Renaissance Hotel- Times Square, New York

Posted on January 26, 2012 by admin

Last month H and I had the chance to head up to NYC and take in a show and be on one. Having never been to New York City proper H wanted to stay right smack in the middle of Times Square. We booked a night at the Renaissance Times Square (a Marriott property) and here is the rundown.

A small, dark wood-paneled lobby awaits you. The staff is immediately attentive and very helpful everywhere you turn. There are two sets of elevators which might get a bit crowded during peak hours of check-in and check-out times.

What I Loved: Our room had a king-sized bed and was more than ample in size. It was quite big for city standards and contained a good-size closet, flat screen television, desk and divan with a small table that could be placed over the divan. Great for snacks or working on the couch. The desk also had many outlets and charging areas. The bathroom had ample counter space, speakers so you could hear the television while in there and a beautiful mosaic tiled shower with a bench. When you turned off the main bathroom lights and left the shower light on the tiles glowed and shimmered in a really beautiful way that made you just want to hang out in the stall and relax. The bed, the linens and the pillows were adequate and very comfortable.

What I Missed: While the room was nicely decorated and the staff attentive while we stayed at the hotel we did find that for such a nice place the room lacked bathrobes. Robes would be a very welcome addition to the room. When room service arrived in the morning they forgot our drinks but returned quickly. Again, a bathrobe as would have been good as I just showered and not dressed yet.

We enjoyed our stay at the Time Square Renaissance hotel. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to stay in the heart of Time Square. The hotel bar is all glass and very warm and inviting. It has a tasty array of snacks and drinks that will tide you over until a post-show meal and is a perfect vantage point for looking out over the square and all that is happening in it.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. I stayed here on business. Opinions are MPR’s only.

Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

I love dry shampoo. I’m a person with fine hair that gets oily at the roots by the end of the day. I love that I can spray in a dry shampoo and look a little bit better at the gym or on early morning errands. Not all dry shampoos are made up of the same ingredients and not all of them work that well. Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo ($2.87-3.49) has luckily made the cut.

The Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo is different from Suave’s other dry shampoo with its mineral clay base. This one is set to compete with salon brands (like Bumble & Bumble) and is infused with Keralock Technology that enables hair to be smooth and manageable as well as fresh.

I used it a few times last week and like most dry shampoos you shake it and spray it 8-10 inches from your hair. I concentrated on my roots and immediately noticed the fine spray. A cloud of white powder DID NOT envelop me! A pleasant, non-powdery or overly perfumed scent surrounded me and then dissipated. I waited a few moments and there were no clumps of white-ish hair. I combed my hair easily and that was it. It was done and this dry shampoo worked. The oil was absorbed and my hair had a smooth, non-greasy, fresh finish. In fact, I think it worked just as well or better than Bumble & Bumble. The volume increased in my hair and as always it extends the life of a blowout. Perfect!

I highly recommend checking the Sauve Professionals Keratin Infused Dry Shampoo out. It is affordable, works well on all hair colors and smells great too! There is a whole line of Keratin Infused products,including a 30 Day Smoothing kit, coming out this January and February. I think they are worth a test drive if you ask me.

MPR Rating: Four Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR’s only.

Dig/Don’t Dig- Tresemme FreshStart & Elnett Satin Hair Spray

Posted on January 20, 2012 by admin

The Mummy Chronicles is under construction right now so this week’s installment of “Dig/Don’t Dig” is coming to you via MPR.

Got questions? Need advice on a product or want one to be reviewed. Just send me an email at veamason AT gmail DOT com.

Low Maintenance Looks

Posted on January 18, 2012 by admin

As a very busy mother of three kids under the age of five I am always looking for ways AND products that help me streamline my morning routine. The Mummy Chronicles has a great post this week about how to Look Awake! and a list of products that assist in this sometimes difficult task.

I need to take my own advice this week. Cold temps, winds and a lack of sleep and exercise have me looking like an old dishrag.

Open Call for Guest Bloggers

Posted on January 18, 2012 by admin

WANTED: Guest bloggers who want to share ideas, tips, tricks and advice on products and all things beauty, fashion, travel, cars and green living. You want to talk about your obsession with lip gloss? Go ahead! Love the new models rolling out of Detroit? Tell me about and share with MPR’s readers.

I’m looking for bloggers who want to submit a post or two and reach a new audience. Email me at veamason AT gmail DOT com.

Noodles & Company

Posted on January 16, 2012 by admin

The tag line for Noodles & Company is “Noodles, Salads & Sandwiches from around the world.” The restaurant serves up a variety of comforting food that ranges from healthy, leaner fare to the indulgent with its mac ‘n cheese dishes. Each dish is around $7. I was invited to test out their grown-up macaroni & cheese at my nearest location and here is what I found.

I have been to a Noodles & Company before and had always stuck to the same food genre- Thai. I love it, it’s simple with complex flavors and can be a bit healthier than a bowl full of macaroni and cheese or other pasta dishes. I feel like if the place is called Noodles & Company then that is what I am going to have when I eat there.

This time I brought a friend and we tried the Chili Mac and the Bacon Mac & Cheeseburger. My first thought was that it sounded a lot like a boxed one dish meal. However, each dish is topped with a large amount of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green onions and more. The green onions adds zip and is the best part of both dishes, I think. The crispy bacon on the Bacon Mac & Cheeseburger is perfect too. Both dishes are pure comfort food. They are substantial in flavor and fill you up. Great for a cold or rainy day and for sharing. The Chili Mac is loaded with red chili meatballs that are crumbled over the cheesy pasta that is al dente and not mushy and overdone. The kick in this dish is spot on and the combination of cheddar-jack cheese and green onions kept me coming back for more forkfuls.

I don’t normally think of going to Noodles & Company when I am out because my closest location is not in a path I typically travel but I think after trying more of the menu I will head over there now for a nice change. The kids loved the place and the staff was friendly each time I have gone. It’s casual and a good place to grab a bite, catch up with a friend and take the kids. They also have a nice variety of Vegan and Gluten-Free options.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Meals were given by Noodles & Company for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR’s own.

2012 Mistubishi Eclipse Review

Posted on January 13, 2012 by admin

Recently I rented a car. When I got to the rental desk I asked for something, anything that wasn’t a Hyundai. For as much play Hyundai has gotten in the last year I have not been converted. When it comes to fleet cars they have been shown no love. The woman assured me that she had reserved something fun, sleek and sporty for me. I would love it. She almost squealed. I breathed in deeply, knowing I’m hard to please when it comes to vehicles and took the keys.

When I got to the garage I let out a laugh. There amidst a host of empty spots was a black 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Shiny and with less than 500 miles on it. I circled it and chuckled. I placed my luggage into the trunk and slunk inside. The engine roared to life with an audible growl and I was off.

Starting at just under $20k the 2012 Eclipse has a 162 horsepower and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD. It gets 28-mpg and has six standard air bags. There is a rather sleek looking black-out roof and black grille. I did rather like the 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels too. The car has a nice look to it but I did not find it fun to drive. The loud, gruff sound of the engine sounds one way outside the car. It sounds cool, tough and like it wants to challenge you. Inside it actually makes a tinkering noise that is a tad alarming. The seats are low which is to be expected but they are not comfortable and neither is the ride. I drove all over the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut in this car and felt almost every bump and pothole along the way. I nicknamed the Eclipse the “teeth-banger” while I had it.

The 2012 Eclipse has dual exhaust outlets with polished exhaust tips, ice-blue LED illumination on the instruments and controls and a chrome rear spoiler. It’s all looks and noise but not a lot of substance. I’m hoping that the 2013 has a bit more of the latter while keeping up appearances as well.

MPR Rating: Two Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Opinions are MPR’s only.

Tips for Getting Product Reviews on Your Blog

Posted on January 12, 2012 by admin

Spend any time at all immersed in the blog world and you’ll begin to notice that some bloggers get to review different products from time to time, and some bloggers to get to review different products all the time and some bloggers get to review products none of the time. And yet, you’ve never been offered a chance to review any products. Why is that? How come some bloggers have so many different opportunities to review products and some have none at all?

1. Make your contact information easy to find

Companies are constantly perusing the web to find different places to promote their products. However, if they can’t find any way to get in touch with you, they’ll never reach out to you to try their products, which is why it’s imperative to have a Contact tab on your blog that gives a valid email address and explains that you’re open to discussing honest product reviews.

2. Reach out to companies you’re interested in promoting

If there’s a particular company or product that you really believe in and want to promote you should email their marketing person and ask them about coordinating a review or sponsoring a giveaway on your blog. You don’t have to wait for someone to find your blog, and a lot of companies are more than happy to work with bloggers and get some additional exposure.

3. Join a blogging network

There are a lot of different blogging networks out there that will partner with you to create a mutually beneficial relationship – they’ll place specific ads on your website and in turn will promote you as well. A lot of companies find blogs to utilize for product promotions through these types of networks.

4. Review products on your own

If there’s something you’re passionate about – whether it’s in a positive or negative light – review it on your blog! This will help show others that you’re the type of blogger that does open and honest reviews, both of which are qualities that companies appreciate. No one wants to read glowing reviews all of the time, they want to read truthful reviews. This will also show marketers that your blog is a place for credible information and good exposure.

5. Use social media to your advantage

Promote, promote, promote. Promote your blog, promote any reviews you’re doing, link to companies on Twitter, tag companies on Facebook – do whatever you have to do in terms of social media promotion to get people’s attention. Social media is a free and easy resource to connect with others, so use it!

It might be a little intimidating at first to contact a company, but most are more than willing to at least talk to you about sponsoring a review, and once you have one it becomes easier for other companies to find you and utilize you. Reviewing products is fun and informative, and readers love unbiased opinions on products. If someone knows they can count on you to give a candid review of something, even if it’s not necessarily the most glowing review, you immediately become a credible source of information and will become more and more likely to be contacted for product reviews on your blog.

AuthorBio

Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she lovesto write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, andBabysitting, find a nanny tips etc.You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com.

Marriott Marquis in Downtown San Diego, CA

Posted on January 11, 2012 by admin

The Marriott Marquis in downtown San Diego, CA is one of the most convenient hotels in the city. It is located only five minutes from the city’s airport and attached to the convention center. Right outside the hotel lobby the city by the sea awaits! Trolley cars go by, the Gaslamp District is within walking distance and the inner harbor is right there to run along, view from your hotel balcony and just soak in.

I stayed at the Marriott Marquis for three days during a very busy conference. When I arrived I immediately loved the lobby with its light, space and sense of openness and zen. There were more than enough front desk clerks to assist guests and the rather long line went fast. Fruit-infused water was there while you wait, which after a cross-country plane ride was quite refreshing.

My room at the Marquis was a good size with a harbor and pool view. It had all the basics that a two double bed-sized room typically has- desk with chair, flat screen television, ample closet space for two women and a decent amount of bathroom sink counter space. That last one is something I look for in a hotel room and many places fail. This 25-story hotel has over 1300 guest rooms that are filled with light. The linens were white and fluffy and clean. The whole room and hotel was immaculate and despite the massive number of guests at the time it stayed that way during my entire visit.

There are a few bars, lounges and restaurants in the Marriott Marquis and here is where I found a weakness. The service is not up to standard. On a relatively quiet morning at the pool side bar I was able to enjoy breakfast. Except the Eco-friendly wooden silverware was flimsy, could not cut my food or even scoop it up to my mouth and looked like something the airlines would try and give you. My wooden, disposable fork was so tiny it could barely get a teaspoon worth of eggs on to it. My order came much later than the rest of my table and I had to ask for it twice. My breakfast burrito was decent but not what one would expect from a Marriott. I found the same lack luster service and food at DW’s Restaurant inside the hotel. It was quite disappointing.

A hotel the size of the Marriott Marquis boasts a gorgeous outdoor pool setting with lounge areas and many food and drink options. Heat lamps surround you in the evening and it is quite pleasant. A fitness center, lobby bar and hotel store offer up good options that are standard for a city hotel of this size and caliber.

While I enjoyed my stay at the Marriott Marquis and found the staff at the front desk and lobby helpful I was not overly impressed with the property as a whole. It is in a good location, aesthetically pleasing and very clean however so I might stay again and hope for better food service.

MPR Rating: Three Stars (out of five). Trip Advisor review gives it four stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. My stay was paid for by me while there on business. Opinions are MPR’s only.

RazorPit Review

Posted on January 9, 2012 by admin

When items such as the RazorPit filter into my inbox I have a tendency to look the other way. It seems gimmicky. Then I go to my local Target to pick up some razor blades for myself and my husband and I feel like I need to take out a loan. Hello, people at RazorPit? I’m ready for my review now.

The RazorPit is a razor blade sharpener. Plain and simple it works with all razor blades and can increase the use of a single blade up to 150 times. Using friction technology (that stand has give to it like skin) it removes residue, hair, soap and skin from the blade letting you use the the blade a whole lot more. I tested it out this weekend after realizing my razor needed to shave my leg three times in one spot to get a clean, close shave.

To use the RazorPit you need only to apply your shave cream, gel or soap to the RazorPit’s flat surface. Run your razor forwards about 4-5 times. Rinse both the RazorPit and razor clean and you are done. Pretty simple and fast. It worked too! I immediately took my razor and went down the front of my calf. The whole line was smooth and clean with no need to retrace. I’m ridiculously happy I don’t have to replace my blade again! I ran it through the RazorPit a few more times for good measure. My husband tested his out too and it seems that the more blades you have (Mach 3 Turbo) the less success you might have. His worked out but not as noticeably sharpened as my dual blade.

The RazorPit Razor Blade Sharpener (about $25) is sold online at Amazon (pink, black and white colors available) and the company website.