Indie BookFest

Over eighty fabulous authors, panels and workshops for both authors and readers . . . two amazing parties and a huge signing . . . where in the world can you find all of this awesomeness in one event?

Indie BookFest, of course!

This premier author-reader event, in its fifth year in central Florida, takes place September 28 th through October 1 st at the Westin Lake Mary.

Indie BookFest is the only non-organization- affiliated author event to offer a dedicated Industry Day, with representatives from a variety of service companies presenting workshops, participating in panels and meeting with authors. This year, industry reps include those from Written Word Media, Draft2Digital, Robin Reads, Bublish and more.

But IBF isn’t simply an author education conference. We also offer an entire evening and day of Reader Appreciation panels and presentations—PLUS FanFare, an evening where the authors entertain the readers.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a three-hour signing that is free and open to the public, on Saturday from three to six.

Tickets to Indie BookFest 2017 are available now. There are several options for readers and for attending authors:

--INDUSTRY DAY Ticket: This option provides admittance to and participation in all the panels and workshops offered on Friday, September 29 th . Topics will apply to both new and established authors, as well as to others in the publishing field. This ticket allows attending authors and those interested in exploring the possibility of authorhood to participate in the entire weekend; it also includes FanFare, Reader Appreciation Day participation, the signing and Saturday night party. Thursday night’s Dinner with the Authors is not included.

--VIP TICKET: This option provides admittance to and participation in all aspects of Indie BookFest, including access to the entire weekend EXCEPT the Thursday night dinner (available at an additional charge), including the Green Room, all panels, workshops, parties and signings. VIP ticket holders also receive a special VIP swag bag.

--GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: This option includes access to FanFare on Friday night, reader workshops and panels on Saturday, the three-hour signing on Saturday, and the Saturday night party, as well as access to the Swag Tables.

--YOUNG AUTHOR EVENT: The Young Author session will take place Saturday, September 30, from 9:30-11 AM. Attendees must be under 18 to attend. A panel of authors will lead the workshop, which will explore all nuances of writing and publishing a book. Very Important: This is an add-on ticket to the main event. You must purchase either a general admission/VIP or Industry Day ticket to add this event.

-- THURSDAY NIGHT DINNER WITH THE AUTHORS: Join authors from Indie BookFest 2017 as we kick off the event with a lovely buffet meal in a beautiful setting.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website and Eventbrite page.

#GIVEAWAY: Thomas & Friends Mini Trains - Virgin Atlantic & Thomas

On Friday, August 7^th Thomas & Friends’ Sir Topham Hatt greeted travellers as they arrived for their Virgin Atlantic flights at JFK airport. 

This August, Virgin Atlantic and Thomas & Friends have joined forces in a month long partnership to bring a screening of the brand new movie ‘Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure’ on board to all international flights. Children on the flight will also be given a kids pack that includes a colouring activity booklet and a Thomas mini train. 

 Photo captions: Virgin Atlantic and HIT Entertainment, a division of Mattel, team up for the promotion of the new Thomas & Friends movie, Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure airing in-flight this month on all Virgin Atlantic flights at Virgin Atlantic Terminal at JFK Airport on August 7, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Mattel)

About Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure

Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure is the brand new Thomas & Friends movie, exclusively being played on board the Virgin flight today and available on DVD this coming autumn.

When Thomas takes a joke too far and runs Gordon’s coaches off the rails, Sir Topham Hatt sends him to work on another part of the island. Here he joins the little engines, Mike, Rex and Bert as well as his old friend Marion, in constructing a new branch line.

Thomas is determined to prove how useful he can be, but when the new track collapses under him, he crashes down into a hidden cavern where he finds an old pirate ship. Soon an exciting new adventure begins as Thomas joins up with some new friends, the mysterious sailor John and Skiff, a sailboat on rails in a hunt for the lost pirate’s treasure.

The DVD of this movie will be released in the USA on September. 9th 2015 and digital download on August 25th,  2015.

 The Giveaway

 One lucky winner is going to receive two Thomas & Friends Mini Trains.To enter just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 8/25/15. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

City Harvest Skip Lunch Fight Hunger Monday May 11th-Friday May 15th #SkipLunchFightHunger @CityHarvest

Join thousands of New Yorkers and fight childhood hunger this spring by participating in City Harvest’s annual Skip Lunch Fight Hunger campaign taking place Monday May 11th to Friday May 15th. This is NYC’s New Power Lunch #SkipLunchFightHunger

Hunger is a major issue in the city – nearly 1 in 4 children in New York City don’t always know where their next meal will come from, and when classrooms empty for the summer, access to free school meals may become limited. This adds further strain to families who are already struggling to put food on the table. But, you can be a part of the solution: with $15 – the cost of a lunch – City Harvest can help feed 60 children.

Start a Skip Lunch Fight Hunger fundraising team and mobilize your colleagues, friends and family to help feed hungry kids in New York City all summer long. With your support we can raise $1 million and help ensure that no children go hungry this summer. 

Anyone who donates $38 or more online between Monday, May 11th and Friday May 15th will receive a voucher for a complimentary sandwich at Potbelly and a voucher for a complimentary cold-pressed juice at Juice Press. 

Last year, Skip Lunch Fight Hunger raised $1 million-that’s enough to help feed thousands of children and their families for an entire summer.

City Harvest-The Bridge to End Hunger Video. 

Learn more about the Skip Lunch Fight Hunger campaign that takes place Monday May 11th to Friday May 15th and follow City Harvest on Twitter https://twitter.com/CityHarvest #SkipLunchFightHunger

Red and Pink Power Rangers Guest Star in The Rockettes' New York Spring Spectacular

For the first time ever, the Red and Pink Power Rangers will make an EPIC appearance during this all-new show, created by an Oscar and Tony Award-winning team and featuring the Rockettes, Tony-nominee Laura Benanti, and Derek Hough from Dancing with the Stars. The show is a whirlwind adventure set across the city that tells an inspiring and hopeful story about three New Yorkers who change each other’s lives in unexpectedly wonderful ways.

 

 

The two Rangers are sure to bring dino-charged action to the sensational show which includes invigorating new Rockettes dance numbers, incredible 3D special effects, sophisticated large-scale puppetry and an exciting soundtrack of original songs, classics and pop hits. The New York Spring Spectacular is as rejuvenating, energetic and uplifting as spring itself - and a reminder that while things may change, nothing can take away the timeless magic and romance of the one and only New York City!

Giveaway: Join Juicy Drop @ Dylan's Candy Bar - 3/21

Bazooka Candy Brand’s Juicy Drop is taking over Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC on Saturday, March 21^st to challenge candy lovers’ taste buds with a first taste of new Juicy Drop Gummies. Juicy Drop is hard-core candy dripping with attitude that puts you in control of the sour intensity so you can push your limits each and every time you dare to drop.  New Juicy Drop Gummies combine delicious soft gummies featuring a special “drop zone” with the signature Juicy Drop sour gel pen allowing fans to combine the two for an amazing taste experience.  

Fans will be greeted by Juicy Drop’s official Juicador Señor Sour and given the chance to take a turn on the Juicy Drop Prize Wheel where they could win fun giveaways including T-shirts, temporary tattoos, stickers, candy, and more. One lucky attendee will win a basket filled with a year’s supply of candy from Bazooka Candy Brands. 

WHO:  Juicy Drop’s Señor SourFans

WHAT:  Juicy Drop and Dylan’s Candy Bar partner to offer fans a first taste of new Juicy Drop Gummies with a chance to win prizes, photo ops with Señor Sour, games, and more.

                       WHEN:   Saturday, March 21^st, 2015

                                Noon – 4pm   

1:00pm – 3:00pm (Señor Sour)

                       WHERE: Dylan’s Candy Bar

1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065

(3^rd Ave at E 60^th Street)

The Juicy Drop brand has always been a leading force in category innovation as evident from their most recent launch, Juicy Drop Gummies.  Juicy Drop, the #2 selling non-chocolate candy front of store¹, features a unique two-in-one candy experience that enables consumers to control their flavor intensity.  First launched in 2003, Juicy Drop Pop quickly became a mainstay in the Bazooka Candy Brands portfolio.  Juicy Drop Taffy was added in 2012, bringing the innovative taste experience into the soft and chewy segment and is one of the first taffy candy lines that lets kids customize the intensity of their chosen flavor.  Juicy Drop Taffy spearheaded the Juicy Drop’s brand’s growth which drive the Kids Non-Chocolate category across all channels by 64² percent in a two-year period.  The Juicy Drop brand is part of Bazooka Candy Brands popular confectionery portfolio that includes Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, and Bazooka® Bubble Gum.  For more information, visit www.candymania.com.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a selection of Juicy Drop Gummies to try for themselves.  To enter, simply fill out the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway will end on 4/7/15. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US only. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lalalolopsy Stretchy Hair Dolls - #StretchAcrossUSA

 

We've got some exciting Lalaloopsy news for you! The brand new Stretchy Hair Lalaloopsy doll (Whirly Stretchy Locks) is just rolling out onto shelves at stores nationwide.

Because Lalaloopsy Stretchy Hair's locks are seeewww stretchy…they are celebrating with an Instagram promotion in which girls are asked to share a photo of them stretching the doll's hair, preferably in front of a local landmark. They will submit the photos with #StretchAcrossUSA and also hashtag their state's name.  As they receive entries, we will fill in states on our magical Lalaloopsy USA Map. Once the map is complete, then we randomly select  a winner, who will receive a customized Lalaloopsy Sugary Sweet prize pack worth approximately $200! See Lalaloopsy's Facebook page for more details: 

My family was excited to take part in the Lalaloopsy #StrechAcrossAmerica Campaign, and we knew exactly where to go. My  hometown is a  little tourist town in New Jersey called Wildwood, and the entrance to our boardwalk was the perfect landmark. It's still the off season, and it was a little cold and windy so close to the ocean, but I still think our picture turned out pretty great!

The Lalaloopsy Stretchy Hair Doll is super cute. She has a classic Lalaloopsy look with the frilly skirt and button eyes, but her hair is what makes her unique.  You can stretch it out to amazing lengths. Using the doll is pretty easy. There is a little white frosting cap on top of her hair. You need to turn that clockwise to close it. Then you pump the bow ten or more times. This will remove all the air from the jellylike strands. This is a very important step, because the hair won't stay the longer length if you skip it.  Once this is done, you can twist the hair into all kinds of fun shapes and styles. When you're finished, just turn the frosting cap again and the hair snaps back to its original length. She also comes with four plastic bows to help style her hair.

Like all the Lalaloopsy dolls, the Stretchy hair doll is well made and adorable. My daughter is having a ball playing with her, but I did run into one small problem. Sometimes the hair can snap back at you, and its like getting snapped with a rubber band and it hurts a little.  If you let go of the doll while stretching, she can also snap back and smack your arm and that hurts a lot worse. In fairness, the instructions tell you not to stretch  the hair beyond arm length, but kids like to test limits of their toys and we had a few incidents. Overall, I still love the doll, and if you can keep your kids from overstretching her, you shouldn't have this issue at all.

If you want to grab one of the new Lalaloopsy Dolls from yourself, you can find them in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

Connect with LalaLoopsy 

 

Twitter:         https://twitter.com/lalaloopsy

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/lalaloopsygirls

                        https://www.facebook.com/lalaloopsy

Instagram:    http://instagram.com/officiallalaloopsy

Snuggle® Invites America To 'Share A Snug™' This Valentine's Season #shareasnug

Send your Valentine a Personalized Video Card and Help Snuggle Bear Attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® record for 5,000 Hugs in Eight Hours

 Nothing captures the spirit of Valentine's Day like a hug, a simple yet deep display of affection that carries none of the pressure of wining-and-dining  or last minute gifts. This year, Snuggle® is helping America get back to the most genuine and heartfelt of acts:  The Snug™, which Snuggle defines as like a hug but with more love.

The iconic Snuggle Bear, created from the imagination of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, will offer snuggling tips and help people share a Snug leading up to Valentine's Day through a variety of social media channels – all rallying around #shareasnug.  In addition, in a rare appearance on Feb. 13, 2015, Snuggle Bear will offer Snugs to New Yorkers on a roving SnugMobile and attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® record for hugging.

As one of the fastest growing brands in the fabric conditioning category, Snuggle softens both hearts and laundry.  Just in time for Valentine's Day, the brand is launching the new pink variant of Snuggle Liquid Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets, Fresh Spring Flowers™.   

The SnugMobile comes at a time when more and more people are looking to connect by snuggling up to each other. Professional cuddling services and even social media apps and online matching services are emerging that connect people through their mutual interest in hugs and Snugs.

Anyone who would like to #shareasnug won't want to miss any of this snuggly soft action:

• Launching today, the Snuggle Valentine Video Card is available on share.snuggle.com and allows people to choose from more than 400 names spoken by Snuggle Bear and five different video messages for friends and loved ones shareable on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and accessible via desktop and mobile platforms.

• Snuggle Bear will hit the streets of Manhattan on a SnugMobile to attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS record title of the 'most hugs given by a puppet in eight hours' on Feb. 13, 2015. Snuggle Bear will make stops all over the city, including Times Square and Columbus Circle, to invite people on board the snuggly soft bus, to share a Snug, take a Snuggle selfie, and receive a free plush Snuggle Bear to take home. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to join in the Snugs.

For the past 30 years, Snuggle has provided the ultimate in Snuggly Softness® and long-lasting freshness to loads of laundry.  Join him as he brings his mission of softness to the streets of New York on February 13. Visit www.snuggle.com, like Snuggle on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram for more information.

Go Ape Gift Certificate #Giveaway

Go Ape Treetop Adventure Courses add another element of fun in addition to zip lines and are great for those who love an adventure. You can take your spouse, a group of friends or your entire family and swing through trees, zip line and complete obstacles. For 2-3 hours you can explore the park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point while you navigate through the obstacle course. Get your adrenaline pumping and jump out of your comfort zone for awhile!

A Go Ape gift certificate is the perfect gift and/or stocking stuffer for the outdoorsy and the next great activity for your corporate group. Go Ape courses are located around the US in Missouri, Indiana, Virginia, Delaware, Ohio, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Participants are equipped with harnesses, pulleys and carabiners, as well as a 30 minute safety training session before they are let loose into the forest canopy. Instructors are always on hand and patrolling to make sure everyone stays safe.

Visit Go Ape online for more information and to purchase gift certificates and tickets! You can also follow them on social media. Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 One lucky reader will receive 2 $25 gift certificates to use at your nearest Go Ape location! This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will end on 12/23. Please enter on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be verified. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Our Day Out With Thomas

My family and I were lucky enough to get to visit Thomas & Percy in  Lancaster last weekend. It was a long three hour drive each way, but it was worth it to see the looks of my children's faces when their favorite engines pulled into the station. We got to ride on both Thomas & Percy and see some of the amazing Amish sights along the way. Here are a few picture from our visit.

This was the last stop for 2014 but Thomas and Percy are sure to make their rounds again next year!  To be sure to keep their website bookmarked so you don't miss out on all the fun in 2015.

For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com

Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends and Twitter @ThomasParent.

Sail to Gala via Around the World!

Talk About Coming a Long Way To A Party, MS Patients

Circumnavigate The World to Sail Into Fort Lauderdale To Join

‘HATS OFF! Gala’ Benefit For Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation ( www.msfocus.org ) will be greeting some special guests who’ve sailed a very long way to attend its “HATS OFF! Gala” at the Hyatt Regency

Pier 66 on December 6th.

Oceans of Hope (http://www.sailing-sclerosis.org ) has circumnavigated the world with passengers that have MS.  The crew of the ship will receive a “Beacon of Light” award at the Gala for their determination and dedication to sail around the globe.

Admirers as well as other MS patients will greet the arrival of the ship 11am on December 3^rd at the Bahia Mar Docks.  The public is invited to share this moment of history in the making.

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Gala will honor Dr. Daniel Kantor for Leadership of Care and Drs. Marietta and Ira Glazer for being the Fearless Volunteers of the Year.  Co-Chairs are Lynne & Ralph McGrath and the evening will be emceed by Chanel from Mega 94.9 and 93.9.

An auction will be held during the cocktail hour bearing one of a kind items donated at a VIP pre Gala party held at Alpine Jaguar such as a basket including Units of Botox®, Lipo and B-12 Shots, a Google tablet, a custom-made sterling silver necklace decorated with fresh water pearls, blue topaz, and Swarovski elements, a signed football by Lee Corso, ESPN College Gameday analyst, “Tree at Sunset” matted photo and portrait package. These items and many more, will be available for bidding.

Sponsors of the gala, which is set for Saturday, December 6^th, include:  AT&T, Novartis Pharmaceutical, Lorraine Thomas, Genzyme, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono Pfizer, TEVA Shared Solutions, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Mallinckrodt, NSCFF, Alpine Jaguar, www.AllStarCupcakes.com, South Florida Opulence Magazine, Palm Beach Broadcasting, MDW Insurance and CBIZ.

ABOUT THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FOUNDATION                           
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, (www.msfocus.org or 888-MSFOCUS), is a national publicly-funded 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The mission of MSF is to provide vital programs and services for those affected by MS, and heighten public awareness and understanding for those diagnosed with the illness in order to elicit financial support for their needs. Also, tune in to MSFocusRadio.org, the first online radio station for the MS community that broadcasts content round-the-clock, brought to you by MSF.

The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem Kids Quest #Giveaway @SandsOutlets

 Sands Bethlehem is within easy driving distance from New York (only 82 miles and a fast 90 minutes), Philadelphia (50 miles and 60 minutes), and everywhere in between- closer than Atlantic City from both locations! The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem offers the hottest Outlet brand names like Coach, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger and more!

 Looking for an option for things for your kids to do while you shop, well Kids Quest is now open official open to drop-off your children at out exciting new center. You can then enjoy any of the casino property amenities or shop at the Outlets at Sands Bethlehem. Caring for kids 6 weeks to 12 years old.

 Play Time For Kids- Free Time For You!




 Kids Quest is designed to be a place where kids are physically and mentally engaged with age-appropriate play-events, helping them grow happily! Parents love Kids Quest because they can entrust their children to our care with complete confidence-allowing parents to use their free time to better handle busy schedules, cope with frenetic lifestyles, or just take a break and relax and re-energize.

Kids Quest-Sands Bethlehem on Facebook

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 10AM-11PM

Friday 10AM-1AM

Saturday 10AM-1AM

Sunday 10AM-11PM

More info about The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem can be found at Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Plan out a holiday shopping trip and visit Kids Quest where your children can have fun while your shop.

 The Giveaway

Two lucky winners are each going to receive a prize pack that includes the following:

1 Kids Quest Gift Certificate

1 Sands Bethlehem Umbrella

1 Sands Bethlehem Puzzle Box

1 Sands Bethlehem Eco Water Bottle

 To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway will end on 12/1/14. Open to the US only, but please note the gift cards are ONLY valid at the Sands in Bethlehem, PA. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway