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Birthday Party Venues in New Orleans

October 7, 2010 By 6 Comments

As a Mom of two young daughters, I am constantly on the lookout for places to have unique and fun birthday parties!  I am beginning to look at options for my almost 6 year old daughter, so I thought I would share with you the list I have generated over the years!

Birthday Party Ideas in the New Orleans Metro Area

Charmed:  Tea Parties, Slumber Parties and Etiquette Classes!

Monkey Room:  We had my daughter’s 3rd birthday party here!  Lots of active play on an indoor playground!

Colonial Club Lanes:  We recently attended a birthday party here for a 6 year old boy.  All of the kids had a great time bumper bowling, eating pizza and dancing to the music!

Storyland:  Get immersed in a fairy tale at this fun outdoor venue!

Build a Bear:  Have your party guests create a loveable stuffed friend to take home!  Located in Lakeside Mall.

Chuck E Cheese:  Games, Arcade, Pizza and Fun!

The Kupcake Factory:  Who doesn’t love making (and eating!) cupcakes??

Equest Farm:  If you have a child who adores horses, how about teaching the party guests to ride?

BooKoo Bounce:  Let your kids jump their hearts out at this inflatable venue!

Lasertag Adventure Quest: Great venue for active play! I actually played lasertag myself a few years back, and was completely out of breath by the end! LOL!

New Orleans City Park Carousel Gardens:  If your child likes amusement park rides, this is the venue for you!  Carousel, roller coaster, bumper cars and more!  We have been to many parties here and my daughters had a blast.

New Orleans School of Cooking:  Let your little chef make their own birthday treats!

Sip and Paint:  Budding artist?  Each guest gets to paint a special creation to take home!

Kids Sport:  This venue has it all!  Swim, gymnastics, inflatables, arcade!

Kids Party Adventures:  Great venue for co-ed parties!  Many party themes to choose from.

Audubon Zoo: Air-conditioned rooms available next to a gorgeous carousel. My girls love the Zoo!

Airline Skate Center:  I actually had one of my own birthday parties here (ages ago!).  Venue is tons of fun for an older child.

Insectarium:  While parties are not held at this venue, group rates are available and it is definitely worth the trip!

Children’s Museum: Hands-on activities that are educational AND fun! Reasonable party rates and private rooms available.

Carousel at Lafreniere Park:  Entire carousel and pavillion available for rental.  I had a party for my two year old here and it was a great success.  Playground next to carousel for even more fun!

Bounce Spectrum:  Jump, Jump and Slide!  My kids love attending parties here!  Large rooms available for cake and ice cream.

AMC Movie Theater: Great idea for tween/teen parties!

My daughter at Creole Creamery

Creole Creamery: I am in love with the ice cream from creole creamery.  I would have a birthday party for myself here!

Streetcar Party:  New Orleans streetcars are available to rent!  Hold your party as you take a scenic ride down St. Charles Ave.!

My Lil’ Tea Party:  Dress up, get your nails painted, and have a tea party! Great venue for little girls!

Body Art Day Spa:  Pamper your pre-teen with a manicure and pedicure!

Posh Paint: This venue lets you use your creative skills!  Paint some pottery or personalize a gift for Mom.  Summer camps available as well!

IMAX:  Be immersed in the latest IMAX movie!  Great venue for tweens/teens!

Ivanov’s Gymnastics:  Tumble, spin, leap and twirl at this gymnastics venue.

Children’s Castle at RiverTown:  Watch an entertaining puppet show!

Lil’s Country Critters (Northshore): Have your party on a farm!  Feed the chickens, goats and pigs.  Carousel available for rental as well.

Global Wildlife (Northshore):  Take your party on a safari ride and feed the giraffes right from your hand!

Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery (Northshore):  Take a bite out of your next birthday with the alligators!

Do you have more great party ideas in or around New Orleans?  Let me know and I will add thm to the list!

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Wendy’s Pick 2: Review and Giveaway

October 6, 2010 By

As a Mom of two young girls who also works outside the home full time, I tend to eat on the go more than I really should.  When we are running from work, to school, to dance class, and home to start homework, sometimes it is just easier to drive thru a local chain restaurant for dinner.  I do my best to choose healthy options for my kids such as white milk, apples or yogurt instead of sodas and fries, but honestly, I get tired of eating grilled chicken.

Fortunately, Wendy’s has developed a new Pick 2 menu for healthier eating on the go!  Wendy’s has been a long time innovator in providing healthy options introducing the salad bar thirty years ago.  Now, with a line of recently reinvented salads, you can  select from one of four half-sized salads including the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, the Baja Salad, the Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad and the BLT Cobb Salad and pair it with one of seven tasty options.  Looking to stay low in calories?  Choose a Dasani water or small diet soda!  Want a heartier meal?  Pair your salad with a small chili!  You can also choose from a Chicken Wrap, small frosty, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or an oven-baked potato.  Their are a ton of possibilities all for only $4.99 ending boring on the go meals.

I tried out the new Pick 2 menu at lunch and opted for the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and small unsweet iced tea.  I absolutely loved the salad…especially the seasoned pecans!  This meal definitely beat getting the standard grilled chicken sandwich making me much more likely to pick a healthier lunch and less likely to give in to french fry cravings.

GIVEAWAY

Would you like to Pick 2?  I have one $5 Wendy’s gift card to give away to one lucky reader!

How to enter:

1. Visit Wendy’s site and tell me which two you would pair for $4.99!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Wendy’s (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Wendys on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Wendy’s on Facebook.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 27th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Wendy’s who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary $7 gift card.
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Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse Test Drive: Part Two

October 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Two weeks ago, I introduced you to Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse I received in conjunction with a test panel from Mom Central.  In that post, I admitted that I am not a huge fan of my teeth and that a long stint in braces destroyed the enamel on my teeth creating sensitivity and a predisposition to decay.  At my last dental exam, I had three cavities which is unfortunately not surprising.  So, I was very happy to take part in this test drive because I was willing to try anything to fight the problem.

For fourteen days, I have used the Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse twice a day.  I was able to incorporate the rinse into my daily routine by placing the bottle directly in front of my toothbrush.  In order to brush my teeth in the morning and at night, I physically had to touch the rinse which reminded me to add it to my routine.  This rinse claims to accomplish a few things: rebuilds enamel, freshens breath, fights cavities, kills germs, and cleans teeth all without the burning of alcohol.  While I cannot asses some of these claims because I am not a dentist, I can tell you that it did freshen my breath.  I found that the rinse did burn a little bit but this was expected because of my sensitive teeth.  That being said, it did burn less than other brands I have tried and I would be willing to continue using this product.   Thanks to Crest Pro-Health Complete Rinse, I am much more confident going into my next dental exam which is November 30th (fingers crossed!).

I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Wordless Wednesday

October 5, 2010 By 6 Comments
Photobucket

Learning to Hopscotch

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GLEE: The Complete First Season DVD Giveaway

October 5, 2010 By

I have been dancing my entire life.  My parents recognized my love for dance and immersed me in lessons.  From rehearsals, to competitions, to choreography to eventual teaching, I loved it all (and still do).  With my dance and performance background, whenever I hear music, I have to dance.  I really think it’s an illness….anytime I hear a song, I start choreographing or start counting the beats for a tap routine.  With all this musicality, you would think I could sing.  Um….no.  Not even a little.

When GLEE first debuted in May of 2009, I was immediately drawn to it because of the catchy tunes and dancing.  After the first episode, I was hooked.  While I have never been in a Glee Club (I had the good sense not even to try out), I can live vicariously through the characters on the show.  A little about the show:

“Through the course of its initial 13 episodes and another 9 that aired in the spring of 2010, Glee transfixed its audiences with its offbeat combination of humor and drama and its musical numbers, ranging from Broadway to classic rock to rap, or even merging them together in the show’s famous “mash-ups.” Michele and Morrison, both with Broadway résumés, get the biggest credits (check Michele’s roof-raising “Don’t Rain on My Parade” or her “Defying Gravity” duel with Coifer), but the whole cast sings and dances with skill and heart. It didn’t take long for entertainment powerhouses of all stripes to take an interest in Glee, either as contributors (such as Madonna, who lent her music to a full episode) or as guest stars. Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth makes numerous appearances as glee-club alumna April Rhodes (none better than her duet with Morrison of “One Less Bell to Answer” and “A House Is Not a Home”), and in the season’s best episode, “Dream” (directed by Joss Whedon), Neil Patrick Harris and Idina Menzel (Chenoweth’s Wicked costar) sing terrific duets with Morrison and Michele, respectively. Other guest stars, to often-humorous effect, include Josh Groban, Molly Shannon, Eve, and Olivia Newton-John. At the end of the season, well-deserved Emmy wins went to director-creator Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck), Lynch, and Harris, and Morrison, Michele, Colfer, and Chenoweth also earned nominations.”

Now you can relive the musical moments of the first season of Glee!  On September 14th, Fox Home Entertainment released the complete first season! The DVD can be purchased on Amazon for $39.99.

GIVEAWAY

Do you love GLEE as much as I do (aka dance around and sing at the top of your lungs until your family begs you to stop)?  You are in luck!  I have one copy of Glee: The Complete First Season to give away to one of my readers!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me your favorite GLEE song performed during season one!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Monkey Business Sports (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 26th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Fox Home Entertainment for supplying the product for review.  This post includes affiliate links.
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Win a Suite of KitchenAid Appliances!

October 5, 2010 By 1 Comment

Before Hurricane Katrina, I had a decent kitchen.  I wasn’t in love with it, but remodeling a kitchen takes a fairly large budget, which as first time home buyers, we didn’t have.  Along comes one heck of a storm and destroys what merit my kitchen actually had.  When the insurance adjuster arrived, they actually said that they could pay to replace my bottom cabinets, but not my top ones.  Huh?  Has anyone ever tried to match cabinets that were made in the 80′s?  Not gonna happen.  So, we had to spend insurance money on replacing ALL the cabinets which left little for appliances. Today, I love my new cabinets, like loooove them.  But, my appliances are stuck in the past.

Do you have a kitchen that has a story to tell?  In the KitchenAid Rescue My Appliances Sweepstakes, a picture says a thousand words!  Now through November 2nd, you can submit a picture of your kitchen appliances for a chance to win an entire suite of new KitchenAid appliances ($7,000 value)!  In addition to the appliances, the winner will receive a phone consultation with Susan Serra, a kitchen design expert (valued at $200) as well as a $1000 towards Service Live Credit to aid in your remodel.

May the best (or worst) kitchen win!  Good Luck!

While I was compensated for my time from Mom Bloggers Club, all opinions remain 100% mine.

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Monkey Around with Monkey Business Sports: Review and Giveaway

October 3, 2010 By

With the push to keep kids healthy, most Moms I know are trying to encourage their kids to get out from in front of the TV and head out to play.  Back in the “olden days” when I was little, we would head out the door after breakfast and not come back in until dinnertime.  Sadly, those days are a memory for some kids as they are spending more and more time indoors playing video games or watching TV.  I have found that the more alternatives I give my kids for outdoor play, the better.  I was recently asked to review the E-Z Bat from Monkey Business Sports and jumped at the chance.

Who is Monkey Business Sports?  From the website:  “At Monkey Business Sports™, we build every toy with the simple goal of providing real fun for real kids. We strive to stay on the cutting edge of innovation to bring you toys that stand up in quality, stand out in style and push the limits of high performance action!”

Because my son has been playing Recreational baseball for a few years now, I elected my favorite three year old guinea pig, Rhett, to check out the E-Z Bat. Rhett’s two older brothers play baseball and it’s only a matter of time before he is ready for the real thing.  The E-Z Bat is perfect for little guys just learning how to use their coordination to swing the bat.  The bat is made with specially created E-Z Balls that fit over the bat.  When the child swings, the balls fly off, creating a “Home Run” effect every time!  Kellee  (Rhett’s mom) reported that he was able to handle the E-Z Bat well and realized quickly the harder he swung, the further the E-Z Balls would fly!  This automatically reinforces proper technique.  Kellee also liked how the foam construction of the bat and balls means he won’t injure himself while fine-tuning his batting average.  When Rhett gets a little more coordinated, the E-Z Balls can also be pitched and hit.

Future Babe Ruth?

Monkey Business Sports has some unique gift ideas for those of you looking to do some early Holiday shopping.  After checking out the website, my son has added the Bungee Jumper to his list.  Weather too nasty to get outdoors?  Check out the variety of Table Top Sports that Monkey Business has!

GIVEAWAY

Does your Monkey need something from Monkey Business Sports?  One of our lucky readers can win one of the following:   E-Z Bat, FoamStrike SwitchBlade or the FoamStrike Pocket Shot.

How to Enter:

1. Visit Monkey Business Sports and tell me which toy your child would select!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Monkey Business Sports (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Monkey Business Sports on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 25th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Monkey Business Sports for supplying the product for review.
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Spoil the New Baby with Happy Mama Gifts!

October 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There must be something in the water within my circle of family and friends!  Recently, two friends and one family member had the most adorable babies, and one more cousin and two more friends are due in the coming months.  It’s my own personal baby boom!  I treasure my circle of friends and family more than anything in the world, so it is so much fun to share the journey with them and shower them with love.  While most of the women have had babies before, buying a gift can be a little difficult when they have all the necessary items from previous pregnancy.

I was recently introduced to Happy Mama Gifts and found that they carry the best pregnancy gift I have ever received…the Boppy Pregnancy Wedge!  Now that all the new babies are close to arriving, I started to look around for unique baby shower gifts.  One thing that immediately caught my eye was the Birth Bag.  When I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, I remember procrastinating packing the hospital bag. It was all so overwhelming, so I just put it off…..again.  The Birth Bag from Happy Mama Gifts is a adorable duffel bag which can be personalized filled with many items the soon to be Mom will need.  The website also suggests asking baby shower guests to bring one item to place in the bag so the guest of honor will be prepared for the big day.  I would have LOVED that!

Once that precious bundle of joy arrives, Happy Mama Gifts has lots of great new baby gifts as well.  The Puj Newborn Sink Bathtub ($39.99) is the coolest accessory I have seen in a long time.  This baby tub fits in any standard sink and can be stored flat!  Genius!

If you are hosting a baby shower or simply want to shower the future Mom with love, check out Happy Mama Gifts for unique ideas that will be remembered!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  While I was compensated for my time, all opinions remain 100% mine.
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