Family Fun

DIY December Bucket List

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December. The holidays. The events. The parties. The traditions. There is so much to be mindful of this month because before you know it, the month is over and we are left wanting to do some things we inevitably missed during this magical season! I have just the thing to get you in the spirit, spend some quality time as a family and help you plan what matters most to you this month! For under $15, you can create your own December Bucket List, DIY style! This will help you prioritize the special events & traditions you don’t want to miss as well as make a nice decoration you can use year after year!

The supply list is simple to find items and can be customized depending on budget and desires:

Photo Frame
White computer paper
Sharpies (or markers in any color you want)
Paint/brushes (any color you want)
Sticker or embellishments (holiday/winter themed)
Glitter glue or loose glitter
Ribbon
Hot glue gun or tape

You probably read the list of supplies and thought to yourself that you have most of them already at home! Chances are if you have kids or are a habitual crafter like me, you have at least 50% of them stashed somewhere! The next step is really up to you. Paint the frame any which color you want and in any style you wish. Add as much or little embellishments and stickers to the frame as you crave. Skip the glitter or go crazy!  This is you time to be as creative as you want!  My son really was very symmetrical with his design, but there is no right or wrong way to use your imagination. A December Bucket List your way is the best way!

The last step was in my opinion the most fun! We thought of 12 things (sticking with the 12 days of Christmas theme we all know & love) to add to our DECEMBER BUCKET LIST. We cut a piece of computer paper to fit inside the frame before we started. We started reminiscing about all the things we like to do, things we wished we did, things we never wanted to do etc.. We started jotting them down on the scrap paper we just cut from. This helped us narrow it down to the items we knew needed to included and those that did not.

We were so excited to start our list that after we made it, we went out and completed 2 and started a few more! The holiday movie one is an activity that we have been working on since Thanksgiving so thankfully we have a nice head start! Each year I will scrapbook the list with some photographs of the activities listed. Then we will rewrite one every year on Thanksgiving when we decorate the tree. A new tradition is born!  What are some of your not-to-miss bucket list items for the month of December? Let me know what activities you are going to put on your December Bucket List by commenting below!

Merry Holidays~
Joy

New England’s Favorite Fall Festival

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Fall in New England would not be complete without a visit to King Richard’s Faire, New England’s favorite fall festival! King Richard’s Faire is the largest and longest-running Renaissance Faire in New England and is back for it’s 36th season! Picture live, interactive entertainment set amongst 80 acres of enchanted forest that resembles a 16th century marketplace in Carver, MA.

Carvershire has been bustling with excitement as King Richard welcomes new entertainers and
talented artisans to their enchanting village in 2017, including:

  • Rick, Jan and Snorkel the Trained Stunt Pig Show – new for this year featuring juggling, stunts and piggy humor – first four weekends only
  • The Vodca Family musical dance and drumming show
  • Gibbon the Troubadour and Hannah Rose on the fiddle
  • The Lord Sheriff Glenn Fieldenstream is back after a three year hiatus, ready to write tickets and
    summons laughter in “court”
  • And a new puppet: Jasper, King of the Rag Dolls!

This year we got to get in on the action with Troll Ball. We got to the play on the tournament field, which was definitely a highlight for my son. Plus, our team WON! Plus, we threw knives, shot arrows, saw exotic animals and got to enjoy the tournament of kings! All in all, we had a great day!

Photo Credit: King Richard’s Faire/Julie Dennehy

Photo Credit: King Richard’s Faire/Julie Dennehy

Faire hours are 10:30am-6pm every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays, from September 2 through
October 22, 2017. Tickets are $32 for adults (12+) and $16 for children ages 4-11. Children under 4
are free and parking is free. Check out their website to purchase tickets ahead of time and remember only CASH is accepted at the gate.

If fall is your favorite season, than nothing says “FALL” like a visit to King Richard’s Faire! Also, get a bloomin’ onion while you are there. You’re welcome.

 

 

*This was a hosted opportunity and all opinions are my own.

Pedal For A Purpose

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Want to pedal for a purpose? Well, then join me at the 2nd annual Body Armour Spin-a-thon Fundraiser this Sunday October 30th! For those who might not know, my niece was tragically killed in as car accident as a passenger one night 5 years ago. It is something that we as a family will never forget. Each year, the Elanna Zuller Memorial Sports Fund hosts fundraisers and events to raise money for local kids, sports organizations, scholarships and more. Body Armour is graciously hosting their spin-a-thon again this year in honor of Elanna Zuller!

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There’s no better way to show you care than donating to a good cause and burning some calories while you’re at it!  A Spin-a-Thon is just like a walk-a-thon, except that participants cycle on stationary bikes rather than walking.  Cyclists gather and members trade off cycling time to raise money through sponsors and donations. One hour is all it takes to help make a significant positive impact in the life of a local family. Your participation in this event will help support those in need in our community; all proceeds raised will benefit the Elanna Zuller Memorial Sports Fund, and your $10 registration gets you a Tshirt and a bike.  Bikes are still available for timeslots! $10 holds you a bike and you raise whatever denomination you wish!

Some Fundraiser Day Activities: 

8am Spin (instructor Rosemary)
8:15-8:45am The Art of Yoga with Joy (kids yoga and art project)
8:30 Pumpkin decorating goes all day long!
9 am Spin ( Instructors Amal & Jenna)
9:30-Noon Face Painting begins with Hazey Daze Creations 
10 am Spin (Instructors Jess & Tara)
10:30-11am The Art of Yoga with Joy (kids yoga and art project)
10:30-noon Complimentary lunch provided by Jersey Mikes
11 am Spin (Instructor Pete)

There will be snacks and drinks served all day. Raffles to win. Items to purchase. Boot camp demos. Fun to be had! The event itself is FREE. However, $10 registers you for a bike to take a spin class! Don’t want to spin? No worries. Come join in on the fun and support by trying to win some of the great raffles we had donated graciously by local companies and friends! Perhaps purchase some merchandise or just donate directly to the Elanna Zuller Memorial Fund.

I would love to have you pedal for a purpose with me!
Namaste~
Joy

 

Fall Family Bucket List

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Do you love Fall and all that is associated with it? Do you have a Fall Family Bucket List planned? There are so many things to do during the fall season that I like to write them all down so I don’t forget!  Ever find yourself contemplating what to do on a gorgeous fall afternoon? Jot down your favorite fall past-times, place them in a mason jar and when the mood strikes (Yes- I am talking about boredom)- PICK ONE! Of course, if you are like me, you will cross off your favorite activities almost immediately! The second the pumpkins and apples are ready to picked- you can be rest assured that’s where I will be!

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I love fall festivals (Scituate Art Festival is my local favorite), apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, hiking, running, FOOTBALL, fall baking, fall decorating, biking… I could go on and on. So, this weekend take some time to talk as a family about what you all love most about fall. Give each member of your family 5 pieces of scrap paper and write your ideas down.  Each time you are in the mood for a fall adventure, have a new family member pick from the jar! Get creative. There really is no way to steer your family wrong. As long as you are playing together, you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime! That’s the magic of the season!

My Fall Family Bucket List story is featured on the cover of this months Rhode Island Health & Fitness. To read the whole story and get some ideas, click here! Leave me a comment and let me know what you’ve added to your bucket list! I am always looking for more ways to have adventures with my boys!

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Photo By Rhode Island Health & Fitness magazine

Namaste~
Joy

New York Hall of Science- Family Fun is Awaiting

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Family Fun is awaiting you.   New York Hall of Science offers a hands-on approach that explains science, technology, engineering and math programming to children of all ages. NYSCILogo150

Their permanent exhibit, Connected Worlds, is a fully immersive, digitally rendered, interactive display. Visitors explore the interdependence of six environments and interact with creatures, trees and plants within each atmosphere. Through gestures and movements, visitors learn the core principles of sustainability and see the impact of human decisions on the environment. Visit today for an immersive experience!

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My husband has been eagerly awaiting taking our son here. He is at the perfect age and just loves science! My husband grew up not far from here and spent many days with his own family (and school trips) here. I am excited to be able to watch him happily reminisce about how it was like when he was younger, while having a completely new experience with our son!

We are ready to learn and make memories at the New York Hall of Science!

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The Great Escape Room: A Brain Busting Experience

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A few weeks ago, a small group of us Rhody Bloggers got to try out The Great Escape Room in Providence and boy was it AH-MAY-ZING! However, it does do a little something to your ego if you do NOT escape! Kidding, but we were shy of escaping by about 5 minutes!  I thought I was pretty clever, but boy were the clues wicked tricky! I think that’s what made it so enjoyable. It wasn’t your average clue. You had to think and really use your mind! They were out-of-the-box clever and challenging! I think I can safely speak for the bloggers in attendance and say it was a great experience, one we will surely take part in again.IMG_3473

Picture this,  you are locked in a room. You have 1 hour to solve a bunch of clues in order to solve a bigger puzzle that unlocks the doors to said room. Problem is, you don’t know what you are solving or looking for. It is a riddle? Is it a numeric code? Are you looking for words? Are you looking for numbers? At the beginning, it was quite confusing. You just start tearing the room apart piece by piece. Literally. Our in room guide Andy (who was so great),  kept telling us to just make a mess and search anything and everything.  So we did! We started finding clues (can’t tell you what) and started to put them in the right order (or so we thought). Nothing is as it seems and yet everything was. Don’t over-think. That’s a hint I can give you!

Great Escape room

This is great activity for the whole family, a bunch of friends, team building and even private parties! The location is perfect for anyone looking for some fun in Providence. After you ESCAPE, you are surrounded by tons or yummy restaurants and cool shops. Perfect summer afternoon in the city.  This could be a great rainy day activity this summer as well!  Tickets are $28 with a $1.80 processing fee. They also offer Student and Military discounts and 10% off a group of 10 or more.

The Great Escape Room Providence is a real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape the room games are the newest craze sweeping the nation! After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to your escape. It is part scavenger hunt and part puzzle game. 

Are you ready to become a Master Sleuth?  Get ready to Escape The Room!

 

Celebrate Spring at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

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If you are local to Rhode Island, or luckily enough to live over the border in neighboring Massachusetts, you need to get to the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, the only u-pick tulip farm in New England! They are located in Johnston, RI diagonally across from Dame Orchards! Picture this, you’re frolicking through a field of perfect tulips of every size and color while your favorite melody plays in the background, with not a care in the world.  Wait, you don’t have that fantasy in your head? It must be just me then! But, I bet you like flowers! I knew this place would be for you! I’ll do the frolicking and you can do the picking! I already picked enough flowers to last me for weeks anyways!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm is a US Grown, pesticide free, bee friendly and unique farm! With over 250,000 tulips planted in more colors, shapes and sizes than you could dream of, this is surely something that everyone can enjoy! Think of the family pictures! Get your “selfie” face ready! Once you enter you will see their show garden (no picking here) and you can view all their varieties and pre-order them for fall delivery at the bulb tent (white tents). Beyond the show garden is the picking garden where you can walk up and down the rows and choose as many tulips as you desire for $1/stem. They have buckets for your convenience. Once your done bring your tulips and bucket to the wrapping station where you will wrap up your tulips in paper for the ride home. There is staff able to assist if you need help!

I am a huge supporter of an organic lifestyle! I am so happy that Wicked Tulips Flower Farm offers organic tulips and is a bee friendly farm! This was the biggest reason I decided to check them out. Just because we are not eating the flowers, choosing organic and bee friendly products is better in the long run. Bees, flying insects such as butterflies/dragonflies and some birds are in danger due to the overuse of pesticides in farming. This includes your little flower farm you have created in your backyard.  These creatures collect pollen, eat seeds and drink the water that is contaminated with pesticide runoff. Even if you don’t use pesticides in your garden, chances are the bulbs and seeds you planted might have them hidden in there. Please try and buy organic bulbs for your garden and support local farmers like Wicked Tulips who choose to leave the “junk” out of their products!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

Things to know before you go:

  • You need a ticket. If you visit during the weekend you must pre-purchase your tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the door on weekends. Children 3 and under are free. 4-15 $2.50 and 16 plus $5.00. They are already sold out for Mother’s Day weekend. However, you do not need a ticket for the weekday (it is less crowded as well).
  • Hours: The u-pick field is open 7 days a week. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-7:30pm. Weekends-Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 7:30pm.
  • Purchase bulbs: You can purchase bulbs for next fall. They are locally grown bulbs and pesticide free! You can order online or at the farm.
  • Cash/Card: Cash or card is accepted, however cash is preferred!
  • Photography is allowed and they love seeing all the photos on social media! But please no tripods!

Go tiptoe through those tulips and have a wonderful time!
Namaste~

Brick Fair is here- Lego lovers rejoice!

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Brick Fair is here! Have a lego lover in your family? Maybe it is you! I know I can spend hours creating something without the presence of my son! The love I have for Legos runs deep… They are one of my favorite toys of all time. I find it so amazing the way people can create magnificent structures with these bricks!

 

Lego Brick Fair

May 21st & May 22nd, 2016

At the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA. Do you want to be SuperMom and SuperDad? Bring your kids to BrickFair LEGO Fan Expo! Endless LEGO creativity and inspiration, games, moon bounces, shopping, Derby Racing, Bingo, and more!
40% OFF – Limited time only $7.20! Use promo code “USFAM2016” to save 40% Off the at-the-door price of $12.00 – and gain early access! Pre-purchase ticket holders get in at 10:30am instead of 11:00am. Click here to purchase!

Will I see you there?
Joy

 

 

A Little Rhody Summer

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Summer is almost upon us! Well, not really, but one can dream. We need to get through Spring first (and that IS upon us), but if you are like me you are already planning your summer weekend getaways, road trips and/or a list of all the places to see & things to do! Should you find yourself heading up to “Little Rhody” (or even passing through it), there are so many fun & unique things to do here. Summer is the best time to visit Rhode Island; we aren’t labeled the Ocean State for just any old reason! Below are my Top 5 activities you should consider when visiting RI in the summer! You could pack these into 1 very long day, but I suggest planning a weekend getaway to really enjoy these activities.

Things to do in RI

  1. Roger Williams Park Zoo

This is a perfect cloudy day or late afternoon trip idea for the whole family. This zoo has more than just animals. Kids can cool off in the Drip Drop Water Garden, climb the treehouse where there are things to see & hear or build a creation at the Sticks & Stones Building Zone. There are even camel rides, giraffe feedings, rock climbing & a butterfly garden! At $14.95 for adults/$9.95 for children, it’s a great price for all it offers. Plus, you can bring in your own picnic lunch (some zoo’s do not allow outside food),  which is amazing!

  1. Rustic Drive-in Movie Theater

There is something to said about sitting under the stars on a cool, breezy summer night watching your favorite movies with a bunch of friends! It just screams SUMMER to me! This authentic 1950’s drive-in has 3 screens, with 2 shows playing on each screen. Outside food can be brought in (or purchased there) and it is only $27 per carload! With movie tickets at almost 12$ per ticket, per show- this is a great bargain! Kids & adults will love this place! And it’s dog friendly! Furry animals deserve some summertime fun as well!

  1. Newport, RI

Visiting Newport can be broken into many parts. 1. A visit to one of the 11 mansions, which were built during the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. 2. A visit to one of the popular beaches. 3. Shopping & dining along the harbor that boast spectacular views. You can visit Newport during the day and have a completely different experience at night. There is truly something for everyone.

2.    Waterfire

Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization whose goal is to bring to life the downtown urban area and revitalize it with art, music and more. Over 80 bonfires are set amongst the water at WaterPlace Park. Visitors walk along the banks enjoying local music, watch performances, grab local fare from food trucks as well as the sites & smells of the burning embers. It’s always free admission and it really is a site to see. Check their schedule online for more info.

  1. Galilee & Point Judith

This quaint fishing village is home to the largest fishing fleet in RI, as well as home to the Block Island Ferry. The beach is small yet gorgeous. A jetty formation lines the beach where onlookers wave to all the ferries that pass by. George’s of Galilee serves the best clamcakes & chowder and there are tons of places to buy fresh fish & lobster right from the boat. The view from their upstairs outdoor terrace is amazing. Small shops, ice cream parlors & other eateries make this #1 on my list!

Your “Little Rhody” Summer is awaiting your arrival…

Foxwoods Resort Casino: Fun For Everyone

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Right before the Christmas holiday I attended the Merry Mingle event at Foxwoods Resort Casino. This event was hosted by two fabulous ladies, Audrey and Vera. Other local bloggers like myself traveled there to learn more about the Tanger Outlets that had recently opened. We were also treated to some fun on their outdoor ice skating rink and a fabulous lunch. Let’s talk about the food the team at Foxwoods treated us to: mini sandwiches, a crudité platter that was almost too pretty to eat, delicious salads and the most divine cupcakes ever! The glass of champagne didn’t hurt either.

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Tanger Outlets: Discover Your Style

The Tanger Outlets are packed with stores for everyone on your shopping list. Over 80 stores to be exact. The sales; well, they were incredible. I love shopping outlets because I like to score a deal. I mean, who doesn’t? In the winter, do you want to walk from store to store in the frigid temps?  Not me!  Tanger Outlets is an fully enclosed outlet, connected right to Foxwoods! Did I mention free covered parking too? I can only imagine all the sales for the upcoming President’s Day holiday. Plus, spring is around the corner which means they need to make way for new merchandise. I suggest a trip 

fire pit by rink      Foxwoods Rink & Winter Patio

Ice skating was a hoot. The ladies were a blast. We laughed and laughed. I particularly laughed at how terrible I am was on skates. I have stronger talents.  Some were incredible on the skates. I met new and old friends. The rink is such a fun addition to the already jam-packed venue. Plus, it is gorgeously decorated! Adirondack chairs and fire pits add such a fun element as well!

Family Fun At Foxwoods 

While the day was about the ladies: I was surprised to learn how family friendly Foxwoods Resort Casino really is. I’ve have included my son on some trips to Foxwoods in the past, but they have some nice family friendly additions I wasn’t aware of.  I know I will be taking Landon one day during February vacation. The arcade, ice-skating, buffet lunch and shopping sounds like a great mother/son day to me! Take a look at some of the family friendly activities and events Foxwoods Resort Casino has to offer.

  • Tree House Arcade – Open 7 days per week. The best video games of yesterday and today are all here, including favorites that appeal to adults and kids alike: Candy Crush, Ms. Pac-Man, Wheel of Fortune, Connect Four, air hockey and more.
  • High Rollers Bowling Alley – 20 lanes of fun for all ages! Boasts fun décor and serves casual food options for everyone.
  • Kid-centric Tanger Outlets: Old Navy Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, GO! Toys and Games, IT’SUGAR
  • Foxwoods Ice Rink and Winter Patio– The regular cost for adults is $10 ice fee, $5 skate rental; the regular cost for kids is $6 ice fee, $2 skate rental – making this a fun, affordable activity for the entire family.
  • Disney’s Fantasia –Feb 20th 2016 A live concert experience with music from the classic Disney film performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra – and paired, of course, with stimulating Disney animation and everyone’s favorite character – Mickey! Purchase tickets here 
  • Clifford the Big Red Dog – A musical extravaganza for the whole family, featuring everyone’s favorite canine! Two shows on April 19: 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets here
  • April Vacation – Kids Week! Kids Week will include free movies, arts and crafts, face painting, meet and greets with favorite characters, air brush tattoos, a Kiddie Game Lounge with video games and old favorites, like Checkers and Gladiator Joust. Parents can bring their kids and enjoy the affordable festivities.

Visit Foxwoods Resort Casino 

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the largest resort casino in North America, with over 9 million square feet and so much to do. They have world-class gaming with six casinos, four hotels, 30 plus dining experiences, two luxurious spas, two theaters, six nightclubs, a luxury bowling alley and two golf courses. There truly is something for everyone. When are you planning on going? With so much under one roof, you will surely have a great time! I know I did!merrymingle