You may never heard of PlumDistrict.com until this very moment – this startup from California is moving and expanding like wild fire, yup I know sorry for the terrible pun. This week they’re kicking of New York City with a “Week of Treats.” Each day this week will be featuring some of our parents’ favorite treats from neighborhoods around the city, and just to give you a sneak peek.
The Week of Treats features deals like:
$5 for $15 of cupcakes and baked goods from Buttercup Bakeshop (on the Eastside and Westside!). This includes our all-time favorites like their banana pudding and red velvet cupcakes
$8 for a $15 VIPeeled Card from Simply Peeled – which you may have heard of is all the rage among moms, dads, and kids because of their fresh fruit concept (see: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/dining/18peeled.html)
And $7 for $15 of waffles from the famous belgian waffle truck, Waffles & Dinges
They are giving their first 100 a $5 credit on their first purchase of a Plum Deal on PlumDistrict.com. Just enter FIRSTPLUM – I have a feeling thats going to go quick so I’ve arranged a little private coupon code for you DaDaRocks readers. Just enter dadarocks and the first 10 of you to do so will receive $5 off.
One thing that I’ve always been in my life is giving… I’ve been working in non-profits and Not-for-profits all my professional life, its really one of the struggles I have in my head – do good for many or do good for myself – they seem to be at odds.
Teaching our children about charity even in times like these are important… Usually this is done through school’s community service programs or through a religious school sponsorship of event or their own requirements to give back to the charity.
Lately I’ve been doing a lot of charity fund raising for the last 2-3 months its been for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is important to both my wife and myself that we raise our child with knowledge of giving back – paying it forward ect… we do believe in karma – I’m a huge believe in the cycle of life. Its part the reason why I hope I do right and good by others they’ll do right by me.
I rotate the charities I support some because of direction of my own life and some because of influences like friends or family. Years ago one of those influences came to Suzanne and myself and she searched for a charity to run in honor of someone close to us both… She found the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society she successfully raised over $4,000 and completed the San Diego Marathon. Now years later shes trying to raise money again for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this time its $3800 and she’ll run and complete the New York Marathon. Times have changed and its harder to raise money for a charity, which is why this has been on my mind and I’m blogging about it! Charities are usually based on fund raising and donations which require giving… you dont have to give much but give a little something… every dollar matters. Instead of having that starbucks donate that $3-5, 10 for lunch ect. If 10 people did that thats $30, 50, 100 it adds up and it helps.
Most of the best break though research comes from organizations like Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I know my son is watching his mom run (as we’ve waived from our Apartment once or twice as she ran by) and will watch in person at the NYC marathon! He’ll understand that her commitment was to help others.
If you can give anything that would be wonderful! 100% of your donation is tax deductible To make a donation please click here and thank you.
This past weekend we took Marc to Sesame Place this was our first trip with him. It was well under a two hour drive from New York City out to Langhorne, PA home of sesame place. The ride was mainly uneventful other then a pit stop at a roadside Starbucks (truly the only drug of choice of my family). We arrived at the Courtyard Marriott Langhorne (the hotel and sesame place tickets were my birthday gift from my sister and father) checked in received our tickets to sesame place and waited all of 10 minutes for the next free shuttle bus to sesame place. Marc couldnt stop saying ELMO it was every 3 word out of his mouth it didnt help that the hotel lobby had a elmo cardboard cut out; that you could tell had been battered by the many kids that just came running up to it trying to give him a hug (yes, Marc was completely in that group too).
Within a 3 minutes we were being dropped off at the park. It was like pretty amazing getting to the park and seeing everyone wearing elmo and cookie monster shirts. We got into the park in a matter of a minute there was next to no lines and even on a saturday the park wasnt too crowded.
We grabbed a map and off to the rides… its important to note that half of sesame place is a dry park and the other half (ok maybe a little more then half) is a water park. Our first stop was the carousel. Marc loves carousels but he was really thrilled to be on this one… after that we did a bunch of other rides and character meet and greets. It was awesome to watch my son’s face glow – I’m sure the same way my parent’s face glowed when they had taken me all those years ago (and my wife grew up with one in the Dallas area, its now closed). Yup, Marc is a second generation Sesame Place kid (and to me thats very cool!).
I say that sesame place is great for kids of all ages because there are rides clearly suited for the 2-3 year olds which Marc loved, some rides really designed for 4-9 year olds and another whole set thats really designed for the 7-13 years olds. I noticed that on my second day there that the ages of the kids jumped to the teens, I’m sure that was based on the idea that it was about 10 degrees hotter which might be why the lines for the water park made it a little tough to go on any of the water rides.
I highly recommend going to sesame place, if its your first time it would be tough to due it all in one day but that might be why they sell so many season passes and they’re such a good deal… Sesame Place is currently offering one of our best deals of the year—purchase a 2011 Season Pass and enjoy unlimited admission the rest of this season and all of 2011! Families who purchase season passes enjoy unlimited admission to Sesame Place, a 30% discount on all food and merchandise in the park, entrance into exclusive Season Pass Member events and kids eat free at Dine With Me! with the purchase of an adult dinner.
Sesame Place’s 2011 season passes are available in three levels. Sesame Passes, $92.00 per person, gives guests unlimited admission into the park, exclusive access to member events, plus a 30% discount on food and merchandise. Big Bird Passes, $122.00 per person, allow guests additional benefits including complimentary general parking, complimentary meet-and-greets with characters, and 50% off single day admission to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens. Super Grover Passports, $189.00 per person, offer the most benefits to guests. In addition to everything mentioned above, guests receive unlimited admissions to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens, complimentary preferred parking, and ride again privileges.
I’m a huge fan of the meet and greet which allows your some quality time with the characters before the parade, but it really gets amazing when you have the super grover pass to stay on some of the dry rides again or even better the Abby’s Magic Queue (line cutting) ticket which lets you cut the line on a bunch of dry rides and sit upfront in Elmo’s World show (and arrive late). The abby bracelet is an add on but not waiting on lines sooo worth it and they limit how many they sell!
My cousins have season passes and are on they’re 4th or 5th trip this season so clearly they’re getting their money worth. My step-sister recommends going mid week to really cut down on the crowds but for those not looking to take vacation days the abby pass will save the day on a weekend visit.
I’m hoping for another visit to check out the count’s spooktacular!
Well my friends at Sesame Place are kind enough to offer one lucky family a family 4 pack of 1 day tickets to be used some point this season.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. September 11, 2010.
You must comment telling us your favorite Sesame Street Character, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:
@SesamePlace @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/deS7GH and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win @SesamePlace tickets from @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/deS7GH
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a FAN on facebook –facebook.com/DaDaRocks you must comment that you’re a fan
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook of Sesame Place – facebook.com/SesamePlace you must comment that you’re a fan
You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Sesame Place is providing these tickets for the raffle.
One thing I remember the most about watching Marc grow up was how many times I was told to deal with the wires of my computer. Since we dont a home office my computer is in the living room which made it an easy target for our toddler. I used lots of make shift tools/methods to protect my computer (I mean toddler 😛 ). Of course my thought was to cover the open outlets in the power strip, I also put a piece of cardboard in front of the wires but behind the tables legs which worked wonders till he was old enough to actually move the cardboard enough to expose the wires… I totally admit that I sucked and I finally caved and did a ton of wire management, my wife simply opted for the purchase of a new iMac because there is only 1 card from wall to computer (she’s the smart one). This is one of those dont do as I do but do as I say… or in this case as Kimberlee says…
Q: How do I childproof the electrical wires in my home office?
A: Today’s home is full of electrical hazards. We have cell phones, PDA, iPhones, iPods, laptops, ear pieces, you name it! They all require an electrical charge which means they all have danger wires which can be strangulation hazards and electrical hazards. It’s important for parents to keep these devices up high and away from our little ones who will spot a cord from their low vantage point and pull down on it out of curiosity. Make sure your charging station if high up enough so baby can’t reach it.
I recommend that parents deem the home office an “off limits” room because there are so many hazards in there. Many city folks don’t have that luxury of space and have to set up their home office in the main living quarters where the baby will have access. One of my favorite childproofing products for childproofing the office area is the Safety 1st Power Strip Cover. We’ve been using this for years as it’s the biggest one and can fit all the big bulky plugs inside and then closes up tight so your little ones can’t get in. Next, replace your existing outlet faceplate on the wall with a Safety1st Swivel Outlet Cover and plug in the power strip.
**SAFETY ADDED TIP: Replace all outlet covers in nursery (don’t forget the one behind the crib) as well as the main play area where you spend time with your child – push plugs work if they have a snug fit however it’s easy to forget to put them back in once removed.
Any exposed wires that cannot be moved and are within your child’s reach should be covered (i.e. under the desk, a lamp, etc.) with the wire covering. Safety 1st Wire Hider
is a great way to “erase” these wires from your baby’s view eliminating the safety hazard that wires can pose. It’s easy to install with the included double sided adhesive tape and you can use as many of the 16” covers you need to hide dangerous wires – we’ve used them along the baseboard or even up a wall to hide wires.
**ADDED SAFETY TIP: Also, great for hiding baby monitor and lamp wires in nursery.
Coming back from summer its time to fall back into better habits, and child safety is always one that we can use a little help remember and brushing up. I’ve wanted to give both moms and dads some great safety tips but who am I? I’m certainly no safety expert – there are people who are just that safety experts so let me introduce you to Kimberlee Mitchell with Safety 1st Pros [Link].
Our first stop is the washing room why because its a room I long to have since I dont in my apartment but really its one of the easiest rooms to overlook in the house, its not as simple as stairs and certainly its one of the quickest room you forget about closing the door if you’re in a rush with your hands full of clothing.
After that I got some questions and answers with Kimberlee that I’ll share with the other videos as well…
Q: What myth about childproofing would you like to prove incorrect?
A: Childproofing is not as simple as some might think. Perhaps parents set out to childproof and then get stuck when they encounter a safety conundrum – aka a safety hazard that is not easily eliminated with a store bought child safety device due to device not fitting and working the way it should. The DIY boom has welcomed many new brands, products, designs, etc. into the marketplace making it fun to remodel but impossible for any one child safety device to meet a common household danger like a knob cover, drawer latch, toilet lock, safety gate, etc.
Then they get stuck and postpone “fixing” the hazard until they can come up with a better solution. Times flies, busy parents forget and injury occurs.
Safety 1st Pros are a team of mobile child injury prevention professionals who conduct house calls to help parents who need a helping hand to childproof the home. We have a unique talent for solving in-home child safety conundrums due to our specialized hands-on and in-class training plus more than 5,000 childproofed homes under our belt. This combined with the in-depth child safety education that we offer our customers undoubtedly sets us apart from regular handymen or layman do-it-yourselfer. We are far more than handymen and women!. We are the Safety 1st Pros
Last week was Marc’s 2nd birthday. What an amazing feeling to watch my son blow out his own candles, to now hear him babble out words that sometimes I understand… weird but I’ve developed an hear for toddler-ese.
I know he’s understand about 70-80% of what I’m saying these days, which is great but also is troubling when you’re saying no dont touch that and as he’s staring me in the eyes goes and touches it. Hello my friend we’ve entered the terrible twos – something that will push my mental toughness to new limits because really why do our outlets look like little smiling faces? why is no equal to a yes to a toddler? why is it always yes, yes, yes until the one thing you really want them to do is now a no? why do people give you the stink eye when you’re kid is screaming like you kidnapped them in the elevator… lol its going to be a long but very interesting year.
I’m told the highlights will include potty training – yah right?! I’m going to stock up on the huggies diapers now cause I dont think there is enough vodka and wine in the state to keep my sane for that… I do ok with poop in a diaper on the floor? or in a plastic bowl that I need to scrape out isnt in the cards for this urban dad.
I love the fact that Marc can speak a good bit and can try to explain to me what he wants and now he knows to pull me and point to things if I dont understand his toddler-ese… I just wish there was an off button for jumping off the couch with no one there to catch him, and looking at the hot water tube like it was the golden ticket or something.
I can only imagine in his head – dada said no that must mean its really good and for him – I want to try this out myself.
Are we sums of the parts of our lives? Are we the jobs we take on to earn a living? Are we our children? I love to think that i can fix myself by making my child better, and i wish that was true and i know my last post touched on lifestyle and money and really thats not what this is about either. Its really about what defines us.
For a better part of my life I’ve wanted to give back; work for NGOs, nonprofits, find a balance of peace inside my brain that has been programmed to always think money. Everything I’ve learned since I was a child was to push myself for success. Must of us had this instilled in us as part of the American education, some of this was true, some i feel now was a twist on the shoulders of the education of our grandparents.
This has been on my mind for the better part of two months since the evo conference where Liz Strauss gave some homework to think about your voice. Since evoconf this blog has never been the same I’ve limited the giveaways to products I use or truly believe in… I’ve posted less about my family some of that is about dynamics of what should i post verse whats a good read verse what is private and trying to find the balance… But mainly its because I wanted to think about the direction of dadarocks.
Ive finally figured it out I’ve always wanted to inspire other dads to be better. I believe that men need examples of other men to be better men, it doesn’t happen overnight it sometimes happens when you hold your child for the first time but usually it’s a learned process… So there are less giveaways (don’t worry soon enough you’ll hear news about were they went… There are less NYC postings that I can say is about to be announced, there will be a special NYC dad blog for upcoming events and local giveaways URL coming soon.
We are pieces of all the people who have influenced and who have made us better, who have given us knowledge for better or for worst…. We all everyone we come in touch with and when you live in New York City that’s a lot of people. and so I’m trying to be a better husband, a better father, a better man, and to you a better blogger.
A few weeks ago New York Magazine published this article “I love my Children. I Hate My life.” [http://nymag.com/news/features/67024/] I was sitting at my desk watching headlines flow by when I just stopped and was like wow – only sometimes… After watching the tweets and blog posts about this article I was surprised to see how many denied ever having a single moment of saying I miss those good old days.
Dont get me wrong – the best thing in my life is my son, with a quick second being my wife. She’ll get mad as she would most likely would have wanted to be number one and having the kiddo being number two. oh well. I do wish for alterations in my life – mainly in the life style department. I really dont know many people at this point in life who dont wish for different things in the lifestyle aspect. Perhaps a larger apartment, maybe some money in the bank, more support to help with the kids, money for private school… ect…ect the lists could go on and on.
One amazing thing when you think about having children is that we used to have child in order to create clans, or in some aspects of the world it was to help with the farm. Now we have children out of the desire to have legacy.
I dont know if I hate my life right now, I enjoy having many different things on my plate and things are starting to take shape… I do know I’m not in love with my life in many of the aspects that I listed above… I would love to have money in the bank, money to put 20% down on a house, money for the best education my child could have… but there are aspects of my life I wouldnt trade for the world – the giggling-laugh of my child, the kisses my wife gives me when she’s happy (I’m sure there could be a joke in this one someplace), the moments I look out my windows on to the sea of people visiting the farmers market in Union Square.
I clearly thing there is a difference between life and lifestyle – I love my life – love the family and friends – love the times I share with my family. Its my lifestyle that I wished was something different and maybe thats my fault, maybe it is a combination of looking at what others have and having a jealous of why not me? (which I really try not to do) but I do know there is things I want and I’m trying to work hard to earn them.
Which goes back to the greatest issue of the modern times of work life balance, unless you have family money (and sometimes even then) you’re still working to make a living. That could be an American concept this live to work not work to live mentally like other nations have….
Snapfish has teamed up with Fantastic Sams Hair Salons for a photo contest where parents can submit a favorite photo and caption of their child’s favorite first day back to school moment. All entrants will have a chance to win great prizes valued at over $600 including styling sessions from Fantastic Sams, styling product and free wallet prints for all who enter the contest!
One thing I love is the photography that comes out of the pictures we shot during the summer, the crisp blue sky, the pictures of the flowers or beach or those little weekend trips. Trying to figure out how to keep your memories alive long after the time has past has always been limited to some cheesy screen saver on the office computer or just pictures on the wall or in a book. These days the digital technologically allows for so much more! So here are some of the cool things that our friends at snapfish by hp are offering…
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. August 26, 2010.
You must comment telling us what picture you really want to be made into something cool? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WILL STOP IN BRISTOW, VA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 FOR SINGING & DANCING AND TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AFFILIATE
$1 From Every Ticket Sold To Benefit Habitat for Humanity Affiliate In Bristow, VA
Bristow, VA — Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road with YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to play to enthusiastic fans in Bristow, VA. Today’s hottest live show for families will be at Jiffy Lube Live on Saturday, August 28. YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is produced by S2BN Entertainment in association with Wildbrain Entertainment and The Magic Store and promoted by Live Nation.
Champions on the stage and in the community, the Gabba Gang will partner with Habitat for Humanity to further their homebuilding efforts in Bristow, VA. In addition, $1 from every ticket sold for YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! in (CITY) will be donated to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
VIP packages with premium tickets and meet and greets will also be available. For complete tour, ticket information and VIP packages, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com. Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap.
YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY
Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
2 Shows on Saturday, August 28 @ 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
The state-of-the-art production features music, singing, dancing and animation. The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day”. Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.
Released in October, 2009, YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 1 topped kids and overall music charts at iTunes (#1 kids album), Amazon (top 5 kids album) and Target sales, which reached more than 40,000 copies in only 6 months since its release. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME was picked as one of 2009’s top holiday gifts for toddlers by both PARENTS magazine and the popular Mom web destination MomLogic.com. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 2 will be released on iTunes and will hit shelves nationwide this September.
Dates, venues and ticket prices are subject to change.
Winner will get 4 tickets for the 2pm show on Aug. 28th (this is also considered the Washington DC show!)
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. August 22, 2010.
You must comment telling us who would you love to see do a dancey dance at the live show? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
