Family Friendly Film: The MOMS Mamarazzi with Nicole Kidman & Screening of Paddington Review

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you know Paddington Bear. When I think about Paddington my mind immediately thinks of that red floppy hat and blue toggle coat. Yet I have never owned a Paddington Bear but I do still have a few books that I glance at once every couple years. Now, after viewing the movie at The MOMS very first Mamarazzi of 2015, I’m like I need to rush to my parent’s house, find all Paddington books to take them back to my place and add them to my children’s book collection.

Paddington dates back to 1956 when a BBC cameraman, Michael Bond, bought the last small toy bear at a Selfridges store in London for his wife. He named the bear Paddington after a station near his home. That lonely bear left on a shelf inspired him to write eight episodes in just over a week and the rest is history.

Bears…stories…shops…cartoons…appearances…parades…MOVIE!!!

At this Mamarazzi event hosted by The MOMS, I got to listen to Nicole Kidman (one of my favorite actresses) talk about the movie in general and her character Millicent, the villain of the film. With her British accent everything sounded so lovely. Even her laugh was infectious. I sat in my seat and thought, how great can this movie be? I must admit, from the first scenes in the darkest Peru I laughed. This movie is a story about modern concepts of immigration and keeping an open mind. Paddington’s family was discovered by a British explorer. He tells them that if they ever leave Peru they are welcomed in London. Many years later, after an earthquake destroys Paddington’s home and kills his Uncle Pastuzo, Paddington decides to go to London while his Aunt Lucy moves into a home for retired bears. At Paddington Station film goers will witness real life reactions towards immigrants through Paddington’s eyes. The Brown family, more specifically Mrs. Brown and the children take him in and give the bear his name, Paddington. After a taxidermist (Millicent played by Nicole Kidman) employed by the Museum of Natural History learns of Paddington’s arrival she sets out to kidnap him, stuff him and then put him on display. As the movie plays your child’s imagination will soar while subconsciously learning about everyday life morals. As adults we will see life lessons about keeping an opening mind and being respectful towards people and cultures that are foreign to us.

All in all The MOMS’ first Mamarazzi with Nicole Kidman was a huge success! I am definitely taking my little gummies to see Paddington after its release in the US on January 16^th and you should too.  Paddington runs about 95 minutes; just enough time to enjoy a movie, get the point and get home before the gummies (ages 1 and 3) start showing their true colors!!!

Below are some photos of the event courtesy of The MOMS:



The MOMS Denise Albert & Melissa Musen Gerstein with Nicole Kidman

          

                                 Nicole Kidman (Millicent in Paddington)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



It's selfie time for Nicole Kidman and Melissa Musen Gerstein

Denise Murray Wong (@niecyisms)

Nilsa Karimi (@3CityGirlsNYC) & Nichol Perez (@nilimo)

Amazing moms with some pretty cool kids!!!

Welcoming Spring with The MOMS, Burlington Coat Factory and Wendy Williams

All thanks goes to The MOMS (Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein) and Burlington for inviting me and other bloggers to attend the Wendy Williams Mamarazzi Event to celebrate Wendy’s new novel Hold Me in Contempt.  As a special thank you, Burlington gifted the first 50 bloggers to RSVP gift cards to help us get ‘red carpet’ ready for the big event. Burlington has the latest styles and brand names for up to 65% off department store prices!!! #Howyoudoing 

This time last year I was a little over 1 month postpartum and because nothing fit, leggings became my new “BFF”. Unfortunately, spring arrived sooner than expected and all of a sudden it was time to put away the winter coats and over sized sweaters. So this year, I was excited to head to Burlington to spruce up my spring wardrobe.

As the season slowly changed from that dreaded winter to blissful spring, I ran to Burlington Coat Factory to look for the perfect outfit for the Wendy Williams Mamarazzi Event.  I couldn’t imagine going somewhere else.  Burlington makes it so easy for busy moms without a lot of time, like me, to search for the perfect outfit. All departments were clearly labeled and staff was on the floor to answer any questions you may have.  I found this amazing cobalt blue blazer ($39.99)  to wear over a black and white chevron dress ($16.98) at Burlington. 

 

 

 

Although I found several other outfits, I fell in love with these sportswear separates. Here’s why:

1. Cobalt blue is on fire this season and I have a feeling that it is here to stay for a while. That means I will get tons of wear from this blazer.

2. I love chevron in any color! It just so happens that it looks amazing with this blazer.

3. You can wear both items dressed up or dressed down.

4. And finally, at 65% off department store prices, I only spent $6.97 of my own money on the blazer and dress!!! GET EXCITED!!!

 

Here are some other images from the event courtesy of The MOMS:

 

 

 

 

Melissa and Denise look amazing in their Burlington finds!

 

 

 

 

How you doing Wendy!!!  Wendy looked beautiful and well put together, as always. And as an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay, I couldn't help but notice how flawless Wendy's skin and makeup was; love love loved it!!!

In Wendy's newest novel Hold Me in Contempt, Kimberly Kind is trying to get beyond her roots. A successful, beautiful, smart lawyer, she’s finally finding direction in her life and getting out of the streets. But a terrible accident threatens to throw her carefully laid plans off course. Now Kim’s hiding a huge secret… one that could threaten everything.

Enter King. A perfect mix of Justin Timberlake and David Beckham, the man oozes sex and has more swagger than anyone Kim’s ever met. Their chemistry is off the charts. But after passion-filled nights, the intensity of their emotions takes both of them by surprise.

Love was not supposed to be an option. Now it’s the only thing holding them together. When their pasts come back with a vengeance, can love possibly be enough?



 

It was a great event and I am so thankful to have received a $50.00 gift card from Burlington to look my absolute best. 

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a gift card to shop prior to attending the event to look my very best. All opinions are my own.

 



Wordless Days: Triple Paste vs. Lotion

It’s just one of those mornings. It’s typical but still one of those mornings.  After bath time or just about any time when Phoenix sees a bottle of lotion or oil she wants someone to put some on her tiny little hand. This morning was not different. Her father, B, changed her diaper then put on her play clothes. Great! Now she’s ready for Lucy. Wow Phoenix is surprisingly quiet this morning; very unusual.

Note: When Phoenix is up roaming the apartment, all doors are closed. There are only 4; her room doors, my room door, coat closet door, and the bathroom door.

So when I walked back to my bedroom this is what I found.

Yes that is triple Paste on her face!!! Although triple paste is hands down my first choice for diaper cream and it can clear up nasty dry patched on my hands, I would prefer it not be applied to her face. I could not get mad or annoyed because it was not her fault it was left open. So this morning we all enjoyed a good laugh. That’s all we could do as I bank the spicy side of my sweet Phoenix.

Not So: Very First Blog Entry

As you can tell from the title this is not my very first blog entry.  I started a blog for my mom a few years ago but never kept it going.  Partially due to timing and because my mom simply was not interested in starting a baking business.

Note: My mom is an incredible baker. Not only do her creations look good but they also taste amazing.

Well anyway…this blog is not about her; it’s about my life as a working mom. Phoenix is my almost 2 year old (20 months) angel from God himself.  She is smart, inquisitive, my heart and full of energy.  When life couldn’t get any better (although we all know life can get better) get decided to bless us with BABY # 2 due in March 2013!  So, for about a month or so I will have 2 babies under 2.  This should be fun!!!  Follow me on my journey while I try my best to Bank Sugar and Spice!!!