This Full House Reviews

Discount Theater Tickets in NYC From Plum District

Angelina Ballerina: The Musical!

Looking for some cool stuff to do with your kids while visiting NYC, this week?!?  EXCELLENT!!! 

Here are the discounted theater tickets available in NYC this week from Plum District:

NYC Plum Steal: $35 for 2 Tickets to Angelina Ballerina: The Musical! - a $59 Value 7/11/12 - 7/16/12

NYC Plum Steal: $35 for 2 Tickets to Pinkalicious: The Musical! - a $59 Value 7/11/12 - 7/16/12

NYC Plum Steal: $35 for 2 Tickets to StinkyKids: The Musical! - a $59 Value 7/11/12 - 7/16/12

In the meantime, thank you for visiting my shopping & lifestyle blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hey!" 

We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure: As a Plum District affiliate, I get to share really cool stuff we like.  Hope you like it, too!

Life's a Beach, Enjoy the Waves

I am very honored to be working with Hallmark as a Life is a Special Occasion featured blogger and for their sponsoring this blog post, allowing me to share personal stories, insights and inspirations in enjoying simple, every day moments, with you (yes, YOU!)

SUMMER 2011:  South Village Beach in Cape Cod, MA

I was born in a "city by the bay", my husband just a few exits "down the parkway" and we honeymooned on the same beach he'd been going to since he was a child.  A few years later, we caressed each of our children for the first time in a room overlooking a river just a couple of miles from the Oceanic Bridge, leading vacationers and day-trippers to the Atlantic Ocean.

SUMMER 2010:  Cape May, NJ

We helped each of our kids learn how to walk in the sand their very first summer, taught them NOT to feed the seagulls and on real special occasions (i.e. whenever the weather forecast called for no rain) treated ourselves to some of the best boardwalk food along the Jersey shore.

SUMMER 2009:  Cape Cod Lighthouse, Provincetown, MA

This is where the sky, the earth and the sea become one and, at the end of the day, the slightly tangy sting of the salty breeze would lull them to sleep.  It's in their blood.

SUMMER 2008:  Cape May, NJ

Whether it was body surfing, boogie boarding or diving along the breakwater, my husband and I have spent countless hours content with just sitting and watching over our kids at the beach. 

SUMMER 2007:  Cape May, NJ (via my very first cell phone with a camera)

Treasures from successful beach-combing excursions, carefully crafted into pretty reminders, are scattered throughout the house and still smell of sea foam -- the preferred scent of mermaids, in these parts.

SUMMER 2004: Greetings from Seaside Heights, NJ

Celebrating the the start of those lazy, hazy days of summer vacation on the boardwalk with the grandparents has become a family tradition.

Now that my kids are older (18, 16, 13 and 11, as of this post) I can't help but feel as if things are going a little too fast and secretly wish we could have taken just a little more time...getting here...you know?

"Are we going to either of the capes, this year?"

[heavy sigh]

"I don't think so, baby."

My oldest graduated high school AND we waved goodbye to elementary school this month (one that a Thompson kid has attended for the last 13 years) oh and our middle girl, well, she'll be driving in a few months and...well...you know.

"It's okay, we can still do day trips to the beach...right?"

ABSOLUTELY!  No matter where life takes us (because tomorrow comes a lot faster than you think) we will always have the beach.

"Except on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other weekend."

My oldest daughter is working this summer and...well, you know...she needs to borrow the car.

How about you?   Are you heading anywhere fun or will it be a staycation sort of summer?  Want to go to the beach?  I'll drive (as soon as I get the car back) of course.

Oh, and in case you missed it:  more of our LIASO moments.

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure:   I am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.  The stories, opinions and words shared here are all mine.  To receive notices on Hallmark products and special offers, feel free to sign up for the newsletter (when you have time, of course!)

Kellogg's Champions of Great Starts: Walking Tour of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA

My official U.S. Olympic Committe I.D. and yes I'm framing it!

I am very honored to partner with the Kellogg's Champions of Great Starts program as a featured blogger for Team Kellogg's.

Why?  Really?  Okay, let me think.

[one beat, two beats]

Dude, this Jersey girl and self-proclaimed professional dork got to hang out with U.S. Olympians! 

Honestly, how many times is cool stuff like this going to happen?  To a dork like me, anyway?

 Also, Kellogg's is "an official sponsor" of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and read on for more on why I felt the need to capitalize, include quotation marks and make sure that "an official sponsor" reads nice and bold.

First, feel free to click here to read more about Day 1 of my visit to the U.S. Olympic training facility in Chula Vista, CA.

Our wonderful (and too cute for words) tour guide, U.S. Olympic Team hopeful Kara Patterson.

TODAY:   65 days away from the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, I am very excited to be able to take you on a walking tour of the U.S. Olympic Team's Training Camp in Chula Vista, CA.

Science Near You: An online tool to help families find fun science activities all over New Jersey!

My husband Garth (not his real name) and I are big-time science and history geeks, avid How It's Made fans and the History Channel is favorited (yes, it's a word) on our clicker.

Summer vacations have included:  visting with Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation, hiking trails and chasing sand crabs at the Cape May Bird Observatory, and wondering just where in the heck they kept their potties at Mount Vernon and Monticello!?!?

Now that our kids are getting older and all school-ed out at this time of year (me, too!) convicing them to do something educational during the summer can be a little difficult.

Also, with my oldest daughter working and gas prices being what they are (UGH!) we're sticking close to home, this year.

Our good friends at the Liberty Science Center have launched Science Near You, a new online tool to help families find fun science activities in New Jersey, like:

Kellogg's Champions of Great Starts: 100 Days Until the 2012 Summer Olympics Kick-Off Event in Chula Vista, CA - Day 1

Kellogg's Team Mom: Caryn/Rockin' Mama, Me/iDork, Danielle/Extraordinary Mommy, Crystal/Simply Being Mommy, Piera/Jolly Mom, Ana/Spanglish Baby, Niri/Mommy Niri

I am very honored to partner with the Kellogg's Champions of Great Starts program as a Mom Ambassador.

Why?  And what the heck is a Mom Ambassador, anyways?

We are big fans of Kellogg's at our house.  My pretend pantry (i.e. outlived its usefulness as a linen closet, since kids never seem to want to make their beds anyway) is filled with Kellogg's products and, as my kids get older (me, too) the brand continues to be a staple in our every day life.

You can read more about the program in my introduction post Celebrating National Breakfast Week (when you have time, of course!)

Okay, that's great, but how's a non-celebrity mom (like me) going to help a company like Kellogg?

By initiating and participating in conversations about how to get families (like yours and mine) off to the best possible start every day.

Today, I am very excited to be able to introduce you to some of the great folks behind Kellogg's Champions of Great Starts and tell you a little more about my trip to the U.S. Olympic Team's Training Camp in Chula Vista, CA.

Because, you know, how many times am I going to get to say that...IRL...really?!?

Surprise! The Joy of Doing Absolutely Nothing of REAL Importance

My husband Garth (not his real name) surprised me for our 20th Wedding Anniversary last summer by taking off of work to spend more time with the kids and me (yes, ME!) doing absolutely nothing of REAL importance, which truly is a  MONUMENTAL act of love, on his part.

Trust me, I know!!!

Aaaaand, I think it would be prudent to admit to you now:  I have absolutely NO idea how we (okay, mostly he) made it, this far!

Enjoying a gray and cloudy day at the bay.

There are times when we just can't seem to agree with each other (okay, more often than not) on anything. 

Then again, after all these years (not to mention, raising this many kids) we've also learned to choose our battles, arriving to an unspoken compromise instead (i.e. no politics at the dinner table or when sharp objects are nearby!) and most especially, when it comes to raising our teens.

Hiking the red trail (PHEW!) at Bushkill Falls, PA

We BOTH have made A LOT of mistakes and the repercussions of some really bad decisions seem to haunt us, repeatedly (DAMMIT!) as we continue to swim through a torrent of disorganization at the risk of drowning in our own mental atrophy.

Then again, we are from Jersey:  better to swim with the current and parallel to the shore rather than fight against a rip tide...YO!

Surprisingly enough, our kids seem okay and don't  mind being seen out with us in public (yes, on purpose and without being bribed) even.

Twittering while under the influence of teenagers can be...uh...REAL educational.

Parenting teens is hard.  Being "the parent" is even harder and there just aren't enough words to describe how much I cherish every hour we get to share in each other's company.  Enjoying quiet moments like these, so close to home, speaks volumes. 

/Staycation 2010

In fact, the kids often times revisit this particular staycation in conversation (me, too!) referring to it as the best 3 days they've ever spent...together...and that, my friends, is the most pleasant suprise of all.

Aaaand, I didn't even have to pack any clean underwear or anything...go figure...right?!?

Oh, and in case you missed it:  more of our LIASO moments.

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure:  I am honored to partner with Hallmark as a Life is a Special Occasion blogger and will be sharing personal stories, insights and inspirations in enjoying simple, every day moments, with you (yes, YOU!)  I am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.  To receive notices on Hallmark products and special offers, feel free to sign up for the newsletter (when you have time, of course!)

Allstate's Good Hands Roadside Assistance Program Recap and Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing with you, Donna B. (comment #39) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

Mom's Driving School 2010:  Holly, Day 1 - sitting in our driveway.

Remember, last month, when I first told you about Allstate Good Hands Roadside Assistance program and how I was all, like, what do you mean I have a kid old enough to drive?

Frankly, I could never have imagined the combination of relief and nausea I felt, when realizing...YES...this was really happening...as of last month...my sweet baby girl is now a legally licensed driver!

My husband surprised us with a last-minute road trip to Cape Cod, MA and it was funny to watch my 17 year-old hit the imaginary break, for once.

7 hours later (seriously, Connecticut?!?) she was just as exhausted as we were, backseat driving.

After only 2 months of running errands and driving her siblings to local events (which, I'm getting real used to, btw) Holly admits that she's not quite ready to tackle the New Jersey Turnpike and/or the Garden State Parkway...me, either!!!

Still, it's nice to know, in case of an emergency, Allstate Good Hands Roadside Assistance services provide 24/7 assistance, including:

• Towing
• Lockouts
• Tire Changes
• Refueling
• Jump-start

What's also great about this new service is you pay as you need it and when you need it, ONLY: in most cases just $75 per tow and $50 per other service.

Other really important key points to Allstate Good Hands Roadside Assistance service are:

Last-Minute (What Do You Mean It's August, Already?) Summertime Bucket Lists

My husband surprised us with a last-minute trip to Cape Cod and, well, you really can squeeze in a whole lot of stuff, including driving, in just one weekend.

PHEW!

Join me over at BlogFrog where we’re discussing creating last minute Summertime Bucket Lists at the Horizon Milk Community: . .

MY OTHER BLOGFROG COMMUNITY POSTS:

• Horizon Back-to-School Community
• Giving Kids Allowance for Chores
• Do You Make a Date With Your Kids?
• Smoothing Our Way Into Chillaxing Summertime Snacks
• Family Dinner Fun LIVE CHAT! (notes available, in case you missed it!)
• Getting Back to Back-To-School Bedtime Routines

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House  

Disclosure: I have been engaged by BlogFrog as a Horizon's Community Leader and am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.

Playdate Place Post: Day at the Beach With Older Kids

Spending a day at the beach with your teens and tweens is a perfect way for families to celebrate all the fun things summertime has to offer.

Come by and visit with me at PlaydatePlace.com as we share some tips and ideas on spending a day at the beach with older kids.

When you have time, of course!

FIND IT HERE:  http://playdateplace.kmart.com/2011/06/a-day-at-the-beach-with-older-kids/?intcmp=PlaydatePlace 

I'll leave the porch light on for you, thanks!

LOOK! MORE STUFF WE'RE SHARING:

Skype Group Video Calling:  Trial 3 month membership & BuddyCam

Get Organized with Manilla.com:  $1,000 Cash to Help Pay Your Bills!

Gatorade Sports Moms:  $100 Dick's Sporting Goods Giveaway

Thank you for visiting my review blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hi!"  We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  I am a featured blogger and Kmart Playdate Parent

Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ: Rich in History and Family-Friendly, Too!

My family and I love vacationing with friends in Cape May (yes, here in Jersey!) and have done so, almost every year, since my oldest daughter was a year old and, 3 kids later, we've made some very happy memories, together.

Most recently, during a particularily chilly (and wet) spring break and, well, YES...we love Cape May...THAT MUCH!!!

I was very excited when my friends Emily and Cooper of TheMotherhood.com invited me to visit Congress Hall for a Cape May Bloggers Retreat, featuring my absolutely favorite year-round vacation destination, right here, on the Jersey shore.

This trip, however, would prove to be quite a learning experience...most especially, for this Jersey Mom...indeed!

Take the family to Six Flags with Polly-O and KRAFT String and Twists!

We invested in season passes to Six Flags (a.k.a. Great Adventure, if you're from Jersey) for my two oldest girls (17 and 15, respectively) last summer.

A Season Pass pays for itself in less than two visits and the girls can attend concerts with their friends, all summer long, for FREE.

My husband, Garth (not his real name) and I arrange for carpooling, with neighborhood friends, drop the kids off using special drive-thru lanes (i.e. NO parking required!) and then pick them up again in the shuttle parking lot.

MORE WAYS TO SAVE:  If you order 4 season passes by May 30th, you get a Season Parking Pass for FREE -- that's a $50.00 value!

This year, Polly-O and KRAFT String and Twists have teamed up with Six Flags to help families (like ours) to your local park with discounts, all summer long - here's how it works:

Polly-O String and Twists (sold in East Coast retail locations, only)

• Take any specially marked Polly-O Strong or Twists package to a Six Flags location on weekdays and receive a free Kids ticket (under 10 years old) with purchase of (1) full price general admission ticket. The offer is good for $15 off full price general admission any day.
• Redemption is easy: Polly-O String and Twist package wrappers can be redeemed directly at the venue; and will be “upcycled” from there to help save our environment!

Kraft String and Twists (sold elsewhere in the United States)

• Take any specially marked Kraft String or Twists package to a Six Flags location and receive $15 off full price general admission any day.
• Redemption is easy: Kraft String and Twist package wrappers can be redeemed directly at the venue; and will be “upcycled” from there to help save our environment!

General ticket discount promotion runs from May 1st through August 31st, but redemptions will be accepted through October 10th.

FULL REDEMPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE AT: www.KraftSixFlags.com or www.Polly-OSixFlags.com.

WIN 20 FREE PASSES FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  www.sixflags.com/twistedsweeps

Good luck and Happy Summer...almost!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product, or any other consideration, besides a chance to share stuff I think families (like mine) would like, was received for this blog post.

Project You Magazine: Summer Camping in Maine

Growing up with a twin brother, summer camp meant riding our bikes, playing basketball and exploring the surrounding neighborhoods, in Central New Jersey, until the street lights came on.

Now, my family and I enjoy spending our summer weekends visiting with my parents on the Jersey Shore, or what all four of my kids lovingly refer to as Camp Mama and Papa.

Today, I'm very happy to share author Danielle Feigenbaum's summer experience in Maine, along with some really great reasons why families (like mine) should consider summer camps, along with Maine Camp Director's Top Picks of favorite spots and activities, in Maine.  Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More camping

Have you visited Maine, lately?  Do your kids attend summer camp?  Where does your family enjoy spending your summers?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure: This Project You Magazine (www.projectyoumagazine) sponsored post was brought to you by "The Role Mommy Writer's Network."

Deal Alert: FREE Science Enrichment at Liberty Science Center in New Jersey!

My friends at the Liberty Science Center just told me that there’s lots of new FREE stuff going on (yes, here in Jersey!) that's included with paid admission, like:

1. The Touch Tunnel is back (their #1 most popular original experience)

2. Chemistry classes for kids ages 6-11 on Sundays (no, really - sounds like fun, right?)

3. Liberty Science Center offers free science enrichment for young learners ages 2-5 weekdays, with “We Explore” activities that help them learn about the world around them. Topics change weekly but tend to include animals, weather, the 5 senses, etc.

4. There's also a REALLY cool IMAX film about tornadoes opening on March 8th, that will include powerful footage of storms and a story line that has scientists driving into a twister in specially designed trucks to discover more about how they form.

It's been a while since we've visited (related post) and my youngest (she's 9) is begging for some private time (yes, with me!) also, maybe I can convince my friend BusyMom to visit -- perhaps it would help with her fear of tornadoes -- or not.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just sharing stuff we like and perhaps will help other families (like ours) save a little milk money, too.

Deal Alert: MSG Special Offers for Madagascar Live & More!

Planning to visit NYC, or traveling to the Tri-state area, with kids, this spring?  EXCELLENT! 

Got some great coupon codes to share, courtesy of our friends at MSG.com/kids:

Thomas & Friends Live! on Stage
Get 15% off select tickets with code TRAIN
March 5-6 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden
Redeem here: http://www.theateratmsg.com/tickets/promotion.html?p_id=TRAIN

Madagascar Live
Get $10 off select tickets with code MBS
April 15-22 at Radio City Music Hall
Redeem here: http://www.radiocity.com/tickets/promotion.html?p_id=MBS

Sticking close to home for spring break?  EXCELLENT!  More fun stuff for kids online:

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Puppy Love
http://video.msg.com/Home/msg-dogcam-puppy-love

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Paws on the Runway
http://video.msg.com/Home/MSG-DogCam-Paws-on-the-Runway

Sesame Street Planting Party with Garden of Dreams Children
http://video.msg.com/Home/msg-kidcam-sesame-street

Harlem Globetrotters KidCam with the Knicks City Kids
http://video.msg.com/Home/MSG-KidCam-Harlem-Globetrotters-Special

There are more kid-friendly videos, quizzes and photos on MSG's kid's hub: http://msg.com/kids

Happy (almost) Spring, everyone!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just sharing stuff we like, or perhaps helps other famlies (like ours) save a little milk money, too.

Deal Alert: New Jersey - Half Off Admission to The Newark Museum and Planetarium

Looking for something cool to do, in these last few weeks of winter (i.e. stupid groundhog better be right) or, maybe you're just tired of playing around with all this snow, here in New Jersey, right?

This week, the Savvy Source editors are offerring half off 1 (one) adult and 1 (one) child admission to The Newark Museum and Planetarium!