Rolemommy

Events

The Imagination Playground & the Seaport Museum

This week, we got the chance to host a fun filled family event with Kim at Mom in the City where we introduced our favorite parenting bloggers to the brand new Imagination Playground, designed by world renowned architect David Rockwell and located at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City.

Rockwell Group project designer Barry Richards provided us with a grand tour of this spectacular location for kids that comes complete with an aqua theater, building blocks, a sand area with real sailing masts, hammocks, climbing structures and much more! Check out our Whrrl slide show.

Next, find out more about the Imagination Playground with this fun video from the event.

Fun and Adventure Aboard the Peking Ship at South Street Seaport


Stew Leonard's: The Disneyland of Dairy Stores

A big shout out to the Rockwell Group and the Imagination Playground, the South Street Seaport Museum, Wichcraft for providing yummy sandwiches and Stew Leonards for their drinks and delicious ice cream treats for kids and parents!

Posted in: Events, Role Mommy Recommends, TV on 08/21/2010

Sneak Peak: Nanny McPhee Returns

Calling all Nanny McPhee fans! Only three more days to the release of Nanny McPhee Returns and here at Role Mommy, we had the opportunity to see the film and interview Oscar winner, star, screenwriter and Role Mommy extraordinaire Emma Thompson. We'll be sharing excerpts from our parenting blogger roundtable chat with Thompson held at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City along with our review of the film. In a word, Nanny McPhee Returns is phenomenal!

For now, take a look at the trailer and keep checking back for an unbelievable tea talk with Emma Thompson.

Posted in: Events, TV on 08/17/2010

Five Things I Learned While Getting Gorgeous

Recently, I got the chance to attend a pampering event hosted by two of my favorite blogging fashion savvy moms, Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney. The two have recently launched a new event company called "Getting Gorgeous" and together, they managed to kick off an event that was the talk of last week's BlogHer convention (a gathering of thousands of female writers that took place this past week in New York City).

In two massive rooms at the Warwick hotel, Audrey and Vera created an experience for bloggers where we had our faces transformed by ELF cosmetics, our hair styled by Remington (we got to go home with a professional flat iron and curling iron), I learned a new fashion word (more on that soon) and I gained two inches in height.

So where do I begin? Simple. How about the five things I learned at Getting Gorgeous:

1. I Look Good in Jeggings. Or at least fashion stylist extraordinaire Robert Verdi says I do. While cruising through the fashion room, I met the founder of Miracle Body jeans - a new product that'll take 10 pounds off your frame the moment you put them on. Don't go on the scale girls because your weight will stay the same, but Miracle Body sucks you in in all the right places and has styles to fit every shape. Robert Verdi was on hand to style all the moms who visited the Miracle Body table and when he took one look at me in my flowy lavendar skirt, he instantly told me I was a candidate for jeggings. What are jeggings, you ask? Simple - jeans that are leggings. While I haven't worn leggings since the late 80's, I threw caution to the wind and slipped on a pair. According to Robert and a few other women who were checking out my butt (because I asked them to), I supposedly looked damn good in my jeggings. I can't wait to pair them with a long sweater. If only I could find those Bennetton jerseys I was obsessed with back in high school. Oh well, a girl's gotta dream.

Want more jean's tips from Robert Verdi? Then check him out here...

2. I don't have to go to the gym to get a tight butt. I just need to buy Skechers Shape-Ups. After squeezing out of my jeggings, I zipped over to Skechers where I met fitness guru Andrea Metcalf. Andrea, who writes for Oprah.com and has a new book and three DVD's coming out this fall, was on hand to tell us all about the benefits of Skechers Shape Ups. When I got the chance to try on a pair (I felt like Cinderella in sneakers), I actually grew two inches! The soles of the shoes are elevated and curved in a way that helps you tone your legs, thighs and buns when you're out and about. Which means I can get in shape racing to my commuter train instead of running on a treadmill. Brilliant!

3. Remington curling irons can give your hair that red carpet twirly look. I'm still trying to figure out how it works without burning myself, but luckily, my curling iron came with a heat resistent glove that I can slip on when I'm attempting to wrap my hair around the iron and create bouncy curls. The Remington flat and curling irons totally work - you just have to practice a bit to make it do the things those professional hair stylists can do with it.

4. I don't have to spend a boatload of money on make-up to look great. I've actually been using ELF cosmetics for a while and happen to really like their make-up brushes, foundation, lip gloss and liners. If you're like me, you probably have a favorite brand of lipstick or eyeshadow but I love that with ELF you don't have to blow your entire paycheck on make-up. A little cash goes along way with the products and best of all, you'll look great in the process.

5. When in doubt, accessorize. Back over to the fashion room, I fell in love with Lia Sophia - a mom-owned jewelry design business offering beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets - and I got to take home a really pretty necklace that I plan to throw over a long flowy top that I'll wear with my jeggings.

For more information about all the amazing products that were featured at Getting Gorgeous (one more big shout out to the super cool powermat I received that charges everything from iPhones to my son's Dsi XL). Plus if you visit Vera and Audrey's site, you can sign up to potentially attend future events and receive tons of awesome goodies.

Posted in: Events, Role Mommy Recommends on 08/13/2010

Flight Attendants Can Be Rude Too

Over the last two days, I've been reading about the jet Blue flight attendant who lost his cool, cursed over an intercom and made his grand exit from an emergency chute after he got into an altercation with a fellow passenger. As someone who has traveled a lot these past few years, I have something I want to get off my chest. Flight attendants on certain airlines can be very very rude.

As passengers, we have gone from being able to check our bags on a plane in a civilized fashion to having to pay $25 for those same bags to be stowed underneath and then carted off to baggage claim - which incidentally is a hassle and a half. And for those of us who decide to bring a carry on bag and a purse or perhaps a mini suitcase, lap top bag and a purse, we are accosted by what seems like the gestapo because we didn't shove our 12 inch handbag into our computer case.

Recently, I had the misfortune of being stopped at the gate by a flight attendant who demanded I check my bag under the plane because the plane was over booked. And so, I obliged even though I noticed a woman in the seat in front of me shoving her oversized carry on bag into the overhead compartment while she proceeded to move all the bags around just so that hers would fit. The flight attendants didn't say a word to her and when it was time to leave the plane, she was the first person to pop up and yank her bag out of the bin.

On another occasion, we were on a Virgin America flight when a couple brought their skittish puppy on board and the pup proceeded to poop mid-flight. The flight attendants refused to scoop the poop (I completely sided with them on that one) and aisle 22 stunk to high heaven. Meanwhile, I was sitting next to one of the dog's owners and I instantly flipped into mom mode and demanded my seatmate hit the bathroom for paper towels, water and soap.

The main observation I've made in my flights aboard some of those newer planes is that they oftentimes have flight attendants who are just plain rude. In fact, while American Airlines probably has the oldest planes in the fleet, in my experience, I've found their flight attendants to be among the nicest. Perhaps that's because they are seasoned veterans who have made it their life's work to fly across the country every day and treat passengers with respect.

Have you ever been to a restaurant where the service was beyond awful and the waiter was completely rude? Now what about that restaurant that you go back to time and time again because you adore the waitress who is friendly and loves her job?

Steven Slater obviously hated his job and through his grand exit from jetBlue, he made his mark and will most likely land a reality show gig. However, make no mistake - Steven Slater is no folk hero. Chesley Sullenberger, the US Airways pilot who landed his plane safely in the Hudson River, is a true hero. As is every flight attendant who I've met who were friendly, helpful and cheery even when we were experiencing awful turbulence and putrid puppy poop.

So next time you're contemplating a flight, bear in mind that oftentimes, the staff on some of those older airlines are top notch and while those newer planes may have tons of bells and whistles, the service sometimes falls a bit short.

Being aboard a plane brings out the best and worst in people. We get frustrated by rude passengers, screaming babies and those annoying people who recline their chair into your knees while the person behind you keeps opening and closing their tray table. But there's also the friendly souls who help you put your bag overhead when you can't reach it, or engage in conversation that helps take your mind off the turbulence.

There are two sides to every flight experience and as someone who has witnessed rude behavior from passengers and flight attendants, all I can say is if you hate your job - then don't fly. And if you can't be nice to the people serving you on a plane then you need a lesson in manners. And if you still can't find a happy medium, I've got the next best solution...take the train. I don't know about you, but I've never met a conductor I didn't like.

Posted in: Events on 08/12/2010

Sneak Peak: Pop-Tarts World

Attention tourists, New Yorkers and Pop-Tarts fans (according to Facebook there are 2 million of you so you will want to keep reading)!!! The Pop-Tarts World store in New York City officially opened its doors today and Role Mommy got the chance to go behind the scenes last night before crowds swarmed the place!

If you're curious to find out what they offer, then take a look at Part I of our fun-filled video re-cap.

And now, Part II of our videos from our night - including make your own Pop-Tart frosting, a light show and Pop-Tart sushi!!!

And, if you can't make it to New York but want to join in on the Pop-Tarts fun, the brand will award a $25,000 FUNd to the individual or family who presents the best idea for creating and spreading fun with their family and in their community. Entrants must submit a two-minute original video at www.Facebook.com/sprinklings describing how their idea would sprinkle fun throughout their lives and communities. Full details and official rules are available on the Pop-Tarts Sprinklings Facebook page. For more information, visit www.PopTartsWorld.com, the official online gifting site for all offerings unique to Pop-Tarts World.

Posted in: Events, TV on 08/10/2010

Candace Cameron Chats with Role Mommy

I don't know about you, but one of my guilty pleasures growing up was watching shows like "Full House," "Growing Pains" and "Family Ties." There was something about those great looking teen hearthrobs and the kids who starred along with them that made me want to jump through the screen and be a part of the action - even if it was just for one 22 minute episode.

While I'm still here pining away, secretly hoping that one day I'll have a chance encounter with John Stamos or Michael J. Fox (a girl has to dream), I recently did meet one child star who is now all grown up with a full house of her own. Actress Candace Cameron Bure - you might remember her best as DJ Tanner on "Full House" (admitting you have an addiction to 90's TV is the first step in recovery) - is now a mom of three tweens, is happily married to gorgeous retired LA Kings hockey star Valeri Bure, and stars in the ABC Family series "Make it Or Break It." And she looks absolutely amazing!

We got the chance to interview Candace this week when she was busy promoting the 30th birthday of the juicebox. To celebrate this milestone, families can potentially win $2500 and a year supply of juice boxes if you visit Juice Box Birthday and enter the Juicebox Jamming music video contest. I don't know about you, but as a serial juice box consumer and song parody aficcionado, this contest may be right up my alley.

Check out our interview with Candace and find out how she manages to balance work and family and never misses a beat!

Find more videos like this on Role Mommy

Posted in: Events, TV on 08/04/2010

Chelsea Clinton Wedding Video!

I'm a sucker for anything involving the Clinton family so had to post this video from Associated Press that was recently released sharing some footage from her wedding. She looked absolutely gorgeous!

My only question about the nuptials - why did all the New York newspapers only show Chelsea and her dad? Where are the pix of Hillary? Can't believe the mom of the bride got snubbed. But not here at Role Mommy! Check out this gorgeous photo of Chelsea, her new hubby, her dad and mom dressed in a breathtaking fuschia Oscar de La Renta gown. She needs to wear colors more often!

Posted in: Events, TV on 08/02/2010

Charlie St. Cloud: Movie Review & Sneak Peak!

About a month ago, I received an invitation to see a private screening of the new film Charlie St. Cloud, starring Zac Efron, Amanda Crew, Kim Basinger and Charlie Tahan about two brothers who are reunited in an unbelievable way after a tragic accident claims one of their lives. Since I'm a sucker for sad movies, I took my seat in the private screening room at Universal and sat there shedding tears among strangers.

Much like Field of Dreams, you have to suspend your imagination as you enter a world where the living can connect with those who are no longer with us. In a word, "Charlie St. Cloud" is breathtaking. From the brilliant cinematography, to the powerful bond between the two brothers, to an intense and surreal romance, the film will make you want to hold on tight to the ones you love, while contemplating reconnecting with those you've lost.

In a nutshell, Charlie has only blue skies ahead of him when he graduates high school and earns a full sailing scholarship to Stanford University. His younger brother Sam, is sad that his older brother is going to be leaving him after the summer, but Charlie assures him that he will practice baseball with him every evening at 6 pm when the cannons sound until he leaves for college. Sadly, something terrible happens to Charlie and Sam and the dreams that both had for the future are snatched away in an instant.

The film is a departure for Zac Efron, who is best known for his lighter movie fare from "High School Musical" to "17 Again" (which incidentally, I loved!) In "Charlie St. Cloud," Efron turns in an award-worthy performance as he manages to make female audiences swoon and sob all in the same moment.

I also was amazed by the performance of Charlie Tahan, an 11 year old actor who hails from New Jersey who clearly connected with his character Sam even though in an interview, he admitted he was not much of a baseball player but more interested in extreme sports like skateboarding. Charlie Tahan will have moms everywhere holding on to their boys just a little bit tighter after they see this film. In fact, I was lucky enough to be in the same theater as Charlie when he saw the movie for the first time with his mom. He didn't know I was there, but as I watched the credits roll, I heard a burst of applause from the front row when his name flashed across the screen. When asked if his mom cried during the film, he said she did shed some tears, but she even cried at the end of the Sponge Bob Movie!

I'm sure you're wondering if this movie is appropriate for families and here's my take. I believe it's appropriate for tweens but not for children under the age of 10. Make sure you prepare your kids that something really tragic is going to happen in the film and then after the movie, talk about it with them. While the storyline might be intense, I think kids will really appreciate the relationship between Charlie and Sam and compare it to their own experiences. And, if they like to read, then have them pick up a copy of "The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud," by Ben Sherwood. Ben wrote the book nearly five years ago and never expected his novel would wind up on the big screen.

More to come including our interview with Zac Efron, Charlie Tahan, Amanda Crew, the director, Burr Steers (who also directed "17 Again" and author, Ben Sherwood. For now...check out this sneak peak clip and get ready when Charlie St. Cloud hits theaters July 30!

Posted in: Events, Role Mommy TV & Film News on 07/26/2010

Shocking Cyberbullying Story

Role Mommy contributor Ross Ellis recently appeared on Nightline when a case of an 11 year old who attempted to get back at her tormentors via webcam, went horribly wrong.

Posted in: Events, TV on 07/23/2010

Sun Proof Your Community Contest

Now that the summer is in full swing and many of us have gone through plenty of tubes and cans of sunscreen, we all should be aware of the reasons why it's important to protect our kids and ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun.

Skin cancer is a fast growing epidemic in the US and it's the most common form of skin cancer. Based on recent research, one in five people will develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetime.

Neutrogena and the SHADE Foundation of America -- a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sun safety -- are teaming up for the "Sun Proof Your Community" contest to help communities take a step to fight the growing skin cancer epidemic. They are giving away five giant sun shades to communities around the country, to be placed at children's playgrounds, schools, parks or public community spaces -- anywhere kids might risk getting too much sun! The deadline for entries is July 20 so enter today!

All you have to do to win a sun-shade covering is write an essay stating why their favorite kid-space deserves one. Winners will receive a large site-specific sun shade designed to provide more than 95 percent protection against ultraviolet rays. To enter, visit: www.facebook.com/chooseskinhealth.

After the winners are chosen, the SHADE Foundation, started by melanoma survivor Shonda Schilling, the wife of former major league pitcher Curt Schilling, will work with local contractors to install the shades.

As part of the Choose Skin Health campaign, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons is also offering free skin-cancer screenings to help stop the growing skin cancer epidemic. People can find a local free skin cancer screening by visiting www.facebook.com/chooseskinhealth.

Sun Proof Your Community contest rules & regulations:
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Must be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. or D.C., 21 years of age or older. Contest starts 6/22/10 at 12:00 a.m. ET and ends 7/20/10 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Subject to Official Rules at http://www.facebook.com/ChooseSkinHealth. Sponsor: Neutrogena Corporation.

Posted in: Events, Role Mommy Recommends on 07/16/2010

Older Entries

07/14/2010: Keeping Kids Busy on Summer Road Trips

07/14/2010: Back to School Savings with Current Codes!

07/13/2010: M&M Pretzel Commercial: Things that Make You Go Yum!

07/08/2010: Summer Road Trip Winners Announced!

07/08/2010: In "Despicable Me," Julie Andrews Takes on Mean Mom Role

07/06/2010: Love to Travel? Join the Villa Group Travel Affiliate Network!

06/29/2010: Despicable Me: Summer Movie Preview

06/29/2010: Vacation 411: Answers on Mexico Travel & Safety

06/27/2010: Tribute to Michael Jackson

06/23/2010: *New! The Role Mommy Writer's Network

06/01/2010: Yo Gabba Gabba Tix On Sale at RoleMommy Before Anywhere Else!

05/27/2010: Idol Finale: A Beautiful Day for Lee DeWyze

05/20/2010: Atari Presents Sandlot Sluggers

05/18/2010: Join Go Red! & RoleMommy for a Real Moms Roundtable

05/14/2010: Twitter Tuesday with The Good Wife - May 18

05/10/2010: Twitter Tuesday with The Good Wife - May 11

04/22/2010: The KaBOOM and KoolAid Playground Build

04/19/2010: Role Mommy on the Run

04/14/2010: Take Back the Kitchen Hits the Road

04/01/2010: Join Us! Twitter Tuesdays with "The Good Wife"

03/15/2010: PR 365 Six Week Workshop Series...Register Today!

03/14/2010: Bravo Casting Call!

03/12/2010: Bonny's Corner: Molly Ringwald's Recipe for a Good Start

03/06/2010: Must See Webcast: Passions, Priorities & Community

02/25/2010: Tri-State Area Moms: An Invitation to Indulge!

02/16/2010: Tennis Anyone?

02/12/2010: A Girl's Gotta Laugh Contest

02/07/2010: Tween-agers go Bananas for Cody Linley

02/02/2010: Skating with the NY Rangers

01/24/2010: See Mom Run on Better TV!

12/21/2009: See Mom Run: Maryland

12/07/2009: Jetta Setting in L.A.

12/05/2009: See Mom Run: Chicago

12/02/2009: Leaving on a Jet Plane

11/24/2009: See Mom Run Hits Charlotte

11/24/2009: Snacking on the Run

11/12/2009: See Mom Run Through the Philly Burbs!

11/11/2009: See Mom Run: Getting Our Groove On

11/10/2009: A Whirlwind Week for See Mom Run

11/03/2009: Ready for The Catwalk

10/16/2009: Cupcakes, Sneakers & Stars...Oh My!

10/14/2009: Jillian Michaels Gives Mom Bloggers a Fitness Ultimatum!

10/12/2009: Special Giveaway: Kiss Cancer Goodbye Benefit

10/11/2009: See Mom Run...Let The Tour Begin!

10/10/2009: Celebrity Role Mommy: Elisabeth Rohm

10/08/2009: Role Mommy University Workshop - How to Land a Book Publisher

10/03/2009: The Accidentally on Purpose Tweet-Up

09/30/2009: Saving the World One Patchwork at a Time

09/24/2009: Building a Successful Family Business

09/19/2009: Role Mommy University: How to Write a Killer Book Proposal

09/16/2009: An Interview Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson!

08/12/2009: A Family Play Day with Kool-Aid & KaBOOM!

07/01/2009: Food Glorious Food

06/25/2009: If You Knew Suze, Like I Know Suze

06/09/2009: Role Mommy Interviews Kelly Ripa!

05/28/2009: Get Ready for Your Close-up!

05/13/2009: Build it And They Will Come

05/12/2009: Turn Your Passion Into a Paycheck

05/01/2009: I'm Going to Hollywood!

04/12/2009: Open Mom Night on May 7

04/01/2009: A Role Mommy Networking Event on April 22!

03/17/2009: A Can't Miss Event for Parents, Teens & Tweens

02/20/2009: Moms Who Make a Difference

01/28/2009: New Year, New You...The Recap!

01/27/2009: New Year, New You

01/25/2009: Mom Bloggers Lunch & Laugh with Monica Potter

01/24/2009: Role Mommy at the Ritz!

01/24/2009: Role Mommy at the Ritz!

12/05/2008: A Role Mommy Yoga Event!

10/13/2008: A Tribute to Dorit Shapiro

10/05/2008: Our Latest Event...the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk NYC Launch Party!

09/19/2008: October Fundraising Event for the Gal to Gal Foundation

08/16/2008: Moms Night In...with Role Mommy!

08/10/2008: Video from Kyra Sedgwick Event

07/14/2008: A Chocolate Fountain, The Closer & Kyra Sedgwick

06/10/2008: A Method Cocktail Party

05/11/2008: Who is Your Role Mommy?

05/08/2008: The Role Mommy Fashion Show!

05/01/2008: Get to Know Our Amazing Mom Fashionistas!

04/27/2008: America's Next Top Mom...A Sneak Peak at our Fashion Show Stars!

04/17/2008: Come Celebrate with Role Mommy at Macy's!

04/16/2008: Fit For Life Part II

03/28/2008: Photos from our Latest Event...Fit For Life

03/02/2008: FIT FOR LIFE! MARCH 26 AT THE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY

02/03/2008: Role Mommy Authors We Love - January 23, 2008

01/26/2008: OUR NEXT EVENT! FEBRUARY 27 AT THE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY... MOMS OF REINVENTION

12/27/2007: OUR NEXT EVENT! JANUARY 23 AT THE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY... AUTHORS & BOOKS WE LOVE!

10/19/2007: NEW EVENT!!!! NOVEMBER 17 AT THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER

09/24/2007: BORDERS BOOK SIGNINGS IN SCARSDALE & RAMSEY, NEW JERSEY

07/15/2007: NEW EVENT - BOOK SIGNING & CHAT SESSION AT LET'S DISH ON JULY 26

03/30/2007: Keep It Simple Workshop at the Westchester County Center on May 9!

03/30/2007: Let Your Hair Down Event at the Premier Atelier Salon - April 10!

03/16/2007: Book Signing this Weekend in Danbury, CT

03/04/2007: NEW SEMINAR FOR PARENTS WITH SESSIONS MODERATED BY ROLE MOMMY!

01/19/2007: OUR BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!

11/29/2006: MOTHERS OF REINVENTION