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KiwiCanadian expat in New York with toddler, infant and Kiwi husband. Adventures in inspired family living, New York, travel, and health & fitness.Read More »

Water fun in New Jersey at Coco Key Water Resort

Where else can you go within 2 hours of New York, yet still be close to historical Philadelphia and enjoy the fun of an indoor waterpark? Coco Key Water Resort in Mt Laurel, New Jersey is an affordable and quick trip from New York City. Once you’ve arrived, you have spacious accommodations, free entertainment for the kids on weekend nights as well as some weeknights, and splashy good fun.

To be honest, our little family arrived on Easter Saturday to a completely booked resort. Their was a lineup nearly out the door at the water park end for those who were trying to buy day passes to enter. Word to the wise, if you are only coming for the day and especially on a holiday weekend, save yourself some hassle and buy your tickets online.

If you purchase overnight packages at the adjoining Hotel ML, then their is no needed to worry about your passes as you purchase them with your accommodation. 



eMeals Adds Slow Cooker Meal Plans

eMeals.com, the leading online meal planner,  has launched a new slow cooker meal plan to make your life even easier when it comes to getting meals on the table! Each slow cooker plan will include 7 crockpot dinners, with some timesaving “cook once, eat twice” favorites. They have both a Slow Cooker Classic plan full of tasty comfort food as well a groundbreaking Slow Cooker Clean Eating Plan that serves up quick, simple, and healthy meals. Right now, you can use discount code LUNCHFREE for a free lunch meal plan with the purchase of a dinner plan.

I know what you’re thinking, slow cooker in the summer? Yes! Their are some really interesting recipes on offer like Wild Rice and Beef Stuffed Bell PeppersFive Spice Pork Ribs and Smokey Brussels Sprouts, and Peppered Salmon Fillets with Minty Sugar Snap. I don’t know about you, but my meal repertoire could definitely use some jazzing up, and if I can do it quickly by using the slow cooker, then I’m a happy mama.

Get all the benefits of Clean Eating with half the effort. Merge your busy schedule and a healthy lifestyle with the natural, fresh ingredients of the Slow Cooker Clean Eating plan.



New York City Classic Harbor Line Cruise

Dedicated to helping locals and visitors alike enjoy the unique wonders of New York City, Classic Harbor Line hopes for the privilege of escorting you on a relaxing, inspiring and breathtaking sightseeing cruise through the waters we proudly call home. Our classic yachts – the Schooner Adirondack & Adirondack III and the Schooner America 2.0 (our sailboats), and the Luxury Yacht Manhattan (our motorized yacht) are reminiscent of the classic boats that cruised New York Harbor a hundred years ago.

Mama Goes BAM readers Receive $10 off each ticket purchased at www.sail-nyc.com using ONLINE promo code FAMILY10.

I’m looking forward to taking a ride with this service this summer and experience vies that you can only see from the water. In the meantime, check out this video so that you can see what the experience is like



Tips for a Successful Family Photography Shoot

I recently had  family photos taken at Coney Island. I was sooo looking forward to the experience as we have never had family photos done. The weather conditions were not as we hoped for at the beginning of April, but that didn’t really matter as our photographer was so good at putting us all at ease. Mr P warmed to her instantly, and his bright personality shone through in his time in front of the camera.
Besides having a professional photographer that is great at setting expectations and keeping everyone relaxed, I asked our photographer Rachel from Rachel Knowles Photography what else a family can do to make their photography session successful.
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The most common question I find myself getting asked as a photographer is “What should we wear?” I’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that can help any family getting ready for a family photo shoot.



Cameo Silhouette Giveaway Perfect for Crafters

Silhouette Cameo Giveaway

Welcome to the Silhouette CAMEO® Giveaway! I am excited to join Nap Time is My Time and several other amazing bloggers who made this great giveaway possible! One very lucky winner will receive a brand new Silhouette CAMEO® electronic cutting tool! In the box: A Silhouette CAMEO® electronic cutting tool, Silhouette Studio® software, 51 exclusive cuttable designs, Power cable, USB cable, 12″ cutting mat, Cutting blade, $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store, and Basic Instruction Guide. Giveaway is open to US only. Prize valued at $300!

This giveaway is open to US Only and ends May 31 at 11:59 PM EST. Come back everyday for more chances to win by completing our daily entries!



Bringing Memories to Life with Snapfish by HP

I received promotional items including Snapfish by HP giftcards to use as I wanted and decided to share one gift card with you! Hopefully those of you who are mother’s had a wonderful day on Sunday! I know for me, even after 10 years not living in the same country as my Mother, it still feels weird. She is in Canada and I have lived in New Zealand and now the US. But, it is nice to have my own kids to enjoy Mother’s Day with. Mr P made me a wonderful card and cute photo with his teacher at kindergarten. Little Miss wasn’t sure what was going on, but she knew that lots of kisses and cuddles were in order!

No matter if you have lots of photos from Mother’s Day, or whether you will be taking lots of photos of fun in the sun over the next few months, here is your chance to enter to win a Snapfish by HP gift card for 50 free prints. If like me you take a gazillion photos a day I know you’ll appreciate this offer.

And as a thank you for being part of this community this is a real simple comment to win giveaway. Just leave a comment with what/who you would print pictures of if you won 50 free prints. That’s it! Comments will close on Monday, May 20 at 8PM EST and the winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize from the time that they are emailed, or else I reserve the right to choose another winner.

Good luck!