Elated with Etsy: 9 Faves of Random Goodness

This week I thought rather than sharing a fabulous shop or a curated theme of favorite Etsy items, I'd give you guys a dose of the random goodness that showcase the talented businesses on the site.  I apologize in advance if you proceed to grab your wallet.

Pom Poms and raindrop garland are sweet for a babyshower or to decorate your lil' monsters nursery.

Gift your latest travel finds in this historic maps wrapping paper and have the receiver in wanderlust.

A graphic print headband is perfect for those hot & humid city days, making it a necessity.

Every pie & cookie lover will agree that this quote cake stencil is on point.

A Winterfell candle will have you picturing yourself warm by a fire set in a Game of Thrones scene. 

Because your space requires Good Vibes Only, hang this simple yet beautiful reminder.

Head to the beach and rock the fruit trend in this retro swimsuit.

Great your guests with a fun + comfy, geometric print Hello pillow.

Herb sticker decals will help you showcase your in house spices by labeling the pot they sprout in. 

Which of these goodies has caught your eye?

Must Haves for Lil' Monsters: Make Bubble Blowing Easier with Fubbles Bubble Puppy + #Giveaway

*Disclosure: The opinions expressed are 100% my own, we were given the product to review and no other compensation was given.

Summer is officially here, which means my boys and I are excited about the longer days of warm weather fun ahead of us. One of our favorite things to do has always been to blow bubbles, whether it's outside in the yard, or playground or indoors while taking a bubble bath. We have had every kind of bubble maker imaginable and no matter the type, my 3 yr. old Tristan would always pull out the bubble wand, puff out his cheeks as far as he could + blew, only to see a bubble or two float off and solution trickle down to the ground. You'd either see Tristan trying  to pucker his lips to blow so close to the wand, he was basically licking the solution off or he'd be pouting somewhere in a corner because he was frustrated and wanted to prove he could do it all o his own, like his big brother.

A few months ago I attended the Time To Play Magazine Toy preview and found some adorably, fun and affordable toy products from Little Kids Inc. One of my favorites by far was the Fubbles Bubble Puppy which is part of Little Kids Inc's new EZ 2 DO bubble line. What differentiates itself from many of the other bubble making products we've seen, is that the wand is this really cute looking puppy character, who's head is a conically designed mouthpiece to help lil' monsters like mine master bubble blowing by guiding kids to use the wider end of the wand. This design is perfect for bubble blowing newbies ages 2+ because the air blown is funneled directly through the wand, and your little ones mouth never touches the solution.

Tristan was super excited to try it out and so right after I poured the solution (which comes in a bottle that resembles a can of dog food) into the doggie bowl, he was all set to dip in the wand and start blowing. Naturally, because he was so used to trying so hard while using other wands he had puffed out his cheeks really big, and blew so hard. When I showed him how to blow softer he got the hang of it right away and was able to do it all on his own and I wasn't worried about him drinking the solution.

Tristan was really proud of himself for being able to blow bubbles like a big boy with the Fubbles Bubble Puppy. At one point he turned to me and said "See mommy I don't need CJ's help, I can do it, watch me!" It was awesome to see him accomplish creating bubbles all on his own, he was so confident.

After a few rounds of blowing bubbles by himself, Tristan Riley decided it was time to let his big brother join in on the fun, and was really impressed with CJ's bubble blowing skills.

As a special treat to our Dellah's Jubilation readers, my lil' monsters and I are hosting a giveaway for 1 lucky reader to win an EZ 2 DO Fubbles Bubble Puppy for lots of bubble making fun. All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter below by answering the blog post question in the comment box and feel free to gain more entries by completing other Rafflecopter tasks. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Day of Extreme Family Fun at the #WWE Extreme Rules Event + WWE #Giveaway

* Disclosure: We were given tickets to attend the event, and products to host a giveaway. I was not compensated for this post and the opinions written are 100% my own.

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun it was to head to East Rutherford, New Jersery's Izod Center with my two monsters, hubby and a friend to attend the WWE's Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View Event. Both my hubby and I grew up watching the WWF superstars as kids and now love watching it as a way to unwind with  2 boys. We all get excited when the infamous theme songs of John Cena, Triple H and Daniel Bryan play in the house while watching RAW and Smackdown on television or when catching up on the WWE Network.  As ultimate fans, to be there live, in a crowd of  thousands who were cheering for their favorites was an unbelievable experience. The last time I had attended an event was back in the 90's when my dad took my sister, my best friend and I to Madison Square Garden. I remember watching Yokuzuna fight the UnderTaker and being decked out in a Brett the Hitman Heart cap and shiny pink reflecting glasses, flailing my matching teddy bear around in the air, and honestly I'll never forget it.

From beginning to end, the Extreme Rules experience was non stop fun and high energy. We headed to the Times Square Port Authority and rode the Coach USA bus which was a quick, smooth ride to the Izod Center. As we filled the bus and took our seats, all of a sudden we were all cheering "Yes!, Yes!, Yes!" and getting hyped to see Daniel Bryan. Minutes later others began yelling out "John Cena Sucks!", which honestly I didn't care for because I can't stand the former Cena fans who have now jumped on the bandwagon {including my 9 year old, CJ} to root for that creepy Bray Wyatt and couldn't wait for their steel cage match-up. We got to the Izod Center about an hour early and there where tons of people already in the parking lots, tailgating and buying souvenirs, while others waited in line chanting in anticipation.

We were originally concerned about the event taking place on a Sunday night since CJ would still have school the next morning, but how on earth could we let the boys miss out on such an amazing first time opportunity? School night or not, we were not alone! Families were out there in groups, with some kids even dressed up in costumes to resemble their favorite WWE Superstars like: Kane, Bray Wyatt and Dolf Ziggler. Another major concern we had , was whether or not the event would be to graphic for the kids altogether and quite honestly, as avid watchers, it was really a pretty mild show in comparison to past years. As the WWE tries to shift gears and become increasingly more family/ kid friendly, the hubby and I agreed that the most slightly concerning part was at the end of the show during the match with Daniel Bryan vs. ane, which I discuss later in the post.

We could not have asked for better seats to witness such an epic night of battles between these iconic WWE superstars. CJ was so excited, he even started to tear up, and Tristan Riley just couldn't stop bouncing out of his seat anytime his favorite WWE wrestlers theme song played. I wish I could have captured the excitement in the twenty-something year old guys sitting behind us who admitted that this was their first live show. One of them even apologized in advance for his screaming, but could you blame him? You easily get so caught up in the excitement and action, you can't help yourself.

The amazing Extreme Rules lineup included: the humorous match between El Torito and Hornswaggle, an intercontinental match between Big E. Lnagston and Bad News Barrett, a triple threat elimination between Cesaro, Rob Van Dam & Jack Swagger as well as a 2 on 1 handicap match featuring Alexander Rusev vs. R. Truth and Xavier Woods and a Diva's Championship match featuring Paige vs. Tamina Snuka.

One highly anticipated battle by far, was the legendary Six man Tag Team match up between Evolution {The Cerebral Assassin: Triple H, The Animal: Batista and The Viper: Randy Orton} vs. The Shield {Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins}.In my house we BELIEVE IN THE SHIELD!

During the steel cage match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt we found out whether The Wyatt family really did have the whole world in their hands.

The WWE world championship match between crowd favorite and current champ, Daniel Bryan vs. the demon Kane called for a forklift and fire extinguisher after they dragged the fight out of the ring and into a loading dock.

You can find the WWE Extreme Rules 2014 results online, but If you'd rather view all the Extreme Rules action for yourself, you still can by signing up for the WWE network which we really love because it's affordable. One Pay-Per-View event usually costs $60 from providers, but with the monthly subscription to the WWE Network you can see all 12 Pay-Per-View events for $9.99 per month w/ a 6 month commitment. You can also discover what other WWE family experiences we've had and new content and products that are out right now, here.

And as a special treat for all our fellow WWE fans + Dellah's Jubilation readers, I'm hosting a giveaway of some pretty awesome WWE products. Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win! [Items pictured in top left corner of post]



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grab Yourself Some "Me Time" & See Mom's Night Out #MNOMAMARAZZI #MOMSNIGHTOUT

As moms how often do we find ourselves torn between wanting to spend quality time with our kids and spouses as often as we can while juggling housework, careers and schlepping kids to various activities? Thanks to The Moms, earlier in the month I was invited to attend a screening with my fave mom-bloggers of the newly released faith-based, comedy film Moms Night Out which stars Patricia Heaton {the hilarious mom from Everybody Loves Raymond and Malcom in the Middle} and Sarah Drew {the quirky and loveable Kepner on Grey's anatomy}, Sean Astin and David Hunt. Before the screening we mingled while sipping delicious Mom-mosas  and other yummy cocktails courtesy of Martini and enjoyed sweet treats from  Baked by Melissa.  

From the first ten minutes the theater was all laughs, which really never died down throughout the entire film as we watched Allyson a Stay at home mom, wife of a busy travel-for-work husband and mom blogger navigate her way through the perils and joys of motherhood to 3 high energy children. How is it possible that when you seemingly have it all: the successful & good looking husband, the white picket fence and adorable kids, you are still unhappy with your life? A dilemma that has Allyson spazzing out like Susie homemaker turned incredible hulk, and sobbing in a closet {while looking at old glitzy party shoes} about her life that once was.

One of the moments/ quotes that stood out to me in the film was when Allyson's very understanding husband {played by Sean Astin} explains to his wife that she needed to heed the advice that most flight attendants give at the beginning of a flight. "You must put your oxygen mask on first, in order to be of any help to anyone else", comparing a girls night out or a hobby to an oxygen mask, a necessity to live.  As moms we sometimes forget that we need to take care of ourselves first, both physically and mentally before we can be good to anyone else. One of the many things I love and appreciate about my own hubby is that he encourages me to take moments for myself, whether a long bubble bath, a walk around the block or brunch with the girls because he knows I need it for my own sanity every now and then.

So as recommended, Allyson rounds up her ladies {the pastors wife, played by Patricia Heaton & the best friend Izzy} and we follow along as the movie takes us on an outrageous girls night out adventure in which  the hubbies are left in charge of the kids, and we witness the disastrous yet hysterical series of events unfold, while these glammed up moms give it their best efforts to paint the town red.

We've all been there, paralyzed by stress and guilt: questioning our parenting skills, wondering if others are judging us, seeking an identity outside of being a mom, and occasionally needing a moment to ourselves to enjoy the things and people we loved before having kids. No joke it's a balancing act, I stayed home with each of my boys for their first 2 years as a choice. One that my husband and I made because honestly childcare expenses are so high in NYC and with me being an educator I just couldn't see my kids being cared for by anyone else but myself or close family. Often I wanted to pull out my hair, and still do from the sleepless nights and potty training days of long ago, to battles over the TV and meltdowns of today and needed an outlet which was in part why I started this blog. Through events like these hosted by The Moms I've been blessed to be able to meet and become friends with lots of other mom bloggers who have all at some point tried to find their voice in the blogosphere while managing a household.

After the screening we were all lucky enough to sit in on The Moms live Q&A with the cast for SiriusXm radio, which was a blast! They discussed the ups and downs of parenting and marriage while managing careers in the spotlight and it's great to see that despite their celebrity status we all go through the same things and try to be the best parents we can be since there just isn't a manual on how to do it. I was able to ask Sarah Andrew on air if there was a friend or family member who she had been nervous about watching her child only to be relieved that everyone was safe & sound and had a good time. Fortunately for her she says she's been blessed with amazing family who insist she go out while they babysit. In the midst of my question, the adorably handsome Sean Astin {of Lord of the Rings and 80's classic The Goonies} walked in.

This Mother's Day I was able to indulge in the best of both worlds {thanks to my mother-in-law who gladly relieved me of my mommy duties}, an entire day to myself which included the rare joy of sleeping in past 8am, lounging in pajamas while watching tasteless -girly television {hubby had to work} and actually being able to talk to my bestie Liza on the phone {without hyper monsters yelling in the background}, opposed to just shooting her a text in ten minute intervals. After a relaxing Saturday, my two monsters returned home, eager to greet me with hugs and kisses. My hubby prompted our 3 year old and asked "What do you have to tell mommy?" he jumped up in my arms and with conviction yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY" which had me cracking up. We ended up playing board games and cuddled upon the couch watching movies and had breakfast for dinner.

By far some of the best movies are the ones that you can find yourself relating to, that make it easier to laugh at yourself and that make you realize you aren't alone in this crazy life as parents. If  you have yet to see Moms Night Out, arrange a sitter,  grab your girlfriends or go alone for two hours of  "mommy" time because you deserve it!  Watch the Trailer, I guarantee you and the family will laugh a bunch and even get a little teary, if you're a cheese-ball like me sometimes.

How do you find time for yourself & what's been your own favorite Moms Night out Moment?

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up

I don't know about you, but I just didn't think this day would ever come, but I am so thankful it's Friday and not for any other particular reason than that it's the end of the week. Spring is now going right up there with seasons I'm not pleased with , it's running a pretty close second to winter. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful for warmer days but the pollen, the grass and whatever else that's floating around has caused lots of eye-ball rubbing, drippy nose, scratchy throat and itchy parts kind of reactions from my two lil' monsters. Which inevitably means we grown-ups feel super helpless because the prescribed grape stuff isn't working which results in sleepless nights for us.  What do you guys have planned for the weekend, anything good? Tomorrow, weather permitting we'll head to the Madison Square Park & Time Out Kids Spring Fest, which should be awesome. On Sunday you'll find me at the New York Baby Show bright and early and then I'm hoping to squeeze in a trip to Flushing Meadow Park for the World's Fair Anniversary. Whatever fun and relaxation you find yourselves getting into I hope you live in the moments and enjoy!

Here's a few of my fave links from around the web to help you pass the time:

5 other Fun NYC events to check out // International Food Festival // BayFest2014 // Touch- A-Truck Street Fair // Dance Parade & Festival // LIC Springs Block Party //


This parody of the New York City MTA will make for a good laugh.

Things Parisians do that amaze New Yorkers  and vice versa.


Coca-Cola x Opi collaboration has made some fun colors with lots of pop!

A fantastic sequin jacket  can make any day better and brighter.

Work out your abs, so you can werk this swimsuit and if you're shy this tankini will make you feel hot.


Every rooftop should be styled to look as gorgeous as this one.


A watermelon cooler must be added to your festive summer drink list this year.

Keep lunchtime simple with these 2 ingredient sandwiches.


Are you a serial wedding guest? Then the book Save the Date is your next must read!

Romantic and Quirky wedding signs your guests will find charming.

I've always loved Rent the Runway, but because of this capsule collection I'll be hooked forever!


DIY jungle nursery art for the kiddies will look adorable in their space.

10 things to do with your kids this summer.

Must Haves For Lil' Monsters {Kids} No. 3

This weeks collection is full of fun finds I spied at some local family expos over the last few weeks and are carried by some of my favorite NYC neighborhood stores. While some picks will have your lil' one dressed to impress this spring, others will promote creativity: especially on rainy days indoors and give back to those in need.

Bring all the fun of building castles on the beach home without creating the annoying mess. When I discovered Kinetic Sand, I was instantly sold on it's "magical" properties that will allow your little one to sculpt and mold without leaving you with the headache of cleaning it all up because every speck stays in place.

Hailing yellow taxis and chasing fearless pigeons through parks and off sidewalks are typical city moments & these iconic NYC pillows would be awesome reminders of this crazy city life or will have you wander-lusting for a trip to the big apple.

High top denim sneakers are too cool for school & perfect for hitting the playground in.

Girls will love twirling around in this colorful and fun floral poplin skirt, that's perfect for spring.

Grab your little foodie and head to the kitchen! Once they've opened up their first Raddish monthly subscription box {which includes recipes, activities and more} they'll want to help make dinner all the time.

The Feed + Oh Joy Diaper bag has me seriously needing an excuse to buy one for myself, despite my two monsters being well beyond their potty training days. Not only is this bag trendy, with it's fantastic print, the purchase of a bag will allow 1 mom and 1 child to receive micronutrients for one year.

Kids can celebrate being brave with the poem Life Doesn't Frighten Me written by Maya Angelou and they'll be engaged by the child-like artistry of Jean-Michel Basquiat while learning to overcome their fears.

If your kids are like my 3 year old { he loves his smoothies and applesauce in them}, they will love the line of Squooshi reusable pouches that come in adorable animal designs and will allow them to take the yummy foods you prepare for them on the go without the waste, mess or need for utensils.

Have you discovered a  Must Have for your lil' monsters, if so which one?

The Amazing Spider - Man 2 Red Carpet Movie Premier

*Disclosure : I was invited as Press and was given VIP passes and invited to a private screening. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

We aren't even half way through it, but this year has been a world wind of fun-filled once in a lifetime opportunities for my two monsters, hubby and I since I've started blogging again. Thanks to The Moms Network, our son CJ can add another priceless moment to his list of things he's done before his teenage years, that his mom and dad have done way later than their preteen years, lol. Imagine my excitement when I got the invitation for my family and I {unfortunately the littlest monster, age 3 could not attend because you needed to be 10+, and he's probably the biggest Spidey fan in the house} to hang out in the bleachers when the celebrities arrived to walk the red carpet at the Ziegfield Theater in NYC, and to screen the movie The Amazing Spiderman 2 at the Sony Wonder Labs before it's release to the public. Whoa! yepp, that's what I said the red carpet and private screening, pretty dang unbelievable!

As a lifelong Spiderman fan our 10 year old son's facial expressions were so adorable when he realized he was on the actual red carpet. There we were, standing in the bleachers with VIP passes hanging from our necks, bright lights surrounding us and the red carpet right below us. I remember CJ turning to us and asking
 "Mom, dad, why are all these T.V stations here just to watch the movie?" We both laughed and explained to him, what exactly was about to happen and when we caught wind that Andrew Garfield would be arriving shortly and that the lovely Emma Stone {who we didn't get to see because we had to leave for our own private viewing party with other Mom-bloggers and their families}, Jamie Foxx and Pharrell would be joining him, CJ nearly lost his mind! And quite honestly so did quite a few grown-ups.

Max Charles was so adorable, he seemed to be having the time of his life,  in a moment I'm sure seemed surreal at such a young age.

 Ralph Macchio 

Montell Williams

Andrew Garfield rode in on a school bus with deserving students who volunteer & even took time out with fans on the streets for selfies before hitting the red carpet.

Brittany Daniels 

Kendrick Lamar

Lol, I called out to him and got his attention!

Chris Cooper signed CJ's poster

I've loved Sally Fields since her Steel Magnolias days, it was so great seeing her!

Of course we all started singing "Happy" when we saw Pharrell and his infamous hat.

Embeth Davidtz

Right before dashing off we were able to catch this pic of Jamie Foxx and his cute daughter who's face was painted blue .. Go Team Electro!

The Amazing Spiderman 2 premiered this past weekend hauling in $92 Million in sales here in North America, and I am far from surprised, seeing as the cast was an amazing smorgasburg of acting talent featuring Andrew Garfield {Spiderman}, Emma Stone {Gwen}, Jamie Foxx {Electro}, Paul Giamatti {Rhino}, Sally Field {Aunt May} Chris Cooper {Norman Osborn} Dane DeHaan {Harry Osborn} and Max Charles {young spiderman} Embeth Davidtz {Mary Parker} Martin Sheen {Uncle Ben} and Denis Leary {Captain Stacy}.

Seriously what more can you ask for from a Marvel Movie? Lots of high energy action, a good looking, web slinging hero who's saving the world while navigating his way through childhood abandonment issues with his deceased parents & embracing his love life and future with the beautiful and intelligent Gwen.

Prior to seeing the movie we were all team Spiderman in my house , but now I think the misunderstood & electrifying, villain Electro has definitely converted a few Spidey man fans over to his side. I think the talented Jamie Foxx , did an exceptional job portraying his character Max. You honestly couldn't help but feel sorry for this guy because all he really wanted was to feel important, noticed and respected. Don't we all, at some point or another seek that same validation?

Prior to our moving screening we all joined in on a yummy pizza party and the kids {of all ages} got to try out the latest released Amazing Spiderman video game, which of course CJ thought was pretty awesome.

If you haven't already gone to the theater to check out the Amazing Spiderman my boys and I would highly recommend you do. The special affects will not disappoint and I thought the movie taught two great lessons of Living in the Moment and how being in the limelight may not always be what it's cracked up to be!


Many thanks to The Moms Newtork who provided us with such an amazing once in a life-time opportunity!