Life’s A Beach with D6 Surfskimmers and HangTen

{The following is a charming little story, made possible through sponsorship by D6. It is all true, which makes it even better. And? Everyone lives happily ever after.}

The Belmar Beach Party was a highlight of the #JerseyLove trip this past June! The day was designed to be the main social good component of our press trip to help restore New Jersey tourism after Sandy did quite a number on it last year. We were thrilled to sign D6 as our social good sponsor and even more thrilled when they suggested we throw a beach party with the opportunity to check out their newly launched surf skimmers and (not yet available) Hang Ten surf boards. 

Then the big day arrived and it was soggy. Tropical Storm Somebody was pushing through and dumping warm rain on our parade. Instead of beach umbrellas and sunblock, we moved inside the iconic Djais to hang out, have a bite to eat and stay dry. The weather was not going to stop us from having fun and even though it was raining, we were still going to attempt surfing.

Then…the shark report came in. 

Moms wearing wetsuits that make them look like yummy seals + man eating sharks = NO WAY. I'm a California girl. I can surf almost any day of the week - on non-shark infested water days. But these girls? They be Cray-Cray. 

They all kept saying that they wanted to get in the water because of the chance to surf with the classic beach brand HANG TEN and try the innovative new D6 surfskimmers. That, this was a chance to do something rare and even a little dangerous. But honestly, I think the hot surfer dudes served as the best motivation.

The only real bummer was that we didn’t get to do much surfskimming with the kids. I do know a little insider info about the boards, designed for kids ages 5-12:

• It is a must-have innovative skimboard introduces action sports to beginners who have always wanted to shred like their idols, (or their moms if they were on the JerseyLove trip.)
• It’s is a fun, innovative skimboard with gripper technology designed to give kids a chance to skim and advance quickly within minutes on the water; because we all know that a kid’s attention span is about 5 minutes max. Ease of use and fast learning is ESSENTIAL.
• A first-of-its-kind product, the SurfSkimmer is a skimboard with a detachable arm extension and handlebar that allows kids to run and glide without losing balance.
• Nothing is worse than trying to clean a sandy injury and get a band aid to stick while at the beach. Avoiding injury is a good thing.
• Once kids are ready to ride without the handle, they can remove it and skim just like the pros. Plus, the failed attempts make for hilarious YouTube content! ;-)

It is like learning to surf with training wheels! Take a look:

Since we didn’t have a chance to really try it out, D6 was kind enough to offer us a discount on the boards once we got back to our homes and respective beaches! Not only that, but you can all get one at a discounted rate too. Yup, we can all be cool parents for 20% less than retail price. Just use: jerseylove at checkout and prepare to be the most coveted parent on the beach. You’re welcome.

Despite the crummy weather and fear of being shark snacks, we had a blast. Life really is a beach, rain or shine, when you have D6 and Hang Ten to make it fun! 

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored content as part of my agreement as a participant of the #JerseyLove event. 

HipMamaB Travels: Caesars Atlantic City, Taste of Atlantic City and Harrah's Pool After Dark

I've been home for over a month, but apparently my heart is still vacationing in Atlantic City.

I've talked a lot about the mission of the trip over the past few months, but I haven't focused much on Caesars in Atlantic City, our home base for the #JerseyLove trip. First off, the hotel was amazing the entire time we were there. From check-in to check-out we wanted for nothing, ate to our hearts content and slept cocooned in amazing soft beds. 

Atlantic City is split into two sides - the bay side and the boardwalk side. The boardwalk side is "Old School" AC - the beach, Steel Pier and what AC is "known for." The bay side is the newer side, with large, new hotels such as Harrah's turning up the heat of the city. Since Caesars Entertainment Group owns both Caesars and Harrah's we had the opportunity to experience the fabulousness of both hotels. 

Caesars in Atlantic City first opened in 1979. In 2008 they completed the addition of the Centurion Tower, and now offers 1,100 high-end rooms. The decor is exactly what you would expect - sophisticated and luxurious. My favorite thing? The TV INSIDE the Bathroom mirror. YES, inside. And yes, it was comical when I picked up the remote control in the bathroom and started playing with it trying to figure out what it was for and then JUMPING at the surprise when I realized where the sound and pictures was coming from. 

And the beds. THE BEDS. Let me just tell you that I didn't spend as much time in that bed as I should have, but every moment I did was heaven. After my red-eye that got in early and my train and car trip into AC, I was going on about 3 hours of sleep. I checked in, said hello to a few people, closed the black out shades and sighed contentedly as I drifted off into napland...

Our first night in AC we were treated to dinner at the restaurant Mia, in the Temple Lobby of Caesars. As you know, I've been basically meat-free since January, but when I scanned the menu to find the words "steak," "truffle" and "foie gras" (not illegal in NJ! Whoop!) used to describe ONE DISH, I broke down.

It was the holy trinity of food for me.. it broke me.

And it was a wonderful decision. 

When I thought that nothing was going to top the delight of eating MEAT again, I was wrong. 

The next evening we were treated to sneak peek of the upcoming Taste of Atlantic City at Harrah's. From empanadas to seafood to meatballs to the most AMAZING popcorn pudding (SQUEE!), we stuffed ourselves silly. Yes, we were silly. 

If I was on the east coast I would totally be going back for the actual Taste of AC event, starting Thursday July 25 - 28. 

The four-day culinary and spirits festival, will feature a star-studded roster of the world’s most renowned culinary experts and TV personalities, including Robert Irvine, Rocco DiSpirito and The Neelys, and more. Festival guests will have access to events at all four Caesars Entertainment resorts and casinos – Caesars, Harrah’s Resort, Showboat and Bally’s, and this year, the beach!

The 2013 festival will present an acclaimed roster of both local and national talent and will once again showcase several of the world’s greatest culinary influencers as well as authorities in the wine, beer and spirits industry. With access to a multitude of unparalleled events including delicious tastings and dazzling demonstrations, the festival will offer delicacies for every palate. Festival highlights include:

* The Grand Market

* Blues Brews & BBQ

* Beach Soirée

* Gospel Brunch

* Island Luau

How amazing does that weekend sound? 

The next night found us back at Harrah's enclosed pool for some dancing and playing. Encased in a glass dome, after the sun set, this pool is still the hottest spot in AC. 

40 mom bloggers in a VIP area of the hottest club in Jersey? Yes, we had some amazing girls night out fun. Or as my girl Kadi would say, we "let the dogs out." And no. I won't be sharing any more details of that night. 

***

The weekend went by way too fast and Caesars was the best host we could have asked for. If you are headed to AC, do it up right and stay at Caesars AC. 

*disclaimer: Caesars AC provided me with my own room for 3 nights plus a $100 per diem per day for food and beverages as part of the #JerseyLove press trip. Opinions are my own. 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE!

Can you feel Fall in the air?

No? Yea, I know. Summer just began. Which means Nordstrom is forcing us to take stock of our FALL clothing needs. And OH DO THEY TEMPT US. 

Nordstom is the devil... a fabulous, perfectly styled, devil... 

I spent some time on the pre-sale website today. And no matter what season it is, sweater, boot and new jeans love is in the air. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Boots by hipmamab featuring slip on shoes

accessories from Nordstrom anniversary sale by hipmamab featuring nylon handbags

clothes - nordstrom anniversary sale 2013 by hipmamab featuring jeans

Of course as I'm cruising the Nordstrom website, I have the song "I wanna be a millionaire..." going through my head. 

Sigh. 

HipMamaB Local: DYING TO GO BACK - The New DIVE DayClub Opens Saturday at Harrah's Rincon

Hot sun. Hot pool. And AMAZINGLY HOT drinks... this was a random Wednesday for me a few weeks ago when I got a special sneak-peek at the new DIVE Dayclub opening this weekend at Harrah's Rincon in Valley Center. Yes, I know. I have THE life, right? I will admit that I felt that way sitting with my feet in the cool pool sipping on a cucumber margarita... ahhh, the #bloglife. 

Here are the official details:

Dive Dayclub is the all-new pool scene at Harrah's Resort. Opening THIS SATURDAY JULY 13th is "Adult Swim Saturdays" - a summertime dance party boasting live DJs, hot bodies and cold drinks—Dive is the Vegas-style pool party without the Vegas drive. Adult Swim Saturdays have different guest DJs all summer long - this weekend is DJ Vice and July 20th will feature Lil John! Follow DIVE Dayclub on Facebook for more information on schedules. 

Featuring 21 VIP cabanas, 'ritas cantina, and three pools including the Stage Dive, the (sometimes crazy) Lazy River and SoCal's only swim-up bar, Dive will be THE place this summer. More information, visit: www.DiveDayclub.com.

I honestly can't wait to grab a group of girls, a cabana and a margarita one Saturday this summer... And the best part? They will help you arrange transportation to and from the pool, so you can drink all day and sleep in your own bed that night. 

Who's in? 

To arrange transportation email: pickmeup@fivegrp.com or book through https://www.dayclubtickets.com/

*disclosure: I was invited to a media preview of DIVE Dayclub for press purposes. I was not compensated for my post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Additionally - All images in this post were taken with the Samsung NX300 SMART camera. Samsung provided me with a camera to participate in the #Imagelogger program. All opinions and photographs are my own. Over the next few months I will be sharing images taken with the NX300 SMART camera on Twitter, Facebook and here on my blog. If you want to follow along and check out some of the images the other Imageloggers are taking - just follow the hashtag: #Imagelogger. 

Baby You're a Firework. #imagelogger 4th of July Weekend

Summer is in full effect in Southern California. This 4th of July found us beach side, at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa for fireworks and up to LA for some fun in the pool at my parents house. 

I've had tons of fun playing with the automatic features of my Samsung NX300 this week - action shots, fireworks and creative settings have helped capture some great moments this past weekend. Also loving the new 30mm "pancake" lens I'm trying out. It makes the camera much smaller, and I love the way it focuses on the subject while blurring the background. 

Also celebrated my Dad's birthday this weekend with some of my FAVORITE CUPCAKES EVER: Sprinkles!

Even little Daisy May got a special treat!

I couldn't get enough of the late afternoon light in parent's backyard... 

All images in this post were taken with the Samsung NX300 SMART camera. Samsung provided me with a camera to participate in the #Imagelogger program. All opinions and photographs are my own. Over the next few months I will be sharing images taken with the NX300 SMART camera on Twitter, Facebook and here on my blog. If you want to follow along and check out some of the images the other Imageloggers are taking - just follow the hashtag: #Imagelogger.