenge..until now! HELLO, Kidfresh!

Kidfresh was created by Matt Cohen, a dad who wanted quick meal options for children that would be all natural and taste good while having major kid appeal. Kidfresh is found in the natural frozen food section of  King Kulle, Whole Food Markets, Shoprite, and some of your local all natural stores. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are found in these meals.


We recently had the opportunity to try some Kidfresh meals and my kids loved them. The Muy Cheesy Quesadilla and Totally Twisted  Pasta & Meatballs are favorites. The best things about Kidfresh meals is that I don't feel that Mom guilt for giving them a "frozen dinner". The meals are healthy with all sorts of hidden good ingredients..Carrots, Celery, Sweet Potatoes,just to name a few, the meals are great for little ones who don't always eat their veggies!

Check out this video of Ryan's thoughts of the Kidfresh Wagon Wheel Mac & Cheese

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghxvxu4DlBM 

Want to Give Kidfresh Your Own Taste Test? Here's How:

3 winners will win (2) coupons each for FREE Kidfresh meals!

Mandatory entry:
All you need to do is visit Kidfresh’s facebook page and “like” them. (Click HERE to go straight to the page)You must click the "Like" button and come back and leave a comment saying you did it.

Extra entries:
1 extra entry for following @Kidfreshfoods on Twitter. Click the “Follow” button and come back to leave a comment saying you did it. (Click HERE to go to the Twitter page)

1 extra entry for visiting Kidfresh website. Come back and leave a comment saying which variety you would like to try. (Click HERE to go to the page.)


For 3 extra entries, repost this contest link to your facebook page. Don't forget to leave 3 separate comments if you repost!

You must be at least 18-year-old and a newsletter subscriber! Deadline for the drawing will be June 9, 2011 and winners will be drawn at random! Winners will be notified via email. Good luck! 

The "Bad" Mom Week

I had a "Bad Mom Week". I don't mean that I was a "bad"mom although, my kids may argue that, it was just a really rough week for me as a parent. Things didn't run very smoothly, tempers flared, pretty much the "Murphy's Law' of parenting weeks.  I was burnt out and feeling like I was being taken for granted.  Now nothing is that terrible, I mean, everyone is healthy and all of my kids are kind and polite (in public anyway) but, I had the kind of week that made me feel underappreciated and frankly, not very effective or confident in my "parenting skills."(if there really is such a thing) So, I had a bit of a meltdown which led to my making the decision to halt all of my mom related responsibilities. A "strike" so to speak. No grocery shopping, no laundry, no cleaning, no walking around flushing unflushed toilets (I know you know what I'm sayin') no making lunches, (except for my 4 yr old's who would pack her Rapunzel doll, broken crayons, and Pepperidge Farm goldfish if left to her own devices) No ANY of the day to day things we all do with our eyes shut that run our households.  Now I could list all of the things that led to the "strike" but it's a long list.. including, but not limited to, a child not listening for the umpteenth time in a crowded parking lot which led to child tripping and then accidentally being run over by a shopping cart pushed by moi (*note - she was fine ) Some things may even seem minimal to you..but, trust me, when said things are repeated time and time again they can induce hysteria...mild hysteria but still hysteria none the less. So  there you have the makings of a Mommy shutdown. I was called "mean", "selfish", and I'm sure I heard my teenager mutter something much worse under his breath but, I didn't back down. Yes, I am a Mommy but, I am also ME, someone with feelings, someone who wants to be acknowledged and appreciated, someone who wants to feel like what I do matters. I have good days and bad days just like my kids do and I want them to understand that. I want them to realize that all the "little things" that I do, that we all do, add up to BIG things... love, understanding, caring, compassion, and so much more. As guilty as I felt, I stuck to my "strike' because I felt there was an important lesson to be taught. Everyone needs to feel valued and respected..Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, everyone! So, my "strike" just ended as you are reading this and you know what? The world didn't come to an end and everyone survived. I am actually feeling pretty good about my "Bad Mom" week because I think now that they just may "get it". After all, it's all those "little things" that really matter ...don't they? Now, I'd better get to the grocery store and figure out what I'm making for dinner!! ;)

DISNEY FAMILY.COM LAUNCHES “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS ROYAL

Couples are Invited to Share Inspirational Stories and Photos for a Chance to Win a “Royal Wedding” Celebration From Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

In honor of the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Disney Family.com launched today a month-long online celebration titled “Happily Ever After.”  The website features tips from Disney’s expert princess-makers on how to have a fairy tale wedding or vow renewal celebration; a showcase of Disney Princess inspired wedding gowns; ideas for mom and daughter Royal Wedding viewing parties; and fun and easy tips for moms to feel like a princess every day!

What a fun way to spend time with my daughters!! We had such a great time making the Wedding cake and dressing our Kate Middleton doll in our favorite Disney princess dresses !

Click here to download the crafts and some royal recipes too!

Festivities kick off with a contest at www.Family.com/HappilyEverAfter, where couples who are looking to have their own royal wedding or vow renewal can share stories and photos about their special relationship. The winning entry will receive a grand prize that includes:

·         Royal Wedding Celebration from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons that includes a Disney’s Wedding Pavilion Ceremony, Disney photography package, cake and champagne toast, limousine transportation to and from ceremony, and arrival in Cinderella’s Coach!
·         4-Night Walt Disney World® Resort hotel stay for winner and three guests
·         Walt Disney World® Theme Park Tickets: four 5-day Park Hopper tickets for winner and three guests
·         Disney Gift Card
·         Wedding dress gift card from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo
·         Roundtrip Airfare to Walt Disney World® Resort for winner and three guests

Contest entries will be accepted until May 9, 2011 and the winner will be announced on or about June 13, 2011.  Official contest rules are posted on the website.

Disney Family.com also offers inspiration for celebrating Prince William and Kate’s nuptials at home, with ideas for mom and daughter viewing parties featuring Royal Wedding and Disney Princess-themed recipes, decorations, party favors, and the site’s popular printable crafts.  Items include a Kate Middleton paper doll that you can dress up in six classic Disney Princess dresses; a printable tiara inspired by the Strathmore Rose Tiara that Kate Middleton is rumored to possibly wear; Princess Aurora’s cake; Ariel’s Wedding crown, and much more.

My Underwear -

Entertaining, educational, silly, and downright adorable!! My Underwear, the new App created by award winning author Todd Parr and Thumb Arcade, will provide lots of fun and giggles for your kids and you. Available for iPad, iPod, and iPhone, each game is a journey into the wonderfully imaginative world of Todd Parr and his lovable characters. You'll meet underwear eating Monsters, race against the clock in a memory match up game of  Todd's friends from his books, play underwear match up with funny creatures and, of course, design and finger paint your own underwear! Pattern recognition, hand-eye coordination, memory, motor skills,and music, it's all there and it's all hilarious fun! You won't be able to stop playing with "My Undewear". My four year old daughter is hooked on the memory match up game and me, well, who wouldn't want to decorate their own underwear?? :) Be sure to check out  "My Underwear" and then let the UNDERWEAR games begin!!  And, Todd, being a wonderful Friend of Macaroni Kid, is offering a FREE download to 2 lucky Macaroni Kid readers. Just comment below with the title of your favorite Todd Parr book for a chance to win! Winners announced in next weeks newsletter!!
For more information and to download the App click here or visit thumbarcade.com