Mama's Night Out on Broadway: Pretty Woman the Musical and Discount Code

Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from Pretty Woman: The Musical. All opinions are my own.

Meeting up with my wifey for lifey Erin back at our old stomping grounds of Times Square (where we taught preschool together) for dinner while catching up on life and then to see Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway were the makings of a fantastic early Mother's Day celebration. Clearly, growing up we were both fans of the cult classic 1990's movie starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and wondered how this adaptation would translate on a Broadway stage. It can really be hit or miss trying to recreate such an iconic story to a live audience in a way that will allow viewers to separate the film from the show with an open mind and appreciation for any newer elements.

SpongeBob SquarePants Hits Broadway in December

Really, it's ok! Even if you're an adult with kids of your own, you can admit to being a SpongeBob Square Pants fan! You'll get no judgement from me. When the hit Nickelodeon show first aired back in the late 90's I was in High School and rarely watched cartoons but my sissy Nicole and younger brother Jay were obsessed with the hilarious sponge who lived in a pineapple under the sea with his pet snail Gary and got into all kinds of trouble with his best friend Patrick the starfish. It's no surprise that nearly 2 decades later, my own two boys and kids all around the world are still tuning in. 

On Broadway this December, fans of this long time running show can now get ready to dive to all-new depths of theatrical innovation at SpongeBob SquarePants, where the power of optimism really can save the world! Stakes are higher than ever before as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage.

Personally, all the quirky humor of this iconic pop culture show is a great way to detach from all the stress of adulting, so I can only imagine how fun it will be to watch live on stage. 

Amelie: The Quirky Broadway Adaptation #AmelieBroadway

Disclosure: We were provided with media passes to facilitate this review, opinions expressed are my own. 

It's always interesting to go to a Broadway show with no expectations for the performance, which is what I had when I viewed Amelie with my former work-wifey and friend Erin who is a huge fan of the original 2001 film. Having not seen the film prior to the show {you can check out the movie on Netflix by the way} I went in with an open mind and couldn't wait to see Tony nominee Phillipa Soo's performance after hearing and reading all of the buzz about her performance in Hamilton as Alexander Hamilton's wife. 

2-for-1 Tickets to see "In Transit" on Broadway in Support of the Children's Health Fund #ad

Did you know that 3.3 million children in the United States have no health insurance? I kid you not, over the last two months alone we have had way more visits to the pediatrician for both of our lil' monsters than I recall in a very long time. It got to the point where all our pediatrician would say was "back again?". As soon as one kid stopped sneezing rockets of cooties, the other would start coughing up everything inside of him and as I type this our youngest is battling high fevers & binge watching Netflix as he let's the ibuprofen work it's magic. Tristan has earned himself an extended midwinter break as most NYC kids headed back to the classroom today, as a former teacher I'd never be that parent to send my sick child back to school masked by pain medicine.

Our pediatrician had prescribed medication that wasn't covered by our insurance and was a whopping $60 or so, which isn't a lot of money per say but for "cough medicine" I can't imagine needing to have those orders filled so frequently. Just consider the anxiety families with no health insurance must deal with when faced with the symptoms of everyday colds, the flu, chronic illnesses and more. Thankfully for the last 25 years the Children's Health Fund has been battling barriers to health care for homeless and other low-income children.

Disclosure: We have partnered with the Children's Health fund and opinions expressed are 100% our own.

Big Sparkling Shoes to Fill: Kinky Boots on Broadway PLUS 40% OFF Tickets #KinkyBoots

The saying goes: "If you're going to chase your dreams, you need a good pair of shoes!" I was beyond excited to treat my cousin Tommie to an evening where we had the chance to view 6x Tony Award winning Kinky Boots the Musical, for my second time and his first.  We both work in creative industries here in the city and are dream chasers who are passionate about what we do, so I thought this would be the perfect show for us to kick back and enjoy! 

Disclosure: We were provided tickets to facilitate a review no other compensation was received.

Revel In New York: A Date Night Viewing of Bright Star, A Broadway Musical

We don’t usually do date night – not with any regularity anyway. Special occasions – sure. But we don’t have date night penciled in on the calendar every 4 weeks. The reasons for this are usually strictly logistical. Firstly, my husband works long hours often and without much notice. Secondly, we have three kids, 3 grandparents working full-time and one PhD-pursuing auntie which means child-care has to be arranged weeks in advance. So, as much as I would love to have a nighttime rendezvous to look forward to every month, the realities of successfully coordinating the busy schedules of my hard-working family make regular date nights a fantasy I rather not tease myself with. 

All that being said, I completely understand and whole-heartedly believe in the benefits of date nights. To put aside the time for your spouse, away from work and home, kids and coworkers; to have some else cook your meal for you , pour you a drink and then clean it all up afterwards; to go to the movies, to the gallery, to the park, to go dancing; it all helps. It gives you time and proximity. If I can get my husband to myself for 3 hours outside the house – that’s major! We operate on completely different terms then.  It’s not only what we talk about that changes but how we talk to each other. And if our date gives us something to talk about other than “our daily bread” – well, then we are that much better for it. So when Danielle dropped these tickets in my lap to go see “Bright Star” on Broadway, I did everything in my power to make it happen.

The Savannah Sunset Collection by INGLOT #BeautyNewbie

 Disney's Tony award winning musical The Lion King has been a must see show for years,         drawing in crowds because of their talented cast who are not only amazing actors, but are beautifully skilled singers and dancers. Audiences find themselves captivated by the detailed sets, intricate and creative costumes and of course the stunning make-up that can help transform a person into their character as they grace the stage.

I am far from a make-up maven, more like a make-up virgin who seriously just learned how to apply blush a few months ago. Which was why I was so beyond excited to get the opportunity to cover for Vera Sweeney (Lady and the Blog) to preview the exclusive INGLOT collection, Savannah Sunset at The INGLOT Studio in Chelsea Market. This gorgeous, shimmery palette embodies all the magical colors of a sun setting in the African savannah and consists rich and vibrant oranges, browns and bronzes that will make anyone glow. The collection includes:

• INGLOT Freedom System Eye shadow Paleette #606, 108r and #329
• Face Blush #40
• Freeom System Lipstick Palette #20 and #21
• Nail Enamel #042
• Secret Volume Masacaa and Inglot Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen

 I walked into the Inglot Studio and seriously felt nervous, as if somebody could read on my forehead that I didn't know a thing about beauty products. Guests enjoyed light bites & cocktails while others were eyeing the rainbow selection of products, from shadows to liners and polishes and chose their favorites while they waited for their Inglot consultant to give them a complimentary mini make-over.

Throughout the evening I watched as an actress from the show FELA, learned how to make her eyes pop for an upcoming performance she was going to be in with the Roots. I loved watching the layering of colors and the end result was gorgeous, but seemingly to difficult I think for me to achieve at home. I'm going to have to watch quite a few YouTube videos to pull off, anything close what her consultant did.

The highlight of the evening was meeting Mr. INGLOT himself, who created the brand 30 years ago to make high quality products at affordable prices & he was joined by the incredibly talented & extremely friendly performers from The Lion King on Broadway: Chondra Profit who plays Sarabi,  Bonita J. Hamilton who plays Shenzi and Ray Mercer who's part of the ensemble as a giraffe.

I'm all about great quality and affordability for anything I purchase, especially when it comes to make-up because it's just not something I purchase on a regular basis (yet) and can't justify splurging on when I know products that won't break the bank exist. Honestly my typical everyday make-up routine consists of eyeliner, mascara and gloss and if I'm going out in the evening I will most likely wear foundation and a bold lip color to step it up a notch.  I'm sure I'll want to experiment more and will definitely try to this month because thanks to Inglot and The Lion King, the hubby and I are going to see the show on Broadway which has been on our bucket list for-eva! 

The Lion King is now playing at the Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th street, New York, NY) and INGLOT's Savannah Sunset collection with The Lion King can be found in boutique stores around the world and on Inglotusa.com. Audience members who bring their ticket to INGLOT Times Square and like INGLOT Fan page on Facebook will receive a 20% discount on their purchase or receive a free makeover from INGLOT. And stay tuned because Kaye Tuckerman (creative director of Inglot) says there will be upcoming Broadway team-ups with the beauty brand in the future! 

Disclosure: The opinions expressed are 100% my own and I received a gift bag for attending. No other compensation was received.