MacLaren Zodiac Buggy Stroller Giveaway CLOSED

Congrats to Julie L. 
My stroller of choice was a MacLaren.  I loved our MacLaren, it was light enough to shlep up three flights of stairs (back when I lived in a walk up apartment) everyday, sans my daughter and even light enough to carry down subway stairs with my daughter in it.

Even with all the choices out there, the MacLaren would still be number one on my list.  It was worth every penny. With exception of the umbrella snap breaking (my fault, I did something weird) and replacing the seat, my MacLaren never had to be replaced and was in ship-shape condition at the end. So much so that I gave it away to one of the workers in the building knowing it would last another couple of years.

MacLaren is offering one NYC Single Mom Reviews reader, a MacLaren Zodiac Buggy Stroller.

The chic Zodiac Buggy stroller is on a quest frame and comes in a striking celestial design on a navy blue background. Your baby will find an amusing constellation of stars and floating buggies inside the hood. As a unique bonus feature, you can visit the Zodiac page of MacLaren's website www.maclarenbaby.com to customise your buggy and order a free comfort pack embroidered with your baby's birth sign. How cool is that?

I must admit, I am jealous that MacLaren has spiced up their strollers. Makes me want to have another child (kidding.)

To win, enter the required information in the entry form below.

For additional entries:

1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog

2. Follow me on twtter: http://www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom

3. Become a Email Subscriber

4. Become a Blog Follower

5. Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom Reviews did not receive product or compensation for this post. Winner will be sent the Zodiac Buggy Stroller from a third party.

Continue Reading...

4th of July Recipes by Anabel Karmel's Red, White and Blueberry Sundaes and Strars & Stripes Mini-Cupcakes

 -

I have to go to a couple of 4th of July parties and I was looking for easy 4th of July Recipes that are easy to make and easy on my wallet. 

Here are two recipes by children's cookbook author Annbel Karmel that are easy to prepare but are very popular dessert. 

Red, White and Blueberry Sundaes

Ingredients

6 large strawberries, hulled and quartered

One 3-ounce package cranberry-raspberry gelatin dessert (or another red flavor)

1 cup of heavy cream

2 meringue nests

1 cup blueberries

Decoration

Mini U.S. flags

Directions

You can make the gelatin in advance and then finish off with the whipped cream, meringue, and fresh berries.

 Divide the strawberries among four glasses. Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and pour over the strawberries. Place in the fridge until set.

WHIP THE CREAM. Break the meringues into pieces and stir into the whipped cream. When the gelatin is set, divide the cream among the four glasses.

SPOON A LAYER OF BLUEBERRIES on top and decorate with the U.S. flag.

Makes 4 Glasses


Stars and Strips Mini-Cupcakes

So simple but really effective. You can make this with the vanilla cupcake mixture below or leave out the vanilla & stir in 2 tablespoons of Dutch-process cocoa powder, ½ cup chocolate chips & the grated zest of ½ orange & have delicious chocolate-orange cupcakes.

INGREDIENTS:

MAKES ABOUT 36 CUPCAKES (You will use 30 for the flag)

1 stick unsalted butter or ½ cup soft margarine

½ cup superfine sugar

1 cup self-rising flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

GLACÉ ICING                                                                                                                                     

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Blue and red food coloring

DECORATION                                                                                                                                                   Mini white sugar stars or piped white icing stars

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Put all the cupcake ingredients into a bowl or food processor and beat together until smooth. Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners and fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until well risen and the cakes spring back when you press them with your fingertips.

MIX THE SUGAR WITH 3 ½ to 4 tablespoons warm water until you have a good spreadable consistency – it should not be runny. You may need to add a little extra water. Remove 1 ½ tablespoons of the icing and color it blue. Remove two-thirds of the remaining icing and color it red.

ICE SIX OF THE CUPCAKES BLUE, fifteen of the cupcakes red, and nine of the cupcakes white. Stick white sugar stars on the blue-iced cupcakes and arrange the mini cupcakes in the design of the American flag.

Continue Reading...

Marmaduke Movie Review - What a waste!

Marmaduke based on the long running comic strip and brought to you by the makers of Garfield. Isn't that enough to make you run for the hills. Why, lord, why lord? What did parents do to deserve this? I refuse to even give this movie

What I liked about the Marmaduke the movie:

• Nothing, no I am sorry there is one thing, it's a good sleeping pill for parents. 

What I did not like about Marmaduke:

• The cast. Judy Greer and Lee Pace are completely miscast as the parents. Both should fire their manager or agents. Did they need the paycheck? Judy Greer (one hit away from fame) who always plays the snappy, funny girlfriend sidekick is entirely too young to play the mom of a 15 year old and so is Lee Pace. 
• The plot - oh I am sorry, what plot. 
• Completely unbelievable plotline - maybe the kids don't get it but the father quits his job for his family in the worst economy in our nation's history plus they go from living in Kansas to LA. No way they can afford that house. He is a marketing manager for god's sake not a IBanker. 
• Parents as rubes - Why must kids movies always portray parents as jerks and so stereotypical. Must we have to sit through another dad upset his little girl is growing up and dating and then being mean to the boy. Good grief.
• It's over two hours long. If you are going to make us suffer can't you do it in 90 minutes. 
• It's not funny. I did not laugh

I know there are those who would say I am being harsh because it's  just a "kids" movie but going to the movies is expensive, why should parents pay $12 for a ticket and be bored or insulted.

If Pixar can figure it out so can the other studios. The studios continue to think that parents will go see a movie because their kids want to see it 

My proposal is to begin trading off with another parent and take all the kids to the movies and let the parent go see a movie they want to see. 

And by the way, don't even buy the DVD when it comes, save your money and wait until comes makes it to free tv.

Continue Reading...

SootheTIME's Snooze Wrap Plus Product Review

Last week, I went to an event held at the City Treehouse to view zzzTime's new line of infant sleep products that will be available exclusively at Babies "R" Us. SootheTime, developed the zzzTime's line of products to provide soothing solutions for babies and their parents.

The centerpiece of the line is the Snooze Wrap Plus, an innovative, adjustable swaddle wrap. The Snooze Wrap Plus  features adjustable comfort wraps for security and adjustability options that allow for arms and legs to move freely.  In a nutshell, instead of you trying to figure out to swaddle your baby, the Snooze Wrap Plus has all these adjustable straps that you can easily figure out to swaddle your baby and call it a day. Plus, there is a headrest, yes, a headrest that ensures your baby's head will be properly supported.

What I liked about Snooze Wrap Plus:

• The cradle support pad. This was the feature I found to be the most useful and innovative.  It's always  a little scary when you hand your baby to someone and that person has no idea how to hold a baby especially the baby's head. The snooze wrap plus eliminates that fear and the inevitable "watch the head" comment by providing the proper positioning and head support for your baby. 
• Adjustability of the straps - Not all babies like their arms to be swaddled. The Snooze Wrap Plus allows your baby a little freedom by allowing the baby's arms to move freely. 
• Natural fibers - it's a 100% cotton knit fabric
• The price point, so affordable at $19.99
• Feel like an expert and ease of use. I don't know about you, but that whole swaddling thing was a disaster for me and I gave up after awhile. Once you figure out the straps, it's a piece of cake and no more worries. 

What I did not like about the Snooze Wrap Plus:

• Nothing - okay maybe the first time, you will feel like what's happening here with the straps but it only takes a moment to figure it out and voila! 

Would I recommend the Snooze Wrap Plus? Yes. If I were to adopt another baby, this would be the first item on my registry. 

Other products in the zzzTIME line are Snooze Sack, a wear-a-blanket available for two stages of development, Snooze sheets and Sleepzies, a one-piece, long sleeve body suit. All products are available at Babies "R" Us stores and online www.babiesrus.com. 

I want to thank two of my favorite people and bloggers, Melissa Chapman @ http://wcbstv.com/chapman and Vera Sweeney @ http://www.ladyandtheblog.com/ for inviting me to the event.

And I have to mention all the great bloggers at the event and the great fun conversation we had and so wish I did not have scoot out to pick my daughter up from school. I love learning about new products but one of the benefits to going to these events is running into all these great women and some men.

Just a shout out to my fellow attendees, nikki @ www.mommyfactor.blogspot.com, Heidi @ www.coast2coastmom.com, Holly @ culturemom.blogspot.com, jenrab @ http://nextkidthing.com/, christy @http://quirkyfusion.com/ maria @ http://newyorkmom.wordpress.com/, Mitch @ gaynycdad.com 

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom received Snooze Wrap Plus and Snooze Snack for review purposes only and was not compensated for this post.

Continue Reading...

Kraft New Products Review and Kraft Gift Basket Giveaway CLOSED

Congratulations to Carol E. Winner of the Kraft Gift Basket Giveaway.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try three new products from Kraft.

New Kraft Homestyle Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Dinner is described as delicious homemade taste complete with a crunchy breadcrumbs.

• I will admit because it is made with milk and with a liquid cheese mixture the flavor and consistency is a step above the boxed Macaroni and Cheese. The flavor was not bad but not homemade tasting. The crumbs made the mac n cheese looked better but I didn't feel it added any more flavor or crunch.
• Now if I had a choice between the box or the new homestyle, I would go with the Homestyle version
• My daughter whose favorite box mac n cheese is from Trader Joes liked it and thought it was good but still wanted TJ's mac n cheese.

New Kool-Aid Fizz Drink Drops - what can I say, its only 5 calories, it fizzes and tastes good

Ritz Crackerfuls filled crackers - is made with real cheese and 6 grams of whole grain serving.

• This was a hit for a snack over the weekend. I liked the flavor of the crackers but I am a Ritz Cracker fan and the "cheese" filling was actually tasting. It's definitely an alternative snack that I will be adding to the cabinet. That said, I am not fan that it's 130 calories a cracker, has 230g of sodium but there is only 7 g of fat.

Kraft Foods is generously providing 1 gift basket filled with samples of New KOOL-AID FUN FIZZ Drink Drops, new KRAFT HOMESTYLE Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese, RITZ CRACKERFULS Filled Crackers along with gratuity coupons for New DIGIORNO Pizza and Breadsticks, OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Shaved Meats and New KRAFT 100 Calorie Packs Cheese Bites to one lucky NYC Single Mom Reviews reader.

To win, enter the required information in the entry form below.

For additional entries:

1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog

2. Follow me on twtter: http://www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom

3. Become a Email Subscriber

4. Become a Follower

5. Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429

Disclosure: Products were provided by Kraft Foods for review purposes only. Review is based on my personal experience testing the Ritz Crackerful filled crackers, Kool-Aid Fizz Drink Drops and New Homestyle Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese products only. I did not have a chance to test out the other products in the gift basket. Kraft Foods is only providing the gift basket but fulfillment will be handled by Young America. Winner will be chosen NYC Single Mom Reviews as stated above.

Continue Reading...

Thomas the Train is Rolling into Town (Family 4 Pack Ticket Giveaway) CLOSED

Congrats to Darleen. Enjoy the day. 


Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration 2010 is coming to the Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipburg, New Jersey to celebrate his 65th birthday.

This fun filled event will offer preschoolers the chance to ride a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank engine, the star of the popular series Thomas and Friends.

Activities include:

•  A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
•  An opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of The Railway
•  Activities for the whole family, including arts & crafts, storytelling, video viewing, live music , hay bale maze, model train exhibit, bouncy castle and a petting zoo.
•  A special display at every DOWT location celebrating 65 years of Thomas the Tank Engine
• 2010 commemorative merchandise and giveaways, including a mini-view finder giveaway that tells the story of Thomas’ upcoming adventure, Misty Island Rescue

Dates: July 2-4 and July 9-11, 2010

Location:  99 Elizabeth Street, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

Cost: $18 for ages 2 and up

Ticket Purchase: Visit http://877trainride.com or call 866- 468 - 7630


For More Information: www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt

One Lucky NYC Single Mom Reviews family will win a  Family 4 Pack* courtesy of Thomas the Train. 

To win, enter the following information in the entry form below. 

For additional entries:

1. Link this giveaway post on your blog

2. Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom

3. Become a email subscriber

4. Become a follower

5. Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429

Disclosure: One family 4 pack has been provided courtesy of Dan Klores Communications however, NYC Single Mom Reviews was not compensated for this post. 

Continue Reading...

Skinny Cow Introduces New Single Serve Ice Cream Cups - It's Yummy

Recently, I attended Skinny Cow's Perfect Cup event to promote the introduction of their new skinny single serve ice cream cups.  Five new flavors are now available: Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Cone, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Dulce de Leche and Cookies 'n Cream. All are low-fat and under 170 calories. My daughter and I tried Strawberry Cheesecake and Cookies 'n Cream since those are the flavors we normally eat and it seemed a little indulgent to have all five.

For the record and don't ask me how since I have been every diet since I was fifteen that I have never tried any Skinny Cow products. Everyone at my Weight Watchers meeting raves about them and that the product's point range is 1-2 points. Needless to say with summer coming, it will something I will have to start incorporating into my diet routine since I love ice cream....

What I liked about Skinny Cow Strawberry Cheesecake and Cookies 'n Cream:

• The ice cream was creamy and rich in flavor
• No icky aftertaste
• The consistency was like thick ice cream
• I didn't feel like I was missing out 
• Compared to low-yogurt stores in the city (won't name, names,) I rather eat the Skinny Cow brand products because it just more natural and real versus the yogurt
• The serving size,  if you are a dieter like me, controlled portions are the key to losing weight. I get exactly the portion size I need and that's it
• 150 calories a serving, can't beat that
• Skim Milk makes up 20% of the ingredients
• Low sodium content- most of products have 70 grams of sodium or more, which is about 3% of your daily sodium requirements (see dietary guidelines below.)

What I don't like about Skinny Cow:

• The use of high fructose corn syrup, now mind you when you look the ingredients, it falls in the middle of the pack which is good but I would love it if the company would figure out a way to eliminate it all together

Would I recommend it, yes, even if you aren't watching your calories. 

2005 Sodium Dietary Guidelines:
Don't exceed 2,300 mg of sodium a day, if you are a healthy adult.
Don't exceed 1,500 mg of sodium a day, if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes; you are black; or you're middle aged or older.
Source: Mayo Clinic

Originally posted on nycsinglemomreviews.com. NYC Single Mom also blogs at nycsinglemom.com, NYC Momsblog, NY Metropolista and travelingmom.com 

Continue Reading...

BRAVO's Bethanny Getting Married Premieres June 6

Of all the NY "Housewives", Bethanny was my favorite. Sure she's ambitious, aggressive and a maybe a little too honest but she doesn't try to hide those attributes.


Now she has her own show, "Bethany Gets Married"  in which cameras roll as she launches the next chapter of her life – marriage and a baby. Watch what happens as she plans her future with fiancé Jason Hoppy while trying to juggle her burgeoning business. Bethenny’s finally getting everything she ever wished for, but can she really have it all?

Here are two clips from upcoming episodes:

Food is Porn: This one is great. Not because the way it's edited but the fact that Bethanny wants to invite keep the wedding small but invite business contacts while her fiance is all about inviting family and friends.



No Straight Guys: This conversation defies explanation. It must be watched. The one thing I am completed in awe of is their utter lack of self-consciousness that cameras are taping this conversation.



More Info: http://www.bravotv.com/bethenny-getting-married


Will I be watching, you betcha!

And are you? Would love to hear what you think of Bethanny versus the other NY Housewives. Everybody has an opinion.

Continue Reading...

Barnes and Noble 2010 Summer Reading Program

Barnes and Noble is running their Summer Reading Program. 

Just have your child read 8 books over the summer and receive a book free. 

Visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/ to download a passport form, fill out completed passport form with books that your child read and redeem at any Barnes and Noble for your free book. 

Complete passports by September 7, 2010. 

For details and books on the Free Book list, visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom Reviews was not compensated for this post and provided information as service to her readers. 

Continue Reading...

iTunes Alert - Free Kids TV Premiere Episodes are available for Download

Don't miss out. If you are like me, you are looking for shows to download on your iPhone, iPod touch to keep your kids occupied. I, of course, will only pay for long movie for long trip. But now iTunes has free premiere episodes of kids shows

Go now since I am not sure how long this will last.

iCarly

Dora

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody

Victorious

Hannah Montana

Ben 10

Fetch

Good Luck Charlie

Phineas and Ferb

Sponge Bob

Bakugan

Continue Reading...

$1 Off Coupon from zpizza at their first Manhattan location in the West Village

Head over to zpizza,  a national pizza chain has opened it's first Manhattan location in the West Village to sample their pizza. Zpizza uses organic sauce, msg-free sausage and pepperoni, local vegetables, vegan cheese and gluten free crust. This is great news for parents of kids with allergies.

zPizza is offering NYC Single Mom Reviews readers a coupon for a $1 slice that can be used until June 7, 2010 so you can sample their pizza.

Click here to download the coupon: http://www.scribd.com/doc/31988305/NYC-Fan-Favorite-Offer-June-1-7

Location: 298 Bleeker Street
Coupon Expires: June 7, 2010

I haven't tried the pizza yet, but I  am certainly curious as to how it will compare to the local New York style pizza.
If anyone is able to sample the pizza, come back on provide your feedback.

Note: The coupon is only valid at the West Village location only. It is valid for take out or dine-in only, one coupon per customer and can't be combined with any other coupons.

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom reviews was not compensated for this post. 

Continue Reading...

Gevalia 1853 Heritage Blend Coffee Review and Giveaway

I can think of nothing better than waking up early, enjoying a good cup of coffee and reading my paper in peace. In no way, would I call myself a coffee snob but like the late Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart remark's regarding pornography "... I know it when I see it," I know a good cup of coffee when I drink it.

Recently, I was sent Gevalia 1853 Heritage Blend to test out and review.  Gevalia is celebrating its history of producing exceptional coffee with introduction of the Heritage blend. For those unfamiliar with Gevalia, the company offers over 40 coffees (both ground and whole bean) and teas that are sent directly to your home based on your coffee preferences and scheduled to be delivered on your timetable. The 1853 Heritage blend is roasted and ground in Sweden.

The 1853 Heritage blend is $9.95 for half-pound of regular and $10.75 for decaffeinated plus $5.95 shipping and handling. The coffee is only available online beginning mid-July, while supplies last.

What I liked about Gevalia Heritage Blend Coffee:

• The aroma of the coffee when I opened the vacuum packaged bag. There is nothing like the smell of freshly ground coffee when you open it for the first time. 
• I liked the taste of the coffee which mild, quite yummy and delicious. I think but don't quote since this is the reason I am not a taste tester but I think I tasted caramel. 
• There was no bitter after taste. 

What I did not like about Gevalia Heritage Blend Coffee:

• I can't say that anything negative about the 1853 Heritage Blend coffee other than for me, it was not strong enough. I drink espresso grade coffee and while the coffee is pretty flavorful, I like my morning coffee to have a kick. 

Would I recommend trying the Gevalia  1853 Heritage blend? Yes. 

That said, I would remiss if I did not make a comment about the price. I guess like almost any product, if you are coffee snob,  the price of a good cup of coffee doesn't matter, right. 

There is a reason, Starbucks can charge what they do, people are willing to pay for the taste otherwise they would get it from the coffee cart for far less. 

Sometimes, the little treats in life gets us through the day.

Gevalia is offering one lucky NYC Single Mom Reviews fan the opportunity to win Gevalia gift pack (a box of 1853 Heritage blend, Gevalia scoop, Gevalia filters, travel mug and 2 coffee mugs):

To win, enter the required information in the entry form below.

For additional entries:

1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog

2. Follow me on twtter: http://www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom

3. Become a Email Subscriber

4. Become a Follower

5. Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429

NYC Single Mom Reviews is also the Editor of NYC Single Mom and is a contributing writer at NY Metropolista, Traveling Mom.com  and NYC Moms Blog. 

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom Reviews received 1853 Heritage Blend for review purposes only and did receive compensation for this post. 

Continue Reading...

Bejewled Twist Computer Game (PC CD-ROM Only) Giveaway CLOSED

Congrats to K. McBride 


Bejeweled, according to the Guinness World Records is "The Most Popular Puzzle Game Series of the Century" and I would agree. Not only is it fun but addictive. Bejeweled Twist Peggle Nights is another in a long line of Bejeweled games that is sure to keep you engaged and playing for hours.  The game involves rotating gems to make matches in four game modes for every level player from classic to zen and boasts eye-popping graphics and effects.

One lucky NYC Single Mom Review readers will win Bejeweled Twist Peggle Nights (PC CD- ROM only.)

To win, enter the required information in the entry form below.

For additional entries:

1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog

2. Follow me on twtter: http://www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom

3. Become a Email Subscriber

4. Become a Follower

5. Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom Reviews was provided a complimentary copy at the SV Moms blog/bit defender event. 

Continue Reading...

Bejeweled 2 Computer Game (WIN MAC CD-ROM Only) Giveaway CLOSED

 

Congrats to A. Doggett

Bejeweled, according to the Guinness World Records is "The Most Popular Puzzle Game Series of the Century" and I would agree. Not only is it fun but addictive. Like all Bejeweled games that have been introduced over the years, Bejeweled 2 is guaranteed to be infectious and addictive and a great addition for all you game enthusiasts.

One lucky NYC Single Mom Review readers will win Bejeweled 2  (WIN- MAC CD-ROM only.)

To win, enter the required information in the entry form below.

For additional entries:

1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog

2. Follow me on twtter: http://www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom

3. Become a Email Subscriber

4. Become a Follower

5. Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429



Disclosure: NYC Single Mom Reviews was provided a complimentary copy at the SV Moms blog/bit defender event. 

Continue Reading...