The Mom Jen, Author at Jen is on a Journey

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Sing-Along Edition #TrollsBandTogether

January 15, 2024 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

Get your hustle on and experience the BroZone craze all over again with Poppy, Branch, Viva, and Tiny Diamond in DreamWorks Animation’s TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Sing-Along Edition available on Digital, 4K UHD, Blu-rayTM and DVD January 16, 2024, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Highlighting a spectacular soundtrack of original and classic songs, TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Sing-Along Edition presents over an hour of fantas-amazing bonus content, including a brand-new original short “It Takes Three,” character drawing tutorials, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes features with the cast and crew including *NSYNC’s reunion for the first time in 20 years, taking audiences deeper into the magical musical adventure.

Get ready for an all-star family reunion like no other in the latest chapter of DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster musical franchise, now with a Sing-Along edition! As Poppy (Anna Kendrick) grows closer to her now boyfriend Branch (Justin Timberlake), she discovers his secret past as a member of her favorite boyband, BroZone, with his four estranged brothers. When Branch’s bro Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious popstars, Branch and Poppy embark on an action-packed journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd. Along the way Poppy uncovers a family secret of her own, a long-lost sister named Viva (Camila Cabello). TROLLS BAND TOGETHER features the franchise’s signature psychedelic joy-bomb of new and classic pop hits that will have you singing and dancing along over and over again!

The film stars returning voice talent and Academy Award® nominees Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) and Justin Timberlake (The Social Network), alongside Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Zooey Deschanel (“New Girl”), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (How to Train Your Dragon Franchise), Icona Pop duo Aino Jawo and Caroline Hjelt, Emmy® winner Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), Grammy® winner Anderson .Paak, six-time SAG Award® nominee Kunal Nayyar (“The Big Bang Theory”), and Ron Funches (“Harley Quinn”).

The dazzling new talent lending their voices to the franchise include Grammy® nominee Camila Cabello (Cinderella), Eric André (Sing 2), Emmy Award® winner Amy Schumer (Trainwreck), Grammy® winner and Tony® nominee Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon), Golden Globe® nominee Troye Sivan (“The Idol”), Grammy® winners Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) and Kid Cudi (Don’t Look Up), SAG Award® nominee Zosia Mamet (“The Flight Attendant”), and 12-time Emmy® winner RuPaul Charles (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”).

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES on 4K UHD, BLU-RAY^TM, DVD AND DIGITAL:

SING-ALONG VERSION
IT TAKES THREE – In this original short, Poppy, Viva, and Tiny Diamond get sucked into the Hustle-verse, only to discover that it is devoid of hustle. The trio decides to sing their way out hopefully generating enough harmony to re-ignite the Hustle-verse and escape.
DELETED SCENES – With intro by Head of Story Colin Jack
- WALL CLIMB – BROKEN TOOTH
- BRIDGET GRISTLE HONEYMOON
- CRIMP AND TINY ROMANCE
FUN IN THE RECORDING BOOTH
HI, HI, HI – Join *NSYNC in the studio as they reunite for the first time in 20 years to record an all-new song for TROLLS BAND TOGETHER.
BUILDING THE BAND – The band is coming back together for another volume of Trolls based fun! Meet the new characters and the cast members behind them and catch up with your returning favorites!
- #BROPPY
- BROZONE
- VIVA
- VELVET AND VENEER
- BRIDGET AND KING GRISTLE
- TINY DIAMOND
TOGETHER AGAIN – Learn the backstory behind *NSYNC’s involvement in TROLLS BAND TOGETHER and how their Troll personas came to life.
ANIMATING TROLLS – In this BTS piece, filmmakers and crew dive deep into their animation process to show how the unique locations and textures of the film were created.
HOW TO DRAW – Step into the BroZone green room with story artist Wendy Sullivan and learn how to draw your own BroZone album cover featuring John Dory, Spruce, Clay, Floyd, and of course, Baby Branch! Plus, we’ll learn how to draw Viva!
- BABY BRANCH
- JOHN DORY
- SPRUCE
- CLAY
- FLOYD
- VIVA
HOW TO: HUG TIME BRACELETS – Poppy and Viva LOVE their Hug Time Bracelets and now you can make your own! Follow the simple steps and let your artistic side shine with two different bracelet options that you can make for all your friends and family.
FEATURE COMMENTARY – with Producer Gina Shay, Co-Director Tim Heitz, Head of Story Colin Jack, Production Designer Ruben Perez Reynoso and Visual Effects Supervisor Marc J. Scott

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This post is in partnership with Dreamworks and Universal.

August 25: Toast to National Whisky Sour Day with Sir Rod Stewart’s Ooh La La Cocktail

August 24, 2023 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

If you’re like me, you’ve listened to Rod Stewart for 3 decades and know he’s the coolest (and I’ll say it now, one of the sexiest) rockers around! High school mornings had Maggie May and Some Guys Have All the Luck on full blast on my boom box, while my car cassette deck had Infatuation and Young Turks pumping through the speakers! Matter of fact, my brother just saw him in concert just last week, he’s still got it! He is a legend, a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and now Sir Rod Stewart has launched Wolfie’s Whisky, a blended Scotch whisky that embodies his reputation as ‘the Cockney Scotsman’ and pays tribute to his Scottish heritage and cheeky chappie image.

It’s perfect timing too, August 25 is National Whisky Sour Day and Rod Stewart is saying cheers with his recipe for his Ooh La La cocktail, a twist on the New York Sour. Made with Wolfie’s Whisky, the tart, slightly sweet, and perfectly warming cocktail starts with a classic whisky sour base, with the silky texture of egg whites and finishes with a float of red wine.

Named after the title track to the fourth and final studio album by the Faces, the legendary rock band which launched the careers of Rod and his lifelong mate Ronnie Wood, the Ooh La La is a cocktail worthy of their early rock ‘n roll hell raising days.

Rod Stewart’s Ooh La La Cocktail
* 50ml Wolfie’s Whisky
* 25ml Lemon Juice
* 12ml Sugar Syrup
* 2 x Dash Angoustura Bitters
* 1 Egg White
* Top Up / Layer of Red Wine
* Lemon wheel

Start by shaking Wolfie’s Whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angoustura Bitters and an egg white then topping with a float of red wine, garnish with the lemon, stunning to the eyes and palate! You might find yourself singing, “I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger… Ooh la la” after that first sip!

The bottle of Wolfie’s Whisky is $44.99 at WolfiesWhisky.com and can be pre-ordered in the US, shipments will begin August 31, 2023.

Facebook: @WolfiesOfficial
Instagram: @WolfiesWhisky

Stay tuned for my whisky review!

Photo credits: Jonas Mohr, 2023

The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, Waikiki

January 16, 2023 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

I follow a Facebook group dedicated to students of the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Our son has been a civil engineering student on the island of Oahu for the past 4 years. We were planning our trip for February, 2022 and there were a lot of suggestions posted in the group, one was for the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club in Waikiki. We weren’t familiar with it, despite traveling to Oahu a half dozen times over the past decade. I decided to take a tour through the website and I thought it looked like a fun spot with spacious rooms and lots of amenities. I booked it, and upon arrival, everything we’d hoped it would be was in fact true.

Once you pull up to the hotel on Lewers Street and begin unloading your bags, you walk up to reception and you will see the pool right behind it. The famous pool with the words, “Wish You Were Here!” painted on the bottom is as cool looking as it is in the website photos! Have you camera ready, there are many angles you’ll need to shoot for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot! The vintage vibe is all around with the color scheme, the furniture style, art and the staff with their friendly aloha. Walking around I saw people with their pups- it’s a dog-friendly hotel, families splashing in the pool, and couples enjoying food from onsite Mahina & Suns restaurant in their casual cabanas. I say casual because there is no need to reserve a cabana, there’s no waiting list, and no need to dress to impress while you enjoy one. They’re first come first serve, people don’t overstay their welcome, and they felt more like a big ohana area to enjoy the poolside nightly music and socialize.

The rooms are spacious, we got a one bedroom suite which also had a pull out bed in the living room. There is a lanai that is the length of the bedroom and living space with a table and chairs set to enjoy the warm nights.

A bar area has a fridge for your drinks or leftovers, and there is plenty of space for luggage and clothing. The shower has stone flooring that makes you feel like you’re bathing in a waterfall, which is just so Hawaii!

Free coffee is available near the restaurant each morning if you’re a basic black coffee drinker like me. Stop by and fill up your Hydroflask at the water station and before you grab a hotel provided beach chair, lather up with reef safe sunscreen provided pump-style by the pool.

Happy hour is a given when you’re vacationing in Hawaii and the cocktails from Mahina & Suns can’t be beat. Local flavors plus traditional spirits will put you in the mood just before the amazing cuisine is served. The Hanalei Moon was my favorite! Whether you prefer the oxtail risotto or a margherita pizza, all tastebuds are hit with the amazing menu. I recommend the hand cut pasta and my husband the pork chop, it’s far from a simple meal, it’s art on a plate! Did I mention the drink happy hour begins at 8am? It’s Hawaii, indulge!

My 16-year old loved to steal quiet moments by the pool, also was inspired by the art to watercolor in the comfortable lobby, this hotel really makes you feel at home.

The amenities abound with free parking (just a few blocks away at the Hyatt Centric), no extra fees, adults only swim hours, monthly activities, and so many more! Locals have perks at Surfjack, as well as those in the Military. We met a family at the pool who were renting a room while their space at the base was being prepared, Surfjack loves their Kamaaina!

Banks Journal is a coffee bar and surf shop just opposite the lobby had our daughter trying different morning drinks each day of our trip. It was convenient to grab a tea to go when we headed out for the day, no extra searching for that chain coffee.

Honestly, what more could we need? The Surfjack is a short walk to shopping, dining, the beach, and the ABC shops for those last minute needs. It was so memorable I still share our experience with the new parents and travelers on the UH Manoa Facebook group. As we close a chapter in our book of memories, our son is proudly graduating from the university in May and we have already booked our stay at the Surfjack! We’re eager to stay at such a wonderful spot again, at what may be our last visit to Oahu!

We paid for our stay, views are 100% our own.

Apartment Hunting in Austin

May 31, 2022 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Austin is a thriving city full of charming suburbs and offers plenty of benefits. It has something for everyone and it caters to a range of lifestyles. You’re sure to find an Austin neighborhood that matches both your current budget and priorities.

Although trying to find an apartment in the perfect location can seem tricky, we’ve simplified this process to just a few easy steps. Read on to find out what they are.

Consider Your Budget
Following the 50/30/20 rule is an easy way to think about dividing your monthly income. For example, according to this rule, 50% of your paycheck (after taxes) should go towards necessities like food and shelter. However, you also need to think about rent, utilities, transportation, minimal clothes, and healthcare. Setting aside 50% of your monthly earnings for your essentials leaves 30% for purchases you desire and 20% to save for things you want in the future. Keep this price range in mind also during your search for studio apartments in Austin, whether you are using a free apartment finder tool, or working with a local real estate agent directly.

Narrow Your Search Based on Price
Once you figure out how much you can afford, be sure to scout around your area and see what the average rents are. If you check out neighborhoods in Austin and other suburbs, you’ll usually find that they follow a certain trend of prices. For example, downtown apartments are typically more expensive than those located in North Lamar. Rent is usually higher near the places where there’s a demand for property.

Calculate Potential Commute Times
List all your priorities in determining your budget and filter out any areas outside of your price range. Chances are, you’ll find multiple neighborhoods as affordable options. It’s important to figure out what you consider the ideal commute to be. Some people are willing to travel a long way to work or school. Others might be more interested in getting a shorter trip to work. As your next step, you need to do some research into how long your commute will take and what sort of area or amenities your new place has.

Check Out What’s Nearby
There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a neighborhood for your apartment search. It’s a good idea to write down your preferences for amenities and prioritize the ones that top the list for you including the walkability score of the neighborhood or how schools are ranked in your district. You should also consider restaurants, bars, music venues, theaters, and parks.

Real Estate Search Engines
MLS (Multiple Listing Services) are databases that are compiled by real estate professionals, and they provide a lot of benefits. These real estate search engines simply aggregate listings from a variety of regional listing services and filter out search results to match your preferences. These search filters can include several bedrooms and/or bathrooms, apartment features (closets, laundry units), upgrades (balcony, new appliances), pets, etc.

Work With An Agent
Relying on apartment finder websites to detail all the available options can take a long time. If you don’t have any spare time for a search, a real estate agent might be a good solution for you. They can offer you a full-time, personalized service and make themselves your sole source for listings. A professional real estate agent can provide you with personalized guidance that could help you find the right neighborhood and type of apartment. A real estate agent can also be a powerful asset when going into negotiations with potential landlords. For example, an agent may be able to arrange for better lease terms, including help with bad credit and allowance for pets.

Take An Apartment Tour and Ask Questions
It’s time to narrow down your list of potential apartments to just one you feel connected to. Make sure it’s a good fit for you by visiting in person and find out as much as you can about what life there is like. The more details you can capture about different apartments, the easier it will be to compare them later. Contact the apartment manager and set up an appointment. Large apartment complexes usually allow walk-ins and there’s a good reason for this.

Final thoughts
Finally, you’ve found the perfect place and your application was accepted! Now that you are closer to signing on the dotted line, get familiarized with the terms. Your real estate agent can help you negotiate some of the lease terms to give you more flexibility. Just make sure you fully read up on the terms and conditions of your lease and then sign it.

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Explore Eco-Tourism in Riviera Nayarit

July 19, 2021 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Riviera Nayarit, home to hundreds of lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and colorful marine life, is undoubtedly an extraordinary place to connect with nature. With even more activities to enjoy this summer, the stunning 200-mile stretch of coastline on the Western border of Mexico is the destination of the year for an unforgettable eco vacation. These must-try, nature-filled activities include:

Magical Waterfalls

Summer is the best time to see Riviera Nayarit’s breathtaking waterfalls. Surrounded by dense greenery, the waterfall Salto del Cora is a great attraction located less than an hour away from San Blas in the small town of Tecuitata. The village is known for its eco ventures, birdwatching, and ideal microclimate environment for organically grown coffee, fruits, and endemic trees. Here, visitors can splash in the waters while admiring the natural wonders around them.

The hike to the waterfall provides undisrupted views of the mountain ranges, lush greenery, and singing birds along the forested trails. Activities such as cliff diving, kayaking, canyoning, and rappelling are available, offering a fun way to connect with the region’s beautiful environment. Another spectacular waterfall to explore is El Salto de Jumatán, Nayarit’s largest waterfall with water plunging from more than 360 feet high. Here, visitors are encouraged to partake in one of the many tours offered to experience most of the areas’ exotic flora and fauna.

Impeccable Surfing
Considered one of the best spots in Mexico for surfers of every level, Riviera Nayarit’s long stretches of beach and surf breaks provides numerous spots to paddle out from. Tranquil waves for beginners to intermediate levels are most found in places such as El Anclote, Punta Burros, Sayulita, and Veneros. More experienced surfers will enjoy the bigger waves along the beaches of Santa Cruz de Miramar, Las Islitas, and Matanchen Bay. Seasoned surfers can look forward to the August opening of Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa resort, featuring an extensive surfing program steps away from the regions’ top surfing location. For those who want to take it a step further, Riviera Nayarit also offers spectacular scuba diving at places such as Marietas Islands, El Morro, Los Anegados, Isla Isabel, and Islas Marias.

Special Conservation & Wildlife Experiences
An ideal destination for animal lovers, Riviera Nayarit offers plenty opportunities to observe and engage with the area’s vast wildlife. Visitors can partake in the special turtle programs during the summer months as turtles arrive at the coastlines to nest. These programs protect the turtles’ harvesting, hatching, and final release processes. Visitors interested in participating in these efforts can do so through local hotels such as Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Four Seasons Punta Mita, which offer liberation ceremonies for the baby turtles – a wonderful activity for families to experience together. For those that adore whale and bird watching, Riviera Nayarit will feel like paradise, as it is home to hundreds of whales and over 250 bird species.

Visitors may participate in bird watching activities in various areas including San Blas, Tecuitata, Singayta, and Isla Isabel, all with unique ecosystems surrounded by rainforests, beaches, mountains, and mangroves. Some unique birds to spot during the summer include Belted Kingfishers, Bronzed Cowbirds, Mexican Wood Nymphs, and White-collared Seedeaters, among many others. In the winter, travelers can watch hundreds of whales gather or swim with Whale sharks along the estuaries between Platanitos and El Sesteo Beach. With plenty of food in the rivers to attract the gentle giants, visitors are encouraged to dive in for an up-close view as they swim peacefully along the coastlines.

Presenting the perfect meld of nature, luxury and authentic eco experiences, Riviera Nayarit is more accessible than ever with several direct flights to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) from Mexico City or via the U.S. through Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, in additional to many major cities in Central and South America.