Social Media for Good: #JerseyLove A Trip to Help Restore the Shore

You know you're a west coaster when you call the area by the beach "the coast." While I can tell you all about the Pacific Coast Highway, beaches in Southern Cali and surf spots to hit in San Diego, I can not tell you ONE thing about the Jersey Shore - except that it was devastated last year by Hurricane Sandy. 

As a coastal-living person, my heart went out to all those who sat and watched as thier beloved shops, restaurants and favorite spots got washed away into the Atlantic. I've heard stories from friends of the amazing summer vacations walking along boardwalks, eating all kinds of yummy foods and making life-long memories while dipping their toes in the Atlantic Ocean. I hated the fear that the shore would not recover for future generations to also have these memories. But once again, what could I do from out here? 

How about take a little trip out east to see how the other half lives? 

Next month, I will be joining about 39 other social media mom rockstars in the first Social Media for Good retreat. June 6-9th I'll will be hitting the shores of New Jersey to raise awareness for and promote the re-opening of the Jersey Shore for the 2013 summer season. The four-day #JerseyLove Retreat, hosted by Caesar’s Entertainment and D6 Sports, is aimed at encouraging the public to visit the Jersey Shore again, this year more than ever. 

I have to admit - this is also going to be a whole lotta fun. 

Seeing Atlantic City for the first time, we are all being hosted at Caesar’s Palace during the time we are there. The actual #JerseyLove Retreat kicks off with activities such as a Taste of Caesar’s dining event, wine tasting, Ladies Night Out at Harrah’s Pool After Dark and a shopping trip to support local businesses. On Friday June 7, the group will travel to Belmar, one of the hardest hit towns along the shoreline, for a beach day event where skimboard and surf lessons will be provided courtesy of D6 Sports.

Since my surfing in the Pacific has been well, less than stellar, I'm hoping to rip it up in Belmar!

There will be lots of pictures. There will be lots of tweets and updates. I'm really excited to check out life on the other coast. 

Do you have a great memory of the Jersey Shore? Any tips on things I need to do, see or eat while in Atlantic City? 

DISCLOSURE: The Social Media for Good #JerseyLove retreat is being sponsored by D6 Sports and Caesar's Entertainment. This includes accommodations, meals and transportation. All opinions are my own.

Do an ALL NIGHTER at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Haven't pulled an all nighter since college (or having an infant)? Have you ever wanted to ride the Matterhorn at midnight? What about a 3 AM teacup spin? Or maybe you want to see the sun rise over the Cadillac Mountain Range? 

Well, this weekend you can. 

Disneyland Resort is kicking off their "Monstrous Summer" with the park being opened for 24 hours. Start your Memorial Day Weekend on May 24, 2013, at an amazing 24-hour all-nighter in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Scream with delight as monster hosts Mike and Sulley drop in from Monsters University. There will also be special limited-edition "all nighter" merchandise available for those who visit the park for this 24 hour Mouse-athon. 

Click here for more information

And since you will have PLENTY of time to explore both park, be sure to swing by the new Fantasy Faire - a new extension of Fantasyland! Meet princesses in the Royal Hall and listen to new stories with Rapunzel and Belle. 

Also debuting next weekend is the new show, Mickey and the Magical Map:

“Mickey and the Magical Map” presents Mickey in his timeless role as the sorcerer’s apprentice. Wise sorcerer Yen Sid directs his Mapmakers, a singing-dancing ensemble cast that paints a wondrous map – capable of taking dreamers to any place imaginable and so large it spans the entire stage of the outdoor Fantasyland Theatre.

Apprentice Mickey lets his curiosity get the better of him and he stumbles upon the map’s magical powers, which take him, along with the audience, on a fantastic journey of imagination in the company of the Mapmakers. The journey, presented through theatrical stage wizardry, unveils wonderful worlds of music, color, adventure and beloved characters with each new direction – all set to an original song, “Journey of the Imagination,” and music from classic Disney films.

It's going to be a monstrously fun summer at Disneyland Resorts... are you planning on going?  

*disclosure: I have been invited to a press event at Disneyland next week that includes a hotel room and tickets to the park. I have not been monitarily compensated for this post or any upcoming social media posts about the event. 

Mother's Day + Hot New App "PTCH"

Today was the Mother's Day Tea in Zoe's class... can you say SOB? 

The teacher tortured us by having all the 5 Year Olds sing a song called "Fingerprints." There was not a dry eye in the house. 

This little video was made with the coolest new App called PTCH. It's an Instagram/Vine combo that allows you to make these fab little 60 second videos with your pictures and video clips. I have a feeling I'm going to become very addicted to this app. Kimberly Blane introduced it to me last week at Mom 2.0 - of course the "Go To Mom" would know all about the coolness!