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	<title>Mom In The City &#187; Products</title>
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	<description>A NYC Mom&#039;s Lifestyle Blog</description>
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		<title>The London Candy Company Candy Launches Their “Knock-Offs” Cake Line</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/the-london-candy-company-candy-launches-their-%e2%80%9cknock-offs%e2%80%9d-cake-line/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:42:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knock-Offs Cake Line]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The London Candy Company]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I’m coming down from a sugar high after last night’s launch party of The London Candy Company’s Knock-Offs cake line. The cakes will debut in the New York store today. Thankfully, there were also some savory food treats at the party to (somewhat) neutralize all of the delicious cake samples! The new line of British candy bar-flavored cakes was inspired by those prepared by the mother of the shop’s owner Jig Patel when he was a young child. When I first read the descriptions, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy them. (I have simple tastes.) However, I was pleasantly surprised that the ones that I tasted were amazing! Cake highlights from pastry chef Khahlidra Levister include the following: -After Eight &#8211; Chocolate cake layered with peppermint fondant and covered in dark chocolate -Topic – Chocolate cake with homemade nougat and hazelnuts (This was my favorite!) -Blackcurrant &#8211; Fruit pastille-flavored cake -Terry’s Chocolate Orange &#8211; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/the-london-candy-company-candy-launches-their-%e2%80%9cknock-offs%e2%80%9d-cake-line/" title="Permanent link to The London Candy Company Candy Launches Their “Knock-Offs” Cake Line"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/the-london-candy-company-knock-offs-cake-line.jpg" width="500" height="222" alt="Post image for The London Candy Company Candy Launches Their “Knock-Offs” Cake Line" /></a>
</p><p>I’m coming down from a sugar high after last night’s launch party of <a href="http://www.thelondoncandycompany.com">The London Candy Company’s</a> Knock-Offs cake line.  The cakes will debut in the New York store today.  Thankfully, there were also some savory food treats at the party to (somewhat) neutralize all of the delicious cake samples!</p>
<p>The new line of British candy bar-flavored cakes was inspired by those prepared by the mother of the shop’s owner Jig Patel when he was a young child.  When I first read the descriptions, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy them.  (I have simple tastes.)  However, I was pleasantly surprised that the ones that I tasted were amazing!  Cake highlights from pastry chef Khahlidra Levister include the following:</p>
<p>-<strong>After Eight</strong> &#8211; Chocolate cake layered with peppermint fondant and covered in dark chocolate</p>
<p>-<strong>Topic</strong> – Chocolate cake with homemade nougat and hazelnuts (This was my favorite!)</p>
<p>-<strong>Blackcurrant</strong> &#8211; Fruit pastille-flavored cake </p>
<p>-<strong>Terry’s Chocolate Orange</strong> &#8211; Chocolate cake layered with dark chocolate orange ganache and covered in dark chocolate </p>
<p>-<strong>Coconut Bounty</strong> &#8211; Coconut cake layered with coconut cream and covered in milk chocolate</p>
<p>Although The London Candy Company shop has only been open for ten weeks, it is already a favorite of British candy lovers.  I asked Howie, the store manager, to share <u><strong>the top five candy bestsellers</strong></u>.  (That way, you will know what to pick up while you’re getting your cake!)  Here they are…</p>
<p><strong>1.  Maynard wine gums </strong>- There is no wine in the candy.  Rather, it’s a British version of gummy candies.</p>
<p><strong>2. Crunchie bar</strong> – This chocolate bar is similar to the texture (not taste) of a Butterfinger, but it is lighter.</p>
<p><strong>3. 70% Dark Chocolate Kit Kat</strong> – Initially, they were 65%, but were changed to a higher percentage of chocolate.  They constantly sell out.</p>
<p><strong>4. Curly Wurly</strong> – These lattice-shaped chocolate and caramel candies are delicious.  (I sampled one.)</p>
<p><strong>5. Flake</strong> – Howie described this as the “gateway” candy for Americans to start eating British candies.</p>
<p><strong>5. Smarties</strong> – Don’t confuse the British smarties with the American ones.  Rather, they are chocolate.  They are like M&#038;Ms but each one tastes different.  Fruit and vegetable concentrates are also used for coloring instead of artificial ingredients.<br />
<center> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycmominthecity/5859223126/" title="P1060986 by nycmominthecity, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5859223126_7c06149f55.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="P1060986"></a> </center></p>
<p>As you can see, there was a tie for #5.  Howie also shared two honorable mentions:</p>
<p><strong>1. Turkish Delight </strong>– British customers love this candy.  Also, this candy is apparently mentioned in The Chronicles of Narnia, because many of the book/movie fans come in asking for it.  </p>
<p><strong>2. Minstrels</strong> – These candies are also like M&#038;Ms, but they have a thicker shell.  (You can microwave them for a few seconds &#8211; the shell will remain crisp, while the chocolate inside melts a bit.)</p>
<p>In any event, that is enough sweet talk for one post.  I definitely recommend that you stop by the shop if you can.  I enjoyed myself so much that I’m actually going to write a second post tomorrow regarding how to throw a sweet Wimbledon-themed party at home like the one that they hosted.  Meanwhile, you can see some of the photos that I took last night:<br />
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<p><strong>The London Candy Company<br />
</strong>1442 Lexington Avenue<br />
New York, NY 10128<br />
(212) 427-2129<br />
<a href="http://www.thelondoncandycompany.com">www.thelondoncandycompany.com<br />
</a><br />
<em>Thanks to The London Candy Company for hosting such a fun party!</em></p>




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		<title>Father’s Day Gift Ideas</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/father%e2%80%99s-day-gift-ideas/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/father%e2%80%99s-day-gift-ideas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:14:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Father’s Day Gift Ideas]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[This is a fun week over at the Coleman household. On Wednesday, Reggie and I will celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary and Father’s Day is on Sunday. I ran the Father’s Day pitches from various companies by Reggie. He wasn’t interested in the typical tools, ties or whiskey/drinks. In fact, I only accepted two items to review at his request. We kept one (American Living polo shirts) and returned the other (the Motorola Xoom). The Motorola Xoom was the first item that I reviewed (in over 6 years) that both my husband and sons gave me grief about returning. “Don’t you miss it?” Sean asked the day after I sent it back. When I responded, “No”, he pressed on…”Not even a little bit?’ Well, even though it turns out that I am not a tablet computer fan, Reggie and the boys quickly grew attached to the Xoom. While Reggie would have loved to receive a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/father%e2%80%99s-day-gift-ideas/" title="Permanent link to Father’s Day Gift Ideas"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/american-living.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Post image for Father’s Day Gift Ideas" /></a>
</p><p>This is a fun week over at the Coleman household.  On Wednesday, Reggie and I will celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary and Father’s Day is on Sunday.  I ran the Father’s Day pitches from various companies by Reggie.  He wasn’t interested in the typical tools, ties or whiskey/drinks.  In fact, I only accepted two items to review at his request.  We kept one (<a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X2.aspx?DeptID=70660&#038;PCatID=70660&#038;CatID=70660&#038;CatTyp=DEP&#038;Dep=AMERICAN+LIVING&#038;cmDeptReset=true&#038;cmAMS_T=G1&#038;cmAMS_C=B1men&#038;cmCatID=globalnav">American Living</a> polo shirts) and returned the other (the <a href="http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/CA-EN/Consumer-Products-and-Services/Tablets/MOTOROLA-XOOM-with-WiFi-CA-EN">Motorola Xoom</a>).</p>
<p>The Motorola Xoom was the first item that I reviewed (in over 6 years) that both my husband and sons gave me grief about returning.  “Don’t you miss it?” Sean asked the day after I sent it back.  When I responded, “No”, he pressed on…”Not even a little bit?’  Well, even though it turns out that I am not a tablet computer fan, Reggie and the boys quickly grew attached to the Xoom.  While Reggie would have loved to receive a Xoom for a gift, I can’t justify spending $599+ on something that he primarily used to play Angry Birds! </p>
<p>Rather, I bought him the <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/2010/">Samsung GALAXY tab</a> for a combination anniversary/Father’s Day gift.  I wouldn’t be writing this if he didn’t already know his gift.  I really tried to keep it a surprise.  I opened a separate Verizon account when I ordered it.  I even had my doorman cover for me when a delay in shipping was going to cause the delivery to come during my short trip to Cape May, NJ.  Alas, I came home to find out that the mystery no longer existed.  (The company called my home phone twice while I was away to make sure that I was happy with my purchase.  Of course they were very specific and named my exact purchase both times!  Oh well….</p>
<p>American Living also sent my guys some cute little polo shirts to wear to an event that they sponsored at the Big Apple BBQ Party in Madison Square Park.  My guys tend to dress in a classic style (we all do), so the polos were a great fit.  Several of the American Living polo shirts are on sale for $19.99 (down from $45), so they would make a nice, reasonably-priced Father’s Day gift. My guys are wearing their polo shirts in the post image&#8230;</p>
<p>In any event, if the fathers (and father figures) in your life are like my husband, then they would enjoy receiving a Motorola Xoom or American Living polo for their special day.  Since my gift pickss are out of the way, I just need to learn how to make a lemon meringue pie &#8211; but that is another post!</p>




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		<title>Are Marie Callender’s Pot Pies (Really) Better than Homemade?</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/are-marie-callender%e2%80%99s-pot-pies-really-better-than-homemade/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 01:52:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marie Callender’s Pot Pies]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[One of the reasons that I&#8217;m excited about launching Foodie City Mom next month is that I like options in every area of my life&#8230;including the food that I eat. In addition to sharing the best recipes for a variety of dishes, I also want to share about the best prepared food items that I buy when I don&#8217;t have the time (energy, or desire) to cook from scratch. That&#8217;s why I was intrigued when TheMotherhood asked me to be a part of a project with Marie Callender’s Pot Pies. Recently, Yahoo! Shopping included Marie Callender&#8217;s Frozen Chicken Pot Pie in a post by a Bon Appetit guest blogger. The post was titled &#8220;8 Grocery Store Products that are Better than Homemade (really)&#8221;. A snippet of that section says, &#8220;The pastry puffs right up, and the ingredients are perfectly cooked and surprisingly fresh-tasting.&#8221; Well, I was asked to write a post answering the question, &#8220;Does [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/are-marie-callender%e2%80%99s-pot-pies-really-better-than-homemade/" title="Permanent link to Are Marie Callender’s Pot Pies (Really) Better than Homemade?"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/marie-callenders-chicken-pot-pie.jpg" width="160" height="160" alt="Post image for Are Marie Callender’s Pot Pies (Really) Better than Homemade?" /></a>
</p><p>One of the reasons that I&#8217;m excited about launching Foodie City Mom next month is that I like options in every area of my life&#8230;including the food that I eat.  In addition to sharing the best recipes for a variety of dishes, I also want to share about the best prepared food items that I buy when I don&#8217;t have the time (energy, or desire) to cook from scratch.  That&#8217;s why I was intrigued when <a href="http://www.themotherhood.com/">TheMotherhood</a> asked me to be a part of a project with <a href="http://www.mariecallendersmeals.com/#/pot-pie">Marie Callender’s Pot Pies</a>. </p>
<p>Recently, Yahoo! Shopping included Marie Callender&#8217;s Frozen Chicken Pot Pie in a post by a <em>Bon Appetit</em> guest blogger.  The post was titled <a href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/583/8-grocery-store-products-that-are-better-than-homemade-really/">&#8220;8 Grocery Store Products that are Better than Homemade (really)&#8221;</a>.  A snippet of that section says, &#8220;The pastry puffs right up, and the ingredients are perfectly cooked and surprisingly fresh-tasting.&#8221;  Well, I was asked to write a post answering the question, &#8220;Does a Marie Callender Pot Pie taste better than homemade?”  If you assume that my answer is &#8220;yes&#8221;, because this is a sponsored post, then obviously you don&#8217;t know me that well <img src='http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>It has been years since I last ate a frozen pot pie, so I really didn&#8217;t have any expectations when I redeemed my coupon for the pot pie.  The first thing that I noticed when I opened the package was that the pot pie was larger than the pot pies that I ate as a campus student many moons ago.  (I won&#8217;t name the various brands that I used to buy.  Just think &#8220;campus student budget&#8221; when cost was the primary deciding factor!)  I put the pot pie into the oven and patiently waited around an hour for it to bake, because I don&#8217;t like cooking this type of food in the microwave.  Finally, it was time to eat it. </p>
<p>The pot pie was really good. The crust was how I like it &#8211; flaky, but not too crumbly.  The chicken, peas, celery and sauce all tasted fresh.  (I didn&#8217;t eat the carrots though.  I rarely ever eat cooked carrots.  I prefer raw or steamed ones.)  I missed having potatoes in the pot pie, but all in all, it was a filling meal.  </p>
<p>Now, back to the original question&#8230;did it taste better than a homemade pot pie?  I&#8217;m sure that it tastes better than <strong>some</strong> homemade ones, but it was not better than the homemade pot pie in my personal frame of reference&#8230;my friend Rasheda&#8217;s homemade pot pies.  Whenever I think of a food, I immediately think back to the best version of it that I have ever had.  Many years ago, I had a dear friend named Rasheda who made the best homemade pot pies <strong>ever</strong>.  Most pot pies have similar ingredients, so I don&#8217;t know what made Rasheda&#8217;s version so especially wonderful.  She never told me her &#8220;secret ingredient&#8221;, but it is the <strong>definitive</strong> pot pie in my mind.  (The chicken pot pie served at NYC&#8217;s &#8220;Friend of a Farmer&#8221; runs a close second.  It is the best chicken pot pie from a restaurant that I have ever tasted!)  I also imagine that if I ate one that my friend <a href="http://www.injennieskitchen.com/">Jennie</a> cooked, it would be in my top three &#8211; simply since she made a zucchini bread that my kids couldn&#8217;t stop eating.  If you can make zucchini taste good, then you&#8217;re a cooking <strong>genius</strong>! Thinking about Jennie&#8217;s cooking leads me to one last point about frozen versus homemade items.  If you&#8217;re watching your diet, you have more control of the ingredients and salt when you cook dishes.  Chicken pot pie isn&#8217;t a diet food for most people anyway, but be sure to look at the calorie and sodium levels of the Marie Callender pot pies before you purchase them.  Personally, I think that it&#8217;s fine for an occasional treat, but (just like any other frozen food!), I would recommend against having them as menu staples.</p>
<p>Anyway, I digress.  I share all of that to say, &#8220;No. Marie Callender&#8217;s Chicken Pot Pie isn&#8217;t better than the homemade one that is ingrained in my memory.&#8221;  (Maybe the answer is that it depends on <strong>whose</strong> home the comparison pot pie is being made!)  It <strong>is</strong> the best frozen/grocery store pot pie that I have ever tasted though.  So, if you don&#8217;t feel like making homemade pot pie and you don&#8217;t live near Rasheda, Jennie or Friend of a Farmer, <strong>then</strong> Marie Callender&#8217;s Frozen Chicken Pot Pie is a tasty, satisfying option that you will enjoy.  </p>
<p>I&#8217;m curious&#8230;are there any grocery store products that you think are <strong>definitively</strong> better than the homemade option?<br />
<em><br />
Disclosure: I have been financially compensated by Marie Callender’s and TheMotherhood to write this post <strong>but </strong>the opinions are (obviously) mine. </em></p>




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		<title>TomTom&#8217;s HD Traffic: A GPS Technology Gamechanger</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/tomtoms-hd-traffic-a-gps-technology-gamechanger/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/tomtoms-hd-traffic-a-gps-technology-gamechanger/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 15:56:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TomTom HD Traffic]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Last night, I attended a TomTom Cocktail Event held on the Empire Hotel’s rooftop. CEO Harold Goddijn met with a variety of media to talk about TomTom’s GO 2535 M LIVE GPS ($349.95) with their new HD Traffic technology which provides real-time traffic information on both main roads and secondary roads. (Last week, I had mentioned to Consumer Reports that my mom wanted a GPS for Mother&#8217;s Day. Although my husband wants me to keep the TomTom that attendees were gifted to experience HD traffic, I will be giving it to her after we review it!) Technology can be “hit or miss” for me. (Honestly, I think that some technological advances are just new distractions/time wasters.) However, there are many tech products that I think are helpful. The TomTom’s HD Traffic technology falls in the latter category. I enjoy being around visionary people, so it was great to hear from both Tim Roper, the president [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Last night, I attended a TomTom Cocktail Event held on <a href="http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-rooftop.php">the Empire Hotel’s rooftop</a>.  CEO Harold Goddijn met with a variety of media to talk about <a href="http://www.tomtom.com/en_us/products/car-navigation/go-2535-m-live/">TomTom’s GO 2535 M LIVE</a> GPS ($349.95) with their new <a href="http://www.tomtom.com/services/service.php?id=89">HD Traffic technology</a> which provides real-time traffic information on both main roads and secondary roads.  (Last week, I had mentioned to <a href="http://news.consumerreports.org/appliances/2011/05/is-it-okay-to-give-mom-a-vacuum-cleaner-for-mothers-day.html">Consumer Reports</a> that my mom wanted a GPS for Mother&#8217;s Day.  Although my husband wants me to keep the TomTom that attendees were gifted to experience HD traffic, I will be giving it to her after we review it!)</p>
<p>Technology can be “hit or miss” for me.  (Honestly, I think that some technological advances are just new distractions/time wasters.)  However, there are many tech products that I think are helpful.  The TomTom’s HD Traffic technology falls in the latter category.  I enjoy being around visionary people, so it was great to hear from both Tim Roper, the president of TomTom, and Harold Goddijn.  As the CEO spoke, I was mainly impressed by the fact that including traffic information in GPS technology is just plain helpful.  Although I love being a mom, the biggest challenge for me is time.  I often have to wait for my husband to get home before I can go where I want/need to be.  When he gets caught in traffic, it totally throws my plans off.  Also, when we are all traveling together, I am constantly checking my cell phone to see the time.  (As I just wrote that, I’m struck by the irony that I can be time-obsessed, <strong>yet</strong> I rarely wear a watch!)  Anyway, I really like to be places on time, so traffic has the potential to stress me out. Traffic really does affect all of us!  Obviously, this new HD Traffic technology can’t solve everything.  However, it can help drivers more effectively plan their trips by taking less congested roads.  Anything that helps people to be more efficient with time is a plus in my book!  </p>
<p><strong>Some notes from the presentation that impressed me include the following:</strong></p>
<p>-	The GPS gives high accuracy information (including the exact location of traffic jams) with their TMC (traffic messaging channel). </p>
<p>-	TomTom has a 2 minute response time for automatic system updates versus the 15 minute industry standard.</p>
<p>-	They use a variety of different sources to give drivers the most effective route to their destinations.</p>
<p>-	Ultimately, I like that this product helps to save time. (Less time spent in traffic equals more time spent doing the things that you enjoy!)</p>
<p><strong>There was also time for a Q &#038; A session.  The highlights:</strong></p>
<p><strong>-	Will there be a licensing program for the HD Traffic data? </strong>Yes. Mobile phone makers and other will have access.</p>
<p><strong>-	Will uncongested roads become congested by the data re-routing drivers?</strong>  No.  The system is dynamic and the information is constantly being updated.</p>
<p><strong>-	For urban areas (like NYC) will the system recommend mass transit options?</strong>  It’s possible over time.  However, it presents challenges, because that type of information is not standardized.</p>
<p><strong>-	How much is the annual subscription for the HD Traffic navigation data?</strong> The first year is free (with the GPS purchase).  After that, it is a $59 extension fee.</p>
<p><strong>-	Is the HD Traffic information available for existing TomTom devices? </strong> Yes, but only for those with a built-in modem.</p>
<p><strong>-	Do you anticipate this technology causing more distracted driving/an increase in accidents?</strong> No (in principle).  Research shows that GPS use reduces stress and causes more focused driving.</p>
<p><strong>-	Will this work on a portable basis? </strong> Yes. The GPS with the HD Traffic setting will work on a portable basis for up to 4 hours.  There will also be a Smartphone app utilizing the HD traffic data.</p>
<p>To end, I took pictures of the various slide presentations.  It really is intriguing to see visuals regarding how traffic works on a larger scale and how much time can be saved by avoiding traffic jams.  Take a peek:<br />
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<p>What do you think about GPS technology?  Do you think that this new traffic technology will be helpful?</p>




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		<title>Three Top Trends from the Time to Play Spring Showcase</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/three-top-trends-from-the-time-to-play-spring-showcase/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/three-top-trends-from-the-time-to-play-spring-showcase/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 03:53:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spring Toy Trends]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Earlier today, I attended the Time to Play Spring Showcase, one of my favorite toy showcases each year. Every season, there are a variety of toys that are included on their “Most Wanted List” and that are featured throughout the showcase. This year, three things stood out to me: 1. Let’s hear it for the boys! There were a lot more toys that were geared towards boys than in the past. In fact, all of the toys (but one) on the 2011 Most Wanted List were geared towards boys or unisex. (Mattel’s Monster High Dawn of the Dance was the only traditionally “girl” toy that made the list.) Squinkies has even come out with a boy-themed Marvel line (that my boys happened to love!)… 2. Movie tie-ins are major. There are several movies that will be in the theatres this year. The accompanying toys are already here. There were a lot of promotional links to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/three-top-trends-from-the-time-to-play-spring-showcase/" title="Permanent link to Three Top Trends from the Time to Play Spring Showcase"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2011-time-to-play-spring-showcase.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Post image for Three Top Trends from the Time to Play Spring Showcase" /></a>
</p><p>Earlier today, I attended the <a href="http://www.timetoplaymag.com/">Time to Play </a>Spring Showcase, one of my favorite toy showcases each year.   Every season, there are a variety of toys that are included on their “<a href="http://www.timetoplaymag.com/mostwanted/2011/spring/">Most Wanted List</a>” and that are featured throughout the showcase.    This year, three things stood out to me:</p>
<p><strong>1.	Let’s hear it for the boys!</strong> There were a lot more toys that were geared towards boys than in the past.  In fact, all of the toys (but one) on the <a href="http://www.timetoplaymag.com/mostwanted/2011/spring/">2011 Most Wanted List </a>were geared towards boys or unisex.  (Mattel’s Monster High Dawn of the Dance was the only traditionally “girl” toy that made the list.) Squinkies has even come out with a boy-themed Marvel line (that my boys happened to love!)…</p>
<p><strong>2.	Movie tie-ins are major. </strong> There are several movies that will be in the theatres this year.  The accompanying toys are already here.  There were a lot of promotional links to <em>Cars</em>, <em>Green Lantern</em>, <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stronger Tides</em> and <em>Transformers: Dark of the Moon</em>.   The <em>Smurfs</em> and <em>Kung Fu Panda</em> also had some related merchandise…but to a lesser degree.</p>
<p><strong>3.	Small is the new big thing.</strong>  Many brands are coming out with small products and/or are making tinier versions of their original products.  This makes the toys less expensive.  As a result, they are more collectible and easier to trade with friends.  Gomu erasers, Squinkies, Sqwishland caps, Hasbro’s Cyberverse (smaller action figures), MEGA’s Microdragons, miniature PetCakes and even Razor Pocket Scooters are just some of the items that fall under this trend.  Mini is major.  (Personally, I would be very wary of having toys that are smaller than the opening of a toilet paper roll around if I had very young kids.  I would be concerned about choking hazards!)</p>
<p>In any event, below are photos of all the toys that I took.  There is also a short video clip that I took of the toy that stood out the most to me: the <strong>Cars 2 Finn McMissile Zero Gravity car</strong>.  It literally rode <strong>up </strong>the wall!<br />
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<em><strong><br />
Did any of the toys catch your interest on first glance?</strong></em></p>
<p><em>(Thanks to Time to Play for the showcase and the gifting suite where several of the smaller toys were distributed for review purposes.)</em> </p>




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		<title>Corolle’s Beautiful Brown Dolls For Kids</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/corolle%e2%80%99s-beautiful-brown-dolls-for-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/corolle%e2%80%99s-beautiful-brown-dolls-for-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:36:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Corolle dolls]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I skipped Toy Fair this year because I was going through toy overload after the holiday season. (I’ve recovered though and I will be attending the Time to Play spring showcase next week.) Even though I didn’t make it, many companies offered to send me toys to test out. The only offer that I accepted was from Corolle dolls. I remember seeing the Corolle dolls at a prior toy showcase. I remember the dolls, because I thought that the brown ones were so cute. Although I have two sons, there are many little girls in my life including many nieces and daughters of family friends. Since I think that it is important for little girls to have dolls of all skin tones (including their own!), I agreed to review the Corolle dolls. I was sent dolls for two different age ranges. The Calin Naima baby doll from the Mon Premier line (for little girls aged [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/corolle%e2%80%99s-beautiful-brown-dolls-for-kids/" title="Permanent link to Corolle’s Beautiful Brown Dolls For Kids"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/calin-naima.jpg" width="284" height="363" alt="Post image for Corolle’s Beautiful Brown Dolls For Kids" /></a>
</p><p>I skipped Toy Fair this year because I was going through toy overload after the holiday season.  (I’ve recovered though and I will be attending the Time to Play spring showcase next week.)  Even though I didn’t make it, many companies offered to send me toys to test out.  The only offer that I accepted was from <a href="http://www.corolle.com/us/premier.php5">Corolle dolls</a>.</p>
<p>I remember seeing the Corolle dolls at a prior toy showcase.  I remember the dolls, because I thought that the brown ones were so cute.  Although I have two sons, there are many little girls in my life including many nieces and daughters of family friends.  Since I think that it is important for little girls to have dolls of all skin tones (including their own!), I agreed to review the Corolle dolls.</p>
<p>I was sent dolls for two different age ranges.  The Calin Naima baby doll from the Mon Premier line (for little girls aged 18 months and up) looked just like my first niece did many years ago – a cute little bald-headed chocolate drop.  Really – my niece didn’t have hair until she was almost 2!  (She is now a college graduate and mom herself.)  Besides the appearance, I also really like that the body of the doll is soft and snuggable.  Both of the Corolle dolls also have a very pleasant scent.  (I can’t really describe the smell, but I know that I like it!)  You can see the Calin Naima doll at the top of this post. </p>
<p>Cecile from the Les Cheries line (for girls ages 3+) was another hit.  Two things stood out about this doll: 1. She was dressed oh so fashionably. 2. Her curly ‘fro hair.  Unlike the typical straight black hair found on most dolls of color, Cecile’s hair actually looked like some little Black girls’ beautiful hair. Actually, this doll’s hair looks like a longer version of my son Michael’s hair when he was a baby.  No wonder random people constantly asked to touch his hair (?!)  Suffice it to say, the little girl that received Cecile loved her.  I’m sure that they will have a lot of fun times together.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cecile1.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cecile1.jpg" alt="" title="cecile" width="284" height="625" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13455" /></a></center></p>
<p>In any event, Corolle dolls are a great option for the little girls in your life.  They are award-winning, quality dolls at reasonable prices – a combination that cannot be beat!</p>




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		<title>Perfect Cards for Mom &#8211; Mother&#8217;s Day &amp; Beyond (By Posh Peacock And Tiny Prints)</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/perfect-cards-for-mom-mothers-day-beyond-by-posh-peacock-and-tiny-prints/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/perfect-cards-for-mom-mothers-day-beyond-by-posh-peacock-and-tiny-prints/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:24:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cards for Moms by Posh Peacock And Tiny Prints]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Stationery is one of my favorite things. I could spend hours getting lost in a stationery store &#8211; exploring all of the different designs, textures and such. With technology though, I now find some of my favorite stationery sources online. Although it takes a bit more time for my desired products to reach me, their unique nature makes ordering online worth the wait. As Mother&#8217;s Day is approaching next month, I want to share two of my favorite online card companies of the moment&#8230; Posh Peacock and Tiny Prints. Posh Peacock: True Confession: I don&#8217;t especially enjoy receiving birth announcements. I just don&#8217;t know what to do with them after I look at them. It seems wasteful to throw them in the trash bin. However, when my friend Christine (whom I usually mention in association with her Boston Mamas site) sent me the birth announcement for Violet, the newest addition to the Koh family, I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/perfect-cards-for-mom-mothers-day-beyond-by-posh-peacock-and-tiny-prints/" title="Permanent link to Perfect Cards for Mom &#8211; Mother&#8217;s Day &#038; Beyond <br />(By Posh Peacock And Tiny Prints)"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Georgina_hires_folded1.jpg" width="498" height="646" alt="Post image for Perfect Cards for Mom &#8211; Mother&#8217;s Day &#038; Beyond <br />(By Posh Peacock And Tiny Prints)" /></a>
</p><p>Stationery is one of my favorite things.  I could spend hours getting lost in a stationery store &#8211; exploring all of the different designs, textures and such.  With technology though, I now find some of my favorite stationery sources online.  Although it takes a bit more time for my desired products to reach me, their unique nature makes ordering online worth the wait.  As Mother&#8217;s Day is approaching next month, I want to share two of my favorite online card companies of the moment&#8230; Posh Peacock and Tiny Prints.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://poshpeacock.com/">Posh Peacock</a>:</strong><br />
True Confession: I don&#8217;t especially enjoy receiving birth announcements.  I just don&#8217;t know what to do with them after I look at them.  It seems wasteful to throw them in the trash bin.  However, when my friend Christine (whom I usually mention in association with her <a href="http://www.bostonmamas.com">Boston Mamas</a> site) sent me the birth announcement for Violet, the newest addition to the Koh family, I liked it so much that I framed it!<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/photo-of-violet.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/photo-of-violet.jpg" alt="" title="photo of violet" width="500" height="353" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13361" /></a></center></p>
<p>Not only does Christine produce super cute baby girls, but she is also a very talented designer.  The purple flowers and color scheme fit perfectly with her daughter Violet&#8217;s name. I also like the way that she had a photo of the baby, the siblings and the entire family.  Perfection.  Definitely visit her Posh Peacock site where the focus is &#8220;chic and modern graphic design&#8221;.</p>
<p><strong>Tiny Prints:</strong><br />
I have mentioned Tiny Prints many times in the past.  They simply produce consistently superior stationery products.  My business cards that I received from them are constantly noted.  I have also bought holiday cards from this company in the past.  Recently, I attended an editor’s Mother’s Day event that they were hosting in the city at Friend of a Farmer.  While there, I was able to see a variety of their spring offerings and to make a customized Mother&#8217;s Day Card for my mom.  Below is the inside of the card.  I think that she will love it.  Don&#8217;t you?<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/mother-card.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/mother-card.jpg" alt="" title="mother card" width="500" height="639" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13372" /></a> </center></p>
<p>This year, Tiny Prints also has a series of Mother&#8217;s Day Cards designed by celebrities.  The image at the top of my post, Georgina, is especially chic.  It is designed by Baby Buggy for Tiny Prints.</p>
<p>In any event, you can&#8217;t go wrong by choosing either Posh Peacock or Tiny Prints for your Mother&#8217;s Day cards, birth announcements or any other stationery needs.  The only thing better would be if there was a collaboration between the two.  I could see a &#8220;Christine Koh for Tiny Prints&#8221; section.  In fact, I would be first in line to place my order.  (As usual, I&#8217;m just thinking aloud&#8230;)</p>




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		<title>Bazooka’s Sweet Tweets Notes With Candy(They Made Michael Smile)</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/bazooka%e2%80%99s-sweet-tweets-notes-with-candythey-made-michael-smile/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/bazooka%e2%80%99s-sweet-tweets-notes-with-candythey-made-michael-smile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:57:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sweet Tweets Notes With Candy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Things surely do change from generation to generation. When I think of Bazooka candy, I think of the gum with the little comic strips that I ate when I was a kid. After an event that Michael and I attended on Sunday, my son will think of Sweet Tweets when Bazooka is mentioned. We attended a lunch box clinic that was sponsored by Bazooka Candy Brands in order to introduce us to Sweet Tweets – a new candy with an emoticon design that comes attached to a little note. (What area of life hasn’t Twitter impacted?!) As Anthony Trani, a Sweet Tweets rep spoke, he made it clear that the goal is to keep people connected…and smiling. “We’re all about making people smile.” Since parents are separated from their kids during the school day, one potential use for the cards is to place them in lunchboxes. You can write a little note on the card [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/bazooka%e2%80%99s-sweet-tweets-notes-with-candythey-made-michael-smile/" title="Permanent link to Bazooka’s Sweet Tweets Notes With Candy<br />(They Made Michael Smile)"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sweet-tweets-notes-with-candy-event.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Post image for Bazooka’s Sweet Tweets Notes With Candy<br />(They Made Michael Smile)" /></a>
</p><p>Things surely do change from generation to generation.  When I think of Bazooka candy, I think of the gum with the little comic strips that I ate when I was a kid.   After an event that Michael and I attended on Sunday, my son will think of <a href="http://sweettweetsnotes.com/">Sweet Tweets </a>when Bazooka is mentioned. </p>
<p>We attended a lunch box clinic that was sponsored by Bazooka Candy Brands in order to introduce us to Sweet Tweets – a new candy with an emoticon design that comes attached to a little note.  (What area of life hasn’t Twitter impacted?!)  As Anthony Trani, a Sweet Tweets rep spoke, he made it clear that the goal is to keep people connected…and smiling.  “We’re all about making people smile.”</p>
<p>Since parents are separated from their kids during the school day, one potential use for the cards is to place them in lunchboxes.  You can write a little note on the card and stick it right in their bags or boxes.  (As a mom, I wondered aloud regarding giving kids sugary candy during the school day.  My initial concern was decreased due to the fact that the candy that comes with each card is only around 3 calories.)  To illustrate the lunchtime appeal, we were treated to a lunchbox making class by <a href="http://www.tastebudscook.com/ ">Taste Buds</a>.  I’ll compose a future post about Taste Buds and their Bento Box Basics classic. (I shot a video that I need to edit.)  However, I just wanted to let you know about these Sweet Tweet notes with candy for now.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sweet-tweets-notes-with-candy-in-lunchbox.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sweet-tweets-notes-with-candy-in-lunchbox.jpg" alt="" title="sweet tweets notes with candy in lunchbox" width="512" height="368" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13334" /></a></center></p>
<p>From Michael’s response, I think that these little notes would make great occasional treats for special times when parents want to be connected with their kids.  On our way home after the event, Michael smiled and said &#8220;I like the Sweet Tweets.  It&#8217;s like candy and a note.  Can you put one in my lunchbox one day?&#8221;   I can definitely see myself sending a note to school with Michael on days that he is having a big test or just when I think that he needs some extra reassurance that I love him and that I am especially thinking about him for whatever reason.  You know…I would use Sweet Tweets to put a smile on his face (again).</p>
<p><center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/kim-and-michael-at-sweet-tweets-event.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/kim-and-michael-at-sweet-tweets-event.jpg" alt="" title="kim and michael at sweet tweets event" width="500" height="375" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13333" /></a><br />
<em>Photo of &#8220;worn out by the week&#8221; me and happy Michael by our wonderful hostess,<a href="http://www.rolemommy.com"> Beth</a>.  (She also took the top post image.)</em></center></p>




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		<title>Zagat Smartbox Was The Perfect Introduction To Calle Ocho NYC</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/zagat-smartbox-was-the-perfect-introduction-to-calle-ocho-nyc/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/zagat-smartbox-was-the-perfect-introduction-to-calle-ocho-nyc/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calle Ocho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zagat Smartbox]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Recently, Smartbox, a specialty gift card company, launched the new Zagat Smartbox. The New York City version of the gift card allows you to choose from over 45 Zagat-rated restaurants. (In addition to NYC, there are also LA, San Francisco, Chicago and DC gift cards available.) The $99 gift card comes in a gift box with overviews of each restaurant. Each restaurant also has a second page with its Zagat ratings for food, decor and service as well as information about the atmosphere, travel directions (including subway lines), what the gift card covers and reservation information. This is the perfect gift for a foodie (like me!), because you simply choose your preferred restaurant and make your reservation. The majority of the restaurants in the New York City edition are in Manhattan and a few are in Brooklyn. That worked out well for Reggie and I because our &#8220;date night&#8221; babysitters are in Brooklyn and Manhattan. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/zagat-smartbox-was-the-perfect-introduction-to-calle-ocho-nyc/" title="Permanent link to Zagat Smartbox Was The Perfect Introduction To Calle Ocho NYC"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calle-ocho-salmon.jpg" width="500" height="293" alt="Post image for Zagat Smartbox Was The Perfect Introduction To Calle Ocho NYC" /></a>
</p><p>Recently, Smartbox, a specialty gift card company, launched the new <a href="http://www.smartboxzagat.com/">Zagat Smartbox</a>.  The New York City version of the gift card allows you to choose from over 45 Zagat-rated restaurants.  (In addition to NYC, there are also LA, San Francisco, Chicago and DC gift cards available.)  The $99 gift card comes in a gift box with overviews of each restaurant.  Each restaurant also has a second page with its Zagat ratings for food, decor and service as well as information about the atmosphere, travel directions (including subway lines), what the gift card covers and reservation information.  </p>
<p>This is the perfect gift for a foodie (like me!), because you simply choose your preferred restaurant and make your reservation.  The majority of the restaurants in the New York City edition are in Manhattan and a few are in Brooklyn.  That worked out well for Reggie and I because our &#8220;date night&#8221; babysitters are in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  Making the reservation was simple.  (Don&#8217;t forget to mention that you will be using the Smartbox though, because some of the restaurants don&#8217;t accept it every night.)  Initially, we were going to visit a Brooklyn restaurant.  That ended up being the night of the first heavy snow of the season though, so we needed to cancel our plans.  </p>
<p>We ended up picking <a href="http://calleochonyc.com/homex.html">Calle Ocho </a>on the Upper West Side for our date night this past Saturday.  Billed as &#8220;Miami meets Manhattan&#8221;, this restaurant shines bright&#8230;even on a cold, wintry evening.  You can get a glimpse of their decor and a feel for the music in this short clip:<br />
<center><object width="500" height="306"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cx2ZNq71PBk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cx2ZNq71PBk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="306"></embed></object></center></p>
<p>Calle Ocho has received a lot of great press regarding its festive atmosphere and delicious, authentic food.  I totally agree about the atmosphere.  It is very warm and inviting.  The mixture of earth tones and brightly colored accessories (candles/dishes/etc.) combined to make a beautifully designed setting.  The restaurant was bustling and I really loved that a wide variety of people &#8211; from parents with young kids to elderly couples &#8211; all seemed to be enjoying their dining experience.  (Tip: Make your dinner reservation for 6pm, because the place is almost at capacity by 7pm.)<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calle-ocho-bread.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calle-ocho-bread.jpg" alt="" title="calle ocho bread" width="375" height="500" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10854" /></a></center></p>
<p>Unfortunately, only half of our dishes lived up to Calle Ocho&#8217;s reputation for flavorful Latino cuisine.  One of the highlights of the meal was the bread that started off our meal.  I don&#8217;t even especially like bread, but it was so good that I had more than one of the sweet, dense rolls.  They were terrific by themselves, but they were equally good with the garlicky black bean paste that accompanied them.  What happened next was actually kind of funny.  Both my appetizer and entree were flavorful and delicious.  Meanwhile, my husband&#8217;s picks were both kind of bland.  (Perhaps it&#8217;s because I asked the waitress what she preferred of my top two picks in each category&#8230;)  I had the Camarones for my appetizer.  The shrimp were cooked in a Puerto Rican Rum that gave it a rich flavor.  It was served in a coated onion on an avocado salad bed, that tasted a bit like fresh guacamole. I loved it.  Reggie ordered the Chicharron de Pollo.  The crispy chicken was plentiful and well-cooked, but it didn&#8217;t have a lot of flavor.  Perhaps it is a regional thing, but when our Latino friends cook for us, the meat is always seasoned very well, so we were surprised by the unexciting taste.</p>
<p>I picked another winner for my entree.  In fact, I would go back to Calle Ocho again just to have their Salmon dish once more.  Everything about it was right.  The salmon had a crisp, spice coating but the actual fish was moist and tender.  The lobster mashed potatoes that came with the salmon were wonderfully creamy with small chunks of perfectly textured lobster.  (I&#8217;m not a huge fan of lobster, unless it is <strong>perfectly</strong> cooked.)  The cucumber relish and mango chutney rounded out my meal. My poor husband picked the Carnitas.  Although the twice cooked pork was very tender, it (yet again) simply lacked flavor.  At the end of the night, he said, &#8220;I was disappointed.&#8221;</p>
<p>We had our desserts packed to go.  By that time, I was already pleasantly full and my husband is not a big dessert fan (except for apple pie) anyway.  We took the Domino, a dark chocolate cake formed to look like black dominoes, and Bombas home for the boys.  Later, I ate one of the three Bombas.  Those South American donuts filled with pastry cream and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar were delicious!  Question: When you were little, did you ever make homemade donuts with biscuit dough that you fried in oil?  I did as a class project and later at home by myself.  I would shake the fried donuts in a brown paper bag filled with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.  Well, that&#8217;s what the Bombas tasted like &#8211; just less greasy and with a more sophisticated pastry cream in the middle.  Food just evokes all types of memories&#8230;<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/zagat-smartbox-new-york-city.jpg"><img src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/zagat-smartbox-new-york-city.jpg" alt="" title="zagat smartbox new york city" width="302" height="302" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10856" /></a></center></p>
<p>In any event, the Zagat Smartbox is a perfect gift to give other food lovers&#8230;or to keep for yourself! With two appetizers, main courses and desserts covered with the one gift card, it is a deal at $99.  You can find information about the participating restaurants and buy the gift card at <a href="http://www.smartbox.com/us/?menu=box&#038;id=T461">smartbox.com</a>.  (Since my husband didn&#8217;t have such a great dining experience, I just might buy him one for a &#8220;do-over&#8221; date night&#8230;)</p>
<p><em>Thanks to Mango!, the marketing company for Zagat Smartbox, who provided the gift card for my review.</em></p>




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		<title>Disney Epic Mickey (Wii) Is Michael&#8217;s Favorite Disney Video Game</title>
		<link>http://mominthecity.com/wp/disney-epic-mickey-wii-is-michaels-favorite-disney-video-game/</link>
		<comments>http://mominthecity.com/wp/disney-epic-mickey-wii-is-michaels-favorite-disney-video-game/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:25:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Affiliates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cars Toon: Mater's Tall Tales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Disney Tangled]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[With school and karate lessons, my little gamer boy Michael has not had a lot of time to play video games the last few months. He happily made up for the lost time this last week while he has been sick during school break. Besides the LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 game which he received for Christmas from an aunt, he has also been playing a few Wii games from Disney Interactive Studios that I was sent to review after a Disney Holiday event. Of course, Michael&#8217;s adoring little brother Sean is right at his side. Overall, Epic Mickey is the current favorite in our home. Disney Epic Mickey Using past and present iconic Mickeys, this game is a hit. At the Disney event, I literally had to pull Michael away from the game. Although the game is rated &#8220;E&#8221;, my initial concern (from the media images) was that the game would be too &#8220;dark&#8221; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://mominthecity.com/wp/disney-epic-mickey-wii-is-michaels-favorite-disney-video-game/" title="Permanent link to Disney Epic Mickey (Wii) Is Michael&#8217;s Favorite Disney Video Game"><img class="post_image aligncenter" src="http://www.mominthecity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/epic-mickey.jpg" width="500" height="170" alt="Post image for Disney Epic Mickey (Wii) Is Michael&#8217;s Favorite Disney Video Game" /></a>
</p><p>With school and karate lessons, my little gamer boy Michael has not had a lot of time to play video games the last few months. He happily made up for the lost time this last week while he has been sick during school break.  Besides the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BS4JLA?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=mominthecity-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=B002BS4JLA">LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mominthecity-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=B002BS4JLA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> game which he received for Christmas from an aunt, he has also been playing a few Wii games from <a href="http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com">Disney Interactive Studios</a> that I was sent to review after a Disney Holiday event.  Of course, Michael&#8217;s adoring little brother Sean is right at his side.  Overall, Epic Mickey is the current favorite in our home.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I0GEXM?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=mominthecity-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=B002I0GEXM">Disney Epic Mickey</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mominthecity-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=B002I0GEXM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></strong></p>
<p>Using past and present iconic Mickeys, this game is a hit.  At the Disney event, I literally had to pull Michael away from the game.  Although the game is rated &#8220;E&#8221;, my initial concern (from the media images) was that the game would be too &#8220;dark&#8221; for young kids.  Fortunately, it is not.  The kids and my husband all enjoyed it.  Michael&#8217;s summary: &#8220;I like it because Epic Mickey goes to all of these places. He goes through portals to get there and he meets bad guys and fights them with his brush.  He erases the bad guys or makes them his friend by using blue paint and then they will fight on Mickey&#8217;s team.  Also, Oswald is Mickey&#8217;s half brother.&#8221;  Sean: &#8220;I like it because the brush takes paint out.&#8221;  Oh well, that&#8217;s what impressed a 6 and 3 year old&#8230;  </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003T8BWXO?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=mominthecity-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=B003T8BWXO">Cars Toon: Mater&#8217;s Tall Tales</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mominthecity-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=B003T8BWXO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </strong></p>
<p>While Epic Mickey was Michael&#8217;s favorite, Mater&#8217;s Tall Tales was Sean&#8217;s top pick.  This game is probably better for the very youngest gamers. (It wasn&#8217;t challenging enough for Michael who had &#8220;no comment&#8221; regarding this game.)  Sean&#8217;s input:&#8221;I like Mater&#8217;s Tall Tales because I like doing his adventures.&#8221;  Okay&#8230;  In any event, this car game is based on Disney/Pixar’s “Car Toons”.  It is an easy, fun family game (up to four players can compete to be the family daredevil). </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003T8BWR0?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=mominthecity-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=B003T8BWR0">Disney Tangled</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mominthecity-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=B003T8BWR0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></strong></p>
<p>Around Thanksgiving, Reggie treated the boys to see <em>Tangled</em> in the movie theater while I spent time with my mom.  They all loved it.  (I still need to go and see it!)  So, it is no small wonder that they really like this video game that is inspired by the movie.  Michael&#8217;s take: &#8220;It&#8217;s good.  They have all of these superpowers.  Flynn Rider has a sword.  Rapunzel has magic hair.  People should get it because it&#8217;s a cool game.&#8221;  I played the game with Michael once.  It was funny to me that he wanted to be the girl, because she was leading the way.  Michael was being a bit impatient as he was telling me how to follow his lead while we were playing.  &#8220;You&#8217;re a bossy girl!&#8221; Sean exclaimed.  I giggled as I agreed&#8230;he <strong>was</strong>!  In any event, this was another fun, family pick.</p>
<p><strong><em>Did your kids get any video games during the holiday season?  If so, what were their favorites?</em><br />
</strong></p>




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