OXO - Cookies for Kids' Cancer - Making a Difference

I recently held a "Bake and Bond" Cookie party at my house to support OXO and their Cookies for Kids' Cancer organization. We had a great time mixing, mingling, and of course, eating the cookies afterward. It is a great way to spend time with family and friends and all of you can help out this wonderful cause with something as simple & delicious as a cookie! Host a Bake Sale, Find one near you, Buy some cookies or Send a Virtual Cookie to someone special! OXO provided me with some fabulous baking tools to help in preparing our cookie batches! AND, I have 2 sets of these amazing OXO tools to giveaway! Comment below this article and let me know what your favorite Cookie is and you will be entered to win an OXO prize pack! Winner will be drawn at random and announced in next week's newsletter! Must be a SUBSCRIBER to be eligible!

ABOUT COOKIES FOR KIDS CANCER

Cookies for Kids' Cancer, a non profit organization , was founded by parents inspired by their son Liam's battle with cancer. They were shocked to learn that the main reason over 25% of kids diagnosed with cancer do not survive is because of a lack of effective therapies. And the reason for the lack of therapies was very simple: lack of funding. They pledged to support the development of new and better treatments by giving people a simple way to get involved.

It all started with 96,000 cookies...

Gretchen had a crazy idea for a larger-than-life bake sale with the goal of baking 96,000 cookies with friends and volunteers. Dozens of other families whose children were also battling Neuroblastoma got involved and began to take orders for cookies from friends, co-workers, and neighbors. All 96,000 cookies were sold in three weeks, thanks to the work of over 250 volunteers. The event raised over $400,000 for pediatric cancer research, but it was soon clear that something bigger than a bake sale had begun. Even weeks after the event was over, requests for cookies kept coming in. What started as a desperate act to raise money and awareness for her child's own cancer blossomed into something much bigger than any had planned. The event caught the eye and the hearts of the media and people all over the country. Emails from across the United States started flooding in asking the same simple question "what can we do to help?"

Be a Good Cookie

Make a difference by joining the mission to find a cure for pediatric cancer. There are many ways to support Cookies for Kids' Cancer. Hosting a bake sale is a sweet and simple way for people everywhere to get involved in the fight against pediatric cancer. Send our cookies for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Our cookies taste as good to eat as they feel to give.

And you don't have to eat or bake cookies to be a Good Cookie. Other supporters have run marathons, held tag sales, organized golf tournaments, collected spare change, and hosted car washes to support Cookies for Kids' Cancer. We've even made it simple to donate online once or once a month with online giving. The ideas are only limited by your imagination. No effort is too small and every penny counts.

Their mission:

Cookies for Kids' Cancer is committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 18. Through the concept of local bake sales, Cookies for Kids' Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer.

Facts about Kids' Cancers

Cookies for Kids' Cancer is not about one child or one type of pediatric cancer. It is about changing the facts of pediatric cancer for the better, forever. Important statistics to know:

• Cancer claims the lives of more children annually than any other disease " more than asthma, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis & AIDS combined.
• 46 children per day are diagnosed with cancer totaling nearly 13,000 new cases per year.
• Cure rates have improved dramatically and advances in childhood cancer research has provided seminal insights into the cancer problem in general. Today, 4 out 5 children diagnosed with cancer can be cured.
• While long-term goals for the pediatric cancer community will focus on securing more federal funding for childhood cancer research (more than the 1-2% of the National Cancer Institute budget that is current expended), philanthropy plays a critical and essential role in the ongoing battle against childhood cancer.

Grand Hyatt San Antonio - One of Texas' Shining Stars

The chic and trendy Grand Hyatt San Antonio located in downtown San Antonio, Texas offers 37 stories of luxury and an amazing view of the city's beautiful skyline. The Grand Hyatt SA is the place to stay if you want to  experience the culturally rich area of San Antonio. With it's history and local attractions like The Alamo, The River Walk, Sea World, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, you can enjoy a variety of vacation options in this vibrant and friendly City!

Upon entering the lobby of the Grand Hyatt San Antonio you are greeted by the stunning decor, modern with a Latin flair, the bold colors and gorgeous light fixtures give it the feel of an art gallery.  The staff is attentive and cheerful and call you by name from the minute you check in ( and they don't forget it, I love that) My room was spacious, beautiful, and spotlessly clean with the most comfortable bed I have slept on in years..I seriously had the best nights sleep while there!

Start your day with a quick trip to Perks Coffee & More located in the lobby. Delicious frappucinos, lattes, fresh brewed coffee, juice, muffins, and lots of prepared snacks you can grab and go as you head out to explore the many sites and sounds of San Antonio that are right outside your door! Literally, all you have to do is walk outside and you are right on San Antonio's famous River Walk. The best way to describe the River Walk is "full of life"! A 5 mile network of walkways along the San Antonio River, River Walk is lined with shops, restaurants, tranquil gardens, local craftsman selling unique jewelery, clothing, and decor, music, and much more. Take your time and stroll the Walk or hop in a water taxi and float along the river as you listen to mariachi bands, admire the architecture, and hear about the history and landmarks of the area. Other local attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, Market Square, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden are located just a short distance from the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. This City has so much to offer you are sure to find the vacation experience that fits your family's needs!

The hotel's heated roof-top lap pool has a breath taking view of the City. Spend the afternoon lounging poolside or end your busy day with a quick dip as you take in the sites of the skyline. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the 3 fabulous restaurants at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The Achiote River Cafe located on the River Walk offers an exciting Pan Latino menu. Treat yourself to a mojito and some ceviche as you overlook the San Antonio River at Terrace Bar  or have some sushi and cocktails at Bar Rojo.

My family had a great time at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The location was perfect for us with all of its marvelous amenities and easy access to all that San Antonio has to offer. San Antonio and the Grand Hyatt will see us again soon! For more information on the Grand Hyatt San Antonio visit www.grandsanantonio.hyatt.com or call (210) 270-8498.

The Smurfs in 3-D

Our little blue friends the Smurfs are back and taking on the Big Apple! Only 3 apples high themselves, the Smurfs need to figure out a way to get back to their mushroom village after being chased out by the evil wizard Gargamel. Transported through a magic portal they find themselves on the busy streets of New York City. Join Papa Smurf, Smurfette ( voiced by Katy Perry), Clumsy, Grouchy, Brainy, and Gutsy Smurf as they meet new friends Patrick & Grace ( Neil Patrick Harris & Jayma Mays), expectant parents whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of these tiny blue beings. With Gargamel ( Hank Azaria) in pursuit they have to find their way home before they end up in his clutches. 

I had the opportunity to preview The Smurfs 3-D with my family in tow and we all enjoyed it. The movie had many of the familiar elements of the Smurfs TV cartoon that was on while I was growing up; the Smurfs theme song ( remember "la-la la, la, la la sing a happy song"?), the cute little mushroom village & teamwork of all the Smurfs together, and, of course, Gargamel and his sidekick Azreal the Cat, still trying to capture the Smurfs! Watching the Smurfs as they navigated their way around famous NYC landmarks ( Central Park, FAO Schwarz,Times Square, etc.) was very entertaining!  It's hard enough to make your way through the City as a "human" let alone as a Smurf and the director, Raja Gosnell,  had us laughing all the way through the "smurfy" dialogue as we get to experience the Smurfs in modern day. We had so much fun following the Smurfs on their journey back to Smurf Village. It was wonderful to share something that I grew up watching with my own children. ( I confess, I still have my Smurfette doll tucked away in a keepsake box). Clever with just the right amount silliness mixed in, The Smurfs 3-D is a great movie for the whole family! And at just under just under an hour and a half, the movie is the perfect length to keep the attention of  little ones. 

A heart warming story about Family and sticking together, the Smurfs 3-D, will charm parents and a whole new generation of children! Welcome back Smurfs! The Smurfs 3-D opens this Friday 7/29. ( Be sure to stay tuned through the credits to see how the Smurfs NYC experience influences the rebuilding of their Village :) )

Some Fun Smurf Facts:

• The Smufs have been around since 1958 and were originally called the "Schtroumpfs"
• Hank Azaria, who played Gargamel, shaved his head for the role. He spent over a 130 hours in a make up chair during the process of making the movie.
• Smurfette is the only female Smurf (see the movie to find out why)
• Three new Smurfs are introduced in the movie: Crazy, Gutsy, & Panicky.
• Smurfs are vegetarians
• For many years the Smurfs were part of the Ice Capades shows
• It took 3 years to develop the script to the Smurfs movie

          

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!