By Tricia Berwick

If your family has ever vacationed at Walt Disney World in Florida, you know first-hand that staying directly on the resort’s property offers guests many advantages.  Convenience is always a key factor as well as extra access to the various parks.  It’s always a major plus to enter the amusement parks an hour ahead of everyone else to avoid the crowds or long lines.  The same is true for visitors at Universal Orlando Resort.

The three AAA Four Diamond Award winning on-site hotels are located in the center of the excitement at Universal Orlando.  While every hotel has a different and unique theme, each one offers the same comfort, convenience and various amenities.  All of the hotels offer world-class service and accommodations, recreation, and dining options.  Plus, each one is within easy walking distance of both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks and the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex.

Hotel guests can enjoy an exclusive package of theme park benefits including: early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required), Universal Express ride access which allows guests to skip the regular lines throughout both theme parks (this is a free benefit worth up to $87 per person, per day) and complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses to make getting around the resort fast and easy.  If your family would like to take advantage of these on-site benefits, there are three hotels to choose from at Universal Orlando Resort.

1.) Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando- If you love anything Italian, then this would be the right pick for your family. This luxurious hotel re-creates the charm and romance of the famed seaside village of Portofino, Italy.  There are even cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes to make guests feel as if they are strolling through the Italian countryside.  The spacious and comfortable guest rooms all feature authentic Italian furnishings.  In addition, the hotel boasts three themed swimming pools, a relaxing spa, and many restaurants.

2.)Hard Rock Hotel- Are there wannabe rock stars in your family?  If so, choose the Hard Rock Hotel which will make your gang feel like rock-n-roll royalty.  There are lots of recreation options to keep the kids busy, including a sand beach pool that immerses you in sound, not just water.  Of course, the Hard Rock Hotel would not be complete without authentic rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.  During your stay, be sure to check out all of the memorabilia located throughout the hotel.  The legendary Palm Restaurant is another one of the hotel’s main attractions.  With an emphasis on personal attention and service, the Hard Rock Hotel strives to make everyone feel like a rock star during their stay.

3.)The South Seas at Loews Royal Pacific Resort—This hotel is unique because guests feel as if they have been transported to the South Pacific.  The lush tropical surroundings resemble an island paradise at this resort. Guests will dine on exceptional cuisine and relax on the white sandy beach which surrounds the lagoon-style swimming pool.

However, if staying on site at Universal Orlando Resort is not in your family’s plans, there are many other options to choose from.  Chosen based on quality, reputation and proximity to Universal Orlando, the Universal Partner Hotels are each located within minutes of Universal Orlando.  In addition, guests can enjoy bonus benefits at some of the partner hotels.  For example, guests can enjoy discounts on merchandise at select theme park locations, discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages at select theme park and CityWalk locations, free scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando theme parks, and golf reservations and complimentary transportation to select area courses offered through the Golf Universal Orlando program.

When selecting a hotel, you can choose from one of three categories: luxury, moderate, or value hotels.  Luxury hotels include the following amenities: themed pool, multiple dining options, concierge desk, 24-hour room service, bell services, valet parking, spa services, kids club, and fitness center.  Moderate hotels all feature an outdoor pool, full service dining, concierge desk, room service, breakfast area, and bell services.  Value hotels include: an outdoor pool, breakfast area, and guest service desk.

In addition to the numerous hotels on and off-site, there are many vacation packages to choose from.  If your family chooses the “Blue Man Group” vacation package, you will receive a free upgrade to the Park-to-Park ticket, plus early park admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.  Three-night getaways start from only $349 per adult, tax inclusive.  “7 Nights-5 Theme Parks” provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy unlimited accommodations during this time frame.  Guests also have the privilege of early park admission to Islands of Adventure. This package starts at $1765 per family of four.  The “2-Park Getaway” package has guests choose the hotel of your choice and add theme park admission to enjoy both Universal Studio theme parks, plus early admission to Islands of Adventure.  This package starts at $239 per adult.  The “Exclusive Vacation Package is perfect for fans of Harry Potter.  With this package, your kids will enjoy early park admission to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the general public, and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks.  Plus, the package also includes hotel accommodations and admission to Universal Orlando Resort.  Four-night getaways start from only $299 per adult.  In addition to these specific vacation packages, you can also customize your own vacation experience based on the needs of your individual family.

If you mention that you’re traveling to Orlando with the family, most people will automatically assume that you’re visiting Mickey and Minnie Mouse and their friends at Walt Disney World.  However, the city of Orlando offers more than just WDW to its guests.  Universal Orlando Resort is also a place to make lasting memories with your family.   New attractions and rides are always being added which means families can return for multiple visits.  For more information, check out their website at www.orlandoresort.com or call 1-877-801-9720.

If your children are huge movie buffs or love comic book superheroes, it may be time to consider Universal OrlandoResort for your family’s next vacation destination.  The park opened in1999 and offers many attractions and sights to see for the entire family.

Universal’s Island Adventures is one of two theme parks at the resort and features many thrilling and innovative rides.  The attractions are spread out over 101 acres and include seven themed islands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Seuss Landing, and Port of Entry.  Academy Award-winning producer and director, Steven Spielberg is a creative consultant for the park.  Since there is so much to see and do, it’s best to spend at least a few days at the park in order to see everything before you head home.

Are your kids devoted followers of the Harry Potter series?  The 20-acre Wizarding World of Harry Potter is unique because it’s the only place in the world where the adventures of Harry Potter come to life.  This new attraction includes the village of Hogsmeade featuring Zonko’s joke shop, Honeydukes, The Three Broomsticks, the hog’s Head pub, the Owlery, and the Owl Post, Olivanders, and Dervish and Banges. This is the only place where guests can see the Hogwarts Founders which haven’t appeared in any of the Harry Potter films.  Fans will also love the opportunity to take a ride on the Hogwarts Express train which is located at the front of Hosgmeade.  It is an exact replica of the one from the Harry Potter films.

Also located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is Marvel Super Hero Island where your kids can experience the battle of good versus evil.  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will take your kids on an exciting 3-D adventure.  The attraction is designed to make spectators feel as if they are swinging and soaring high above the city streets.  It features 3-D filmed images, and live special effects, including flames and water.  In addition, there are also “roving motion based simulator” vehicles that move throughout the building.  The simulator ride’s set is quite extensive.  It spreads out over 1.5 acres and includes a virtual 400-foot freefall experience.  The attraction is designed to make guests feel as if they are directly involved in the action.  After experiencing this ride, your children will know exactly how Spider-Man feels as he tries to rid the world of evil and save the people from the nasty villains!

Roller coaster enthusiasts definitely need to check out the Incredible Hulk Coaster.  The Hulk launches riders upward 150 feet and reaches top speeds of 67 mph.  The ride has a total of seven inversions and two subterranean trenches during the 2-minute and 15-second ride.  What’s amazing is that riders will accelerate from zero to 40 mph in two seconds flat, with the force equal to that of a jet taking off an aircraft carrier.  This is definitely not a ride for the faint at heart!

The Jurassic Park River Adventure, which contains 1.5 million gallons of water,

takes guests on a river raft ride through the jungles of Jurassic Park where dinosaurs are in their natural habitats.  Your family will observe many dinosaurs throughout the ride, including an Ultrasaurus, a baby Stegosaurus and its mother, and even a Dilophosauruses, commonly known as “spitters.”  An interesting fact about the ride is that when it was first built, the ride’s 85-foot plunge was the largest theme park water descent ever constructed.

Dr. Seuss’ children’s books, which have been translated into 27 languages, come alive in two different attractions.  One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish, allows children to take the controls and steer the fish up and down throughout the ride.  As kids fly low and high, they will pass multiple fountains which will squirt in time to a musical rhyme, in typical Dr. Seuss fashion.  Kids need to listen and pay attention to the words if they don’t want to get wet on this magical journey.  One of the best things about this ride is that there is no height requirement, so even the little ones can participate.  However, all guests under 48” must be accompanied by an adult.  Also located in Seuss Landing, guests can experience The Cat in the Hat ride.  This attraction re-creates the scene from the famous Seuss book, The Cat in the Hat, and even features the characters Thing One and Thing Two.  While your family is walking through Seuss Landing, have them notice the absence of straight lines throughout the area.  Since Dr. Seuss never drew straight lines in his illustrations (everything was curved, slanted, or “wonky”), there are no straight lines in Seuss Landing.  A good way to observe this is to take the troops on a ride aboard the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.  On this twin-tracked ride, guests will take a journey high above the colorful rides and attractions of Seuss Landing.  One track of the trolley even circles around the inside of Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous letting you wave at the guests dining below.  As you wait to board the trolley you’ll follow the story of the Sneetches featuring Sylvester McMonkey McBean. One track continues the story of the Sneetches, while the other track gives you the ABC’s of Seuss Landing as you pass overhead.

The resort’s other theme park, Universal Studios Florida provides guests with a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and become directly involved into the action of your family’s favorite movies.  Universal Studios is the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park.  This is a chance to become the star of some of the greatest TV shows and movies ever made.  This real, working film and TV production facility features rides, shows, and movie sets, which make the guest the center of the action.  There may even be a real film crew at work on the backlot.

Shrek 4-D is just one of the many attractions at Universal Studios Florida.  Shrek and Donkey from the Oscarwinning films, Shrek and Shrek 2 are the main characters in this thrilling ride which features an original 3-D film starring the vocal talents of the movies’ original cast.  The ride will make guests feel as if they are really a part of the story.  For example, guests will see, hear, and actually feel the action as moving seats, water, wind, mist and other special effects put you right in the middle of this fairytale adventure.

Remember the giant shark named Jaws which frightened swimmers from entering the ocean waters?  On this ride, guests will be taken on a boat ride off the coast of Amity for a leisurely afternoon.  However, after a few minutes, your boat will be attacked by the largest Great White shark ever seen!  How will you and the other passengers survive? Unbelievably, the shark moves through the water at realistic speeds of 20-feet-per second.  The 32-foot, three-ton shark is made of steel, fiberglass, latex skin and urethane teeth. To provide an authentic feel to the ride, much of the New England memorabilia was found in Gloucester, Massachusetts and surrounding fishing towns.

While Jaws may be a little intimidating for the younger crowd, little ones will have a blast watching the show “A Day in the Park with Barney”.  This is the only place where kids can meet Barney and his friends Baby Bop and BJ live every day in a musical extravaganza.  Kids will have a great time singing and clapping with Barney and his buddies.  The story takes place in a peaceful park setting with trees, park benches, and flowers.  The characters entertain the children with new songs and familiar favorites while leaves fall from the sky and stars magically appear, too.  After the show, which runs approximately 25 minutes, families can spend some time visiting Barney’s Backyard which is a fun and interactive education play area.  Kids can explore sand play, walk through an echo tunnel, and play with chimes and a musical fountain.  Little ones may also enjoy the Curious George Goes to Town play area.  This special playground offers a variety of activities for children of all ages.  Toddlers will have tons of fun exploring the colorful Animal Show tent with plenty of play activities to keep the little ones busy.  At the Man in the Big Yellow Hat’s Ball Factory, you can throw, blast, and launch thousands of soft foam balls at family and friends.  There is even a water tower at the town center’s clock tower which features a pair of 500-gallon buckets that periodically dump water on the street below.  Another great play area is Fievel’s Playland.  Based on one of the most popular animated characters of all-time, Fievel Mousekewitz, this play area will give kids a chance to stretch their legs and climb, bounce, jump and run around this outdoor playground area.  It is also filled with oversized props from the films An American Tail and Fievel Goes West.   Kids will also be thrilled to see a 1,000-gallon cowboy hat, a 30-foot spider web to climb, tin cans to crawl through, swaying bridges to cross, a giant cowboy boot to explore, and a twisting, turning 200-foot long water slide.

If your children want to protect the earth from aliens, then spend some time visiting Men in Black Alien Attack.   Your kids will be transported to Men In Black’s top secret underground headquarters, including the break room, the control center, the agents’ locker area and weapons armory. Then guests will board a training vehicle and attempt to rid the streets of evil.  Will your child receive a high enough score and become a full-fledged Men in Black agent?  Each seat in every six-seat ride vehicle is equipped with a laser gun and gaming system that records each agent’s score.

If there are weather enthusiasts in your family, head over to Twister…Ride It Out.  This attraction provides guests with the opportunity to experience what is like to be a real storm chaser.  This ride examines all of the unforgettable moments from the action-packed movie, Twister.  If you decide to enter this ride, prepare yourself for powerful winds and the swirling vortex of a tornado measuring F5 on the Fujita scale.  Twister is quite an overwhelming experience because every minute of full force air during the show is enough air to fill more than four full-size blimps.  Also, prepare your ears before you enter into this attraction.  Twister’s piercing sound system runs at 110 decibels, as loud as a rock concert.

Everyone remembers the lovable little alien, ET from the hit movie in the 1980’s.  E.T. Adventure is one of Universal Studios Florida’s most popular attractions.  The interactive ride takes guests on a journey to E.T.’s home, the Green Planet.  Guests also receive a personalized farewell from E.T. himself.

Don’t forget to change into a bathing suit and spend a few hours at Wet N Wild, Orlando’s most exciting waterpark. Brain Wash is Wet N Wild’s newest water thrill adventure.  You will find yourself on either a 2 or 4 person tube, climbing the walls on the six-story extreme tube ride with a 53-foot vertical drop into the 65-foot domed funnel!  The Storm is Wet N Wild’s newest swirling body coaster.  Guests will reach maximum speed as they drop from the elevated chute into a giant open bowl into a splash landing.  There is even a Kids Park which features miniature versions of the most popular adult rides.  Kids can be a part of the action and enjoy these rides at their own speed.

After hours of non-stop action, maybe it’s time to take a break for a little while and watch one of the resort’s entertaining shows.  The theme parks have plenty of exciting live shows, including action-packed stunt shows, live spectaculars featuring music, comedy and dancing, and shows that take you behind the scenes of the movies.  There are also shows outside the theme parks.  The world renowned Blue Man group performs live at Universal CityWalk.  At Loews Royal Pacific Resort you can enjoy the live music and hula dancing of the weekly Wantilan Luau dinner show and buffet. And each sundown you can enjoy live romantic Italian ballads on the harborside Piazza as Musica della Notte fills the air at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Spending time on the rides and seeing the shows will definitely make your family work up an appetite.  If you would like to refuel before heading out into the action, there are more than 50 great restaurants to choose from across the two theme parks. If your kids are fans of Harry Potter, be sure to stop in at Three Broomsticks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  This restaurant features traditional British fare and drinks from the Harry Potter series, including Cauldron Cakes, Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.  At The Lost Continent, there is Mythos which features fresh, contemporary cuisine, and a full bar, including wine selection.  Of course, there are also family favorites such as salads, pizza, and burgers.

There is also an option of eating a meal with some of the theme park characters.  The entire family can enjoy an all-inclusive breakfast buffet with special animated characters and appearances at Islands of Adventure’s Confisco Grille. Character Breakfast is available Sundays and Thursdays.  If your family would rather purchase a meal plan, that is also an option.  This makes it easy for your family to eat throughout the theme parks from lunch through dinner for one low price.  A Universal Meal Deal ticket may be purchased online, at the theme parks’ front gate, and participating Meal Deal restaurant locations.  The Universal Meal Deal ticket allows you to enjoy as much food as you would like at participating restaurants.

If your kids would like a souvenir to take home to remember the vacation, there are a variety of stores offering anything from t-shirts to rare works of art.  Many stores will feature Universal and character apparel, toys and gifts, plus unique shops offering valuable collectibles. Universal CityWalk is home to a variety of stores featuring everything from beach apparel, surfing and skateboarding accessories, toys, jewelry, wristwatches, handbags and more.  In addition, the on-site hotels also have various shops.   At Loews Royal Pacific Resort you can buy island crafts. The Hard Rock Hotel’s Rock Shop features authentic Hard Rock merchandise and apparel. And, The Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel contains the latest fashions but also an art gallery offering beautiful sculptures and paintings.  Plus, online shopping is also available.  Universal Orlando’s new Online Merchandise Store is now operating and full of many exclusive gifts from Universal Orlando, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more.

In addition to shopping, there is also a lot of great entertainment available at the resort.  The 30-acre entertainment complex, which has nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and cinemas, is Orlando’s ideal destination for a night of family fun, to hang out with friends, or to enjoy a romantic evening with a significant other.  CityWalk is also host to a variety of special events and concerts throughout the year.  Universal CityWalk is The Entertainment Capital of Orlando.  Some of the restaurants include: Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom, The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Hard Rock Café Orlando, Latin Quarter, NASCAR Sports Grille, NBA City, and Pastamore Ristorante and Market.  The bars and clubs include: Pat O’Brien’s, Red Coconut Club, CityWalk’s Rising Star, and the groove.

There is always something new happening at Universal Orlando Resort, with monthly and season events.  Right now, Universal Studios’ annual Mardi Gras celebration is currently underway.  As the spring begins, some of the biggest names in music appear on stage.  There is also an authentic Mardi Gras parade complete with beads and plenty of colorful costumes.  During the summer months, the park hosts a special Summer Concert Series.  In the fall, Universal Studios is home to Rock the Universe, a popular two-day festival featuring the top performers in Christian Rock.  Every October, the park celebrates Halloween with Halloween Horror Nights.  Of course, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Grinchmas. During the month of December, the classis Dr. Seuss story comes to life in a live stage show at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?  If you would like to book a vacation to Orlando Universal Resort, visit the website universalorlando.com for information about park tickets, hotels, dining, shopping, nightlife, and special packages.

By Tricia Berwick

It’s been two months since we partied with family and friends and celebrated a new beginning on January 1.  After all of the holiday goodies were consumed for weeks, many of us made at least a few resolutions and vowed to stick with them during this new year of 2011.  But now that the calendar has flipped to the month of March, can you honestly say that you have kept yours?  So many people strive to keep their January promises going strong throughout the year, but research proves what most of us already know: that the vast majority of people will not keep those resolutions in tact.  A recent Internet study concluded that while 52% of all the participants believed that they would accomplish their goals, only 12% actually achieved them. Interestingly, men were 22% more likely to be successful when they set small goals (lose a pound a week instead of saying “to lose weight”). Women succeeded 10% more often when they made their goals public and enlisted help from friends.  For example, maybe women announced their goals on the social networking site, Facebook or registered with WeightWatchers.com so they could be held more accountable for their actions.  Whether you develop a support system or decide to achieve goals independently, it’s always a struggle to keep on the right path.  I have tried to preserve my resolutions this year, but is has been quite a challenge, that’s for sure.

My number one resolution this year was to lose about ten pounds (sounds familiar, right?).  Just about everyone I know makes this resolution a number one priority because the eating is endless from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.  I’ll admit it; I have a hard time saying no to all of the sweets and treats and traditional holiday dishes during this time of the year.  Who doesn’t?  The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends and just about every party features tons of yummy food.  However, even with all of the delectable dishes, I still tried to be “smart” during the holidays and enjoy only one serving or fit in a little extra exercise.  Of course, it was hard not to gain a few pounds over those few weeks.  So, when the kids returned to school and the decorations were tucked away for another year, I stocked the refrigerator with healthy items and got rid of any leftover holiday foods.  Every weight loss program says that if you don’t have it in the house, you can’t eat it.  A simple saying, yes, but it is certainly true!

The next step was to exercise, but as you know, we have been bombarded with tons of snow and icy puddles of slush for weeks now.  Usually I love to walk around the neighborhood or take a few laps around the reservoir.  But, with all of this winter weather, it has not been possible or safe to walk outside.  What to do?  Feeling frustrated and a little depressed, I decided to join a gym for a few months, just to get me through to the warm days of spring.  My intent was not to sign a yearly contract because I really do enjoy exercising outside during the summer and honestly, the machines truly bore me after awhile.  However, even with a lot of early mornings spent at the gym, the scale really hasn’t shifted in a dramatic way.  Much to my chagrin, I haven’t been able to truly fulfill my top resolution.  I’m a little disappointed with myself which is probably why people don’t make resolutions in the first place.  If you don’t make these lofty promises at the beginning of every year, then you can’t be disappointed if they don’t work out.  I know many people who make it a point NOT to make resolutions because they are afraid of setting themselves up for failure.  Even with my lack of results, I’m still determined to follow through with a promise that I made to myself.  It just may take a little longer than I originally thought to achieve my goal.

Another one of my resolutions was to say “no” a little more and slow down the pace of our daily lives.  Like most families in the area, we are always running from one activity to the next.  After school, there is homework to be completed, papers to sign, and maybe a scheduled activity or sport before dinner.  After we eat, it’s always a challenge to get the girls ready for the next day, read stories and have a little family time before lights out for the evening.  Sometimes I feel like a drill sergeant as we accomplish our daily chores and things to do!   During a few particularly hectic weeks, I couldn’t wait to relax over the weekend and actually sit on the floor and play a game with the girls.  One of the best parts of winter is that sometimes it’s so cold you just don’t feel like leaving the house which can be a blessing in disguise.  During a couple of frigid days, we stayed inside, played the Wii, baked some cookies and made a few meals together.   It felt great to slow down, relax and enjoy one another.  Overall, I think I have kept my resolution to slow down the pace of our family life.  And there are still a few more weeks of chilly weather ahead so we plan on spending more family nights cuddled up and cozy inside the house.

March is here which means two months out of 2011 are officially in the books.  Some of us have kept our New Year’s resolutions and some have not.  I, like many of you, have been partially successful, but I’m not going to be too hard on myself.  I’ll continue to do the best that I can and see what the rest of 2011 has to offer. There are still many opportunities to achieve your goals and fulfill your resolutions, so don’t give up just yet.

By Tricia Berwick

Moms are very busy people.  Whether they are punching in at the office, picking the kids up from school, making dinner, or shuttling children from one activity to the next, mothers are always running around to accomplish multiple tasks.  If there is a product available to make a mom’s daily life more manageable and less stressful, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.  That is why so many mothers are purchasing smartphones.  In addition to being in touch with kids and loved ones at any time, moms can perform a number of tasks on the go.

A smartphone is a mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone.   It can also be thought of as a handheld computer integrated with a mobile telephone, and allows the user to install and run advanced applications.  This innovation is very useful for today’s active moms because it provides an opportunity to complete a number of chores right at your fingertips.

Stephanie Fumo of Island Heights loves her iPhone by Apple and uses it every single day.  One of its most redeeming qualities is that the portable computer is extremely simple to navigate.

“I find the iPhone very easy for moms to use,” says Fumo.  “I used to lug my laptop all over the house and now I just use my phone for daily emails and correspondence which is extremely helpful.  I also surf the Internet and browse many of the shopping websites, especially while I am in the stores.   With my iPhone, I’ll retrieve all sorts of coupons that were either in my email or online instead of printing them.”

In addition to browsing the Internet, many users of smartphones opt to download specific applications based on their daily needs and personal interests.  Fumo finds a few applications or “apps” to be particularly beneficial while she is out and about running errands.

“I often use shopping site apps like Amazon or Barnes and Noble,” says Fumo.  “The Barnes and Noble app is very helpful because if I’m looking for a specific book, it will check the stock of each store and let me know where I can find it.  Sometimes, I also use Stop & Shop’s Peapod app which allows me to order groceries which are then delivered to my home.   I also use the Starbucks app which allows you to locate a Starbucks wherever you are traveling.  It also has a full menu and a customized area called ‘My Starbucks.’  When I’m deciding what to make for dinner, I use the Martha Stewart or Food Network apps for pulling up quick recipes which is great.”

One of Fumo’s favorite apps allows her to compare prices while she is shopping.  RedLaser is a barcode-scanning application for comparison shopping and finding product information using a mobile device.  The RedLaser application has been downloaded over 7.5 million times, and the RedLaser SDK powers barcode scanning in hundreds of mobile applications.  It is an eBay mobile application.

“RedLaser really comes in handy because it will list local stores that have the item I am looking for and will then tell me how much the product costs,” says Fumo.

Another useful app is the Google Mobile Application.  According to the website realmomtalk.com, mothers love this application because they can obtain answers to some of their kids’ most perplexing questions.  For example, if you’re driving home from soccer practice and your child asks how lighting happens, you can easily type in the queries and provide accurate information for your inquiring mind without having to scramble for an answer off the top of your head.  Every mother can relate to being in this situation at least once.

Howell mother of two, Amy Cerreta uses the iTouch on a daily basis.  While the iTouch is not a mobile phone, it still performs multiple tasks and definitely makes her life easier as a mom.

“I use my iTouch a lot, mainly to read emails,” says Cerreta.  “It also comes in handy when I’m waiting for the kids to finish activities because I can play a few games or check announcements at their schools.  I also perform many Google searches and, I get The New York Times for free which allows me to have access to news without having to subscribe to the newspaper.”

Moms also use these new handheld computers for entertainment purposes, too.  Most mothers at one time or another have experienced a stressful situation in either a store or restaurant when the kids are cranky and out of control.  When that happens, moms will pull out all the stops to keep the kids happy and content.  That’s when Fumo breaks out her iPhone and utilizes a very effective and functional app.

“I love to use the YouTube app for my sons when I want to entertain them if we are waiting somewhere,” says Fumo.  “You can bring up episodes of their favorite shows or just make them laugh with some funny videos.  Their cousins send them videos via YouTube, so those are always great for them to watch if we are waiting in line at the supermarket or at the doctor’s office.”

Can a mom today live without a smartphone?  Sure, we certainly survived and did just fine before they were created, but if the technology is available and it’s a feasible purchase for your family, the advantages to owning one are endless.  Whether it’s to check the prices of items while shopping, answer a child’s question, or simply catch up on emails, there are many perks to having a smartphone.  Fumo is used to life now with her iPhone and can’t imagine living without it.

“The iPhone is a great phone and has definitely made my life a lot easier,” says Fumo.  “The camera and calculator features are also great and the camera and video devices hold a lot of storage.  The quality is just phenomenal, too.”

By Tricia Berwick

The steady beat of a marching band drum, the sweet sounds of trumpets and horns, and a sea of green faces, shamrocks, and kilts will line the streets in Seaside Heights this month.  Of course, this can only mean one thing- it’s time for the 27th Annual Ocean County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade which will be held on Sunday, March 12 at noon.

The parade, which is one of the largest in New Jersey, attracted 75,000 spectators last year and even more are expected for this year’s festivities.  Thousands of marchers, bands, bagpipe units, hummers, mummers, dancers, floats, clowns, leprechauns, and over 40 parade marshals will be featured in the procession.  The theme of this year’s parade is dedicated to Saint Patrick himself.

Parade Coordinator John J. Sweeney, who has been in charge of the parade since its inception, says this yearly happening is extremely popular because it allows loved ones to relax and be entertained together.

“The parade is always successful because it is a very family-oriented activity,” says Sweeney.  “It brings the entire family out to Seaside Heights.  It’s great to see moms, dads, grandparents, and kids enjoying a fun afternoon and spending time with one another.  It’s just a beautiful thing to see.”

The parade began in 1984 when a small group of Irish Americans, led by Judge Damian Murray decided to stage their own parade in Seaside Heights, NJ (also known as the Land of Fun and Sun).  Their main goal was to have the most entertaining and well organized parade in the state of New Jersey.  The group received financial help from the Freeholders of Ocean County and the Jersey Shore Irish American Club and began the planning process.  Even though they only had an operating budget of $3,000 that first year, the parade was an overwhelming success and attended by over 50,000 people.  As each year passed, more money was added to the budget which allowed for extra attractions to be added to the parade lineup.  Now it is one of the biggest parades in the state and in 1997, was rated one of the best 200 events in the United States by Business Events Magazine.  A theme song was even written for the parade.

Sweeney says the parade’s universal appeal is a contributing factor in why the event has been so well received by the public.

“What’s great about the parade is that it’s not just an ethnic event,” says Sweeney.  “It’s a time to celebrate the coming of spring.  It’s a time for people to shed their winter coats and enjoy the warmer weather.  Everyone wears their green to the parade because on this day, everyone is Irish.”

The parade is held on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights and is about one block to the boardwalk and the beach.  There is ample parking available to accommodate the crowds, but it’s always a good idea to arrive early.  Since the parade is quick moving and only lasts about two hours, there is plenty of time left in the afternoon to enjoy the local restaurants and perhaps take a stroll on the boardwalk.

Sweeney realizes that the parade spectators are anxious to get a bite to eat and relax with their families after the festivities are finished, so that is why he purposely keeps the parade running efficiently.

“One of the secrets to our parade is that we don’t have any gaps,” says Sweeney who receives help from over 50 volunteers on the day of the parade.  “This allows everything to run very smoothly.  We work extremely hard on this beforehand with our scheduling and during the parade itself to keep it going at a steady pace.  We understand that after two hours, people are hungry, thirsty and just want to continue on with their day, so we keep the parade within that time frame.  I think people really appreciate this and that is why we get such a great turnout.”

Before the parade steps-off at 12, there will be a traditional Irish mass which will honor Ireland’s most venerable saint, Saint Patrick.  The mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Grant Avenue and the Boulevard, Seaside Heights at 10 AM.  It is advisable to get there early because the church fills up very quickly.

Sweeney looks forward to beginning the day’s events in a calm and peaceful manner.

“It’s nice to start the day off doing something dignified,” says Sweeney.  “We have an Irish priest come in for the mass and we sing Irish songs, too.”

Sweeney says his favorite part of the parade is seeing the children happy and having a good time.  This is what motivates him to continue the tradition, year-after-year.

“The youth get so excited because they absolutely love a parade,” says Sweeney.  “We have kids who sit on the curbs as spectators and we have children march in the parade, as well.  We always have many of the local Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and sports teams participate.  It’s really fun to see them march in the parade and have people clap for them.  They just get so excited and I love to see all of their smiles.”

For more information about the Ocean County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, contact John J. Sweeney, the Parade Coordinator at 732-830-1847 or visit their website at www.oceancountysaintpatricksdayparade.com.  The website is chock full of interesting facts and tidbits, including a history of the holiday and a listing of St. Patrick’s Day parades held around the globe.

You’ve heard that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-based business activity in the world and you’ve been told that it teaches girls to set goals, make decisions, manage money, learn people skills and develop business ethics. But, are those lessons reaching girls themselves?

As girls begin selling Girl Scout Cookies for $3.50 a box at booth locations across Ocean and Monmouth counties, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore reached out to its more than 1,800 fans on Facebook to find out by asking two questions. Adults were asked, “What has your daughter learned (or how has she grown) through participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale?” They were also asked to present their daughters with the question, “What is the most exciting part of the Girl Scout Cookie Sale?”

The answers show the Cookie Program is creating generations of young entrepreneurs with not only the courage to believe in themselves, but also the personal strength to do great things.

“All of our girls learn the meaning of setting goals and reaching for them,” said Jennifer Mignone, leader of Beachwood Troop 202.

Gail Marshall, Troop 193’s leader agreed. “All of the girls have learned budgeting and planning skills from the cookie sale,” she said.

The cookie sale even gets young Girl Scouts interested in planning. “Reaching the goal we set,” is the most exciting part of the sale for seven-year-old Mackenzie from Sandy Hook Region Troop 14.

“Goal setting can seem hard, but once you have a goal to focus on you can achieve anything,” said Kelly Fitzpatrick, assistant leader of Troop 244 in Lacey Township. “Young girls always seem to look at the prizes and shoot for the biggest ones, never letting anyone tell them, ‘You can’t;’ It’s awesome to see it.”

“Even though it seemed like a lot of boxes to sell to reach their goal, they were able to not only reach it, but exceed it,” said Deirdre Pape leader of Toms River Troop 97. “They also learned about budgeting, so they knew what they needed to sell to pay for their trips.”

Every girl in Troop 97 knew what they were working toward. “We were selling enough cookies so we got to go to Build-A-Bear,” said Pape’s seven-year-old daughter Taylor.

Girls of all ages also set goals to go on trips. Teen Girl Scouts travel across the country and around the world, paying for their adventures with cookie sale proceeds, but younger girls enjoy special journeys as well.

Excitement came from “achieving our goal to earn enough money to go on fun trips,” said Abigail, a seven-year-old from Troop 51.

Abigail’s mother Samantha, who is also her troop leader, shared the excitement. “We went way beyond our goal last year and were able to not just go to the Adventure Aquarium and Camden Children’s Garden, but also pay for our encampment at Camp Sacajawea,” she said. “The girls were so excited.

“We also made sure that we gave back with some of our earnings as well,” she continued. “Last year we donated to the Jersey Shore Animal Shelter.”

Helping your community, affording an activity you love and exceeding your goals are all lessons that last a lifetime. Girls just need the encouragement to know all three are possible.

“My daughter has learned that if you set a goal and stick with it, you can achieve it,” said Diane Modri, whose daughter Cali belongs to Manahawkin Troop 421. “Selling cookies has given her confidence and she’s more outgoing.”

It’s not too late to buy Girl Scout Cookies. Hundred of booth sales will take place across the Ocean and Monmouth counties in March. To find the booth sale nearest you, or to download the Cookie Locator app for Droid and iPhones, visit

jerseyshoregirlscoutcookies.com/apps

For more information or to locate cookies near you, visit www.jerseyshoregirlscoutcookies.com

or call (800) 785-2090, ext. 120.

By  Jennifer Enright

Even though there is just a wee bit of Irish blood running through its members, the Fraser family feels they have been blessed with an abundance of luck.  The family’s good fortune began with a serendipitous meeting between Karen and Don at Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright in 1999.  A touch of kismet brought the two together through the large and boisterous crowd, and they have been together ever since, marrying in 2003.  Their prosperity flourished with the purchase of their waterfront home in Brick, the success of Don’s business, The Bubble Factory Laundromat in Lakewood, and the birth of their son, Donovan, named for the location where their destiny originated.  Due to Karen’s diagnosis with Graves’ disease, the family thought perhaps their lucky streak had abated, since the disease can compromise future fertility.  But providence shined on the family once again with the birth of daughter Isabella.  “We are truly a lucky family,” shared Karen, continuing, “we’ve been very blessed, and we are very grateful.”

Another stroke of luck brought the Frasers to The Goddard School in Brick.  While pregnant with Donovan, the couple began to investigate daycare options knowing that Karen would be returning to her fourth-grade classroom at Old Bridge Elementary School after the baby was born.  The center’s owner, Cheryl Beisel, was also expecting her first baby, and the new moms-to-be quickly connected, putting Karen at ease about going back to work.  As baby Donovan started to spend his days at Goddard, Karen and Don began to bond with other parents in the center’s Infant Room.  The new moms and dads supported each other through the difficult transition, and the Frasers felt the Goddard staff was “fabulous, catering to the needs of the crying babies, and sometimes, the crying moms!” joked Karen. Several families became fast friends.  Originally known as the “Fab Five”, the troupe grew and now includes the Fraser, Wilson, Masco, Gliatta, Perotta, Connelly, Meade and Stefan families.  “We have a wonderful group of friends who have given us such a sense of community.  We get together monthly as families, the kids all play together, we schedule nights out for the parents and some of the families have even traveled together,” Karen declared.  The Fraser family’s bounty is complete.

YCT:  Tell us a little about your family and the personalities of each of your children.

Karen:  Donovan is five and one-half and is in Kindergarten at the Goddard School.  He is very structured and likes to follow the rules.  He is also the “mayor” of his class & enjoys being friends with everyone.  He loves reading, movies & telling stories.  Isabella, who is two and one-half, loves to make the rules and is everything “little girl”.  She loves playing with her dolls, in her kitchen & playing dress up.  She is quite the artist & dancer.  Don’t think her pretty skirts and dresses keep her from getting dirty; she can hold her own with her brother and his friends in that regard!  Again, we are very lucky that the kids are so close ~ Donovan is a wonderful big brother and very considerate of Isabella’s feelings.  She enjoys following him around and wants to do what he does ~ it’s “monkey see, monkey do!”

YCT:  What is a typical day like in your home?

Karen:  Most days, I hit the treadmill at 5:00 AM and leave for work when everyone is just getting up.  Don has the morning routine down pat and gets everyone fed and dressed, and off to The Goddard School by 9:00 AM. Daddy does a better job with hair styling than Mommy!  I have afternoon duty and pick the kids up by 4:30 PM, just in time for karate, soccer, and/or homework.  While I am running around with the kids, Don is exercising with the three family dogs ~ Chloe, Bailey, and Bear (two Golden Retrievers & a Yellow Lab).  We also have a new little black cat named Zachary after the restaurant where we had our first date, and a twelve-year-old parrot, Harley.  We eat dinner at 6:00 PM, which is often takeout, and the kids bathe around 7:00 PM, just in time for our nightly reading hour.  On a good night, the kids are asleep by 8:30 PM and then it is “Mommy and Daddy time!”  We play backgammon, watch a movie, listen to music, or just sit and talk – even if it is just a half hour, we make time together every night.

YCT:  What activities do your children participate in after school?

Karen:  Donovan participates in karate in Toms River and plays soccer with Twin County Soccer Association in both the fall and spring.  Karate stresses the concept of being a role model, and we remind Donovan that he is Isabella’s role model, especially since she always wants to emulate him.  We plan to sign Isabella up for dance class once she is diaper free!

YCT:  What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Karen:  We enjoy boating on the Barnegat Bay.  We like to beach the boat and barbecue ~ we love watching thesunsets over Kettle Creek. Sometimes we head down to Tices Shoal, drop the anchor and go up onto Island Beach. Another favorite activity is to watch fire works on the boat.  We get a 360 degree view of all the local displays and on the water, there is no noise!  When we are not on the boat, we enjoy taking the kids up to Jenkinson’s boardwalk in Point, or spending the day at the beach in Brick.

YCT:  Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Karen:  We have enjoyed family rentals in Long Beach Island with our large extended family.  Don is the oldest of four and I have two brothers.  Between all the siblings, our kids have nine cousins in the area, ranging from newborn to age 15.  The older kids are great with the younger ones, and everyone gets along.  We have also enjoyed flying down to Florida to visit my parents on the famous white sands of the Siesta Key Beach.  But our favorite summer vacation spot is right in our backyard!  Since I have summers off and Don’s days are flexible at the Laundromat, we are able to enjoy spending time together at home and on our boat.

YCT:  Have you ever gone on vacation without the kids?

Karen:  Vacations sans the kids were taken pre-kids, our favorite being a western Royal Caribbean Cruise.  Twice a year, thanks to Donnie’s mom, we escape to the Borgata in Atlantic City for an overnight escape for each of our birthdays!

YCT:  Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Karen:  Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Brick is our favorite.  I would love to take cooking classes, but who has the time?!

YCT:  What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out with just your husband?

Karen:  We do not go out alone very much, but every once in a while, Don will grab me, and we will head out for a night on the town.  Point’s Wharfside Patio bar is a great destination, by boat or car, to hear one of our favorite musicians, Paul Cilinski, and get a bite to eat.

YCT:  What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Karen:  Everyone who knows me, knows that I love spending time with my “delicious” kids, but grabbing coffee with a girlfriend, hitting the bookstore alone, or having a spa day are all special treats!

YCT:  What is your husband¹s favorite non-daddy thing to do?

Karen:  Don enjoys fishing on the ocean in his boat when the weather is right and the fish are biting.  He also likes golfing and is excited to teach Donovan since he has expressed interest in learning.

YCT:  Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Karen:  The Goddard School in Brick has been a major part of our life since Donovan was four months old.  Donovan is doing fantastic in their kindergarten program, and even starting to read chapter books.  Isabella loves spending her days in the Hippo Room.  They provide children with the opportunity to learn in a secure environment with a focus on individual attention.  Their curriculum is designed in conjunction with local school districts to ensure a smooth transition to the next academic level.  As a teacher, I recognize how outstanding their program is, and I love that they have two teachers for eighteen kids in each class.  Beyond all the academics, they balance the daily schedule with lots of fun activities.  One of my favorite things is that when Isabella “reads” to herself, she always holds up the book to “show the class” ~ she is mimicking the teachers she sees every day!

We were thrilled to have Annie B entertain us for Isabella’s second birthday ~ she put on a great show and was wonderful with the children.  We also frequent Jenkinson’s, and plan to go to Color Me Mine in Toms River to beat the winter blues!

YCT:  Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Karen:  Read with your kids every day and set examples for your kids ~ giving them a frame of reference for the world and all that goes on in our daily lives is something we often overlook!  Donovan and Isabella both love books and I love that reading exposes them to different cultures and situations in the world.

YCT:  What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Karen:  We love the calendar of events and try to hit up local areas especially the tree lighting in Point Pleasant!