Have you seen Cars 2 yet? We haven’t, but it’s definitely on the boys summer “To Do” list. They are especially looking forward to seeing the movie after RIDEMAKERZ invited my family to a Toys “R” Us event to celebrate their new DisneyPixar Cars 2 line on Father’s Day weekend. Reggie, Michael and Sean all had a wonderful time customizing their own Cars 2 rides.

If you have fans of the Cars movies in your home, then they will love The RIDEMAKERZ Cars 2 line of customizable toy cars that are sold exclusively at Toys “R” Us. (My kids enjoyed the event so much, that I bought one of Sean’s little friends a Toys “R” Us gift card to make his own RIDEMAKERZ as a birthday gift.)

“My guys” had so much fun tricking out their cars (Lightning McQueen, Finn Mc Missile and Mater) as well as my Francesco Bernoulli car.

First, they chose their favorite cars.

Then, they chose the parts (rims, side pipes, engines, etc.) that they wanted to use to personalize their cars.

Finally, they put all of the pieces together (with a little help!) to make their own customized car.

Afterwards, we all had some delicious snacks as the kids playfully raced their cars. While the kids were eating and playing, I spoke with Larry Andreini, the founder of RIDEMAKERZ, and my fellow blogging friends. It is always so inspiring to be around people who are doing what they truly love. Best of all, this was one of those blogging events where the entire family had a great time!

Thanks to RIDEMAKERZ for inviting my family to this event.

1. Dinner at Rusty Nail: The servers were friendly and attentive. The food was fabulous. I was also able to spend time with a group of fabulous bloggers. Since I often get the chance to spend time with the bloggers who are based in New York, it was especially fun to laugh and learn from Jo-Lynne, Melissa and Shannon Ott who all live in the Pennsylvania area. They are so sweet and smart. (They also take really beautiful photos.)

2. The history of Congress Hall: The owner Curtis Bradshaw talked about the history of Cape May, the oldest seaside resort town. It was fascinating to hear how his grandfather acquired much of the land that was not being developed during his generation. Hearing about Curtis’ fond childhood memories and traditions, really helped to explain how important simple pleasures and building memories is incorporated into the Congress Hall business culture.

3. Congress Hall events and activities: It was obvious that Myra, the activities coordinator/Director of Fun, enjoys her job so much. In addition to the various lodging and dining spots that fall under the Cape May Resorts umbrella, it is obvious that a lot of thought has been put into the programming schedule. They also have a Kid’s Camp where parents can drop their kids off in order to have a special date night. To see the full list of activities and events, you can visit their site.

4. Circuit training with Kate: It was fun to take a group fitness class with a few other bloggers on Friday. The exercises were simple to do. However, it was the repetition that made me “feel” it the next day. The nutrition class was also very informative. (Kate is going to send me copies of the exercises and nutrition notes that I will share with you soon.)

5. Lunch and walking tour at Beach Plum Farm: This will definitely stick in my memory as a highlight of this trip. Seeing the fruit and vegetables while they are still in the earth is just special. To eat the food straight from the farm to the table was also a sweet treat. Chef Lucas Manteca and his staff prepared an amazing lunch. It felt as if I was in the middle of a Martha Stewart segment as we all ate the freshly prepared salads, grilled meat and such.

6. The Ebbit Room at the Virginia Hotel: We went there for dessert after the lunch at the farm. The strawberry pie was so amazing that I was almost late for my massage that I was scheduled to have.

7. The Sea Spa at Congress Hall: Massages are one of my “things”. This one was perfect…I was so relaxed that I fell to sleep! (Unlike my last NYC massage where the masseuse was stepping on my back!)

8. The Tommy Folly shops at Congress Hall: I really didn’t do much sightseeing outside of Congress Hall, but there was so much to see there! With all of the clothing, jewelry and home goods that are on-site, it definitely makes off-site shopping optional.

9. Dining at The Blue Pig Tavern: Everything that I ordered was really good, but the macaroni and cheese appetizer with crabmeat on top was amazing! The conversation on our end of the table was especially funny – so much so that we had the owner (Curtis) play musical chairs to get away from us…and I’m only slightly kidding!

10. My beautiful room at Congress Hall: It was so wonderful to have a huge, comfortable bed all to myself for a couple of nights. The big, beautiful old-fashioned tub was my favorite thing though. There was a small thing of Aveda bath salts, so I just couldn’t leave before taking a long, interruption-free bubble bath with soothing bath salts. Just thinking about it takes me to a calm, peaceful place…

My stay at Congress Hal in Cape May was simply wonderful. All of those lovely ladies in the picture at the top of this post made it extra special.

In any event, if you are planning on going to Cape May this year, you can receive a $100 Resort credit to be used during your stay at Congress Hall, Virginia Hotel, or beach shack. (Reservations must be reserved online using the promo code MOMBLOG. They must be booked by July 31, 2011 for stays in 2011. The $100 credit will be applied at the time of checkout and is not valid with any other offers.)

Last, but definitely not least, I’m especially thankful to TheMotherhood along with Curtis and Jeanine (of Congress Hall ) who allowed me to be a part of this Mom Bloggers Weekend Retreat. It really was a special treat!

Today was excellent. I just want you to know that this trip is not all about me though. I asked the personal trainer if I could share the exercises and nutrition information that she shared today and she said “yes”. Several of us asked Chef Lucas if he would share some of the recipes from the (delicious) lunch that we had today and he said “yes”. I can’t bring you the actual food or the sleep-inducing massage experience, but the information will be great too! Anyway, here is “Day 2″ in pictures…

One last note for the night: If you are planning on going to Cape May this year, you can receive a $100 Resort credit to be used during your stay at Congress Hall, Virginia Hotel, or beach shack. (Reservations must be reserved online using the promo code MOMBLOG. They must be booked by July 31, 2011 for stays in 2011. The $100 credit will be applied at the time of checkout and is not valid with any other offers.)

I’m at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ for a blogger trip. I’ll be updating the blog with photos and videos over the next few days regarding what takes place. (I will fill you in on the details next week!)

Day 1:

Also, here is a short video that I took of the spacious room that I’m staying in at Congress Hall. A bed to myself for a few nights = bliss!

(Now, I must go to bed so that I can be up and ready for a 7:30am circuit training class.)

On May 22nd, I went to the first annual New Mamas Expo. No, I don’t have anything to tell you…I am personally finished with the new and expectant mom stage! However, several of my dear friends worked hard to make this event wonderful and it was literally within walking distance of my Forest Hills home. I’m glad that I went. There is something special about being around pregnant and new moms. They are just so excited and eager to learn how to provide the best for their children. Being around them made me reflect on those special times of my life…

While I saw some familiar favorites, there were also several lines that I wish were available when I was at that life stage. See for yourself…

What were your “must-have” items when you were pregnant and/or a new mom? For me, they were the Baby Bjorn, Huggies diapers, Pampers wipes, Aveeno Baby Wash, Onesies (of all types) and the pattemm pad.

Thanks to Queens Mamas for providing the pass for this event.

On Monday, I attended a “Celebration of Sandwiches” event with Chef Bobby Flay that was sponsored by Hellmann’s. During the time at La Venue, Bobby Flay demonstrated three of his original sandwich recipes (a New York Turkey Reuben with Thousand Island Coleslaw; a Miami Turkey Cuban; and a New Orleans Chicken Muffuletta with Spicy Olive Relish Mayonnaise). He also shared some sandwich techniques that I found to be helpful.

After Bobby displayed his skills, the group was split up at various stations so that we could make our own sandwich creations. I had received some amazing sandwich creation ideas from my friends on a Facebook thread, but it was hard to duplicate them with the available ingredients. I ended up using my personal sandwich philosophy – make them based on what the recipient likes. Since I was making this particular sandwich for myself, I just went through the available items and picked everything that I liked. My double decker “Everything” sandwich consisted of ham, turkey, chicken, American cheese, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, Romaine lettuce and whole wheat bread. What made it extra tasty was Bobby’s Spicy Olive Relish Mayonnaise. (It is so delicious. I will give you the recipe for it next week.)

This particular gathering was being held to highlight Hellmann’s current “Build Your Perfect Sandwich” sweepstakes. The premise of this promotion is a study that revealed 84% of people believe that how you make a sandwich is just as important as what you put on it. So, Hellmann’s is having sweepstakes entrants build their own virtual sandwiches for the chance to win a variety of prizes, including a $5,000 grocery gift card.

Since this week is Passover for my Jewish friends, I will post the three sandwich recipes along with the related tips next week. I just wanted to let you all know about the sweepstakes now, so that you can start entering. Speaking of my Jewish friends… when Bobby and I were talking, I asked him if Hellmann’s was kosher. “That’s a good question,” he responded and asked one of the reps. “That is a good question, the rep responded. I will have to look into that.” Awkward….

In any event, if I never get invited to another event hosted by Bobby Flay or Hellmann’s…I blame Rebecca Levey for having me all Passover-minded from our Facebook food conversation earlier that day. (Not really Rebecca – I love you!) Oh, well…

P.S. For the record, “All varieties of Hellmann’s® are KOSHER certified (MK on label).” – Source: http://www.hellmanns.ca/english/en/faq.html (I did a google search on it, so that I would never have to ask again! I was happy to note that I wasn’t the only one with that question…hence it being a FAQ/frequently asked question. Now, we all know the answer .)

On Monday, I attended the Special K Resolutions/”What Will You Gain When You Lose?” event that I wrote about on this post. It was fun to do some of my favorite things – talk, laugh and talk some more – with both friends and new acquaintances.

When I arrived, I was surprised to see that there was a line of people waiting outside in the cold to participate in the event. Then, I looked up and saw the “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” question scrolling on the Times Square Studio building along with the images of the people who were “weighing” themselves inside.

After catching up with a few of my blogging friends, I made the event rounds with Lisa. The first thing that we did was get interviewed on camera before stepping on to a giant scale. I was asked what my “word” was in regards to nutrition for 2011. I used one of my “three words” for 2011 – careful. (The other two are flourish and discipline.) If I’m careful with what I put in my mouth, then I will meet many of the goals that I have set – including the physical ones. The moment of truth was next…I weighed in at “Confident”. The “weight” was inspirational phrases or words that captured the emotional benefit of achieving weight loss goals – not numbers. (I wouldn’t weigh myself in the middle of Times Square for it to be witnessed by passerbys anyway!) After stating that I was confident that I would meet my goals, I moved on to the next station as my reaction was projected on a large screen outside..

Next, I wrote my preferred words for what I will gain on the back of a box of Special K cereal and was photographed. I put all three of my words for 2011 – careful, flourish and discipline – on my package. If I am careful and disciplined, my health will flourish. Right? I hope so!

Then, I put on my “reporter” hat and interviewed a representative from Special K and one of the random people who had just heard about the event and came inside. I love those “people on the street” interview situations. The lady was so sweet and engaging. After she mentioned that she was an actress who was originally from Nigeria, we figured out that we have a mutual friend in common. (When it comes to personal connections, New York City is huge and small…both at the same time.)

You can hear what the ladies had to say and see various photos that I took at the event in the short video below:

*Update: The name of the lovely participant that I interviewed is Mutiyat Ade-Salu. She actually has a new blog called SPEAK! As I mentioned, Mutiyat is from Nigeria and on her blog she explores the issues around being a first generation American. You can visit it at www.mutiyatspeaks.blogspot.com.*

If this “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” campaign causes people to think in a more positive manner regarding weight loss, then that is great. Anything that contributes to people’s overall health is a plus in my book. If you are personally interested in joining the campaign, you can visit www.SpecialK.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/specialkus.

What will you gain when you lose?

(Disclosure: I am being compensated for participating in this assignment. As always, the opinions – unless otherwise noted – are completely mine.)

According to USA.gov, one of the most consistently popular New Year’s Resolutions is “Lose Weight”. Well, that’s one thing that the government is right about! Personally, I’m going to be writing a lot more about food in 2012, so I plan on sampling a lot of great new dishes. My plan is to eat light, healthy meals when I’m at home so that I am free to indulge a bit more when I’m out and about.

That is why I was excited when Erin over at TheMotherhood asked me to be a “Special K Resolution Reporter” at an event next Monday. I will be joining several of my blogging friends (Amy Oztan, Jen Rabulan-Bertram, Lisa Perez and Emily McKhann) in covering the event. The details are below:

What: In an effort to help people focus on what they will gain by losing weight and being healthy, Special K is hosting this special event. While there, people will be able to step on a super-sized scale to reveal what they will GAIN when they lose weight in 2011. There won’t be any numbers on the scale. Rather, there will be an inspirational word or phrase that focuses on the emotional benefit of achieving your goals. (Now you know that I would not ask you to weigh yourself in public! I don’t even weigh myself in front of my husband. )

In addition, participants (who want to do so) will have the chance to be part of the next Special K commercial. They can also write their personal “gain” on Special K cereal packaging, take a photo with it and share it with other women on the SpecialK.com community. Lastly, there will be coupon books, samples of Special K cereal and snacks and T-shirts for attendees while supplies last.

When: Monday, Jan. 3rd from 2pm -5pm

Where:Times Square Studios (1500 Broadway, between 43rd and 44th Street)

It should be fun, so please stop by if you are in the area. I will be there between 3pm and 4pm and I would love to see you. Even if you can’t make it, you can visit www.SpecialK.com to get more information on their products and the Special K Challenge/weight management plan. In any event, I like that this project is shifting the focus from what you will lose (besides weight) to what you will gain by being at a healthy weight. Personally, I know that I need to be healthy…just to keep up with my three guys!

If “losing weight” is one of your resolutions/goals, what do you hope to gain?

(Disclosure: I am being compensated for participating in this assignment. As always, the opinions – unless otherwise noted – are completely mine. Post image courtesy of Special K.)

I have spent the last couple of years having Thanksgiving with Bobby Flay. Actually, that is only kind of true. He hasn’t actually invited me over to his home for dinner BUT he does provide me with some great tips for the holidays at various blogging events sponsored by Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. I learned more of the practicals last year, so I will share those thoughts. However, I wanted to share a Turkey Paella recipe from this year’s event that all of us bloggers were raving over. I had to restrain myself from going back for seconds (and thirds!), because it was so yummy. Leftover turkey never tasted so good before….

Below are some helpful tips from last year:

1. Kid tips: In general, don’t give them separate meals/a choice of a meal different from what you are eating. Rather, expose them to a variety of foods. Have them try different things and keep re-introducing the same foods. Remember that tastes change over time. As an example, Bobby shared how his 13 year old daughter initially hated strawberries, but now she loves them.

2. Prioritize your cooking. It’s important to think about how much time various dishes/sauces/etc. will take to prepare. Plan accordingly.

3. Consider having a themed Thanksgiving. Bobby shared that he serves 40 -50 people each year at his home for Thanksgiving. He always serves family style but each year, he does variations. He has done Texas and New Orleans themed days in the past. This year, his theme will be New England. As such, he will include blueberries, clams and oysters (traditional New England foods) on his menu in addition to turkey and other tradition Thanksgiving foods. He shared that he loves Thanksgiving. (I would love if too if I were his wife – he does the cooking!)

4. Part of hosting is organizing. When people ask if they can bring something, be specific in your directions so that you won’t have a whole lot of one thing. Bobby said that he cooks the meal, but he lets guests bring pastries or wine. “I’m not/don’t have the patience to be a pastry chef,” he shared. Personally, I think that it’s great in cooking (as in life!) to play to your strengths. (My current strength is to bring one side dish.) It seems like cooking runs in Bobby’s family though. His sister-in-law was cooking/working with him while he was doing the presentation. (How can I get adopted into THAT family – at least for Thanksgiving?)

5. Turkey (Bobby style):I’m going to give you Bobby Flay’s turkey cooking instructions. Take note, because he makes two 30 pound turkeys each Thanksgiving. First of all, he does not brine his turkey. Rather, he: takes it; rinses and cleans it; pats it dry; seasons it with salt and pepper; puts it in the roasting pan with carrots, onions, celery, chicken stock and butter; roasts it at 350 degrees; bastes it every 20 minutes with the chicken stock from in the pan; glazes it towards the last half hour; and lets it rest for one hour (to give the juices time to cool down) before serving it.

Lastly, I’m going to give you Bobby Flays #1 “secret” for serving a successful Thanksgiving dinner…chicken stock. That’s right. He says to have a lot of hot chicken stock to help heat up food as you serve it. He claims that it will “save the day”.

Now, this is my favorite recipe from this year’s event with Bobby Flay and Lori Loughlin…

(Courtesy of Hellmann's Mayonnaise)

6 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

* 1/4 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
* 2-1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
* 1 tsp. grated lemon peel
* 1/2 tsp. paprika
* 2 Tbsp. canola oil
* 1/2 lb. spicy turkey sausage or pork sausage, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
* 1 small Spanish onion, chopped
* 2 roasted red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
* 3 cloves garlic
* 1-1/2 cups uncooked regular or converted rice
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup green peas
* 1 lb. leftover turkey, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

* Combine Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon peel and paprika with wire whisk in small bowl. Season, if desired, with salt and pepper; set aside.

* Heat oil in 4-quart Dutch oven over high heat and cook sausage, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove to paper-towel-lined plate.

* Cook onion in same Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in red peppers and garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in rice and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer covered 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir in peas and turkey and let stand covered 5 minutes. Gently fold in lemon-paprika aioli and parsley. Season, if desired, with salt and pepper.

This recipe really is simple. (Since turkey isn’t my favorite meat, I might try it with chicken instead.)

Do you usually have leftover turkey? If so, what is your favorite turkey leftover dish?

At the end of October, I attended a dinner that was co-hosted by a dear fellow blogger, Colleen of Classy Mommy. She had recently teamed up with Scrubbing Bubbles to be a part of their Scrubbing Bubbles Dirty Work Panel and wanted to let us know more about it.

I’ll be honest. I keep a (relatively) neat home but I’m not someone who gets excited about cleaning. I mainly went to the dinner to support Colleen…because she’s cool like that. To my pleasant surprise, I actually had fun learning about “dirty work”. It didn’t hurt that the dinner was held at Rock Center Cafe which has really wonderful offerings. It also helped that I was surrounded by some of my favorite blogging friends. It would have been difficult to not have fun!

One of Colleen’s fellow panelists, Donna Erickson (TV host of PBS’ “Donna’s Day”) was also at the dinner. She was so adorable and endearing. I loved answering her questions about how my finance background and mom blogging worlds have collided. More importantly, it was fun to learn and share some cleaning tips and tricks. We took this quiz about the cleaning habits of women and practically all of us got 100%. (They were easy, true/false questions regarding how women think about the cleanliness of their homes).

I don’t have any really good housekeeping tips. I’m with Nike…just do it I don’t really mind housework. The only thing that is tedious to me is laundry. I used to get in a funk every time that it was laundry day. Now, I just blast my Mary J. Blige CD during folding time. By the time the CD is over, the folding is usually done. As for bathrooms, I have nothing to say…except that one day I want a “girls-only” bathroom so that my guys can clean their own restroom! At the end of the evening, we received some Scrubbing Bubbles products. I’m a little paranoid about using cleaners around my kids, so I used it when they were out. It worked well. Now, if it would only come with a housekeeper attached to it, life would be (even more) beautiful!

P.S. Would you be surprised to learn that the results of the Scrubbing Bubbles survey revealed that the #1 reason women deep clean is because the In-laws are coming? It is…